Big Day for Blaze

Today was a big day for Blaze. He had his "surgery" this morning and is no longer quite as much boy dog as he was before. Other than being a little groggy at first, it hasn't slowed him down much. The doctor suggested that we keep him calm and not let him jump for a few days but she also admitted that would probably be tough.

Wet Rat

Tonight was the first time that we gave Blaze a bath at home. He had a couple before we got him, but he must not have remembered how much fun they were. He actually did fine, but I don't think that he enjoyed it too much. After the wet dog smell wore off, he was much softer and ready to go.

He must have felt better after the bath because he sure found a burst of energy. He was a holy terror for about an hour until he crashed for the night. Of course, I remember my childhood Boston Terrier would run laps around the house after a bath. Blaze just doesn't have as nice a track.

School Daze

Today was Blaze's first day of Doggie School with Shannon and Logan. I was home not feeling well. It was quite interesting since he was by far the youngest and the smallest dog there. Jan, the instructor, kept saying don't get frustrated because he is learning much more than it shows.

He actually did pretty well for his first time, but still has a long way to go. We did learn that the more expensive treats that the trainer sells do work much better. We have homework to work on the sit and watch commands before next week.

Yellow Snow

OK - it's been a while since I've posted an update. Yeah - there have been plenty of things going on, but I just haven't taken the time to post. I'll try to do better.

We've visited the vet, worked on potty training, and had quite a time working with Blaze. He is really a great dog. With that said, he is still a lot of work.

Today was a good day. It snowed a couple inches and it was his first experience with snow. He loved it. He was funny prancing around and digging in it with his face. He loved to scoop up snow on his nose and then eat it.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Sunday was one of Blaze's first outings. We had Baseball practice and he made an appearance at the baseball field. Of course, he wasn't too interested in the game, but the kids were sure interested in him. Shannon and Blaze had a whole group of little girls around them for most of the afternoon.

Call the Cops

OK - Saturday was the first day that Blaze actually got in big trouble. So much, in fact, that the police showed up. Actually, it wasn't his fault at all. Our neighbor came over to take him for a walk while we were all at the 4-H Leader's Conference. Somewhere in the translation, our alarm code wasn't correct and he set off the alarm. I expected Rob to be in hand cuffs, but he said that the officer took one look at Blaze and everything was ok.

Day 7 - A Whole Week

We made it a whole week with Blaze and he has really done great. Logan has taken to him and he has certainly made a connection with Logan. I still get the 6am walks, but Logan has really stepped up and helped out with other times and jobs.

Day 6 - Blog Name

Blaze has decided that he wants his morning walk at about 5 am for the past two days. I might have to change the name of the blog to 5amwalk. At least he is letting us know that he needs to go out and is keeping his crate clean.

Day 5 - sNOw Day

Ok - today was my birthday and it was supposed to snow. I got up to take Blaze out in the morning and looked out the back window for snow. Nothing there - so I checked the front window too. Oh well, I guess that we didn't need to worry about where we would walk him because of the snow. Thus the NO in the snow above.

NO also stands for stop chewing that. Blaze's puppy instinct of chewing has kicked in full swing. He's still doing good, but he'll get fingers, toes, and pant legs if you aren't really careful.

Still wishing for one more good snow this year.

Day 4 - Visit to the Vet

Today it was Scott's turn to take a day off to spend with Blaze. We started off with a visit to the vet. He did great and everything checked out fine.

Blaze also made his first trip to the pet store. Logan wanted to take him to buy him some treats. He didn't like the ones that we had and we needed some help with housetraining. He's good at pottying, just not always in the right places yet.

Day 3 - Shannon's Day

Monday was Shannon's day to stay home with Blaze. From the looks of this picture, I think that their bonding went pretty well. He does pretty much what a puppy is supposed to do. He sleeps, he eats, he pees, he poops, he plays, he sleeps, he plays, he pees, he poops, he sleeps, and he chews on everything.

Day 2 - The Big Game

Yeah - it's Super Bowl Sunday, but Blaze has other ideas. He's really been playful today and has been getting a lot of attention. I said it earlier, but today it's just as true. You have to watch him like a hawk. I guess that it is normal for a puppy, but he sure likes to chew on EVERYTHING.

Day 1 - Lot's to Learn

Well, we had a great first night. Of course, it's just like having a new baby in the house. The alarm was set for 2:30 and 6am. Both walks outside were successful. Blaze continues to be adjusting well. He's starting to have a healthy appetite and is starting to really explore.

He's been great in his crate and has really done good when we "go potty", but it had to happen. There have been a few accidents in the house. You have to watch him like a hawk.

Welcome Home, Blaze, Welcome Home

Tonight we went to pickup Blaze and he has already made his place in our family. He was so comfortable with Logan that he slept in his lap almost all of the way home.

Once home, he certainly was curious about his new surroundings, but he was really good. He wanted to play and he had his first meal. He didn't eat too much, but I expect that will change. As for the potty training, he did "Go Potty" twice outside. No accidents so far, but that too will change.

He seems to love his crate. He went right in and started playing with his toy. He took about an hour nap so Shannon and I got to watch the Kay Yow coverage from DVR. One more walk outside and he has now been asleep for almost an hour. Guess that I should do the same, because that 6am walk will come very soon. Actually, I expect that there will be at least one more in between. Its just like having a new baby in the house.

More later...