Pup Scouts puppy class

On Saturdays, I volunteer at Pup Scouts, a dog training business. Years ago, when we first adopted Riley, this is where we took him. It was fun, positive, successful, and gave me great foundation to build on. So, naturally when we adopted Grace this is where we took her, and she thrived! She loves to work and do anything I ask, and it was the people here, that got us into Rally. We've hung around ever since.

Saturday mornings, there is puppy class and basic obedience class. Part of puppy class is social/play time and I decided to play with my new lens. The rooms lighting is not ideal, so I need to play around with my settings. I hope to take pictures every week of all different dog. Here are some of the good pictures I took; Bear the Schnauzer/Poodle, Sam the mix (I'm guessing Aussie or BC and Chocolate Lab) and Einstein the Corgi.

Bear and Sam are a bit on the shy side and would prefer to just sit and watch, but Einstein makes sure to get everyone involved!

We like to call this, the circle of friendship!

Hopefully I can remember to take pictures every week!

Murphy's visit

Ok, I'm back blogging world! I know I said I was going to post pictures of puppy Murphy soon, the last time I blogged, but he kept us pretty busy and took us a bit to recover after he went home! We have never had a young puppy in the house before and it has be a very long time since I personally had one. Nevertheless, he was fun to have around, keeping us entertained with his puppy antics. He could be a bit pushy towards Riley and Grace if they weren't paying attention to him, but either I or they would tell him to cut it out. Mostly when he got that way, I took him outside and we played fetch.

Looking at Murphy, one might guess he is a Black Lab puppy, while he is actually a Black Lab/Blue Heeler mix. Although, I think the Heeler gene skipped him! He seems 100% Lab to me! He loves the game of retrieving!

These were the best group shots I could get of everyone! Murphy didn't quit know what stay meant.

Ever feel like someone is watching you??

Begging Grace to play with him. She had other plans.

Wordless Wednesday (and sneek peek at puppy Murphy!)

Dock Dogs and a New Toy!

 This past weekend was the "Paws in the Park" Dock Dogs event in Pasadena TX. My friend and Red were entered, as well as some of Red's litter mates, Mojo and Gitchi. Being there, in person, was a ton of fun, I had only ever seen dock dogs on TV, so I was really excited to go. Everyone there was really supportive of all the other competitors and everyone was just having fun.

Red wasn't quit sure about this whole jumping thing! He had only jumped off the side of a pool (which he did with no hesitation), so this whole dock thing was a little scary. But the little guy over came his fear and jumped with..... style?.... grace?.... nope, he jumped with heart and humor!

 Red's second jump

Red's final and best jump of the day. He jumped 4 ft! I'd say he was getting the hang of it :)

One of Red's brothers, Mojo.

 Mr. Mojo got 1st place in novice, with a jump of 9 ft.!

Red's sister, Gitchi. She was by far the most confident.

I'd say it was a great debut for the young pups and it was so much fun to watch! 

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On the way home we got a new toy for Riley and Grace, one of those treat dispenser ball toys (our old one has seen better days). I don't remember the name of the toy, I threw away the wrappings already.... I know real convenient. But anywho the dogs love it and they got to take turns playing with it.

Riley is a pro at these treat balls. If rolling it isn't giving him treats, he kicks it, that doesn't work, he throws it, and as a final result he will throw it down the stairs and gather the treats that fall out as he goes down.

Grace is a little more delicate, for now. She will just nudge it around or chew on it.

I put the difficulty level on easy for them the first time, and they both figured it out dang quick!

How we love play-dates!

I am so happy and thankful we have such a great group of friends who love having play-dates. Us hanging with friends, dogs hanging with doggie friends, what could be better? It brings joy to my heart :)

This is play date number two for Grace! Once again she was such a lady and enjoyed her self. Her, Riley and Red (who has grown so much since we last saw him!) wrestled and ran just about the entire time!

 DOG PILE!

Rawr! 

Red and Grace putting on their scary faces!

Aww Grace, that's his cheek haha

Handsome Red

  

Next we played some ball outside. All the dogs were great about sharing the ball, although at first Grace did express her distaste for the boys being faster then her :) Riley and Red would zoom after the ball and Grace ran behind, when either Riley or Red got the ball, Grace would bark a couple times as she caught up and then all three would run back haha.

Every once in a while the boys would let her win!

 Go Grace Go!

Red loves his tunnel!

Now, you can't have a fun play date without posing for some pictures

Riley and Red posing on the mini A-frame

Got to get Grace in there!

The boys and the tunnel.

Everyone smile! Aww Grace you blinked.

 Take two, Perfect!

Everyone had such a great time! And now I have two happy, tired pups

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On a different note, Grace had obedience class number two today as well! She is very anxious in new places, and there were lots of strange people and dogs she didn't know (well a lot for her, there's only 5 other dogs/handlers in class). She has done great thus far, but today we worked on downs... and she was not about to lay down with all the strange people around her. But thankfully our instructor is very patient and understanding (one reason why I picked her). It took about 15 minute before Grace did her first down and when she did, you would have thought she had done some spectacular trick with the way I cheered! YAAAY! GOOD GIRL! YOU ARE SO AWESOME! YOU DID IT!! GOOD GIRL GRACE! 

(Lots of treats and rubs ensued!)

After getting over the big hurtle of doing a down in front of all the strange people and dogs, the following downs were a bit easier!

Go Grace!