My name is Oliver - New Update 7/30!!

All potential adopter’s will need to be approved to adopt from MWBCR and should visit our website at www.mwbcr.org for more information on the approval process.

Oliver is currently being fostered in WI

7/30
Hi everyone! It's Oliver. The past week has been a big one! I moved to a new foster home in Wisconsin (as foster mom told you last week). This past weekend we had more dogs come to hang out and after I met them I was fine with them no problem! I like other dogs and I love to play with them, but I need to take meetings a bit slow so I know that I can trust the other dog. It was fun to see that one of my foster sisters chose to play with me over her normal best friends (the visitors); we ran chasing and wrestling each other. I felt very special and loved that my foster family trusted me to meet their good friends and we all played very nicely together!
As you can see, once I know other dogs are safe we're good to go!

I'm fine while foster mom teaches dog classes. I lie in my crate calm and quite. I did whine once or twice, but the dogs in class were having fun and I wanted to join them. I was allowed to run and play off leash with just foster mom while someone else taught class. I didn't care about the dog barking and growling 20ft away as we walked to our play area. I just wanted to work with foster mom. I was off leash and could've run at the other class if I wanted, but that would've been silly and I'm smart and thoughtful.
Later I met some of the dogs from these classes and we were fine and played ball together. Of course I met the people... I LOVE PEOPLE! I want to be with people and happily go to wherever you are. Don't worry, I'm not overly dependent on you, I just like you so think we should hang out together. I run to my crate when told and quietly wait or nap while you're at work.

I went on a field trip this week... it was great! We walked around Fleet Farm (farm/garden/ type store) and people said "oh how cute!" I'm not sure if they were talking about me or the little human foster sibling, but we both had fun saying hi to others. This week I also went hiking (off leash!). Psshh.. no big deal! I come when called and keep an eye on my human. It as fun running along the trails. I had happy dreams that night!

Foster mom was gone all day yesterday so the dog walker came to play with us. She left a note for foster mom saying "Oliver was very good. He's a real sweetie and lots of fun"... notice that the note didn't say that about my foster siblings? That's right I am sweet and fun and I hope you'll give me the chance to show you. There's no need to be leery of my uncertainty about other dogs... that makes me sad since I just need someone who will take a bit of time to continue helping me know I'm safe. Once I know the other dogs don't want to eat me I'm all for making new friends!
Please contact my foster mom so you can set up a time to meet me and (paws crossed!) take me home! I'm healthy, happy and ready to go! I like to play with toys, but am not over the top. I'm smart and friendly.
Tail Wags, Oliver you're (hopefully) new family member


7/25
Oliver is now in "America's Dairyland" (Milwaukee, WI area) and hopes someone comes to adopt him before he porks up on cheese, brats and beer! Oliver has been with MWBCR for a bit and has had quite the tour of the Midwest! In this time he's learned many manners, met wonderful people and dogs and learned a lot about himself. He is house trained, goes into his crate, learns daily routines quickly, has a nice 'off switch' when inside and nothing is going on, he's worked on his doggy meeting skills, and gone from 'active' to 'companion' energy level. This change doesn't mean he likes running after his big jolly ball any less! It means he's able to relax and have a few days of less activity and still be happy :)

Oliver has gotten the travel bug out of his system; he is done with his travels of the Midwest and would like to find his own family to settle into. His wish list includes someone to throw his large red ball, hands to pet him, kick his red ball, cuddle, accompany throughout household activities inside and out- he's great company when weeding the veggie garden! Oliver's fine being left alone for a "full work day" too. He continues to do better meeting dogs off leash than on, but after the intitial greeting he is fine with other dogs. He'd appreciate someone who is willing to remind him that dogs are his friends and there's no reason to be apprehensive. People need not worry either since underneath any barks or theatrics Oliver is a sweet boy who wouldn't hurt a fly. If a dog asks him to back off he responds (the last thing Oliver wants to do it Fight!). Wouldn't hurt a fly? Well, I haven't tested that exact theory, but last night Oliver was in the yard when we let the resident rabbit loose to play in the yard. When she ran he was interested and a "Oliver leave it" was all he needed and he went off to find a good spot to watch the sunset.

Oliver spent a few days over Christmas with me. When he returned to my house this week (7 months later)- WOW! What a good memory. He was fine meeting my dogs again and when coming inside from his pre-bed bathroom trip he ran down the stairs, turned the correct way and went straight into the crate he slept in over Christmas. I couldn't believe he remembered the routine, where the crates were and which to go into! Smart boy and good memory. This is just one of many examples of Oliver's exceptional traits. Please contact me to learn more about this young man who is evolving into a sweet, playful, well-mannered companion yearning for his own family.

6/24
Oliver has really settled into the routine. The things I find endearing about him is that he fits in well, is very sweet, really likes to be around his people and hang out. I would consider him more moderate to low energy level; however, he will need training on how to behave around other dogs. He does not have any big quirks other than his desire to play retrieve and go out to the yard to grab a toy and wait for the others to come out. A few times, I have left him out with the older dogs for a bit while I ran upstairs to do some computer work. When I came down, he was curled up like a cat on the back of the couch. Silly boy! The thing I personally love about him is that he has an off switch and is a sensible, thinking dog.
He is able to be crated in class while I teach and he is doing better around new dogs. I am able to bring him out and work him in a class setting of 3-4 dogs. He has been introduced to Barnhunt and Nosework and he really likes both. Once he settles down, he can heel nicely. All of this is still in the beginning stages but he shows great promise! He enjoys doing tricks, and will do agility; however, I am not pushing him as I feel he needs more body conditioning and muscle building. This guy is pretty versatile and will settle easily in the home.
Oliver met his first Great Pyrenees. He was worried about him at first because the dog went right up to his face but he was able to play with me while the dog was in the yard, both dogs off leash. To me, it was just confirmation that he won't hurt another dog. He is not a dog park dog though. He will most likely get along with his housemates but really prefers his people family.
With the storms we have been having, he gets a little worried about the thunder. When he hears it, he comes to me to bury his head in my lap or crook of my arm. We quickly start playing fetch and he forgets about the thunder. He also does not worry about the vacuum cleaner and is calm around it while in use.
Oliver will keep you laughing with his silliness and sweep you off his feet with his soulful eyes and sweet expression. He is a joy to have around and would make a great companion.

6/3
Mr. Oliver has been with us for 3 weeks now. He has adjusted well to his new routine. He enjoys being outside with his foster brothers and sisters. Inside he settles down nicely and enjoys snuggling.

He had to go to the vet because he had an eye irritation. We walked in on his front clip harness and leash. There was another dog in the office which he barked at but then quickly remembered that he should look at me for cookies. Other than the one bark, he did great! He was good being handled and placed on the table, didn't love it but tolerated it. He weighed in at 41lbs.

Our next adventure was attending an event that included runners and dogs. Overall he did a great job understanding that it was impolite to bark and lunge at the other dogs. He did run up on a dog that came a bit too close. It was rude greeting and the other dog was startled by him. They sniffed each other and I called him off. We walked around the park a bit and he did great on his leash/harness. He was very attentive and able to check out his environment without reacting - Good practice for him between the people runners, dogs walking and the business of the day.

Oliver is looking for his forever home where he can be loved and played with regularly. He is sweet and very attentive to his owner when he settles into his routine.

Lisa Bataska, AKC CGC Evaluator
www.lisabataska.com


5/25
5/25/14
Oliver has been with me for about 2 weeks now. He is a typical Teenager in need of structure, consistency and impulse control. When he first arrived, he appeared nervous (as suspected) around other dogs and was lunging and snapping. After several days of allowing him to be around the dogs in a small yard by himself next to the larger one with the dogs, he seemed to do better. Slow acclimation (relative-within a week's time) and careful supervision allowed him to be in the same yard as my dogs, large and small. He loves to carry around his jolly ball around and of course, herd the other dogs when they are playing ball. He does not try to nip but he does get around them and go to balance to bring them back to me. He prefers to play with my two younger females. He does respect the dogs when properly corrected. He will not look for a fight but would rather just get along. Being outside and playing ball is one of his favorite things.

He sleeps in a crate at night, very quietly and comfortably. He has no problem eating his food when it is mealtime. He is housebroken well and we are working on his reactivity on leash. I found that when working with him on a collar and leash he is more reactive than when I put him on an easy walk/sensation harness (leash connects to the front of his chest versus the back). I have been walking him with other non-reactive dogs on leash and he does well; however, he still needs to be kept to quiet walks with limited stimulus for now.

We are also working on not lunging out of the crate or doorways, offering eye contact in the presence of stimulus (strange dogs), walking on a leash, and basic commands. Oliver is a true teenager, in that he is testing the rules, so his new home will need to be very structured until he acclimates. He minds well for the most part, comes when called, loves his people and is overall a nice dog. When he comes in from outside, he settles nicely and will lay down with the other dogs in the house. He still needs work on jumping up on people he knows and when he gets excited to see my husband or myself. He will jump up on the counter so that also is being addressed. He is very smart and a quick study, just persistent about testing house rules.

At this time, we have not played in Agility or Herding, as in his previous foster home but have been focusing on getting him more comfortable around other dogs, making better decisions and manners. Every day he gets better. In the future, we will be trying his paw at Agility and Herding. Although he is "herdy", I don't feel that he needs to do this but that it would be a nice outlet if his new home wanted to try it with him. He is a dog that does need clear and concise rules, consistency, a home willing to work on his leash reactivity and loving him. He is a sweet dog with much to offer!



3/21
Oliver has had some busy weeks lately. He completed his Basic Manners obedience class last week. The last two weeks of class I think he made some great progress in learning to look to me when something was bothering him. We did recalls the last week in class and he did great! He did tend to run past me, but gladly turned and came back to me. He is doing great at going to his mat, sit, stay, and hand touch. We continue to work on sit stay, down stay and loose leash walking. I’ve also continued working with him on the doggie puzzles and he is really getting the hang of it.
The weather finally cooperated and Oliver got to go play with sheep again! I even remembered to bring the video camera so you can see him in action. The pen is really too big for a beginner dog but you can see he is definitely interested. He tended to want to keep the sheep in the corner and not moving, which is pretty natural for a Border Collie. I think that herding would be a great activity for Oliver and would be a great way to continue working on his self- control and build confidence. My instructor always says you can’t tell a lot about ability with only a couple of exposures, but she really thinks herding would be something to pursue with Oliver.
We also had a visitor come stay with us for a few days and Oliver took it all in stride. He was initially pretty aloof with her, but once he learned that she would throw a toy for him he was right there with our dogs.
Oliver is really enjoying the warmer weather (anything above 20 degrees we now consider warm) and is spending lots of time outside with his jolly ball. He really loves just running around the yard with the ball in his mouth.
Feb 12
Oliver is continuing to do well at obedience class. He is really learning to focus on me with distractions going on around him. With the help of the Gentle Leader he is learning to walk with a loose leash. He is really making nice eye contact with me as well when we practice loose leash walking. He is doing well with his sit stays so now we’ll have to include down stays. He is learning hand touch which will progress into a recall to hand and eventually a recall, although he is really pretty good about coming when you call him already.
We continue to work on lots of self control exercises. He knows to sit before I’ll open the door to let him outside and we’re working on adding some waiting to this behavior. Oliver is also learning to sit and wait for a release to go to his food dish. I think all of this work is adding to his ability to focus and work in distracting circumstances. We have also started working on crate behavior to have him wait to be released from the crate instead of just charging out when the door is opened.
I went to a dog toy party last weekend and bought a couple of interactive puzzle games for the dogs. These are puzzles that have sliding doors that cover compartments that you put treats into. These are kind of fun games for the dogs and they have to use their brains to figure out how to get to the treats. Oliver is learning to forage for his treats which will give him something to do on these really cold days we’ve been having. Unfortunately the cold has kept us from getting back to sheep, but I’ll keep trying!
In case you haven’t figured this out from previous updates ……. Oliver really loves toys of any kind. He is great at playing fetch and brings the toy back to you. I think he’d be pretty willing to play fetch all day.

Feb 3
Oliver and I started obedience class last week. It was a little rough at first, the first couple of weeks there is a lot going on with all the dogs settling in, but for most of the class he was able to focus and work. I could tell by the end of the hour he was a little stressed. Class was canceled this week due to the subzero temperature so instead we ran thru our homework at home and spent pretty much a whole hour working. I did use the Gentle Leader head collar in class because he does pull a bit. Surprisingly he did very well with the Gentle Leader and didn’t really fuss with it. We are working on loose leash walking at home and he is beginning to watch me as we walk around. Of course we are starting all of this without much distraction. We are also working on sit and down with me moving around a bit and he’s been doing well with that. We are also working on sitting and staying while I put his food bowl down. He is doing very well with this and is learning to go to the same place, under the desk, to wait for his release. Next we’ll begin working on waiting in the crate with the door open and being verbally released from the crate.
I’m hoping that Oliver will get another chance to play with the sheep next weekend, weather cooperating. I think that herding may be something that he would really enjoy and would be a good activity for him. I’ll try to get some video of him with sheep to post.
Instead this weekend we did a little agility training. I was able to get Oliver to sequence 5 or 6 obstacles, only tunnels and jumps. We also lowered the a-frame to about 4’ high and started working on getting him comfortable with that. We have been working on hand touches in obedience class and I can see that this is helping him in sequencing jumps. He was also much better at staying and letting us do a little bit of a lead out.
It has been very cold lately so Oliver has not gotten a lot of exercise and you can definitely tell! He is a dog that needs his daily exercise time or he will bug you non-stop to play with toys in the house. He pretty much loves all toys but the Holey Roller, Jolly Ball and Clutch Ball seem to be his favorites. He also plays with squeaky toys and rope toys and pretty much any ball.
Oliver is doing great going into his kennel at night. I was giving him a Kong with peanut butter in it, but now he is content to just kennel up without any reward. Of course he usually sneaks some kind of toy in the crate with him!
I think that Oliver has the potential to be a performance dog, but would also be good in a non-performance home as long as he gets some daily play and learning. We don’t have a lot of access to kids, but Oliver has seemed to be fine with all people. He seems to have a little bit of fear and uncertainty around other dogs until he gets to know and trust them. He gets along great with our dogs and he and his foster sister play a lot.
For more info visit my webpage!
http://mwbcr.org/ourfosterdogspages/fosterdogollie.html