One Week Old

One Week Old
Turquoise Boy

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

4 Months Old

Alexander is 4 months old tomorrow! He is growing so fast and weighs almost 45 lbs already. I can hardly carry him in my arms anymore. He is walking well on a leash and is coming along well with his ring training. He has lost some of his baby teeth and is chewing on anything and everything so I have to make sure he gets the right kind of chews. He is socializing well while accompanying me to every store, park, and mall that I go to and he enjoys meeting other dogs and people. One of the biggest issues we have now is trimming nails and that is not going as well as I would like. Otherwise, he is still his independent and fearless self and tons of adorable fun. This weekend we will go to a dog show to socialize and see how all the grown-up dogs behave!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

A New Meaning For "Big Brother"

Hummer immediately accepted Alexander into his home and family. He is sweet and gentle and gives the puppy wide margins in his behavior. Hummer's calm demeanor teaches Alex to be calm and confident. Recently Hummer is teaching Alexander to walk nicely on a leash and to greet other dogs and people politely. If a dog could have perfect manners, it's Hummer, and it can only benefit Alexander in his puppyhood.It is amazing how dogs communicate without words but with body language and eye contact. Dogs can learn words, but it doesn't take a sentence and mostly just a look to get their point across. Hummer and Alex share everything from bones to food bowls. Not all dogs are like this; Hummer has an exceptional temperament and is well suited to accepting another dog into his pack. Someone once told me that he was an Omega Dog, the most submissive type of dog in the pack, but I think on the contrary, he is the best kind of ALPHA, the Leader, the calm and wise Mentor and Head of the Pack. Hummer knows that Alex is a puppy and is confident in himself enough to know that Alex cannot challenge his position. Hummer is also the true Gentle Giant, the Natural Nanny with a Heart of Gold. Newfoundlands and Labradors have similar temperaments and are generally happy, content, fun-loving, and willing to please.This is probably why Labradors are one of the most popular family dogs around. I think they are a great compliment to each other and will be friends and brothers always. Alexander's positive energy is good for Hummer and they play happily together. There are a few aloof dog breeds who are content to be alone,like the Akita and maybe a strong Malamute, but not the Newfoundland or Labrador who enjoy each others' company and the company of people and other dogs. Hummer is a "giver" and knows nothing of jealousy or possessiveness. He is a teacher, a friend, and protector. Sometimes the beauty of dogs in general is their definition of Relationship. If anyone knows how to set a boundary, it's a dog. I am proud of Hummer for being such a good brother to Alexander.