Hi Guys,

 

Our sweet boy is laying here beside me - as he usually does - while I am working.  Of course, if I get up out of this chair he is instantly up hoping we are going to either 1) eat or 2) go out!  I just adore him.  He is such a tiger with Tory.  He goes right into her crate to get her to come out and play!  It is so darn good to see her coming out of her shell, little by little.  She is now wanting to go out with us when I take him for potty breaks.  I am taking both of them at the same time, but it is a real trip!!

 

Camping went well!  He loved it at our camp grounds - so many new things to smell and places to run!  He was a wildman the whole time!  He traveled well going and coming - he isn't fond of his crate, but once he knows we are on the road, he is quiet and patient till we get to a stop.

 

We have had some accidents in the house - 3 to date.  I scold him a bit, and he doesn't like it if he thinks I'm not happy with him - he is so darn dear trying to 'make up' that I couldn't stay upset if I wanted to! 

 

Mornings are his peak time - he is a fireball in the morning.  We race all over the house, we jump on Tory, the bed the cat.  We want to eat and drink and run all at the same time.  He wants to play with ANYTHING available.  On days when Skip works, he always made it a habit with Tory, to come in and take a treat out of his lunch box for her.  He carries a small container of those dried liver pieces just for this purpose.  His idea was hoping Tory would get excited to see him.  Well, SHE could normally care less - treats have never meant anything to her.  He included Niffy in the treat giving just ONE time and since then EVERY time Skip comes home from work Niffy goes nuts running and jumping all excited to see him - he KNOWS Skip will have a treat for them.  He is also getting better at waiting his turn!

 

We are working slowly but surely through the only problem I have with him, and that is being under foot and begging food from me while I cook (no matter what meal) and while we eat.  I have cut up into small pieces some bread crusts and some cooked chicken etc that I keep in a bowl in the frig and get out when I am cooking and eating.  I make him wait, but I will give him small pieces now and then and he is getting very good at sitting there patiently waiting.  The reward is when I am done cooking or eating that I put a small bit in his dinner bowl.  The point is to get him to settle for less and less while I'm cooking and we are eating for the reward when we are done.  I have no clue if it will work, but he is so smart I am hopeful.  I am NO dog handler/trainer at all.  I have no idea the best way to teach him about coming or sitting - the word STAY is definitely NOT in his vocabulary!  But, we are doing just fine just the same.  He is the best darn dog I have ever had and I love him dearly.  Skip's love is Tory, but he can't help but smile fondly and love on Niffy too.  He is easy to love.

Sharon and Niffy