2007.01.25 Thu

“Look at me!” That’s my name. I’m a manly-looking Akita, but actually, if you don’t mind, I’m a girl. My weight is private! Oh, all right then, I’ll tell you as long as you promise to keep it a secret. (Whispers) 25 kg. The ARK staff has nicknamed me “Atomi”.



I might not look that smart, but I am really. I am doing a brilliant job with my training at ARK. I learned very quickly to stop pulling on my leash when I go for a walk and I always remember the commands I’m taught. You can tell by my behavior that I’m thinking about how to get a treat out of you and how to get your attention.



Atomi appears to be about 2 years old and she really likes toys. She likes to pull and play tug but will stop and “drop it” when ARK staff tells her to. She learned this fast too. Once she starts playing, she is strong and can get a little rough, so she needs a strong handler who knows how to be in command.



One problem she has had recently is biting. When someone enters her enclosure, she tends to get excited and bite at the person’s clothing. Of course she’s not angry -- she just wants to play! The ARK staff is following a trainer’s recommendations and she is learning and getting better about this.
This dog has a tendency to get frustrated when she doesn’t get enough exercise and is full of pent-up energy, but the ARK staff thinks that if she finds an owner who can be a firm leader and give her enough exercise, the problem will resolve itself. Atomi’s a smart girl – she told you that already didn’t she?



If you listen carefully when you come to ARK, you’ll hear a dog calling from her enclosure in a loud, forlorn voice: “Look at meeee!”