Training Trials

  The day after I adopted Keena I started training her. I know how important having a well trained dog is and how annoying/frustrating it can be to live with a dog that is not. Keena is very smart but some days training her is very difficult! She caught on to sit, wait, down, and leave it after just one or two training sessions. I can have her lie down and wait with a treat on her paw, not eating it until I say she can. She can be in a down/wait (I use wait instead of stay) while I leave the room and she is taking commands in public with distractions all around her very well. Since I got her the new pillow bed I really wanted to teach her the "to your bed" command. After working on it for a few days she knows the command but seems to really hate it! I've tried all her favorite treats and try to keep training sessions for that trick to only a few minutes a day but she really does not want to go "to your bed". She acts the same way she did when I used to put her in her crate or the bathroom (places she doesn't like). She will walk away when I give her the command and eventually come back and lie next to it, or half on it...but it is a struggle for her. I was wondering if I should change the command name...I used to say "to your crate" and maybe it's too familiar? Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep Keena interested in the training sessions and maybe get this bed command working?

Mostly Wordless Wednesday

My nephew, Gavin....aka "the Dude"

Crock Pot Adventures

Growing up my mom used to use her crock pot all the time. It was nice to come home and walk into a house filled with the delicious smells of a home cooked meal. Well, I have had a crock pot for months but have only used it a few times (mostly for warming things up). My sister, Abbie, has been making lot of really cool meals recently with her crock pot so I decided to give it a shot. Today I made a whole chicken in my crock pot! I was a little worried about how it would turn out since the recipe says to leave it in there for 7 hours and mine was in there for almost 12! I had a REALLY long day at work today and was afraid it might be a little dry. I was pleasantly surprised to come home to the wonderful aroma of a beautifully cooked chicken! It was gorgeous and delicious. Also, I had so much chicken that I ate dinner, have some for lunch tomorrow and made some homemade chicken salad! It's so nice to come home to a meal that is already made! I like having a hot dinner waiting for me! I decided to be nice and share some of one of the chicken breasts with Keena. To be honest, I felt bad that she had been home smelling it all day. She loved it and so did I; we will be cooking a whole chicken again!

My beautiful bird!

It was falling off the bone....I could barely get it from the crock pot to the cutting  board!

"I want that chicken, woman!"

"Oh boy!! Can I eat it...please...please?!?!?!?"

 

Great Dane Group of Indianapolis....First Meetup

  Tonight was a wonderful and exciting evening for Keena and myself...it was our first chance to meet up with the Great Dane Group of Indianapolis. This is a group of "Dane people" that live in and around Indy and own and love this wonderful breed! There are about 100 members total but not all of those show up to the bimonthly meetings. This evening we met up in downtown Indy to walk on the canal. It was absolutely fantstic weather, not to hot and not too muggy. I was so excited to get there and meet everybody and their dogs. I was also a little worried about how Keena would react to the other dogs. It was absolute fantastic!!!! Keena did wonderfully and loved all the other dogs and most of them loved her too!  The owners were just so kind and easy to talk to. The best part of this evening was finding out that all of these people went through the same things that I have with Keena. We talked, laughed, and had the best time. I believe that I have made some good friends and plan on going to as many meet ups as I possibly can! 
  The dogs this evening were fantastic and beautiful! There were Harlequins, brindle, merle and more black and whites like Keena. Size varied from about 90 lbs  to 175 ish and the height varied drastically. One dog there, named Wrigley, was only 5 and a half months old and is as big as Keena! He is from champion lines and will be used as a stud. His owner is actually the wonderful lady who runs the Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue Inc, and she said that Wrigley's dad weighed in over 200 lbs! This hound is going to be massive and he was actually Keena's favorite. I hope that Liz, FFGDRI's leader and Wrigley's owner, and I can become friends because I just recently filled out an application to be a volunteer for the group. I hope that I can help rescue danes and save some lives. It was a great evening and Keena is absolutely exhausted! Nothing like making some new friends and meeting more people who love the dogs that I do. I didn't get any pictures to day but plan to for our next adventure!

A Visit From Grandma

My mom came to visit Keena and I today! She made the three and a half hour trip from Evansville, my hometown, to my place just to see me (maybe Keena a little bit too). I was very excited to see her and so was Keena! My mom is a wonderful, loving and patient woman; she means the world to me. Before I got Keena my mom was actually afraid of big dogs. Keena has, I believe, helped to ease her mind a bit and show her that the size of the dog isn't what you need to be afraid of.  I am a firm believer that the way the dog is raised and handled is a major player in how the dog reacts to all the situations that they are put into. I'm lucky that even though Keena had an unpleasant past before I adopted her she loves ALL people and gets along with most dogs. True to her breed, Keena is very laid back and calm and is a wonderful dog for people who are afraid of big dogs to meet. If you are lucky enough (in my opinion) to meet Keena she does not jump, bark, mouth, paw, or do anything that is too in your face. She is a good ambassador of the breed known as a gentle giant. The first time Keena met my mom she rolled on her back and showed my mom her belly....she hadn't even done that for me yet at that time.
   We began our afternoon with a walk in the park down the street that I love. Its only a few minutes away by car and is very lively and full of people doing all of fun summer time activities. Keena did very well on her walk but she did however try to eat a squirrel. She showed grandma her new trick we are learning of "to your bed". Keena was so exhausted that she laid down inside the door on the cool floor before I could even get the door closed! I got her some nice cool water and my mom and I went to lunch at a local place I had not been to yet. We filled our bellies with delicious food and went to the grocery store so that I could get some food! It's really nice to go shopping with someone else and be able to have that company in the little everyday things. This is one thing that I miss so much about living at home where I always had someone to go anywhere with! When we finished we unloaded the goods and my lovely mother even helped me clean my apartment! (I did not ask for her assistance. She is just kind enough to see a damzel in distress when it comes to cleaning. haha.) We talked for a little while and then it was time for her to head back home. Keena and I were sad to see her go but know that she is only a phone call away and that we will see her in a month when we go to Evansville for a little vacation. Distance truly does make the heart grow fonder!

Cought looking out the window after Grandma left.

*Sigh* Pouting cuz Grandma is officially gone. Til next time dear Grandmother!

Too Smart For Her Own Good

I have been keeping Keena in the bathroom somedays when I go to work. Its a nice sized bathroom and I make sure she has some nice bedding so she is not laying on the hard floor. She isn't really fond of staying in there but doesn't fight it as much as she did the crate. Well, I came home from work the other day and she had locked herself in the bathroom! I almost panicked because its the kind of lock where you push a button and it doesnt even have screws on the outside of the door so I couldn't even take the knob off! With a paper clip (and a little luck) I got in to rescue the "damzel in distress". I opened the door to find my cabinet under the sink open and EVERYTHING pulled out from inside it. She shredded a roll of toilet paper and dumped over the trash but it was relatively clean considering. And there sat my giant dog, tail wagging, tongue hanging out just so thrilled to see me. How can you get mad at that? Not to mention if I would have yelled and screamed she wouldn't have a clue as to what I was carrying on about. I don't know how she opened the cabinet because they don't have handles or anything and barely has a lip on the edge. Oh my goodness I have to buy child protection locks for my Great Dane.

Her best attempt at looking sweet and innocent. Don't believe her!

Idianapolis Canal and Great Dane Group

  Today when I got off work the weather was absolutely gorgeous! I knew I wanted to walk Keena and that she wouldn't overheat or anything! I convinced Charles to come with me to the canal walkway in downtown Indy.  He lives only about 15 minutes from the canal and has been many times before but I have never seen it, I didn't really even know where it was. I packed Keena in the car and off we went to pick up Charles. After finding a parking spot (street parking in Indy isn't the easiest to come by but we found one and were lucky because they don't make you pay on Sundays), we walked a couple of blocks until we got to one of the many canal entrances. There were so many people! We met at least thirty or more dogs and people, of course, could not get over Keena. It was nice for Charles to finally see what I go through when I walk her.  Most people were in awe of her and wanted to compliment her or just gawk, but some were actually really afraid of her and would walk way on the other side of the sidewalk. I think its funny because with Keena the only danger you are in is from her wagging tail, or if she likes you she will lean on you and could potentially take you down.  The canal is just beautiful and Charles and I plan to go down there once a week (probably Sundays since parking is free) because we really enjoyed spending the time together and the socialization is wonderful for Keena.

Keena and I at the top of a really cool fountain...I didn't realize that the railing was so high...so you couldn't see Keena very well.

Charles and I in front of said fountain.

I was attempting a cute pic with faces next to each other but she thought it would be better to give me kisses. I can't really complain. :)

Her favorite thing to do on a walk...not walk. Haha.

Her first look at the canal...I think she is impressed.

Or maybe not...guess she got tires of sitting.

Another photo attempt. *sigh*

One of the many foot bridges that allow you to go from one side of the canal to the other.

  The best part about our walk was meeting (well, kind of meeting) the Great Dane Group of Indianapolis! I say kind of meeting them because when I saw them they were on the other side of the canal. I was talking to this nice girl with an adorable beagle puppy who kept howling at Keena. As Keena wrinkled her forehead in confusion at this little bundle of energy I happened to glance across the canal. To my astonishment I saw about twenty people with twenty plus Danes walking in a group! My jaw dropped and I was practically bursting with excitement (I think I may have worried Charles slightly, hehe)!!!! I turned and started walking along our sidewalk in the direction that they were going; I simply had to talk to these people. One of the ladies in the group stopped to let her dog relieve himself and she looked my direction. I saw my opportunity and spoke loudly (the canal isn't really that big so it wasn't really yelling) asking her if they were a group. She said that they were and that they meet about twice a month at different parks in and around Indy. She told me the website to go and find their group and the second I got home I joined! I cannot wait to take Keena on walks and socialize her with other Danes! Keena has been doing REALLY well with meeting other dogs lately. Unfortunately she still does get some negative reactions from the dogs but now its not really her fault. She is doing all the right things and sniffing politely and allowing others to sniff her as well.  I'm hoping that meeting these Danes will not only help socialize her but me as well! I love this breed so much and it will be really nice to meet others (in person) who love them as much as I do!

Proper Bedding

Finally we have a bed that is big enough for Keena! Now the problem is getting her to use it! My friend Caitlyn and I switched beds; I gave her the one my mom bought for Keena and she gave me her big pilliow bed that is XLarge! When this bed was at Caitlyn's house with her dogs Keena LOVED it and claimed it as her own! now that its in her house she sniffs it and then either lays on the floor next to the bed or goes to "her" loveseat for her naps. Oh well, we have only had it for a short time and I think she will become more fond of it in the near future. I have been working on the "to your bed" command.  She has done so well so far and we have only worked on that trick a few times. I'm just happy to have a place that is hers and it gets her off the floor. She already has marks on her elbows and heels from her previous owners not giving her any soft places to lay down so at least I know I'm not neglecting her. :)

"To your bed" command at work.

How she normally lays....NEXT to the bed. *Sigh*

Gentle Leader

You may have noticed in previous pictures that Keena is always wearing a gentle leader when I walk her. The brand I bought is actually called, "Halti". When people see us on the streets some people are scared because they think its a muzzle. If you do no know anything about gentle leaders they are NOT muzzles! I think this invention is one of the best things that has come into our lives! With this tool I am able to walk Keena without getting my arm pulled out of socket or be dragged  down the street. With the Halti she has learned to walk nicely and not be pulling every which way. It is unfortunate that people see it and think she is mean or will bite them because of it. Some people ask me if it really works or why I don't just get a choke chain or pinch collar. First of all, yes it does work! If it did not work I would have scratch marks from the street on my face. Second of all, I personally do not like choke chains and pinch collars because most people do not know how to properly use them. They can be great tools as well, as long as you are tought how to use them the correct way. Also, choke chains and pinch collars do not stop Keena at all! She will pull harder than ever with them on and it makes me more miserable. Also, when I got Keena I noticed that she has marks on her neck from where a collar or some sort of chain had dug into her neck. Putting a choker or pinch collar on her makes me nervous and kind of uncomfortable because I have no clue how badly her previous owners treated her. For now, we will stick with the Halti because it works and she gets excited when she sees it so she must like it!

Sitting pretty with her Halti on. Best purchase I have made for her!

Big Dog, Little Bed

My mom bought me a very nice dog bed for Keena for my birthday! I was very happy, even though she was pretty sure it would be too small. It was the biggest one that the store had. It was in fact too small but Keena really liked it. She laid on it right away. I've been wanting a bed for her because lately she has gotten really interested in them; when I first got her she didn't care about them at all. My mom gave me the reciept so that I can take it back and try to find a bigger one, or I might trade a friend for her really big one. They were thinking about getting a smaller one and I cannot find a bigger one. I was going to buy it off of them but I might just trade them for the one I have. Poor Keena is so big that finding things for her, even in big chain pet stores, is very difficult. They just dont make everything for us big girls in large quantities and in every store.

Actually, if she laid the other way she would fit a little better. She likes to make things difficult!

Cousins....Not Friends (Yet)

My niece and nephew came over to my mom and dad's house this afternoon so Abbie and Brian could go grocery shopping. Keena and I stayed with my parents over the weekend so we were there while the kids were there. Macie always thinks that she wants to see Keena and she asks about her often but she is never fond of her in person. I don't really blame her, Keena is much taller than her and Macie hasn't ever really been around big dogs. Some of my other cousin's kids her age love Keena so I want to keep trying to get them together. I hope someday they will learn to love her like I do. Until then, I think they will admire her from afar. :)

I believe Macie's expression says it all. Keena happened to look her direction.

They are fine....as long as they are in the living room and Keena is in the kitchen.

Gavin is thinking, "pick me up you foolish woman...this dog is a beast!"

    Despite the looks of horror on my beloved babies' faces, Keena was very well behaved. She laid down and was very calm. It helped that we had just gotten back from our long walk at the river.

Fun in Evansville and Great Dane or Tourist Attraction???

   This past weekend I lucked out and got myself a four day weekend! I was so excited that I knew I needed to get to my hometown, Evansville, for a visit with my family. After work on Wednesday I piled Keena and all of my stuff into my car and made the three and a half journey to the place where I grew up. I love going home but it can be very bitter sweet for me; the leaving part is never very fun because I miss my parents, sisters, brother in law and, most of all, my neice and nephew! I had many fun and exciting things planned for this weekend and they started bright and early on Thursday morning.  Keena and I hung out and lounged during th eday and that evening we went to the opening night of our family's horse shoe tournament. Every summer uncles, brother in laws, and cousins on my mom's side of the family get together and play horse shoes for 9 weeks. At the end they even have a competition for a trophy and money. Well, "opening night" is always kicked off with my Uncle Bill frying up catfish, onion rings, and potato wedges. I made sure to go and enjoy some free food! Keena did really well and enjoyed laying in the grass and smelling all the smells of the country; she is such a city dog, you know. After we were finished and I took Keena home, my mom, Allie (sister), and I went to the movies to see Bridesmaids. It was HILARIOUS and we really enjoyed ourselves. Nothing like ending the night with a lot of laughs.
   Friday had even more things in store for Keena and myself and it began at about 7 in the morning. I got up early to meet my mom down town in the parking lot of her office so we could go to the farmer's market. I love farmer's markets and not only are dogs allowed at this one, there is a man named Chris who makes organic, natural dog treats and brings his dog, Bear. The company is called Bear's Bone Bakery. My mom had talked about Bear before and I wanted Keena to meet him. He is a Great Pyranese and is absolutely beautiful. At the age of 6, he is obviously well taken care of with lots of energy and love to give. The too got along really well and Bear REALLY like her (he wanted to mount her) and Keena seemed to enjoy him too, minus the humping.

At the car in the parking lot, waiting to start the day!

Bear at his booth.

First meeting...I made her wait a few minutes because she got really excited when she first saw him.

"Why hello, Bear. I love what you have done with this space."

Checking out the produce.

A cool family farm. My mom is behind the sign buying a fresh bag of spring mix. Keena is posing by the sign that pictures all of the family's pets.

As you can see in the pictures I have been working with Keena on sitting and waiting in public with lots of distractions; she did surprisingly well, actually. After the farmer's market, my mom and I had some time to kill so we walked a few streets in Evansvilles downtown. Now, people who live in big cities will find our downtown laughable but it actually has some cute shops and restaurants. We walked down Main street and Keena was nice enough to pose onee or twice. Then, we went up to my mom's 7th floor office to meet her coworkers. They loved her (no surprise) and some were also slightly afraid. Keena got to ride in an elevator for the first time. It was funny because she kept looking at the floor everytime it would ding saying it was on a new floor.

Keena enjoying some cool local art from a gallery downtown.

In front of my mom's bank building.

Getting some love from a friendly coworker

Checking out the elevator.

  

Next on our list was to drop Keena off at a new doggy day care called O'Hair's Happy Dog Daycare. It is super cheap and on Fridays they have $10 baths!!!! I was ALL about that! She got to play all day long, make some new friends and come home clean! She was tuckered out when I picked her up at the end of the day. While she was playing, I went to hang out with my sisters, Abbie and Allie, and Abbie's two beautiful children, Macie and Gavin. They are so much fun to spend time with! We went to Chuch E Cheese, McDonalds, and then after they napped got into Macie and Gavin's pool. It was a lot of fun to catch up with my sisters and spend some time with my babies. Friday night we went to the Crazy Buffet for dinner (an early birthday dinner for me since I will be 24 on the 9th) and it was delicious. I ate too much and was miserable later but it was well worth it.

Gavin, aka "the dude" showing off his walking talent.

Macie on the big slide. She actually climbed all the way to the top and got to the tunnel parts of the play equiptment. We were all surprised and hoping she wouldn't freak out and make one of us climb up to get her! She's getting so big!

Keena, excited for day care.

 Saturday and Sunday were more laid back. Mostly hanging out with immediate family and trying to get some sleep. I really wanted to walk Keena on the river front because it's only minutes from my parents house. After a very intense, short lived, and sudden thunder storm on Sunday we made it down there. She loved it and there were lots of things going on. This is where I'm going to ask a question to those out there who have Danes themselves or other giant breed dogs. Are your dogs tourist attractions? Keena draws in people like a moth to a flame! I have had people stop in the middle of the street (in their cars) and roll down their windows to ask me about her, or tell me how beautiful she is. I love being able to educate people about the breed and let them know that not all big dogs are scary, but sometimes a simple walk becomes show and tell! I try to always view it as wonderful socialization opportunities, not to mention Keena LOVES the attention. Who knew I would become a teacher!

Ohio river front view

A cute little out door theater. I tried to get Keena to take a picture in front of it but she wanted to lay down on the cool marble.

Really cool antique bikes.

more bikes

Very tired girl