Puppy Class #2

 

Tonight we had our second puppy class.  We "learned" the 'sit' and 'down' commands even though Toby is already well on to 'stay' and 'shake'.  We also learned the 'leave it' command, which Toby will actually benefit from very much.  The little guy definitely knows what it means...he just has a tough decision to make:  a rock or a chicken treat...  hmmm, should be a no-brainer, right?.

 

Toby is now just over 13 weeks  (3 months).  He is growing so fast.  We are measuring his height on the door while he is sitting and it seems to be going up an inch every day or so. 

It's hard to think that he will be 50lbs in two months!

 

Here are a couple pictures from the great weather we have been having.

Look at that blocky head.  What a beautiful pup!

 

Toby wants to say congratulations to Ben and Mel on welcoming their new addition to their home, Spliff.  We will post some pictures as soon we can get them.

 

Also, Toby would like to wish little Vincent a happy 3rd birthday.  We will be celebrating tomorrow with a Dorito cake (his favorite)  and  lots of laser fun.

Vet Visit #2

 

Toby had his second vet visit yesterday.  He is 23 lbs and doing well.  He is growing on pace for about 5lbs every two weeks.  Toby had several shots: a distemper booster, lepto vaccination, and he got a few nose drops for a flu-like vaccination.

 

He couldn't get his Rabies shot because he had to be a minimum of 12 weeks old...which he wasn't yesterday, but is today.  A little goofy.

 

He is sleeping now until about 6:00am and doesn't get fed until about 6:30am.

 

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

There are no bugs on me...

 

It's been awhile since we posted a message to the blog.  We've been so busy with work, GRADUATING, and taking care of the two boys. 

 

Vincent & Toby

Vincent and Toby are starting to have their first face-to-face encounters together.  Vincent is still a little cautious around Toby.  We don't blame him; Toby is doubling in size every two weeks or so.  We are trying to increase their positive interactions before Toby is 85lbs.  :)

 

Commands/Training

Toby has learned a couple more commands ("down" and "stay").  The "down" command has been somewhat humorous though.  He picked it up right away, probably within a day or two.  However, since learning the "down" command, he then thought that any command other than "sit"  must have meant "down". 

We realized this as we started to experiment with the "stay" command -- Toby began laying down.  It took a day or two to correct the misunderstanding.

Now, he knows "stay" up to about 6 feet (as I walk away)...and getting much better on placing a treat down in front of him.  He is an incredibly smart puppy!

Leash training is going well too.  We have improved our walk status to: manageable.  Now, it's just pulling all the fun presents out of his mouth...

 

 

On to the pictures!

 

Toby loves the sun.  He will run around all day if we didn't stop him.

 

INCOMING!!

 

Quick break to have a drink.

 

Gotta cover up that smell....whew!

 

 

This right here says it all!

Bath Time!

 

After two weeks of puppy shenanigans, we decided to give little Toby a bath.  He didn't mind the water too much.  I mean, he is a Golden Retriever...

He was a little scared of the hairdryer...but he got plenty of treats for being a good boy!

 

Before the bath

 

Getting used to the water...

 

 

Mmmm...the soap feels funny!

 

 

 

Mom, can you make sure to get behind my ears too?!?

 

 

Ok guys, I think I'm done!

9 Weeks Old

 

Just wanted to let everyone know that Toby was 9 weeks old yesterday.  We went to the hardware store and park this week.  He has met most of the neighbors on our block.  Everywhere we go, people love him.  He's such a sweetie.

 

What a lover!!

 

"Yes, mom...whatever you say."

 

Whether he has a toy, or just tired, he will always find a lap to snuggle up on.

 

Resting time before bedtime

 

We have started him on some fun obedience training to lock in the commands he already knows.  He loves to eat everything on our walks, so "Come" and "Leave It" are definitely first on the list.

 

"I'm ready to play whenever you are"

 

It took him awhile to sit for the picture above.  When we're outside - it's GO time.  I had to make some funny noises and wave my hands just to get a "what are you doing?" look.

 

Floppy ears!

 

Puppy kindergarten starts in a couple weeks.  I'm sure Toby will be the smartest in his class.  I mean, who else takes their 12 week old to kindergarten.  ;)

Take care,

Eric, Lori, Vincent & Toby