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Sunday, September 4, 2011

Raw Courage in Echo

So here we are breaking in our new wood stove and realize we may have a leak around the stove pipe. The booklet about the stove is up the spiral stairs in the loft. I head up to retrieve the material so I can call the installer after labor day and Echo heads up those scary stairs behind me by himself. The above photo is of Echo being very proud of himself up in the loft.

The super scary part for any dog is then coming down. Your head is way lower than the rest of your body but Echo took one look and down he came. Before we could stop him up he went up again. He did that 4 times before he got hung up about half way down. He locked up but we helped him get down safely but what does he do - turns around and goes right back up again. We now have the baby gate across the stairs. It is equal to going down a cork screw upside down.

That took tremendous courage to face those scary stairs on his own. He has studied the spiral staircase for a few days and he decided he wanted to attempt it. His accomplishment is equal to rappelling down a thousand foot cliff for the first time upside down and twisting around. He was all smiles and the other dogs could only look at him with awe. Echo's bravery has won over his brother and sister, not to mention mom and dad.....

We decided to keep the baby gate across the stairs however, we don't want him attempting this feat at night when we may be asleep and getting hung up. We prefer to be available to help him. Our late GSD Ben did the stairs alone and after a few times has confidence to go up and down them with ease. He never had an accident on them and I do not believe Echo will either. However, it is better to be safe than sorry so right now he is restricted downstairs.

7 comments:

Barbara J. Galasso said...

I agree with you Bruce. Rather be safe than sorry. It just takes one slip up to make an accident happen. You know the German Shepherd.....THEY HAVE TO BE WHERE EVER WE ARE OR THEY'RE NOT HAPPY!

Janie said...

He is a gorgeous dog. Looking very proud of himself. It’s so cool that he is feeling right at home already. The other dogs may just learn something from him, and you’ll have the whole happy pack going up and down for hours to entertain themselves. J

Sharon said...

That is so cool. LOVE the picture! Looks like you may have a sleeping Buddy? You can tell he is proud. What a neat dog!

Pandy said...

What a handsome boy! And what's one more? (That's MY philosophy, anyway! They're cheaper by the dozen, ya know....) Am anxious to hear about new things he learns. It's such a grand adventure for all of you!

Bruce said...

Pandy: He has learned so much already. He was in a kennel for almost 3 months, and he is quickly learning our routine. He has learned sit; does that pretty good now, and come; still working on that. He had one lesson on down and he did that real well but needs repetitive work. He is house broken.
He taught himself to use the spiral stairs. He still has ton's of excited energy, but that too is getting better. Most of all we have a ritual at feeding time. The dogs sit while I get their individual food dishes ready. Then I tell them come and they come and eat. He has picked that part up real well. All in 7.5 days, plus he is leash trained to heel. I'd say he was remarkable to say the least. As soon as he calms down some he will be outstanding. What an asset to our home and what a great family member. Did I mention that he is very affectionate? He loves to be with us every second of the day and that is okay as he needs to be spoiled and the quicker the better.

Russell said...

You can see him smile!

Jane said...

what a beautiful picture of Echo! I hope that you blow it up and frame it! That's totally a milestone for him, i'm sure :)