Friday, July 9, 2010

Pooches: Mentors and Mini-Me's

We had thought about fostering for awhile, but we weren't sure how crazy it would be to have 3 pitbulls in a 2-bedroom condo. Luckily for us, our dogs have been serving as good mentor dogs to teach Wilma the rules and expectations of our household and minimize negative interactions.
Usually younger dogs will imitate the lead of the adult dogs they are with;Wilma was quick to follow our dogs' leads to the extent of mimicking their every movement and action:
Understanding when to pay attention and listen to us:
And even following our dogs' training habits. Our dogs know that before they can eat dinner, or have treats, they need to sit and wait patiently. Wilma learned how to wait, even with the temptation of treats lined up on her paws, just by observing how our dogs act:
We're working on more training with Wilma and I'm using circus dog Miss M as my assistant to teach her the ropes. Wilma is becoming a regular "mini-me" to Miss M:
Though it might be hard for Miss M to be the recipient of so much admiration:

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wilma has found her BFF in Ms. B. Look at that adoration. Ms. B is so patient. Wilma is such a little beauty.

Sara said...

So cute! The picture with the treats on their feet is priceless. Love your blog.

Zona said...

I couldn't help but notice Miss B has an extra treat on her paw!

Maybe Wilma is trying to blend in so well that you forget you're fostering... hehe... that's why mom says she's "afraid" to foster. Transporting is hard enough, she thinks she'd fail fostering every time. BOL!

Wags,
Zona

Nicole said...

This is just the cutest thing ever! That is so awesome how Wilma follows the actions of your dogs. And I can't believe how small she looks!

Mary said...

So cute. I am absolutely in love with Wilma. Unfortunately, I live 800 miles away, live in a county with BSL, and already have two dogs, one of whom cannot tolerate having other females in the house. But if it weren't for those things, I'd snap little Wilma right up.

Pip said...

Miss M is such a good foster sister! Wilma is going to make some lucky family very happy (especially with the great manners she's learning!). I can't get over how tiny she looks next to your pups.

How Sam Sees It said...

Miss M seems to be taking fostering in stride! I think this means you will be able to foster more after Wilma! The pictures are great.

Sam

Flo de Sendai said...

Hahaha ! Wonderful !!!
and very cute !!!

little princess Luna~ said...

ms. m and mr. b--great job on teaching little wilma how a pup should behave~! all your pictures are super adorables~!!

i was wondering if maybe you 3 wanted to come to my sluber pawty on the 23rd?? all you have to do is pee-mail me a picture of each one or all on your bed(s). :)
i am also having my 100th post celebration, but i asked that everyfurry come in formal attire (like a bow or tie, or a tux or dress). i assume you pups don't do clothes so that one is probably a NO, so i hope you can make it to the slumber pawty. :D

xo,
luna

houndstooth said...

I've seen that same expression on Blueberry's face when Morgan is kissing up to her! It looks like Wilma is picking things up really fast!

brooke said...

MissM is so cute with Wilma!
wont it be hard giving her up?!

Kari in Alaska said...

Wilma seems like a very bright pup

George The Lad said...

Hi Pitties
I'v been meening to drop in to see yea for a while, thanks for popping by my blog. Thats one cool trick.
See Yea George xxx

Shauna (Fido and Wino) said...

I think that is the coolest thing ever- my first dog didn't have the best mouth control until we got our second dog- our 2nd dog was a much faster teacher than we were. Now he's perfect!

Anonymous said...

She is such a cutie-patootie! And I have to admit to laughing at three dogs in a two-bedroom ... during one really miserable period at my duplex (involving a bailing roommate leaving me with all of her animals), I had three Presas and two pits, plus four cats, three orphaned squirrels, two rats, and two chinchillas. And yes, I nearly lost my mind.

But really, it boils down to how much exercise and attention you give them - I've found the dogs don't care about space or fenced-in yards as long as they have their family and regular exercise. :)

Rescued Pittie Family said...

How sweet! Their expressions are just priceless!

Kitty+Coco said...

Wow!! The treats on the paw imitation is very impressive. Ms. Wilma has already grown to love Ms. M and Mr. B. She is like the mirror image of them!
My coco did this to Kitty when we got her, but Kitty gets slightly more frustrated than Ms. M. :)

the booker man said...

i love it! you know, you could just keep miss wilma...she fits in so well... :)))

Mary said...

That picture of the three of them with the treats on their paws is too much! It's pretty amazing that she is picking up their manners so easily and quickly. If only I could find a dog that would watch Levi ignore the birds and also ignore them! My friend is fostering a feral and she said that the dog picked up ringing the bell to go out simply by watching her own dogs do it. Amazing.

There was a new dog at the shelter last night that reminded me of Wilma because she's just a tiny pocket pittie with the sweetest face. She is also emaciated, but had the biggest boobies I've ever seen. Poor girl.

Mollie Jo and Bobo said...

Awww We love the bone of the foot trick! Glad to hear all things foster dog related are going well.


Wags and Licks,
Mollie Jo & Bobo

Anonymous said...

Wilma is the cutest and prettiest girl! I love that she mimics Miss M :) Thanks for sharing her progress with us!

Sue said...

What good teachers they are and Wilma seems to be a very good student. My Monty used to teach the younger dogs the rules of the house, but the gang I have now needs an older dog to take charge.

Bobby said...

Willma looks like she is learning fast. Well done I hope you find her a great home.

Anonymous said...

She is so smart! I learned how to wave by watching my big brother Brady do it. :) Way to go Wilma!

SusanA said...

Do you love it? That treat on the paw thing - I don't know how you do that with three dogs. I can barely do it with one! Great pictures.

Lola and also Franklin, too said...

That's really amazing. Wilma is going to be such a good doggie for someone after living with you all.

wags, Lola

pibble said...

I LOVE IT! Wilma is a great student, but you must admit, her teachers are top notch!

Anonymous said...

Love the photo with the treats on their paws. Good dogs!!

Laura and Hans said...

I think Wilbur needs to spend his summer vacation with you! He's a stubborn little stinker and I have no idea how to train him!

Road Dog Tales said...

These are too cute! Hey, we've got an idea - you guys should try synchronized swimming!
The Road Dogs

Daisy Dog said...

ADORABULL! :)

Doreen said...

Your pitties are SO ADORABLE!!
I'm stopping by from the blog hop! I hope you can come and visit us on our blog "Doggies and Stuff".

gpavlh said...

It was great meeting all of you at the NLOL event!! Have a blast this summer.

George, Vic, girls, and Mackenzie

Anonymous said...

I hope it's not too premature to send a message, but we met you and Wilma tonight at West Fest and fell in love with Wilma.

I'm a photographer and I was with my wife and our two friends.

Thank you so much for being patient and answering all our questions.

We sent in an application to Project Rescue, and we're crossing our fingers ... hard. :)

Hope to be in touch.

Jeremy and Tina

Granite State Pet Sitting said...

That is so great that they can all lay there with treats on there feet! You guys are doing such an awesome job fostering Wilma. Way to go Wilma!

Anonymous said...

Those photos are so cute and Wilma is just adorable! I hope she isn't too sad when she has a forever home and leaves Ms M :)

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