Welcome to the October 2022 edition of ZENFUL Dog of the Month featuring Piper! Piper’s pet-mom describes her as “an opinionated and vocal Miniature Schnauzer.”
Piper
Age: 17 months
Meet Piper’s Family:
(Piper’s pet-mom): Elena and Piper are a team who have been living together—just the two of them—since Piper was seven weeks old. Piper brings Elena joy and laughter (and sometimes frustration)—Elena loves her to bits.
(Elena’s sister): Piper loves visiting Elena’s sister, Yvonne. Yvonne’s two dogs greet Piper with eager excitement when she arrives for a visit and Piper happily abides by the house rules. Yvonne always has a special treat ready for Piper.
(Aunt Lis and Uncle Bill): Piper turns on the charm when she and Elena visit Aunt Lis and Uncle Bill. She gets cozy with them and isn’t shy to let them know when it’s time to play or time for treats.
Elena describes Piper: Piper is “active, mischievous, affectionate and shy.”
Piper's favourite Treats/Foods according to Elena: Piper’s favourite treats are “freeze-dried liver, beef tendons and jerky treats.”
Elena describes Piper’s Unique Trait: “Piper has a unique bark, from a deep grumble to a high pitch woof-woof-ou-ou-ou-ou-ou-ou.”
Piper’s Favourite Activities According to Elena: Piper loves to play fetch and tug with her frisbee ball, chase squirrels and chow down on rabbit poop when Elena’s not looking.
How Piper Unwinds After a Full Day of Activity: Piper loves to curl up in her doggie bed or on the sofa beside Elena to unwind.
Piper’s Training
Piper, and Elena, have rocked ZENFULdog level 2 and level 3 Skill Training and Socialization classes, Group and Private Canifitness classes, and Canicross. They also regularly attend Cani-Trail club.
Elena Tells Us How Training has Shaped Piper: “Training with ZENFULdog has been a positive and enriching experience for both Piper and myself. With Piper being my first dog, training provides me with the knowledge needed to guide Piper to be at her best.
Piper was recently diagnosed with a luxating patella. After scheduling private sessions with Kendra—the low-impact exercises provided to build muscle in the hindlimb and overall body are making a difference. Piper’s hindlimb limping has decreased.”
Elena Describes Piper’s Most Significant Training Challenge: “Piper gets bored easily, has a tendency to be reactive around other dogs and is a notorious barker.”
Elena Describes Piper’s Most Significant Training Success: “Through Kendra’s expertise and proper socialization activities, Piper has become calmer around other dogs. I can even subdue Piper’s barking and redirect her focus back to me.”
Elena Describes Piper’s Most Rewarding Moment Since Training: “Seeing Piper grow into a well-adjusted and social dog. [Also,] the camaraderie and support from Kendra and the ZENFULdog CaniX Pack Runners and Cani-Trail club members.”
Kendra adds: “I am so proud of the success that Piper and Elena have attained together on their journey. Piper used to bark in group classes or when trails would first begin. It was overwhelming for her; now she is calm, confident and much happier in group settings—thanks to Elena being consistent with her training and socializing. Piper is often the smallest dog in classes, which was a bit daunting for her. Still, with the help especially from the Canicross pack runners and the Cani-Trail pack we all helped by giving space and encouragement. It was a good reminder to everyone with big dogs about the importance of having those dogs calm and connected to help others as much as themselves. To see her strut by the other dogs now and run in a harness is very gratifying! I am excited to see all the things they accomplish as they enjoy their life together. ”
A very special “Thank You!” goes to Elena for providing the content for this feature.
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