Konna

Konna
Black Russian Terrier

Monday, December 28, 2015

Ms. Poppy meet Arrissa

Ms. Poppy meet Arista and Chip, Arista is another Valkin Bouvier dog.  Small world, after talking with Nancy we learned that Arista is one of Poppy's pups.  Forgive poor cell phone photos, backlit and near sunset.


Sunday, December 13, 2015

Busy Day Downtown Yesterday

Ms Poppy and I had a busy day downtown with Mom & Dad.  First it was the Farmer's Market to get some more of our favorite Chicken Jerky from Taylor's Treats, since we were late there was only one bag left.  Mom also pickup up some sweet potato chips for us. On the way from the parking area we met a new friend.




Dad walked us downtown from the Market while Mom picked up some pecans, from Cohen Pecans, for him, and drove the jeep downtown.  It was the second weekend of Dickens on Centre, so there was a large crowd, given the great weather.


After Mom arrived we headed to Bret's Waterway Cafe for lunch, and on the way we met Cosmo.


Then it was home for a short break before heading out to Alyssa's Graduation Thing at Slider's.  



Group photo you can see Ms. Poppy (Alyssa's left hand), I am behind anchor, Chris has Tootsy, and all those other people.



After that it was back downtown for a quick walk around and then Arte's Pizza for dinner.  While on our walk we met a miniature horse, he was my size.  Dad didn't have a camera, but the nice folks at Amelia Fine Jewelry did get a picture.


We had a great time and got to meet lots of people, even two who knew I was a Black Russian Terrier, that doesn't happen offend. 




Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Ms. Poppy was at the groomers today.

Because I was having some GI problems, Mom canceled my grooming appointment and I got some quality time with Mom & Dad while Ms. Poppy was at the groomers.  After dropping Ms. Poppy off at Passion-4-Pooches Mom and Dad went to breakfast,  They had the choice of Beach Dinner, with a patio that would allow me, or Miss Carolyn's where I would have to stay in the car.  They chose Miss Carolyn's.  After breakfast they went to the beach cottage so Dad could install a window shade and to visit with Joy & Tony.  We all sat out on the porch, I did the whole visit off-lead, including a walk on the beach.


Joy on beach in front of cottage


Tony on beach in front of cottage

Then we went downtown where I met Wayne and Reneé.



Sunday, December 6, 2015

Merry Christmas Everyone

              Poppy (Ch. Obvious Smart Alec)                Konna
Photos by Boston Photography.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Downtown Fernandina

On our walk late this afternoon Mom & Dad stopped by Brett's Waterway Cafe for a slice of Bourbon Pecan Pie and a Rum & Coke.  Ms Poppy and I got to sample the crust.


While there several people stopped by to admire Ms. Poppy and I, one couple was Jane and Dave Jameson (links to FB pages), recently retired and sailing to the Bahamas and beyond on their 38 ft Erickson, with their two dogs.  May you have fair winds and following sea as my navy friends say.

Hope you don't mine my hijacking your photo.


As we left Dad took these pictures of the Christmas lights.



Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Completed Intermediate Obedience Class Tonight

I graduated Intermediate Obedience, taught by Ms. Amber, at PetSmart River City. Next will be Advanced Obedience in January.  Then my Canine Good Citizen Test.

Items on the Canine Good Citizen Test include:


TEST 1: ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.


TEST 2: SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.


TEST 3: APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.


TEST 4: OUT FOR A WALK (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEAD)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.


TEST 5: WALKING THROUGH A CROWD
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.


TEST 6: SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND AND STAYING IN PLACE
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.


TEST 7: COMING WHEN CALLED
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.


TEST 8: REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.


TEST 9: REACTION TO DISTRACTION
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.


TEST 10: SUPERVISED SEPARATION
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Helped Mom & Dad at the Farmer's Market Today

Dad was manning a booth for the Amelia Island Genealogical Society, at the Farmer's Market, things were going slow until I arrive to attract people to the booth.  Ms. Poppy is sluffing-off, she is asleep under the table.


Ms. Poppy and I met Cailin from Fernandina Beach.


I didn't get the names of these two beautiful young ladies, maybe they will see the blog and send me the names.  By this time Ms Poppy had gone under the table for her nap.


Thursday, November 19, 2015

Parade of Paws 2015

Ms Poppy and I will be doing the Parade of Paws.  I may even be pulling a cart.


Espy won in 2012.



Sunday, November 15, 2015

Made a friend downtown this evening.

On our walk downtown this evening Mom & Dad stopped several times when people asked about either Poppy or me.  There was one young lady who sat down on the sidewalk to love on both of us.  She melted when Poppy laid down in her lap.  Dad gave her friend the blog address and she took a picture of the young lady and us.  I hope she mails it so I can post it here.  Her friends were finally able to drag her away,  

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Made another friend walking downtown

Dad gave him my card so that he could send me his name and hometown, but nothing so far.


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

I met Mike and Santha downtown

While walking downtown I met Mike and Santha downtown, outside Fantastic Fudge.


BRT Background

Background

The Russian Black Terrier was developed in the former USSR in Red Star (Krasnaya Zvezda) Kennel by the state for use as a military/working dogs. The breeding stock was largely imported from the occupied countries, especially East Germany. Breeds used in the development include the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Caucasian Ovcharka and other breeds. BRT were bred for working ability, rather than appearance, and early examples only resembled today's Russian Black Terrier in their build and coat type. The BRT was bred solely by the state owned Red Star Kennel in Moscow until 1957, when some puppies were sold to civilian breeders. These breeders began to breed for looks (as the original was rather plain) while retaining working ability. In time, the breed spread to the other parts of USSR like Saint Petersburg, Siberia, Ukraine and later to the first European country Finland and next to the other European countries: Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Germany and finally to the United States, Canada, Australia and others.

Temperament

The character and temperament of the Russian Black Terrier is of utmost importance. The Russian Black Terrier is a calm, confident, courageous and self-assured dog. He is highly intelligent and adapts well to training. The Russian Black Terrier was initially bred to guard and protect. He is alert and responsive, instinctively protective, determined, fearless, deeply loyal to family, is aloof and therefore does not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. Shyness or excessive excitability is a serious fault.

[From Wikipedia]

Dad went to Lowe's yesterday

While he was returning something I got to meet Jamie.

Friday, October 30, 2015

I am now an AKC registered Black Russian Terrier

Dad submitted an application for AKC Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program.  I am now eligable for my AKC Canine Good Citizen Title, as soon as I finish training and pass the test.

"There are many dogs enrolled in the PAL program after they have been surrendered or abandoned, then adopted by new owners from animal shelters or purebred rescue groups. The PAL program allows the dog and owner a second chance at discovering the rewards of participating in AKC events."



Visited Red Square Black Russian Terriers

Dad had contacted Ronnie Greenman, owner of Red Square Black Russian Terriers, in Monticello, Fl. to arrange a visit so Ronnie could judge my conformation and educate Mom & Dad about BRT.  His wife also breeds Rotties, and operates Misty Lake Pet Boarding Resort.




We had a nice drive over to Monticello, Mom & Dad enjoyed lunch at Brick House Eatery.  After lunch Dad called Ronnie and found he had gone to Tallahassee and would be back in an hour and a half.  Mom suggested that we go to Thompson Farm Smokehouse, just north in Dixie, Ga.  They used to visit the Farmer's Market, but stopped because of the long drive.  They make Dad's favorite Hot Smoked Sausage.  Dad bought six packages of sausage, Mom picked up some bacon and ham, hopefully I will get some samples.

When we got back Ronnie was home and we had a great visit, he was impressed with my confirmation and demeanor.  He agrees with the estimated age of 1-1/2 and like my weight, he estimates that at full growth (4 years) that I will be 80 lbs.  I am on the small side of the breed standard but perfectly within the standard.  He stated that he would have been happy to use me as a stud, if I had my full AKC papers. 

The drive home was uneventful, just grooving with my head out the window. 



New Friend

Poppy & I met this nice lady outside of the Ice Cream Shop downtown, she recognized Poppy but didn't know what I was.  Dad gave her the history of the BRTs.  She had shown dogs in AKC events.


Monday, October 26, 2015

Last Friday I met Zoe and Steve


Fernandina is such a dog friendly place.  Steve and Zoe are from St. Johns, FL.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Meeting new people

We met lots of new people today.


Walking on the side walk


Jessica & Jason from Palm Bay, Fl, at lunch at Brett's.  Our friend from American Bouvier Rescue League is also from Palm Bay.

Ms. Poppy also made new friends.


Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Me & Blitz




Cat Cassarole


Where did he go?

Meet new friends

Downtown the other day I met two Fernandina Beach natives, must be end of tourist season.

Brooklyn is on the left in the blue dress and Kendall is on the right in the green dress

Friday, October 9, 2015

Shon knew I was a BRT

This is Shon and his friend, we met downtown today.  Shom knew I was a Black Russian Terrier, this doesn't happen often.  He owned an English Mastiff so he is used to large dogs.


Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Dog Photo Contest

Bouvier friends, He and the others, Bouvs and BRTs, need your vote in the "Garden and Guns" Good Dog Photo Contest. YOU CAN VOTE FOR ALL FIVE ONCE EVERY 24 HRS.  Contest ends 0ct. 17th 2015.  Click on the comment/link below (pic or http://...) to vote for each one of these beautiful dogs. Kingston
http://bit.ly/1LfcuN0

Walter, Bouvier des Flandres
http://bit.ly/1KWce7d

Konna, Black Russian Terrier (ABRL Rescue)
http://bit.ly/1KUKCzj

Elsa's Blu Jewel - Bouvier des Flanders
http://bit.ly/1KwMcVW

Mookie, Black Russian Terrier
http://bit.ly/1Lm9LS8

Sunday, October 4, 2015

A BRT for sale on Craigslist Miami

This is for information only, Dad corresponded with owner, seem legit, moved and don't have facilities for large dog.

21 month old Black Russian Terrier male puppy. Champion show lines. Very family friendly house pet, great with children and people of all ages. Trained in basic obedience and knows commands. All shots up to date (records available) and AKC pedigree records available.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pet/5251640761.html




Saturday, October 3, 2015

Farmer's Market This Morning

While at the Farmer's Market this morning I had the chance to meet some new people who asked about me.


Received my first e-mail today.

Hi Konna,

This is my first e-mail to a dog.  I stumbled upon your Dad's postings about you.
We will be adding a Bouvier to our family within the next year.  However, we think your breed is also very cool and wouldn't hesitate to adopt one of your type.
Sounds like you found a GREAT HOME!
We look forward to reading about more of your antics! 
Let us know if you ever come up this way.

Ruff, Ruff,

The Sullivans in VT

Thank you Sullivans, I presume you saw Dad's post on facebook, either:

or

Friday, October 2, 2015

Sound on Centre

Had a great time at Sound on Centre tonight, met lots of people and a few new dogs.

Photo from Sound on Centre Face Book Page (linked above)

Amelia Island Bouv Walk

A group of Ms. Poppy's friends are coming to town on October 17th, for a Bouv Walk.  They will meet up at 11:00 AM at Centre and 7th, take in the Amelia Cruizers Car Club car show and end up at the Dog Star Tavern.  Here is the group photo from the Harper's Ferry Bouv Walk last year.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

My DNA results are in, 100% Black Russian Terrier




First Trip to Arte Pizza

Mom and Dad went to a meeting early, leaving Ms. Poppy & me at home.  They came home an fed us, then we got to go downtown.  My first trip to Arte Pizza, Ms Poppy tells me it won't be my last.  I got a taste of calzone, I like calzone.

A nice lady stopped by to admire me, then she went over to pet Ms. Poppy.

I demonstrated a new behavior today, jumping into the back of the Jeep Grande Cherokee, I have good leapers.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

My business cards have been printed

Dad had a business card for the blog printed,  The printer at Staples said in 20 years of printing it was the first business card for a dog he had ever done.  As we walk people frequently ask for my picture and Dad offers to take a picture of me or me and Ms. Poppy with them, using their cell phone.  He can now give them the card and ask that they mail the picture to me (brtkonna@gmail.com) so Dad can post it on the blog.


My Title is "Canine Ambassador of Good Will"

Mom ask where are Ms. Poppy's cards and blog?