We moved in may. When I was unpacking the kitchen in an empty town home he was very uncomfortable. This was WRONG. He didn't relax until Alpha Male came to join us hours later. (Yes, it took me HOURS of thought to get that kitchen, the back bone of any god fearing house, poised to be great.)
Well, when I got a summer job in good ol Minnesota I wasnt sure how he would do if moving the house things to another condo of similar layout was a three week adjustment.
The good news is that he is rolling with it faster each time we try somewhere new. Like: a hotel, moms couch, dads guest bed, sister visits (she calls him her doggy nephew), June rental, and his first camping! Not that he ever misbehaved, but he closes off and looks uncomfortable, instead of his smiley self. Also quicker to warning-bark, and does that more persistently. He's VERY helpful, you see, and that's his best job.
He did so well camping! His old friend the green cot made a come back, and he didn't mind the zipped up tent. We got him a petco lifejacket, and he SWAM! Thrice! On his own, and his face looked like a cute little otter! He still preferred wading and dry land, but it was great. We experimented with a new splashing game. Bones are there but note sure on the rules.
My first week (day?) in mn I took him to the lake I used to see people exercising their lab's at. We saw three labs he interacted with two of them. Haha. On the way back from our long walk he added into the water like any other place... And something clicked. He LOVED it! He was jumping in the swells and going crazy on the beach. (Pictures will come later.) Jory did not like bear lake in Utah, and we've had a couple dicey moments when he popped into the current of a river. So his general attitude is more utilitarian and this beach scene was pretty surprising. My guess is that it's comfortable sand, maybe gradual depth... Waves, wind? Eh
Today was his first herding class! It took a while to find a rental for us, and in the chaos I could not logisticate him being three hours from my hometown in the middle of the week. So about a month off (sad bear) but today was awesome! He gripped on the leg and nape of the neck of these different sheep (they move weird and get in a single file). Not for too long tho. I get to try handling him next week! The teacher was very nice, said picards were for cattle (?) and gave us the homework of him respecting my body's pressure. No doorway step overs. Ill add this to "neutralize lay-down." also a "there" or something for marking a doggie check-in.
In our St Paul neighborhood there are many rabbits and squirrels. He really struggled to even relieve himself vs bolting the first couple days, but has improved drastically in a week n a half.
He's in my room while I work, its not entirely ideal. But I'm very happy to have time with him after work again. We are seeing into a Minneapolis place bear a dog park and different lake.
We went to a vet out here about shaking ears. He wasn't letting me clean it well n it seemed clean and clear... Well the next day I find an engorged wood tick! augh! 163$ pest. But he has a mild allergy, officially. Showing in ears an eyes. My best guess is dust/hayfever. He was getting a lot of "pink eye" in the winter. Ofa eye doc said "maybe allergies" and i started going from that angle with cleaning and drops. But now I know better drops to get, and have a mild steroid cream for his ears.
I also found or that the food bag instructions are for neutered dogs! Ugh!!! I feel bad. He's getting 4+ cups now and his pelvic bones and spine muscles are much nicer. (Was getting 3.5) On a scale of 9 with 4 n 5 being ideal weight, I think he was at a 3.5 (hopefully 4), and is how a 5. Stronger. I can't believe I was so stupid about following directions for so long.
Besides dog life i sleep and work. Its pretty boring but the money is good. We have explored some cool places in the cities a bit, but mandatory overtime has expanded from early mornings to rob me of my promised weekends. It had better settle down soon.
Jory loves this petco special dog food I tried 🍲. Half the price of Ultra. I was told similar quality, but can't help but worry a little. Great taste and price? Must be a catch...
It was funny, at the new herding lesson area, Jory was looking for a way to get at the sheep without human meddling. Testing the fence. "There must be a way!"
Oh and he does great with my sisters kids. Jory was Very Concerned when one was splashing with his legs in the water. Had to break the beach rules and lead him over so he could investigate and be somewhat satisfied no one was hurt or dying. .. Yet.
Living with a little scruffy dog right now. They both spar with their mouths, yet softly. Scruffy is outside during the day and Jory gets the Ac. They interact monitored to be safe.
