I was thinking that my FRiends might like a Buford update. So, here goes:
We are in our 7th week together and I have to say that Buford is a wonderful dog.
I think it is safe to declare him completely house trained and he has even found a common area in the yard for his business! I do keep him crated during the day and he is able to make it through a full work day with no issues.
He has me pretty well trained too! When I arrive home we go outside, then inside, then he gets a lot of praise for being good while I pack my lunch for the next day. Then he gets his “doggie food,” which is about half of his meal. After that he gets the other half in a ball that he rolls around and it drops the food out a piece at a time.
After meal time, we go outside and play some ball. Sometimes he will jump after the ball and his jumping ability is amazing. I figure that he can jump 5 feet without any effort at all! He is also very careful to not jump near me. He actually has the ability to change direction in mid air to avoid any contact with me. After a while he gets tired out and then I get to go back inside the house and relax for about 5 minutes!
After that he has his energy back and we go for a walk. He has really learned how to walk very well. Every now and then he gets distracted by a strong scent and I can’t stop him from pulling me, however 95% of the time I can control him with very slight leash directions. Most of my neighbors have fallen in love with him and he loves getting hugs from the children. Every time I walk him I get at least 2 different people approaching me to say that he is so sweet and beautiful! Thankfully, he loves attention and he always reacts with tenderness....
After walk time, he likes to relax. However, it is amazing, he will not lay down to rest until he sees me sit on the couch and actually relax myself. If I sit down but don’t lean back, he will not lay down. However, when I lean back relaxed he will lay down and relax himself! I am learning how much he depends on my non-verbal cues as much as my actual commands!
Honestly, I am amazed at his intelligence. My previous dog was a choc lab and she was very trainable. However, Buford has much more intelligence than I saw in the lab. He is stubborn, but generally that stubborn-ness is fading quickly.
My last challenge is his climbing my fences. I am not sure how to solve this issue but I am researching solutions with a couple of very good coon hound sites that I found. Most of the information I can find seems to indicate that this is not a solvable issue, but I don’t believe that. Given Buford’s intelligence, sensitivity and trainability, I am sure that I will find a solution soon.
I also wanted to thank everyone for the advice and wonderful support. The amount of FReepmails of support has been overwhelming, but is very much appreciated.
We truly have a wonderful FR community!
Outstanding! Many long happy years to the two of you!
Thanks so much for the update, CSM— that’s just great news about Buford! Kudos to both of you!
:-)
Congrats and nice to read your update. You have done a very good thing and your patience rewarded.
Why do you think you can train against nature? Haven't you ever heard of "Tree Climbing Coon Hounds"? They breed them to climb after the coons. Extending the fence is a good idea to avoid the problem. He'll slow down with age.
I'm so glad that you perservered with this dog. I know you'll be buddies for a long time. Buford sounds like a wonderful dog. Thanks for the update. I enjoyed reading every post.
Regarding his climbing fences - my rescue ACD climbed 5’ fences without slowing down, cost her a previous home. After the second time hubby put a hot wire at the top of the section she climbed. She hit it twice to make sure it was really going to get her and has never tried going over another fence, no matter how short. You might try that. He sounds very smart so it wouldn’t take long.