Bearly was 6 months old on the 3rd. We celebrated with a trip to Sonic and about 1 tsp. of vanilla ice cream...he got that; we ate the rest!
I see that I have not posted here since his very early days. I am happy to say that he was a Star in puppy school. Janet, the lead trainer, fell in love with him. Maybe because he looked like a toy version of her Dobermanns.
In puppy school, he mostly socialized with other dogs and people and learned how to resolve 'stuff' with other pups on his own. We parents were encouraged to let them work it out, and they certainly did. Bearly is not afraid of any dogs, is eager to meet them (regardless of size), and absolutely knows when to show submission. Mommy is very proud!
And he also had a little experience on various agility equipment. Fearless he is! In this shot, we're approaching the tire jump (about 6" high for him). He also learned the A-frame, the hurdles, the tunnel - both open & closed, and the plank. Very smart young man if I do say so, myself.
We added a car seat and a chest carrier to our load of accessories, and he now goes with us LOTS of places. He loves to travel. When we're heading to the car, we have to be careful that he does not leap from our arms into His seat. And we love it, too. He is high enough to see out, and he gets hooked in with a clip on his halter so he stays safe. No puppies in the driver's lap for us!!
He also has his first plane ticket already. We're all going to Cape Cod later in the summer. His life vest has been ordered and is on the way. I think he will get the biggest suitcase! What a load of stuff to tote and remember. And yes, it costs $75 to take a pup as your carry-on. :)
I'm so thankful to Dog Jaunt and DryFur for checklists and tips on how to travel with a small dog. We'll have fun reporting back and showing photos.
As for my former angst, it continues but has lessened considerably.
Bearly has matriculated from puppy school and is now in official Obedience School.
Again, he is the smallest dog in class. As of his check-up Tuesday, he weighed 4.9 lbs.
We're not trying for 100% on the 'heel' command. The only leash walk he takes is his own twice daily 1/2 mile for sniffing and exploring the neighborhood, and he gets to choose the pace and direction for that. We DO want, though, a very reliable 'come' and 'stay' for both sits and downs. He is up to 17 seconds on the 'sit-stay', and 23 seconds on the 'down stay'. Good Boy!
AND, he can fetch, sit, down, up, and piroette! Our house is very open, so he gets a romp of about 25 feet with each 'fetch' and he loves that; does many each day.
Our backuard has been changed from xeriscaped rocks to lovely soft green grass for this little guy. It has been quite a transition.
I can hardly believe how hard we worked on this rock yard just a couple of years ago, only to tear it all out...
...for this little guy.
It's still a little patchy but is well on its way to gorgeous. Yea Joel! She has done most of this transformation with help from our two favorite strong guys: Jeremy and Manuel.
There are just too many darling photos...
these, from left to right show Bearly at my brother's house, with Toby at my sister's house, with dear friend at our house, and a headshot my sis took in our backyard.
