Learning to Retrieve

Sunday, January 4, 2009

We have been working with Findlay on many activities. He passed his 'Initial Doggie Obedience' class right before Christmas. He was awarded the class's 'Most Improved at Controlling Himself' Award. I am not sure that is a great one to get...but you can decide that part!!

I went to Cabella's for clearance things and found a wonderful set of bright orange (GO HOPE) retrieval toys. He had one that was cammie, but in the snow it got a touch lost...don't ask!! Anyhow, these bright orange ones work great. So, we play daily after our walk and a few more times after the temps warm up (our little paws get tender otherwise). We are working to find, retrieve and return the 'ducks' to Mommy. He does most of that well and LOVES the games. I will admit, he often does not want to 'give' after coming back to Mommy. We are working on that part. When the snow was higher and fresh, Carrie was working on voice and arm commands to get him to find the 'duck' when it was hidden in the snow. HE LOVED THAT TRICK!! Findlay was terribly proud of himself that day for sure. We are all enjoying a bit of time to play in the snow, learn new things and bond a bit more. He will be 7 months in a week and he continues to grow in size, smarts and love. I am beginning to let him win my heart over - a task that is not that easy after Carli. He is doing pretty well so far - at least when he is a good boy!!

We thought a picture with Mommy would prove that I was outside in the cold too. It was fun for us both. I will keep you posted as we will schedule Findlay's 'surgery' soon. I am confident that he will just love Mommy for doing that deed!!