Frank

Our Puppy Program grew one size larger today... Meet, Frank! This adorable little guy is only eleven weeks old, weighs a whole of three pounds, and is a Cavapoo.  Frank is new to dog socializing since he's so young. This was his first time being around lots of dogs at once, he did great! His tail was wagging and he was greeting everyone with perfect Dog Speak. 

He even got brave, and explored our tire swing a bit... Check him out!

We look forward to watching this guy grow, and gain more confidence as he starts coming here more often.

Have a good day and try to stay cool!
~Shaunte'

The Week in Clips!

Here are some clips of this week's action. In this first clip Pasha, Charlie, and Orion, are playing fetch upstairs in our Small Dog Program.

Paddington started attending the Fort two-weeks ago, and is already best friends with Charlie.

Here is another clip of Paddington and Charlie, this time Pearl and Tobin decided to join in.

Last but not least Andy & Finn are having a great time playing in our Medium Dog Program.

Have a great weekend,
- Gary

Douglas, Miso, and Geddy

Douglas was our dashing assessment that joined our Medium Dog Program yesterday morning. He weighs thirty pounds, is nine months old, and is some type of Australian Shepherd Mix. His day started on a great note because as soon as he arrived for the morning, he saw his friend pulling in right after him! Luna is a Standard Poodle puppy who joined us earlier this month. She's been enjoying her time here, so Douglas wanted to come on by and see what the fun is all about.

 















Miso and Geddy were our assessments for today. Both of them were very curious and ready to explore as soon as they entered our doors. They showed good dog speak, and Miso even found a few toys that he enjoyed playing with! Miso is seven years old weighs fourteen pounds, and is a Lhasa Apso! Geddy is ten years old, weighs eleven pounds and is a Shih Tzu.

All three dogs are welcome to come back and have more fun here whenever they want. 
Take care,
~Shaunte'

Tibetan Mastiff

  You've probably seen this photo pop up on the internet here and there; it's a Tibetan Mastiff. Which is on the list of one of The World's largest Dog Breeds... Don't let this photo fool you though! This giant breed is much more loving and caring then you'd think. Even if they look a little intimidating!

 Originally, this breed was meant to be a great Guardian Dog in Tibet- and protect the people that lived in the Himalayan Mountains, and plains of Central Asia. Tibetan Mastiffs were so well protected, that there isn't any accurate records of the exact genetic history of this breed.

Today, in Tibet and other Himalayan regions, a pure Tibetan Mastiff is hard to find. They generally live at an altitude of 16,000 feet.

 Tibetan Mastiffs are generally a pretty quiet breed, unless they're left outside overnight. Since they've played the role of being a  "protector" for so long, being a guardian of family and children are drilled deep into their genes; sometimes its hard for them to help themselves. If you don't want your Tibetan Mastiff waking you up in the wee hours of the morning, don't leave them outside.

Yes, this breed is a great protector and friendly/loving addition to anyone's house, but they aren't for everyone. Tibetan's need to burn lots of energy every day, in order to stay sane. They can become protective and overly possessive over their human family if they aren't trained properly. Do your research and ask around before you consider bringing one of these guys home. You really have to know your dog psychology. Tibetan's need someone who is a confident trainer who is consistent and firm, but also loving. These guys are very strong willed and love to test whether you really mean what you say. This is definitely a breed I wouldn't suggest getting, if you're a first time dog owner. 

 If you do decide you want a Tibetan Mastiff, be mindful... You're cute little teddy bear puppy will soon grow into a seventy five, to one hundred and sixty pound dog. Sorry apartment livers; this may not be the right match for you!

Not only is this dog one of the largest breeds around, its also the most expensive! Have you ever heard of the iconic Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash? That dog sold for about two MILLION dollars. Tibetan Mastiffs have become a very popular breed to own if you live in China, and are pretty wealthy. They treat them like any other status symbol. 

I hope you learned a thing or two about this ancient, well protected breed. Who would have known someone would be willing to pay a couple million dollars just for a canine companion! 

Have a good day,
~Shaunte'
 

Elliot, Finn, Maggie, and Missy

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of meeting Elliot. He is a three-year-old, sixty-six-pound, Goldendoodle. Elliot spent the day hanging out with the dogs in our Large Dog Program. He "speaks" good dog, and is very well balanced. He will be a great addition to the Fort. Good job, Elliot!

This morning we welcomed Finn to the Fort. He is a seven-month-old, forty-pound, Blue Heeler/Lab mix. He joined our Medium Dog Program and enjoyed mingling with the other dogs. He is welcome back anytime. We look forward to seeing him again soon. 

Maggie also came in bright and early this morning. She is a four-year-old, one hundred ten pound, Great Pyrenees. She joined our Large Dog Program where she enjoyed spending time with the other dogs. We hope to see her again soon.

Missy joined the Medium Dog Program here at the Fort yesterday. She is three-year-old, thirty-six-pound, English Springer Spaniel. Missy is very energetic and loved hanging out and playing with the other dogs. She passed her assessment with flying colors.


Have a great weekend,
- Gary

Wilson

This bright and spunky dog is who we welcomed through our doors this a.m.! Wilson is a three in a half year old Golden Retriever that weighs seventy pounds. Wilson joined our Large Dog Program and fit in like he's been a part of this place for years. He did lots of exploring, sniffing, and getting to know the other dogs... Diego is another retriever who looks almost identical to Wilson, and that's who he took to and played with for most of the morning. 

We hope to see him return soon!
Take care,
~Shaunte'

Callie

Callie is an insanely gorgeous white/tan German Shepherd that joined our Large Dog Program this morning. She's ten months old and full of curiosity... Callie came in here a tad bit shy but that slowly went away as she started to meet the other dogs; sniffing butts and wandering around her new play area. It was great to see that Dog Speak.

We look forward to getting to know Callie more- as she starts coming here to get socialization with other members of her kind.

Take care,
~Shaunte'

Andy, Max, and Paddington

Andy came into the Fort for his assessment bright and early yesterday morning. He is seven-month-old, twenty-eight-pound, Welsh Corgi mix. He "spoke" good dog and had a lot of fun getting to know the other dogs in our Medium Dog Program. Andy really enjoyed playing with Frankie & Fonzie. He is welcome back anytime. We look forward to seeing him again soon.

Max came in for his assessment this morning. He is a five-year-old, seventeen-pound, Boston Terrier. Max was very curious, and sniffed everything on his way back to our Medium Dog Program. He had a great time hanging out with the other dogs, and got into to a little bit of play. He passed his assessment with flying colors, and will be a great addition to our Medium Dog Program.

Last but not least, we have Paddington. He also joined the Fort this morning. Paddington is an adorable five-month-old, seven-pound, Havapoo (Havanese x Poodle). He joined our Small Dog Program, where he enjoyed mingling with the other dogs. Paddington is welcome back anytime. We hope to see him soon.

Have a great weekend,
- Gary

Dizzy

Dizzy was today's assessment that arrived earlier this morning. He's a three year old, four pound Bolognese that went up and joined our Small Dog Program. 

From the first moment I saw him, I knew instantly this guy has one soft coat- and he does... He kind of reminds me of a cuddly, fluffy teddy bear. I enjoyed watching Dizzy became more and more comfortable with his new surroundings. He showed great dog speak, and started to socialize a little bit, before he left. I have a feeling this guy is going to make some friends next time he returns!

Have a good day,
~Shaunte' 

Phinnie

Phinnie is the newest member to our Medium Dog Program. She's only four months old, so she still has some growing and maturing to do. As she gets bigger and gains more energy, she'll probably graduate to our Large Dog Program. Phinnie is a Bernese Mountain Dog, and only weighs thirty one pounds; females usually reach anywhere from 79-110 pounds! This girl passed her assessment with flying colors... She came in here alert, and ready to mingle and meet! We were able to capture her in action-playing with some of her new friends.

Watch 'em below...

Have a wonderful day,
~Shaunte' 

Luna & Hugo

This morning we had the pleasure of meeting Luna. She is a four-month-old, twenty-five-pound, Red Standard Poodle. Luna is a very confident puppy, she joined our Medium Dog Program and immediately started playing. The first dog she met was Frankie the Red Labradoodle, and the two of them played nonstop. She also played with Zoey and Nia. She did a great job today, and is welcome back anytime. We hope to see her again soon!

Check out this clip of Luna tearing it up with Frankie.

Hugo came into the Fort for his assessment yesterday. He is a three-year-old, nineteen-pound, Westie. He also joined our Medium Dog Program. Hugo speaks good dog and will play with anyone who is willing. Yesterday, he played with Bogie, Frankie, Nia, and Fonzie. He passed his assessment with flying colors, and is welcome back any time. We look forward to seeing him again soon.

Here is a clip of Hugo playing with Fonzie.

Have a great weekend,

-Gary

Jody

Check out Jody! He's a Border Collie that joined our Medium Dog Program  bright and early this morning. Jody's only three months old and weighs twenty three pounds. This young pup was very curious when he first trotted through our doors; I enjoyed watching him as he started to make some friends. 

See? This video proves how comfortable this guy is, surrounded by his own kind. Jody is a very friendly dog and I look forward to seeing him return again.

Enjoy your day and stay cool,
~Shaunte'

Tilly and Leo

Tilly was one of our adorable assessments today! She's only thirteen weeks old, and weighs about seven pounds. This girl is a Miniature Austrailian Shepherd. She joined our Puppy Program a little shy and timid at first, but that quickly changed once we introduced the toys and balls. Check her out having a blast below...

As you can see, Tilly is a very curious young pup. After she played with our balls the first time, they helped her get out of her comfort zone, and explore her new play area.  

Leo was our other assessment from today. He's a mix, so we are unsure of his exact breed but one thing's apparent, he's definitely some type of herding dog. He is seven years old and weighs fifty pounds. Leo joined our Large Dog Program with ease. It was as if, this guy has been here before; even though he hasn't. 

Both Tilly and Leo are welcome to come back whenever they want. Happy early 4th of July!

~Shaunte'