Introducing Skipper!

B is in love.

Yesterday morning we went to pick up our new puppy.  He is the smartest, sweetest, funniest puppy ever!  He's actually kind of perfect.  I'm not kidding.  He is a puppy, though, which means he is high energy, boisterous, into mischief constantly (well, not constantly, thankfully), and consuming a lot of our attention right now.  He's about 80% housebroken and he's been crate trained (he's between 2 and 3 months old).  He was ok in the crate in the family room all night.  We covered it with a big beach towel and that really calmed him down.  He's been terrorizing the cats.  He's a barker!

However, he has declared the family room couch HIS place.  He must know the colors match his coat!  He was very happy to snuggle with anyone sitting on the couch, so that's what we did a lot yesterday.  He just snuggled and napped for much of the afternoon, which was really nice.

This morning he busied himself with taking everything out of the crate, including his food bowl and moving it to the couch.  I do think I have to get a throw to protect that couch, otherwise he's going to tear our new upholstery to shreds!

Skipper with his food bowl, two bones and the towel he slept on in his crate, all on his declared spot, the family room couch.

He is super smart.  When he wants water he goes to the sink and barks.  He figured out very quickly how to alert us to his need to go out.  He already responds to 'sit' and he loves to fetch and play soccer.  He doesn't walk well on the leash yet, though.  And he tends to want to chew up all the shoes, and he tries to investigate whatever is on the table or counter.  So I'm teaching him 'off.'  I spent a full hour with him this a.m. taking him outside at least 7 times for little 5 minute romps and then lots of cuddling, training and play inside as well.   The goal is to fill up his little tank with love and affection and get him lots of exercise.  Now he's curled up on the couch again, taking a little puppy nap.

He's a darling.