Pictures of Bo at his new home.

[ColbertWatcher]

Pulling the First Lady


Momentarily standing still


Pulling one of the daughters


Pulling the President


Pulling the President up a hill

Plenty more at the link: http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=Bo%20Obama

[lamp_shade]

1. I hope Caesar (dog whisperer) stops by with a few tips on how to walk

the dog instead of the other way around. He's such a cutie (Bo that is).

[ColbertWatcher]

3. That would be cool! n/t

[stray cat]

6. Supposedly Ted Kennedy had him trained beforehand

[Fuzz]

9. Didn't take. lol

[EFerrari]

15. Didn't. Obviously, Bo thinks he's the pack leader.

lol

[DeschutesRiver]

44. I think Bo will be okay, once someone trains the Obama family:)

It is same with dogs or horses - the trainer trains the animal, but we humans forget to have a bit of schooling on these issues ourselves. Bo seems pretty determined, and while they are delighted about his antics, it won't be funny for long to have your arm jerked off like that. I speak from experience with my rescue dog - we had some work to do in that regard. She came during the icy winter, got a few pulls like that off at the get go (her talent was to be walking modestly and perfectly one minute, then bam without warning, she'd see something of interest and I'd be flat on my back). Had major ice burns on my knuckles from when I fell. So we started changing that behavior immediately, it isn't really that hard to do. But they really don't want this habit to become ingrained.

It would be very cool if their next step in national awareness is to make a big deal about learning more about animal behavior and how to influence it, so that your dog can be a happy member of the household.

But that aspect aside, very very cool photos, thanks so much for posting them!

[ColbertWatcher]

48. "learning more about animal behavior" Great idea!

People could use more information about wild animals as well.

[question everything]

50. And, most people and dogs get to know each other

in the privacy of their homes, not in front of international press..

[janx]

61. Don't think so. Where did you read that? n/t

[Brother Buzz]

66. Bo is house trained

The real training begins now

[aquart]

7. You noticed that little dominance issue, too, huh?

[ColbertWatcher]

11. LOL!

I don't know if it's a dominance issue necessarily or if it's a puppy looking at the biggest lawn ever and just wanting to play!

[Pacifist Patriot]

17. Those grounds have got to be a puppy heaven.

[alsame]

27. No kidding. If my dog

sees the video and compares it to what she has, she'll go for my throat. :rofl:

[damntexdem]

13. That's one wooly puppy, and apparently wild as well.

And, hey, Barack and Michelle are cuties, too.

[Muttocracy]

36. uh, not Caesar Millan (sp?) - but they need some advice, yeah

as simple as standing still rather than letting the dog pull would help. Short of that, a no-pull harness or Gentle Leader until they get their braking muscles in shape :)

[havocmom]

52. Those Gentle Leads are great

84 pound neighbor with 110 pound lab was having... well, difficulties. I suggested a head lead device and she has a nice walking partner now.

Maybe if Bo wore one, more people would know about them and stop asking my why my golden 'has to wear a muzzle'. I always point out that there is no tight bottom strap under his muzzle and he could bite if he needed too. ;)

[Muttocracy]

63. I'm a huge fan - probably saved the life of one of my dogs

He was a large adolescent shelter mutt who had NO idea what a leash walk was. I think he was kept tied out on a chain as a pup. A Gentle Leader head halter made him walkable at the shelter. He was overlooked as just another big black mutt but eventually I (a volunteer) was able to adopt him.

Now that I have 2 70lb dogs each of whom is stronger than me, I have to walk my dogs on them or risk them yanking the leash away in pursuit of squirrels or rabbits. I look forward to when I have my own big fenced yard and we don't need them, but until then...

Yeah, I don't even worry about the muzzle thing anymore. My younger dog tends to give people a big grin and wag so if they're dog people they smile back and if they're afraid of dogs they're even more terrified!

[havocmom]

78. Personally, I think people who would think a Golden had a muzzle on...

probably need to be nipped, but it won't be my haltie wearing big boy that does it. ;)

[shanti]

80. why not cesar?

and he also has his own collar, the illusion collar.

cesar is the one person who has sold me on the very real possibility of owning a dog, and i've never been a "dog person". cesar may not be edumacated ;), but he's very bright and has a vast amount of common sense regarding animals and people. he's the best, imo!

[Muttocracy]

88. I personally think he's right about the need for exercise and mental activity

(most people have no idea how much of both dogs need). He overdoes it on the dominance stuff - at least what I've seen of his shows and read of his books, which is not that much because it turned me off and I quit reading. And it's not new - Monks of New Skete were big on that stuff, and later revised their books.

Victoria Stilwell on the TV show for couples with dog problems impressed me more.

It's not that I buy all the New Age dog stuff either. Many of those folks don't like Brian Kilcommins, and I like his books. I've seen Suzanne Clothier work magic on growling rescue dogs in person, and with an approach quite different from Milan's. Cesar Milan seems to be a marketing genius getting himself all over the place, but he's not the world's first or best dog trainer.

[Muttocracy]

89. check out the UPenn Vet School article summarized here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217141540.htm

...
“This study highlights the risk of dominance-based training, which has been made popular by TV, books and punishment-based training advocates,”Herron said. “These techniques are fear-eliciting and may lead to owner-directed aggression.”

Prior to seeking the counsel of a veterinary behaviorist, many dog owners attempt behavior-modification techniques suggested by a variety of sources. Recommendations often include the aversive-training techniques listed in the survey, all of which may provoke fearful or defensively aggressive behavior. Their common use may have grown from the idea that canine aggression is rooted in the need for social dominance or to a lack of dominance displayed by the owner. Advocates of this theory therefore suggest owners establish an “alpha” or pack-leader role.
...

[shanti]

91. i'm not buying it

the dogs that cesar trains don't appear frightened of him in the least. he NEVER strikes the dogs, or stares them down as the study seems to infer. in fact, he says to approach a new dog sideways to let them smell you (no touch, no talk, no eye contact). he's only training people to deal with dogs as they do with themselves (the dogs). have you ever watched his show?

[Ilsa]

40. Yeah. they need to learn right away how to walk their dog, or

the dog will be making the staff at the WH crazy trying to be the pack leader.

[shanti]

65. cesar

was on larry king live monday nite discussing the new pup. wouldn't it be awesome if he was invited to the white house?

[Bozita]

2. love those captions!

[ColbertWatcher]

4. Thank you! : p n/t

[Tangerine LaBamba]

5. You know,

I can look at pictures of that family all day long and never stop smiling.........................

[ColbertWatcher]

8. It is heartwarming to see a pet and his family having fun! n/t

[Pacifist Patriot]

14. Me too.

[Dappleganger]

10. Obama really pulled one over on his family...

that dog is soooo not for the girls but for him!

[Kajsa]

18. I got that feeling too.

President Dad Obama is having way too much
fun with Bo.

:D

[Fire1]

31. You got that, too? lol!

[TorchTheWitch]

69. haha! I think you're right

It's obvious he's the one that's most thrilled with the dog.

I think my dad did the same thing when I was a kid and we got the "family" dog. He was most definitely more enamored with the dog than the rest of us... and the dog knew that from day one, too.

[madaboutharry]

12. Bo needs some tips in "loose leash walking"

They should hire Tamar Geller. I love her philosophy of training dogs. I have her book and DVD and it was very helpful to me working with my Boston Terriers.

[KittyWampus]

26. would you be able to distill her philosophy into a few points?

[madaboutharry]

30. She has a lovely website:

Look here: http://www.tamargeller.com/

[Believing Is Art]

16. Heel, Bo! n/t

[Kajsa]

19. I love the pictures,

and the captions are PERFECT.

Thanks so much!

:) :hi:

[shireen]

20. a fluffy bundle of joy!

i love his exuberance and energy, what a lovely little fella! I'm so happy for the Obamas. :)

[Peacetrain]

21. Bo is too rambunctious for the girls.. a trainer needs to get back in with Bo

Pronto

[havocmom]

53. No, a trainer needs to get working with the girls

and their parents ;) Dog is fine, he just needs to know he has dominate pack leaders.

[elleng]

59. Probably,

but remember: He's Six Months OLD!

[sandyj999]

22. Oh Boy!! Good Luck!

There were two dog breeders on local television yesterday and they raise these dogs. I understand that honesty is the best policy but boy were they honest! That breed loves to get in your face and is very energetic according to them. I appreciate their honesty because they want it to work and it's best to know what you are getting into. And they are responsible breeders because the buyer signs a contract that if it doesn't work out they get the dog back. I do think the Obamas need Cesar! He is a cool dog and I remember the President saying he didn't want a tiny dog so he got his wish.

[Sebass1271]

23. Damn, my President runs with so much style.. he looks

like a model of a GQ magazine...

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

24. Looks at those paws...aww!!

[malaise]

25. My favorite pix

[Tangerine LaBamba]

32. That's a mighty impressive photo -

considering that the weather here today has been chilly and gray and drizzly, and just about every cherry blossom has fallen to the ground. That must be one of the few trees still flowering. I just love that it's on the WH grounds!

And the good pup didn't even try to mark his territory or do his business, for which, I am sure, everyone was grateful................

[TorchTheWitch]

70. The cherry blossoms here haven't flowered yet

But I'm farther north. I have a big one in my yard and the buds are ready to pop... any day now. We've got them everywhere here and it's so pretty when they're all in bloom. Too bad it's such a short time though.

[jazzjunkysue]

33. I appreciate the casual clothes they wear around the white house.

Nice to see they don't get all serious and costume every appearance.

That will take away the temptation to catch them in unflattering situations. There's no perfect picture to shatter.
And, it's obvious this family really enjoys being together.

[Muttocracy]

37. oh, good one - and looks like Bo is busy and not pulling

he'll be a good dog as long as he gets some jogging. I can see Obama stepping out of a boring meeting - sorry, gotta run around with the dog for a minute... :)

[malaise]

43. I hope so

Too cool

[BlancheSplanchnik]

83. Again! I'm tearing up

WHERE the heck is that tearing up with happiness emotieface I've been asking for???

...btw, that looks like a magnolia tree to me.... ?

[corpseratemedia]

28. i think Bo is ready to jump into the fountain

the dog, that is!

[madrchsod]

29. a man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders....

runs across the air......



i wonder just who`s dog this will be? :rofl:

[pacalo]

41. Awww...I love that picture. Definitely looks like Bo likes to run.

He will go to Mom when he's hungry, but it's going to be Poppy's big bud. :)

[bdamomma]

74. oh yea, I can hear President Obama saying Let's go Bo!!!

they will both keep each other fit.

[Catshrink]

73. If * were running with Barney, * would be flat on his face by now.

You know, slippery floor and pretzels. Obama can run -- and he can do all that presidentin' too.

[madrchsod]

87. as soon as i saw that i thought of bush

barney would probably pee on george...

[amborin]

34. those pics are great!

[question everything]

35. What did Sasha say?

When they took Bo in front of the photographers, Sasha went ahead and said something about Bo - something that he does or does not - but I did not get it.

[Libby2]

38. I think she said they have to teach him to swim.

[inna]

39. hopefully he's not a "problem dog" - he had been returned back to

the shelter before (presumable, by less than happy owners)...

just sayin'.

:hide:

[csziggy]

55. I think I read that there was an older dog in his former home that did not like him

I can see that if there was a senior dog, it could be hard to get a new puppy whose personality fits.

[LisaL]

56. He's never been to a shelter.

[Carni]

42. OMG That dog is a handful LOL!

I have had many like him--they walk you not vice versa.

I don't think Bo has been instructed about proper protocol and something tells me if and when he is, he's not going to listen! LOL

[BlooInBloo]

45. Having a real family in the White House is so cool.

[Cha]

60. It's beyond Cool..

B-)

[greatauntoftriplets]

46. The dog is taking the Obamas for a walk.

I love it!

:rofl:

[DevonRex]

86. Isn't that just the cutest thing? We have ALL been taken for walks by our dogs

at one time or another, especially the first day we had them. And usually we're so besotted that we let them do it for a little while and then have to change OUR behavior.

:hi:

[Raine]

47. Aw he's ADORABLE, reminds me of

my Standard Poodle that died 5 years ago, makes me miss him so much. :-(

[ColbertWatcher]

49. Aww, I'm sorry.

That breed does look a lot like poodles.

I wonder if they're related at all?

[csziggy]

58. Poodles may be ancestors of the Portugeuse Water Dogs

There is a good history (http://www.pwdca.org/breed/history.html) and tons of info about them at the breed club website: http://www.pwdca.org/index.html

And they even have a note on the front page, new today I believe since it was not there the other day, about "Responsible Breeding and Dog Ownership" due to the First Family adopting one. The group does sound as though they promote good practices in their breed, if you look over their web site. Breeders have buyers sign agreements to return dogs if they can not keep them, for instance.

I can't copy specific statements from their site, unfortunately, so people will just have to take a look for themselves.

[ColbertWatcher]

68. Very cool. Thank you! n/t

[JeanGrey]

51. These are very rambunctious dogs, high energy and they

are bred for water. I hope the Obama's haven't made a mistake. That is probably what caused Bo to be rehomed in the first place. People just don't use sense in picking their pets at times.

He is beautiful.

[havocmom]

54. isn't Bo the First Dog actually the Obama's first dog?

Give em some time to learn how to be the boss of a bright and strong dog. They'll do OK.

Havocdad got his first dog in his 30s and he picked an Airedale! Interesting choice for a dog rookie! A Portie is probably almost as big a handful for novice dog owners.

Teddy had to be laughing his ass off at the fun though. That is good to think about. :hi:

[JeanGrey]

57. But dogs are genetically bred with certain traits. That can

make them unsuitable in homes where those traits aren't allowed to be used and can led to much frustration and bad acting out on the dog's part. I suspect that is what happened to Bo the first time.

:-)

[Lyric]

64. Golden Retrievers are bred for water, too.

However, they do perfectly fine without water so long as they get plenty of exercise and attention. I know this because I have one, and he hasn't been "swimming" in years. He's still a happy, healthy, normal dog.

People make too much of "inborn" traits sometimes. A lot of it has to do with how they're raised and cared for.

:hi:

[havocmom]

79. read that his previous family had an old dog and the pup's exuberance was too much

I could see how an older, possibly aching dog would have trouble with that much energy in a tough body!

[DevonRex]

85. It'll be fine. The Obamas are also high energy and VERY smart.

The Bo was returned because an older dog in the home couldn't get along with him. He is now the ONLY dog in the Obama home, so there will be no problems on that front.

The White House has a fountain. And the Obamas have been around Teddy Kennedy's Porties so they knew exactly what to expect.

[kskiska]

62. It's Me or the Dog

Victoria Stillwell should pay a visit. She's fantastic.

[nonconformist]

67. Poor Stains.

[Pacifist Patriot]

71. What?! Outsourcing by the president? Employ Americans!

;-) My eight year old loves her show so I've seen bits and pieces. What I've seen has been either totally disgusting or an absolute hoot. She's great.

[Muttocracy]

90. from what I've seen, I agree! nt

[bdamomma]

72. Bo is going to keep them fit.

I can see President Obama taking Bo running with him or the other way around!!!

[saltpoint]

75. Bo has charisma. Looks like he's pretty strong, too.

Great pics. Thank you.

[blogslut]

76. He's so pretty!

I love his little mis-matched boots.

[JBoy]

77. Reporters try desperately to get statement from Bo:

[OneBlueSky]

81. in my long experience as a dog "owner" (you never really own them -- they own you) . . .

I've found that dogs are happiest when their families include other dogs, i.e. companions of their own species . . . if the Obamas are good, caring "human companions" (as I'm sure they will be), I wouldn't be surprised to see a second "First Dog" join the pack at some point . . .

[ellie]

82. What a cutie!

He has a serious face and I like his socks.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

84. Alternate title for 2nd pic: "Thinking About Pulling" !!

heee heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :7

Thank You!! Love these pics !