Big Foot

It finally happened. I was amazed at how proportional Luther has been even though he's growing like a weed. His feet are getting bigger and bigger. His legs are long and his rump is going up--just like a foals. When we took him to the vet on Friday (he had a rash on his belly--insect bites--they're gone now) he was over 22 pounds.

Luther is doing much better on the leash now. I took him for a walk this afternoon and he was perfect. He walked even with my left side and never lunged around. Maybe it was because it was hot as a firecracker outside. Kinda takes the starch out of ya.

Backyard Boy

This afternoon I had the porch sliding door open and Luther took it upon himself to go outside. I watched him roam around in the yard. He made his way over near the pine trees where he found (and ate) the leathery shells left by some baby turtles that hatched since last night. Then he explored the lake bank. A floating pine cone caught his interest. Then he wandered along the shoreline in the water. He's getting braver and his attitude is getting bolder. He's 12--almost 13 weeks old.

Tomorrow is another big adventure to the Veterinarian's office, Dr. Nay. I'm interested in seeing how much he weighs. He doesn't particularly like being picked up...and that's a good thing!

Water Dog!

Jimmy missed the big event this morning. Luther has been intrigued with the edge of the lake behind our house for the past week. At first he suspiciously would smell the grasses. When a frog would jump, he'd freek out and run around. Day by day his courage has grown. Today he saw something and rather than retreat, he jumped in the water big time! I watched him turn himself around and swim back to shore. Then he'd high tail it around running up and down the lake's edge. He repeated this same scene again and then he took a huge spring from the shoreline and stretched straight out making a big splash in the lake. He was delighted!!! He swam back and then rallied around the yard for his victory lap.

I don't think Jimmy will have any problems getting Luther into the swamp during duck hunting season. Luther's retrieving skills are definitely there, too. The big work is in getting the whole package together. Good luck, Jimmy and Luther!

Obedience

I think I'm going to need more training than Luther! Our first obedience class went famously. Jody Mountfort was on top of everything. She got Luther's attention immediately and he was literally eating out of her hand. A bump in the nose with a stiff "Off" stopped all the jumping. :-) Luther had a concept of "Sit" but "Down" was new to him as was "Leave-It!". "Come" was reinforced and although he is pretty good outside, the food reinforcement really had Luther's attention. He recognized immediately who had treats. Of course he has an active nose that won't quit.

Luther's potty breaks have been getting longer and longer and drawn out. Jody recommended we leash him and walk him back and forth in one area and keep him moving. It worked. The crating is going fine. He's pretty good and responding to "Kennel".

"Off" on the sofa is still a challenge but I'm committed to not having an 70 pound animal on my white sofa. This will take some concerted effort but we shall prevail.