Two dogs...

I have to say that it's so much fun to have two dogs again, and having two so close in age ups the fun(ny) factor!

This morning we were outside for "getting busy" and as I don't have a fenced area yet, both were on long lines. Nessie finished and then laid down in the grass, suddenly her head went low and the "down" became a stalking pose. She was watching Paxton, obliviously walking towards her with his nose buried in the grass. Suddenly he stops, nose still buried but now aware that he is being stalked. Just his eyes move up, his posture changes o-so-subtly and *boom* it's a chase! I love watching their body language :-)

Off to the Vet

Today Nessie visited the Vet for her 12-week DHLPP shot. On the scale she registered 17.2#!! She was very excited to see a Boxer and another dog, but since she may not be fully immunized yet, visiting them was not an option. While we waited for the doctor, Nessie practiced her table manners and position changes - "sit", "down" and "stand". She also allowed Dr. B. to see her teeth, eyes, and ears. I like to put a word to these exams so the poor dog isn't being prodded around without knowing what is going on. I start early to name things that I might do ("nails", "ears", etc) and make sure it's a good experience with a treat! This makes it so much easier to do necessary things like clean their ears, clip or grind their nails, wipe muddy paws and brush their teeth as they grow. Who wants to wrestle with a 75# dog to clip nails!?!

Nessie's first "trick"

Today while waiting for some friends to join us outside for lunch, Nessie learned to wait to take a piece of food placed on her paw. While this may seem difficult, in reality it's not much different from learning to wait politely for their food bowl to be placed on the ground and to be released to eat. It's all about self control.

Today was Nessie's second day at work. She felt comfortable enough to use the "rock toilet" (landscaping rocks outside my office) and even (in a different locale, but still on the rocks) did sit and down. She's asking to go out now pretty regularly. Yay, Nessie!

We worked on holding her down in the kitchen area while I prepared my lunch. Folks watching were very impressed at this little tiny girl holding a down while I danced around her :-)

Waiting for Godot?

No, just waiting for lunch! One of the things that the puppies need to learn is not to jump up for their food. They are to sit quietly (on their own initiative) until the food is down and they are released. The babies learn to sit before the food comes, our job is to teach them more self control. They eventually wait until the food bowl is down and they are released. Today I gave Nessie her lunch in small portions, each one a lesson in waiting a bit longer before the release.

Food: 2 3/4 cup (in 3 meals & treats)
Weight: 11.6#
Housetraining: "Indicates" need to go out by going to gate (ok, I'm observing and acting to take her out, but she's not squatting just anywhere!)
Working on: mealtime manners (food about 1' from floor), drop it
New experiences: Post office

Today we went to "Everybody Rides" in Newark, NY. A group from Kodak (and others) have been going to this site for several years. We built a pole barn two years ago, wired it for lights and electricity last year and this year built some floating floors for outdoor stalls and put up shelving and racks for tack and gear. Paxton met "Finny", a wonderful calm Morgan horse. Paxton was curious but cautious, especially when Finny snorted in his face!

My last date with Noel?

Today mom and I went to Noel's house for a play date. Mom said to have fun because it was going to be our last off-leash playtime (something about Noel becoming a big girl?!) So we ran and played, and played and ran and hmmm, Noel smells a little different today. I feel all funny inside....

Mom says if we're both very, very good at our jobs, that maybe, someday, we'll meet again for a real "play date". (wink, wink!)