This is one handsome boy!

Snaggle Puss

Vet Visit, June 27, 2011

Brutus had a regular wellness vet visit. He had these vaccines: DHPPV,  Kennel Cough, and Rabies.  He was 105.6 pounds, so his weight gain is definatly slowing down.  Everything looked good except for a ear infection in his left ear.  He got some new medicine for that since his previous meds weren't working for it.  It was a rough visit since he has become pretty nasty towards other dogs he doesn't know.  Also wasn't crazy about the vet tech.  I did muzzle him for the vet visit.... a first for him.  Previous picture shows him in it. 

Yesterday I ordered a new basket muzzle for him for future vet visits and some outdoor adventures that it may me necessary for.  Not sure how much he will like it, but he's going to have to adjust to it.  He'd definatly going to look like Hannibal Lector in this..... and will probably scare the crap out of strangers!  Better to be safe than sorry.

On a brighter note..... tomorrow is doggie swimming !!! 

Hannibal Lectar

Froggy Boy

Brutus now swims AND lays like a froggy!  He' so cute!

Agility Certificate

Final Agility class was pretty tough.  We ran the complete course 3 times each.  We weren't able to run it without a leash, but we made it through with one on.  He still needs loads of practice. He doesn't really care to pay attention to me without the leash.  He just starts roaming around.  Luckily, this is just for fun!  No competing for us.  I just think it's great exercise and mental stimulation for Brutus.  Guess we will be signing up again in the fall for another shot at this!

Brutus & Tess swimming

This was Brutus's first shot in the pool at  Wagging Tail Doggie Day Care He was working hard and had this "what's going on?" look on his face.  Tess had a blast doing all sorts of jumps.  She's a pro!  I liked the one point in the video when Brutus was following her..... but then got snagged back by Silke to continue swimming.  By the end of the swimm he was jumping in himself.  Can't wait until Thursday to take him again!

Swimming Pictures from 6.11.11

Brutus, the big log, attempting to get out of the pool.  Needs some practice with this.

Brutus pulling Silke back to the ladder.  Rescue dog in training!

Retrieving a toy.

Can't decided..... which way should I go, ladder????  Ramp???

Getting ready to JUMP!

Brutus swims (2)

Brutus swims

Had an awesome time watching Brutus swim today. It was his first deep water swim since being a puppy. He was a little hesitant at first, but eventually he was jumping in himself to fetch toys. His crush, Tess, was swimming too...... think he was showing off for her. He made me so proud! I'm taking him again on Thursday since he had such a good time.

Sharing a web site

Passing on this awesome doggy supply store that Brutus' trainer, Silke, shared with me today...http://www.cleanrun.com/  I  L-O-V-E the stuff on here!  Just ordered a Kooling collar, pack of icee refills, and 2 Tabs (mini leashes) that I'll use at agility classes.  Thanks Silke!  So much more I want to......

5th Agility Class

Sunday we had our 5th Agility class..... only one more to go!  It went well.  We started a little later, so it wasn't a hot mess like last weekend.  Overall he did really great.  He has no fear doing the teeter, and he's getting much faster at everything.  Weave Poles are still a challenge.  The ramp was highered, and he had no proble or fear going over it.  He was very good with the other dogs and wasn't reactive to them at all.  I guess he is now familiar with them, so he's a good boy. Next week is our finally class.  The plan is that we are going to get a paper with a diagram of the course we are suppose to run.  We will then be inside the fenced agility area alone, and one dog will run at a time.  She also expects us to do the run without a leash for a beginners agility?  I just don't see this happening with Brutus.  First off..... we haven't attempted anything  off leash yet.  The closest we came to that was dropping the leash while he jumped through the tire and tunnel.  I think this is way too early , in a  beginners class to expect off leash.   I'll give it a try, but don't have high hopes of success.  Don't get me wrong, Brutus does awesome at nearly every station, but without practicing off  leash, I can't imaging doing the whole course, cold turkey, no leash.  I can't believe how fast these classes went!

A small glimmer of hope today...... A lady walked a Beagle passed our fence today and Brutus didn't flip out into his "I'm so bad" personality..... although he did bark twice when they were nearly at the end of the yard.  When this happens... it's a good day as far as I'm concerned!

Saturday we begin our intermediate NoseWork Class.Will to have to lug his crate with him for these 6 classes. The weather no longer will allow me to keep him in the car while he waits his turn.

Brutus will also get his first swim on Saturday after class in the doggy pool.  Can't wait to see his reaction.  Photos and videos will be coming... for sure!

14 Months old today

Today Brutus is 14 months old!  Couldn't plan a great day for him since the temp is around 90 degrees.  He's much happier just staying indoors.  I must say, although he's still a handful when it comes to other dogs and strangers, indoors he has been much more relaxed and spending all of his time with free roam of the downstairs.  I'm considering a test run or removing the gate seperating my two rooms downstairs.  He still has some issues with taking thinks that don't belong to him, especially my slippers and sneakers. He definatly knows hes not suppose to take them and runs in to proudly show... or prove.... to me that he can.  He enjoys pushing my buttons when I'm not giving him my complete attetion.  Also still having a problem keeping him off the counters.  He's absolutely drives nme crazy with the counter surfing!  He especially likes to shread the paper towels.  Not bothering Noah as much, but still likes to aggravate him, and bite his back legs.

Still have two more agility classes to go.  Hopefully she will schedule some sort of practice sessions, or and intermediate classes.  I'm really going to miss this class.  Brutus will begin his intermediate NoseWork class on June 11th.  Also has his first K9 swim at the wagging tail dog daycare  right after class. http://www.waggingtail.net/swimming.htm   It's been a full year since he swam in deep water so I'm curious how he will act.  The last time he was swimming, as you can see in the picture, he was still small enough to carry in the pool!