Oh Otis!!

Thanks for the offer-will see how it goes. I hate to send him away for any length of time (but I did take a little road trip this week to escape!). The trainer has some suggestions for his "bossiness", like totally ignore him when he escalates. He had a new toy and would not drop it, I walked away and he came from behind and nipped my ankle, I yelped so loud, I think it scared him half to death. Anyway, I think it is getting better. He can be very affectionate, too, and enjoys attention. He can still be mouthy at times but is not biting (too much) My son took him to visit a friend and family, Otis spent some time running around the woods while they were working out there. Long story short, he came home covered in burrs! Took a couple grooming sessions to get most of them out but he was pretty patient.
He did much better at his last session w/the groomer too. He also has discovered a world outside his yard so now has lost some freedom until he understands his borders. Gets walks 2-3 times/day, enjoys meeting people and dogs. My son thinks his behavior is worse towards women, more jumping and mouthing. He may be right but it needs to stop. Operation next month, maybe that will help. He gets a little wild w/the kids but does settle down after a bit.

Sounds like all I do is complain! We do love him, just need to work through some of these issues.

Raine

Here is Raine, the female pup I am co-owning with Cory in Seattle. She's a ball of fun and energy! And very good looking -you can see her nice structure here with her coat cut down.

Alta ... your pup's grandma

Hi Sunny --
Just a brief note from us in Texas, I wanted to let you know how happy we are, and how wonderful Alta remains. Last Dec I got pneumonia, which led to a heart attack and respiratory arrest -- in and out of the hospital 5 times between Dec and May. Alta stayed with friends who used to live with Bouviers, and now have Greyhounds. We now refer to the Greyhounds as her 'cousins'. In May I received a pacemaker and have been slowly gaining strength. She is the sweetest and most wonderful companion. She is healthy, chases squirrels in the back garden for exercise, and often decides to follow me about the house (actually I think she 'heels' as she is right beside me). She can tell when I am having a less than great day, then she never leaves my side. She is healthy, and seems very happy. I cannot tell you what a special difference it has made in my life to live with Alta. Thank you.
caryl

Bhima

We are watching Bhima grow fast! Took him to get weighed at the local Pets Mart came in at 55lbs. When I gave him his full name Bhima "Biggie" Allez I had know idea he would live up to his middle name.
His training is also coming along well and almost all his adult teeth are in so plenty of tug a war soon. We couldn't be happier with him. I will attach some pictures I took of him with my phone and send you some better ones my wife took with her camera. Hope all is well with you on the farm and wish you luck on your up coming competition.

Mikka!

Here's Mikka up in central Minnesota! Look familiar, everybody? :)

Otis update!

Otis is growing so fast! 36 Lbs last week. Started school last week where he was perfect -why doesn't that carry over at home?! But they were very impressed at the vet with his behavior. I wish he would move beyond the biting but I think I have figured out some of the problem. When he is tired but stimulated, like after a long walk, he really needs a time out. He's too worked up to "settle". Persistence ! Very tiring but he can be good too. Groomer again tonight, hope that goes well.

When do you head south? We are really enjoying the change in weather. Take care!

It sounds like he is growing! We also are in puppy class and Gail's done biting. If you want to send Otis here for a while I'll be happy to work with him; I would not be playing ANY biting games with him, no hands on the face/mouth games and I would be providing him with very strict guidelines regarding feeding, crating, etc.

I'll be home after October 5 until around New Years if you want him to come to puppy camp.