Useful Tricks

My latest trend has been "useful" tricks. So far they have been the most difficult to learn. So, are they worth it? 

 

 

Trick 1: ACHOO!

 

Pros: You will always have tissues if you have a cold
Cons: Scout enjoys eating the tissues more than fetching them, and the box is chewed up
Deciding Factor: Its adorable!

Trick 2: FETCH THE REMOTE

 

 

 

Pros: You don't have to move from that comfy position on the couch to change the channel!
Cons: The remote is slobbery and the back falls off
Deciding Factor: I'm lazy

Trick 3: CLEAN UP

 

Pros: The floor is clean
Cons: You have to work hard to walk Scout through the process
Deciding Factor: I'm a neat freak!

Learning to Swim

 

For a dog who used to whimper during every rain shower, Scout's come a long way! Scout loves jumping in the lake when we're at the dog park.  He hasn't quite mastered the doggy paddle, but he's making some great progress!

 

 

It's been a hot summer so I'm sure Scout will get a lot more practice.  I hope he'll get to be as cool as those Golden Retrievers  who are swimming machines!

 

 I would like to point out that the little black dog you see actually fetching the ball in the video above is not Scout, but rather a much more advanced lab puppy. 

 

One Playful Pup

Who doesn't like cute videos of puppies playing?!

 

 

 

 

Sorry sometimes the cuteness is hard to capture- but I hope it brightened your day!

THIS FACE

Happy Trails!

We finally made it to the Olympic Peninsula! Martin and I love hiking and we have been eager for Scout to join us! We went on the Notch Pass Trial, a low altitude hike, perfect for the early season.  It was quite the adventure, starting out with Scout's first ferry ride. 

As expected it was a chilly day for hiking.  But, that also meant the trail was deserted and we were able to train Scout off-leash on his first real hiking experience!  I think he did an excellent job!  He's going to be such a great trail dog!

 

 

 

To prepare we took an REI class on doggy trail-side first aid.  We learned about what to pack in a dog first aid kit and how to provide first aid if needed.  Not only did I learn a lot, it really helped my confidence (I tend to be a bit of a Nervous Nelly).

We followed up our OP hike by heading to the Cascades with some of Scout's favorite humans Kate and Jacob!  Scout has grown so much that his doggy pack finally fits!

We can't wait for more exciting adventures!


 

Agility Updates!

Agility classes are going well.  Martin and I both agree this puppy class is much more fun! There are 2 teachers for 4 puppies, so we get lots of attention!  Also, the instructors are super friendly and willing to challenge Scout.

Martin is by far the best member in the pack at agility, Scout and I are still learning. Martin has an advantage in handling Scout because he has longer arms, therefore an easier sightline for Scout.  We're also learning fancy handling steps like front-crosses, which are very similar to hockey moves.

Here's some cute clips!

Scout the Stealth Snuggler

We've known forever that Scout has been one snuggly pup.

ADORABLE. 

9 weeks old

And even as he's approaching 6 months (WOW!) he continues to be super cuddlesome.  CUE THE CUTENESS.

His favorite snuggle position is to rest his head on your neck. How original.

 

 

 

 

At night Scout knows he's suppose to sleep in his bed.  So when it's time for lights out he settles down in his own bed. But at 2am I'm woken up by a sleeping dog on top of me. He waits until we fall asleep to crawl into our bed to snuggle up to us! I don't know whether to be mad or overjoyed.