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.

Review of Puppy Kindergarten

Scout recently finished puppy kindergarten class! It was a 6 week class to learn obedience basics through the positive training method. Scout, of course, passed with flying colors. If you're curious as to training classes for your dog here's what I've learned:

Scout knew a lot of the basics before we started class (because he's a genius)! But teaching the positive training method moves VERY slowly. In order to "shape the behavior" we couldn't use any commands or hand signals - we just had to wait for them to offer the behavior.  Some dogs moved very quickly  (like Scout) and others moved very slowly. In fact, still by the end of 6 weeks we weren't using any commands, mostly waiting for them to understand the pattern.

What I got most out of puppy class was the puppy play time.  First of all, it's completely adorable to watch. But secondly, I learned a lot about dog behavior.  I had little experience with how dogs interact and this is where I learned the most. Although Scout was typically the bigger, dominate dog all of his play buddies continued to initiate play with him.  So although he acts like the playground bully other dogs don't seem to mind his actions. Most importantly, we made a new friend and Scout has been on a few play dates with Lucky!

Scout & Lucky

My only frustration was that Scout learned things in record time. We weren't provided a lot of guidance on how to move forward with specific commands or how to better challenge Scout. We spent a lot of time feeding him treats for behaviors he had already grasped. I've continued training at home and I'm mostly making it up as I go :)

Scout's next adventure is Puppy Agility Class!  We had week 1 a few days ago and I can already tell he's going to LOVE it! Stay tuned!

The Stages of Walking with Scout

STAGE 1: Do yoga to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for Scout's walk

STAGE 2: Optimism.  Scout's too excited to smell everything to forget that he's walking.

STAGE 3: A test of will power. Scout decides to plop himself down anywhere and not budge. I try everything. I try luring him with treats.  I try calling his name. I try petting and talking calmly to him. Scout nonchalantly looks away and pretends to count all the strands of grass. This stage usually lasts 45 mins.

STAGE 4: Depression. This is where I stand still and cry in the middle of the side walk and say things like "I'm only trying to provide you a fulfilling life!" Note: Tissues are a must for walks.

Now here the walk can take separate paths....

STAGE 5A: Walking! If Scout and I can successfully make it out of the apartment complex he can loose-leash walk perfectly. Then I take him for a nice 2 mile walk ending in off-leash time and play fetch time. We are happy and lots of treats are involved.

STAGE 5A

STAGE 5B: Loathing. I give up. I am angry at Scout for misbehaving and I am angry at myself for letting him win. I turn around and march straight home. I put Scout in his kennel for time-out. I don't know if he knows it's time-out but it makes me feel better.  I go on a walk by myself to help release all of my pent-up anger.

**In case you can't tell this post was written after stage 5B.  If anyone has any insight on how to curb this behavior I would be very interested in your opinion. **



Scout's A Winner..... Again!

Our apartment had another Pet Photo Contest.  So naturally, I was all over it. The theme was challenging: Pets Dressed Up As Other Animals.

I utilized our friend the cone to turn Scout into a Frill Necked Lizard.

First Place! Cash Prize! Love it!

Scout's paying us pack for all of his expensive vet bills!

Scumbag Scout?

A few days ago Scout and I went for a walk when we came across a nice family. The mother wanted to stop and pet Scout so her stroller-ridden kids could "See the cuuuute puppyyyy." I love complying because it's important for Scout to be socialized. Excitable mom asked what was the his name. What came out of her mouth next left me laughing for days.....

"Scum! How cute! Kids wave hi to the cute puppy, Scum!"

I was too busy trying to control my laughter to correct her. For one thing, she kept repeating Scum over and over.  I mean, who names their dog Scum? Scummy people! That's who!

Scumbag Scout?

Only when he steals all the toilet paper!