Welcome 2 year old Toba

4 months ago this beautiful 2 year old Shepsky (Shepherd/Husky cross) was adopted by her mom and dad after being through a string of rescue societies. She has finally landed in her happy forever home.
Welcome Miss Toba.
Due to mom's work schedule, Toba will be travelling with her back and forth between Burnaby and Lillooet.
Mom has been in frequent contact with me about getting daycare set up for Toba.
Between mom's back and forth schedule and the full days at Royal K9 Korner we've finally been able to make it happen.
Thank you for your patience mom!

Toba visited on a day that our Countess River was on site. There was no question about how well these two will get along. Toba was politely asking for play and River was responding very politely. 

I made the decision to keep them separate until we get to know Toba's play style better.
Mom tells me she loves to rough and tumble and zoom. I can think of a few other visitors who'll fit her play style perfectly, in time. 

Earlier this week Toba came for her first 4 hour visit. A beautiful day that allowed us to be outdoors for getting to know each other. Toba immediately found the squeaky she had played with at her M&G and several other plush toys to romp around with.

Toba - "Hey, this one smells like me! Can I keep it?"
Me - "You can keep it here and play with it whenever you visit sweetheart."

Toba is still working on her recall so we had some practice while we played. Toba is a jumper so a bit of a concern of mine.  If she decided to attempt to jump the fence line, mom said she would no doubt head home. Apparently she has run after deer in the past and always comes home.  I kept a long lead on her until I was certain there was zero separation anxiety and that I could keep her focused on staying in the yard.
She was as happy as a lark to stay with me and showed no signs of looking for a way to escape.
Whew! One check box ticked off. I'll be watching for her safety if the deer are passing by.

Indoors we went through all the areas she needed to feel comfort with. Listening to my voice, hearing the various different sounds of my house, responding to my signals and compiling with my requests.  Each time Toba was 100% attentive and completely comfortable and obliging. Her eyes were spot on me when I asked and she quickly responded with each request when she understood what to do.
The vacuum is of little concern to her, except that she would prefer not to be around it when it's working. Me neither Toba, I can certainly relate.

"Are you really going to turn that noisy thing on?
I was trying to play quietly here"

Toba and I played with several toys together on the porch and in the living room. She always allowed me to share it with her and was willing to let me take it from her in mid chew.

"These are great chew toys lady. Wanna share?"

At meal time she allowed me access to her bowl mid eating and even to temporarily take her bowl away. She will never have to worry about another dog having access to her bowl, or her space during eating time. It's great to know people are safe in her proximity during her eating time.

Toba was a big fan of the frozen veggie/fruit treats and gently took and ate every one I presented her.

"Is this PINEAPPLE? Wow I love pineapple! Thanks lady."

One of my indoor safety rules is for all dogs to wait patiently, no charging in front of me heading up or downstairs. Toba waited patiently for my all done signal. In fact she chose to have a little lay down while she waited. That suits me fine Toba. although I'm quite sure it won't happen when others are present. WTG Toba you're passing with flying colours.

"Is this gonna take long?
'Cuz I was kinda hopin' to go out"

"I don't understand why I can't just run out the door,
but, ok if you say so."

Toba eagerly followed me around the yard and was frequently choosing to come when called. I'm certain once she has visited a few times, her recall with me will improve. There were so many distractions and fun things to do, having to stop play and come running to this unknown lady was not high on her priority list this day.
We'll be working on that task on future visits. I may need her to STOP what she is doing and run to me immediately for a possible safety issue. One step at a time. Mom is working with her trainer on shaping up Toba's skills. It's very obvious how much she cares about Toba and keeping her safe.
Well done mom!

At the end of our 4 hours, Toba had crashed and was very ready to head home.
She is more than welcome back to visit us and I'm looking forward to finding a day for Toba to come to meet others in our extended Pack.
Welcome to Royal K9 Korner's Daycare Miss Toba!