Fluke or Fact?

The Lord of the Rain has decided to take a break today after some "heavy" work for 3 weeks. I took Moby and Merlin to the beach, hoping that Moby will teach Merlin some appropiate social skills. Moby is a good teacher, teaching Merlin how to be a "Man" - bring home the food.
He showed Merlin how to find "dead" fish in the water under the sea weed. He carried it in his mouth to show off. Being young and ambitious, Merlin grabbed it from Moby's mouth and showed me.
I held out a treat and told Merlin to "drop", so he did. I kicked it back into the water and started walking again. Merlin followed, Moby went back into the water to pick up that fish again. I made him "drop" and again kicked it back into the water. I grabbed Moby by his collar and walked a few yards before I let go of him.
On our way back, Moby again went into the water and found the same fish. He showed it to Merlin, who grabbed it from him and started to run. I yelled "DROP ". Merlin ran into the water, dropped the fish in it, came back to me for his treat. (First time can be a fluke). During the meantime, Moby found a second fish. Merlin charged after Moby, took that fish, ran into the water, dropped it and came to me again for his treat. ( Got to be kidding).
There wasn't a third time to test Merlin because Moby was back on his leash all the way to the van.

Puppy ears

After using "Tear Mender" for 2 weeks, including re-application every few days when they come apart, the one ear still stays down. It does come up during play, and mealtime.

We figure Hermione is too noisy so Merlin decides to keep one ear folded to reduce the intensity of her high pitched bark. Occasionally, he gets on top of the crate to avoid her.

The only quiet time is when everybody is asleep.

Training

We haven't posted for awhile. We have been busy training the puppies, getting them ready for the show ring. We went to a handling workshop at the beginning of the month.



Merlin and Hermione learned how to free stack and gait in a weekend. We still have to work on the stand for examination and getting their bite examined.



After we came back from the National, they have started their first agility class. They are the few who are willing to go into their crates. We are also working on "target", "focus", "sit" and "down on the table".

Hermione looks like her mom's "clone". Merlin has mom's eyes and daddy's head and pigment.

Moli did it

Mama Moli went to agility trials in the weekend. Merlin and Hermione came to watch and gave mama support. It was their first time at a dog show. Mama Moli did it and she came home, adding AG.N to her collection of titles.

Hermione wasn't too impressed with the car ride initially and whined all the way. At the show, she got to meet people and got lots of attention. Since then, she is eagered to get into the car.

Merlin is happy with the new experiences too. He will be in the show ring when he is old enough.

They spend the first night away from home in a hotel. They did very well, not a sound and no accidents indoor.

They got to share an ice-cream cone when we left for home.

Beach day

It has been extremely hot so we take the pups to the beach after supper to cool down, and teach them how to swim.
Mama Moli takes a rod and swims out with it to get the pups to chase her.






Hermione takes to the water without hesitation.
Merlin needs some encouragement.







They leave their pawprints on the sand. They meet new admirers and doggy friends of different size. They will even run up to children to offer a snuggle.

In Training

Great uncle Moby is volunteering today at a local festival celebrating BC day at the therapy dog booth.









Merlin and Hermione come along to see what it is all about.









I am not sure who is getting the therapy. The pup? or the people?








They are our future therapy dogs.
They are tired when they come home. They have lunch and go straight to their crates and crash.

Cotton (aka Yellow Boy)

Yellow boy, now known as Cotton, has left for his new home today. Cotton is a perfect name for him, white and soft and he loves to be cuddle. I would name him Q-tip as in Cutie too. His new grandma has already asked about his diet, he will be spoiled with love and of course, most of all, real food instead of kibble.

Mama Moli gave him a last face wash and kissed him goodbye.