I dropped Otto off at the vet's office today to get his castration surgery; he had his 5 month birthday yesterday and it was time for him to have his "little operation."
It is hard to believe that this little guy has been a part of my life for the past 3 months! Otto is already 20+ pounds and he is learning a variety of commands such as "sit," "shake," "leave it," and "let's go outside." He responds enthusiastically when you ask him at breakfast and dinner time "Otto- do you want something to eat?" as well as when either my son or I inquire "Otto- do you want a treat?"
I am amazed at how quickly Otto has adapted to being my companion animal. He has turned out to be everything I imagined he would be after I did all of the research on Standard Schnauzers. Otto is a loyal companion, intelligent, eager to learn and to please, and very athletic. Each day we go on what I like to call a "power walk." It is a 30 minute walk that Cesar Milan would describe as "the most primal of walks." It is a dog and his pack leader walking for walking-sake.
Along the way, I encourage Otto by telling him "Good boy; good power walk!" and when I do, he will pick up the pace and walk a little faster. Otto is a lot better behaved after he has had a power walk.
As I mentioned earlier, I had to drop him off at the veterinarian's office today so that he could get "fixed." Otto has been very "hormonal" for about the past 5-6 weeks. He would follow me everywhere I would go, to include sitting outside the restroom and cry until I was finished! Otto also engaged in the rather annoying habit of "dry-humping" my leg! He would bit me along with humping my leg, which tells me the little rascal likes his fun a little on the rough side! But I digress... I pick him up at 4:20 P.M tomorrow (EST), and it will not be a moment too soon. The house has been too quiet and lonely without him!
Believe it or not, I thank the Good Lord each day for answering my prayer and giving me Otto. I could not have asked for a better dog. He has his own little, unique personality, yet he has adjusted to my personality with ease. Otto has recently taken to sitting right next to me whenever he is finished playing, or eating. It has been fun as well as fascinating to watch Otto display new behaviors as he gets older.
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Comments: 41
Now how do I get this little female toy poodle to stop humping? She goes through periods of it and she's in one now and it's bugging the heck out of me and the other girl dog!
;)
god what would we DO without our four leggers!
My wife is allergic to dogs, so I had to get a dog that is hypoallergenic. I picked the Standard Schnauzer over the Airdale because s/he is more personable; the Airdale is aloof, wherease the Standard seeks to be a companion and a "pleaser" to its owner.
Paula: Thanks for weighing in and for the report on your companion dogs! Otto is losing teeth right and left, so you have my sympathy re: chewed-up computer chords! The vet says he must be swallowing his teeth.
Janet: What steps, if any, are you taking to make Dakota more compliant- or is his personality pretty much set? I don't think I could handle a dog who did not want to please me. I think that is why I get along so well with Otto; he is constantly "brown-nosing me."
I think the "play date" idea is an excellent one. I have yet to meet any other dog owners who "gather" together on a regular basis to play. The lady that runs the puppy kindergarten at PetSmart has a "play date" near her house, but Otto has not been invited. I don't know why, he is such a good boy.
Meredith: Thank you for the compliment.
Liz: I've been thinking about you! Things have been crazy around here; I've not been on Gather that much, hence, I've not "pinged" you in a couple of weeks. Take care!
Talk to you after we return from our vacation on July 31st!! ~ Nancy
Poor Otto! But has to be done... he ll be better off once he forgets about it.
My two female mini doxies both got fixed but I think they hump more now lol then before. I know its a domineering thing....but its funny seeing them both play and it happens.
Otto is so cute.
Thanks for sharing your story!
I am sorry I haven't been around lately with the hubby and the babies, the grandchildren and trying to pay everyone back comments I lucky I still have hair on my head. LOL I found out at the beginning of the month that I am going to be a first time(blood grandma) my son and his girlfriend are expecting in Dec of this year ...So I ll be busy with that since we will be moving back to Michigan probably before the end of this year.
God Bless You Rocco!!!
Your photos of Otto are beautiful. Makes me wanna reach through here and rub his head and ears.
Thanks for sharing and for the ping. :-)
I hope you have a wonderful new year!
We have had 3 dogs in our marriage, once we bought our home, the first thing we did was get a pup ;) all pound puppies...we have two now, and they are just a much a part of our famly as our human relatives are...I will enjoy reading more of Otto's adventures :)
thanks for sharing your heart with us!