It's been almost two months since I last posted about my dog Bandido (to see all of my related posts, please visit my Oh My Dog! series), and he has come a long way since. Peeing and pooping is not an issue any more, as he has made it a habit to hold it until we go outside, so the next step will be adjusting the frequency of these potty breaks. Also, he is becoming an excellent little dog in other regards, so we are super happy with how is turning out.
However, now he's facing another challenge which has nothing to do with him, and everything to do with us, his owners, since we are going away for ten days, leaving him with my wife's sister to take care of his needs. They are no strangers to each other, in fact, they have been super close buddies since Bandi arrived with us as a six-week-old puppy. She has been coming over to visit and play with him every chance she got, and often borrowed him to go for walks together, or accompany her in the kindergarten she runs. So there is no better person to take care of Bandi. Still, this will be his first time to without us, so here is a list of things for her to keep in mind.
Daily Routines
When Bandido was very little I kept a rigorous schedule, starting at 6:00 a.m. and finishing at 9:00 p.m. It consisted of blocks of 90-120 minutes each, alternating between sleeping and awake times. This has been loosened quite a bit by now, however, a bit of a routine is good for Bandi. Sometimes he may not notice how tired he is, and he's going to be running around, biting and chewing things, and generally be unable to control himself. When this happens, it is best to put him into his crate for half an hour or so. Then he's going to go to sleep and come out refreshed and calm.
Peeing and Pooping
Lately Bandido has been really good at not peeing or pooping inside. To make sure he keeps up this practice, it's important to take him out regularly, better too often than not enough:
Immediately after waking up, around 6:00 or 7:00
In the late morning, around 10:00
Early afternoon, around 1:00 or 2:00
Late afternoon, around 4:00 or 5:00
In the evening, around 7:00 or 8:00
Right before going to bed in his crate, around 10:00
Every time he signals that he needs to go out. He may be sniffing around the floor, looking for a good place, or he may just sit down and wait in front of the door.
Going for Walks
- Bandi needs two walks a day, each one about 30 minutes long. His first one may be in the morning or around noon. His evening walk typically around 7 or 8 o'clock.
- Use the harness for walking, but he may need some persuasion to put it on. Put some liverwurst on your finger in front of the hole for his neck, and he'll push his head through it.
- He enjoys walking all around the neighborhood, or the nearby parks. When you want to cross a street, tell him to sit down first, even if there is no traffic coming. If he doesn't listen, give his leash a gentle pull backwards.
Food and Drink
- Bandi's daily food is one full cup of kibbles, divided into two or three meals. The most important ones are breakfast and dinner, while lunch is optional.
- If you want to practice his training, you can use the smaller kibbles to reward him with. He is most responsive to this before his meals.
- He loves solving puzzles for his food, such as the string roller, the tray, or one of the balls.
- Makes sure he has access to his water all day, but take it away after his dinner to make it easier for him to go all night without peeing.
Playing Games
- Playing tug This can be done with most of his toys. Just hold it in front of him, and he's going to try to wrestle it out of your hand. You can win this game, or let him be the winner.
- Singing with the rooster Doing the same thing with his rooster, he is going to howl when it makes noise. Squeeze the rooster an encourage him to sing. He seems to enjoy it.
- Returning the ball When you throw the ball, he is going to run and bring it back to you. Place his bed in front of you, and he's going to drop his ball on it. Reward him for it before throwing it again.
- Playing with the spoon This is perfect game for the roof. Throw his spoon, and he's going to grab it, but not bring it back. You will have to chase him for it. A great cardio exercise for both of you! When you want to end the game, you can offer him something else he likes in exchange (a stick, some kibbles, or another toy).
Training Commands
These are the commands we've been training. You can practice them with him. It helps to have a towel prepared, as he doesn't like to lie down on the cold floor. Don't forget to reward him with the word SÍ immediately when he does something correctly, followed by a kibble. If he does not, make an A-A sound and try again.
- Sit (index finger pointing up, right above his nose) This gets him to sit down.
- Platz (index finger pointing down, right in front of his chest) This gets him to lay down.
- Sit - Platz - Sit Platz Alternating these two commands are doggie push-ups.
- Touch (open palm of hand, with fingers pointing down) This gets him to come and touch your hand with his nose.
- Stay (open palm of hand, with fingers pointing up) This gets him to stay in one place. Typically this command follows either sit or platz.
- Libre This command releases him from having to stay in one place, ideally used when he is allowed to leave his crate, or when he has to wait by door so you can put his leash on him before going out.
- Bajate This makes him get down from the couch, or from anywhere he is not supposed to be up.
- Dejalo This makes him not touch something which he normally would like to. For this place a shoe (or a book, or a plant, or a phone, etc.) in front of him, say the word, and reward him if he does not touch it.
- A tu cama This makes him go to his bed and lay down.
You Will Be Fine, Both of You!
This are the most important points in a nutshell. Should there be anything else that I failed to cover, don't hesitate to ask. We'll be in contact, and you are always welcome to inquire whenever you have questions about anything. Since you are also such great friends, I am certain both of you will have a great time. So THANK YOU, and enjoy your time together!