Welcome Miss Ellie

Ellie is a 21 mon. old GSD with a happy disposition.  She’s ready to meet new playmates. Her mom and dad brought her for a Meet ‘n Greet this week. They first contacted Royal K9 Korner last Fall, and have been waiting until Ellie was spayed and there was an open day to visit us.
Thank you for being patient, I’m happy we finally had an opening.
During her M&G Ellie was respectful of Lady May, she said a very polite hello and acknowledged Lady May’s, “Leave me alone, please.”
Suzy Q also requested the same, "No playing with me today please"even though Ellie was politely asking. Don’t fret Miss Ellie, there will be plenty of buddies for you to play with in the near future.

Lady May - "Please just leave me alone okay?"
Ellie- "Okay, I can do that."

Ellie has visited other daycare places in the past and is comfortable with meeting new friends. I can't wait to introduce her to a few of our regulars.
We're looking at a playday in the next few days with the bouncy boy Bailey.

Where's all the good balls?

Ellie came for her free 4 hour visit yesterday. She was calm when dad dropped her off and headed straight for the toy bin.  Ellie's favourite game is ball! Good choice Miss Ellie I have a lot! It's a good thing too, because if you ask Ellie the rules to her ball game, she will say, "You throw the ball to me and I will run for it, find it, grab it, then drop it on the way back to you, while you throw another one. Or I will catch it and run. Then you throw another okay?" Not fetch, but definitely a fun game, (for Ellie)

I have to learn to throw the ball before Ellie can jump for it.
She'll intervene before I throw any distance every time, unless I play the game better.

The weather was hot so the game didn't last long, (happily for me) Once I knew her rules I was ready to try a few other games. Like maybe . . . Tug? Oh boy I need to be strong so I sat on the bench while Ellie tried with all her might to drag me off. If I could stop laughing I'm sure I would have won sooner. Instead, in order to win I must admit I cheated a bit.  I simply pulled my end nearer the sprinkler and once Ellie realized she was getting wet, she dropped her end. Yay! I win! lol
Ellie says, "Next time I'll win." She grabbed the tug toy and ran off with it.  

"Come on Lady. what are you waiting for! Am I too fast for ya?"

Okay new game, Chase me.Well, I know full well I can not win that game. So I introduced another game. 'Come" An easy win for me when I have a cookies pouch on my hip. Ellie is enrolled in a training program and doing very well. She has also excellent recall so my goal for this game was really to familiarize her with my voice. I need newcomers to understand the requirements when they hear certain words and when they see my specific behaviours.  "Watch me" was great for the afternoon games we played. We played search for balls and squeakies in various areas of the yard. Under hedges, in corners, under 'Cora' and on the porch etc. Ellie listens for my voice and watches my movements for cues. She's a very good girl and we had a perfect day to get to know each other.

Ellie - "I'm sure the lady said there was a ball in here"

 As usual with new comers Ellie was required to wear her harness until I knew she was comfortable enough to respond to my requests. It wasn't long before it was off. Good thing, because I'm sure it was hot to wear.  We took time to lay quietly in the shade. Ellie tried to close her eyes a few times but was distracted by the birds. So instead she laid perfectly still and watched them above her while she rested.

Ellie - "There must be a way to get them from here!"

The 4 hours went by fast and after 3 1/2  hours Ellie was ready to find a cozy place to nap until home time. She made sure she had her current favourite ball with her. She tried out both living-room crates and finally settled on the porch using the mat as a pillow.
*Note to self - this girl is another pillow lover so have one handy in case of a sleep over for her.

Tired but not quite cozy enough to sleep

Fast asleep, cozy enough for today. Rest well Miss Ellie. Your mom will be here soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed our special day together and believe Ellie did too. We'll be figuring out some days for introductions to a few others so she'll have some doggy buddies and not just boring ole me.
We'll see you soon Ellie. Thank you for choosing Royal K9 Korner.