Chester's Happy Tail - April 11

We are really looking forward to the Flower Power Pugalug event. I am sure Chester will be happy to see his old buddies and we are looking forward to meeting all of you!!

We've been taking lots of walks and Chester is getting to know our neighborhood pretty well. We haven't gotten him to do his business in our yard yet but are patiently working with him and are confident that one day he'll claim his spot. In the meantime he's been very good at going outside. He is already guarding his new home and letting the dog next door know he's here! We are very happy, consider ourselves VERY lucky and look forward to meeting everyone at the Pugalug events.

Requirements:

• Other pets – should live with female dog or be the only dog Chester has ignored my cat that is very timid
• Children – over 10 yrs
• Feeding Time - feed separately from others (he gets anxious when dogs go near his food, but warns them with a low growl)
• Sleeping time – on big bed or in an exercise pen (gets anxious when crated)
• Toilet training – must be willing to work on this and expect some accidents until a routine is established
• Car rides – cause anxious whining and nervous pacing. It is best to crate Chester in the car for safety

He is not reliable with his house training particularly if the weather is rainy. He is not left to roam the house unsupervised since he never asks to go out and can wiggle out of a belly band in no time at all. Chester stays in an exercise pen when I am at work and has never had an accident in his “bed”. His house training will likely improve with a consistent schedule and positive reinforcement.

Chester needs to work on his tendency to nip and mouth hands when he very excited. This usually only happens when he’s greeting his people after they’ve been away for a while. I’ve found he settles right down if you sit with him with a toy he can chew on for a few minutes.

Foster Report - March 12

Chester had his neutering and micro-chipping done on March 5th. Everything went well. However after a couple of days at home, his foster mom discovered he was licking his incision. It got a little irritated so Chester was back to the vet to get it looked at and get a cone fitted. He is doing very well now. The following is from his foster mom:

"Chester is very affectionate and people oriented. He loves to be in your lap and cuddling as much as possible. He gets along well with two of my dogs but he and my youngest are very jealous of each other when it comes to being around me or the dinner table. This jealously has led to several screaming matches. Chester takes his meals in his exercise pen in the kitchen because he growls at the other dogs if they come near when he is eating. However, I can touch him and his food while he is eating with no problem at all.

Chester ignores my cat who is very skittish. He also doesn’t show any interest in the cat’s food or litter box.

Chester gets very excited if you’ve been away from him then return. When he’s very excited he nips and squeals. He does settle down quickly and he is very gentle when taking anything from your hand such as treats or toys. He is generally quite calm and not much of a barker at all. Chester is fabulous walking on a leash and doesn’t pull.

Chester doesn’t really like the car and whines very loudly because he doesn’t want to be separated from the people. I always put him in a crate to go in the car. He goes in willingly but then starts whining.

Chester is not reliable in his housetraining and will do his business inside if it is rainy or windy outside. He is also very adept at getting off a belly band so he has to be supervised closely inside to avoid accidents. "