Ollie is a 3 yr old male terrier mix. He arrived in the program on 11/23/18. If you are interested in adopting Ollie when he completes the program, please contact his rescue, Worthy Dog Rescue, at suzanne@worthydogrescue.org.
Week 1. Ollie is high energy, fun loving dog that loves to play outdoors. He is very friendly and loves to interact with people. He is extremely vocal and can very protective of his handler at times, but overall he is a very affectionate and sweet dog. He like to play with the other dogs, but it takes a little time for him to get used to them. Once he feels comfortable with the other dog, he becomes extremely playful. Ollie is a little skiddish and can be a little guarded upon first meeting him, but he does warm up fairly quickly and becomes very attached. He loves to play with squeeky toys (tennis balls preferred) and is extremely treat motivated. Ollie can be a little hard-headed (as is the case with most terriers). He does need to be with someone who can be firm as needed, as he does try to become the "boss". Ollie is a real sweetheard overall. He loves to be rubbed and has all the characteristics to make someone a very happy person. With regards to his behavior, he is pretty good, although he will bark at times towards strangers. If they introduce themselves, especially with a treat, he usually warm up pretty quickly. He does exhibit some barrier aggression (mostly when in his crate) but once outside of confinement he settles down very quickly. Ollie has been through training, so he has easily picked up the basic commands in just the week he's been in the program. He needs lots of work on his recall, as he becomes very distracted when outside. Overall, his manners are good.
Week 2. Ollie is adjusting very well in the program. He is becoming more and more comfortable with his surroundings. He does however still have anxiety issues when it comes to certain individuals.. He does very well overall with people but he does (very few) momentarily lapse where he succumbs to his fear and can get a little defensive with people, but his overall demeanor is quite relaxed, humble and good-natured, especially once he gets to know the person/people. Ollie is extremely treat motivated and will even come around to people he doesn't like if they handle the situation appropriately and allow him the allotted time that it takes for him to feel comfortable. Consistency is the absolute key when dealing with Ollie. He definitely can have an agenda of his own sometimes (true to the terrier breed), which means staying on top of him is absolutely crucial. That said, Ollie is a very, very good dog to be around. Ollie gets along with most of the dogs. It is truly all in the introduction when it comes to his dealings with other dogs. He plays really well with them once he gets to know them, but he still needs to be monitored because of his excitement level. He can go overboard at times.. He hasn't really shown any resource guarding. Ollie's good manners have come along very well since first arriving. He does everything asked of him with the exception of his recall. That is something his handler continues to focus,
Week 3. Ollie is continuing to show great progress. He's doing very well with the other dogs, and with meeting new people. Ollie definitely requires a short adjustment period, and new people must approach fairly slowly. He is fearful of new people but with the right approach, he warms up fairly quickly. He is showing some signs of barrier aggression with people he does not know. He still shows signs of reactivity to people he doesn't know, mainly when he is in his crate, or his personal space or if people make sudden movements (he is afraid of quick and sudden movements). Once he knows you, he is a great dog. He still needs work on his recall, but is definitely showing signs of improvement. Given this is only his 3rd week, I would say he is doing extremely well.
Week 4. Ollie continues to improve. He still has issues with people when he is in his crate, but his handler is continuing to desensitize him. Ollie does love to go on walks. His manners are excellent, he's house-trained and does very well on leash. We continue to see progress with regards to meeting new people. He's still a little nervous, but there is progress, which is exactly what we except in the program. Ollie is an adorable, loving dog and he's definitely all Terrier!!
Week 5. Ollie is making great progress. He now plays with several of the dogs (Maverick is his BFF) and is doing much better when meeting new people. His handler is still working on his crate aggression (he doesn't like unfamiliar people approaching when he is in his crate). Luckly he is extremely treat motivated, which makes it easier for him to learn. He has great manners and responds the first time to his cues/commands. His outside recall has gotten much better since he arrived, and he walks well both on and off leash. His handler says he is such a delight!
Week 6. Ollie is doing extremely well in the program. He is becoming more and more comfortable with all the people and dogs. He is friendly with people, and requires very little time to get to know them. Ollie is very treat motivated which is very helpful when meeting new people. He bonds very quickly with people, and he loves to be taken on walks. Ollie is extremely smart and listens very well. His focus is amazing. He loves to be outside playing with his tug toys and squeeky balls. Ollie still has some issues when it comes to his personal "space" (his crate or sleeping area). He is uncomfortable with people he doesn't know coming into his space. However, if a person spends some time with him, he is fine. Ollie has outstanding manners. He listens extremely well, and is a great leash walker. His recall has dramaticall improved since he arrived. He is a great, fun boy!!
Week 7. Ollie continues to improve, especially when meeting new people (something he has struggled with). He is also showing great improvement with his barrier aggression. His manners are great, and he's done extremely well with all the dogs. With proper introduction, he has no issues with a dog. Ollie is a fun little guy who would do well in any home environment. His progress in the program has been extremely noteworthy, especially considering how reactive he was when he first arrived. We love our little guy!
Week 8. Ollie makes progress every week. He's so much more comfortable, and he's showing great improvement when meeting new people. He continues to excel with his good manners. He's a playful, fun loving dog and very, very smart, as is the case with most terriers. His handler has done a remarkable job helping Ollie with his issues and fears. He is doing much better when meeting new people. And watching him play with dogs he was previously reactive towards is heartwarming. Ollie is finally learning how to trust people, which is a big step for this little guy
Week 9. Ollie has grown so much since he first arrived in the program. He is a dog that is very much intimidated by new people and dogs. Unfortunately, he has gotten himself into a habit of reacting whenever he feels uncomfortable. But since his arrival, Ollie has done a remarkable job of being more receptive to new people. He still has to be allowed the allotted time to become comfortable. This is very important when dealing with Ollie. If handled correctly, Ollie will become comfortable with anyone he comes into contact with. As long as new people in his life show patience and make him feel comfortable, he will literally become the sweetest dog you will every come in contact. He loves to be rubbed and enjoys lots of play. He LOVES to go on walks, which is always a great bonding experience between a human and a dog. And he loves the outdoors. Ollie is extremely smart and listens very, very well. He is a really great dogs that just needs people to be patient with him and give him a real chance o be successful. He can be a little snappy towards new dogs and people who don't allow him to become comfortable with him. He has trust issues when it comes to new dogs and people, so patience is the key.. He needs to know a new person or dog will not hurt him. Once he feels at ease, you will never have an issue with him. We have watch him become BFF's with so many dogs he was initially reactive, once he has been properly introduced and allowed to become comfortable. Ollie's manners are impeccable! He obey the first time a command is given. A best fit home for Ollie would be a single person, a couple or a family with older children (13 and older). He needs to be with people who can be assertive with him when necessary. Understand that assertive DOES NOT MEAN DOMINANT!! Trust is the most important thing for Ollie and any person he is with.