Monty on the Beach - Two Days of Fun and New Buds

Monty Goes to the Beach

This weekend was a new adventure for our boy.  We drove down to my mother's house which is on the South Shore of Massachusetts, near the beach.  As a boy from Tennessee, I doubted that he'd been to the beach.  What a great time.  His nose went into overdrive the minute he was out of the car.  The smell of the air was so different!  While in the house he ran from one window to another watching the birds and other animals.   And the beach was fabulous.  Saturday evening we went down and put him on a fifty foot lead, which was wrapped around my waist so I could take photos.  He ran up and back with Amy,  dodged the surf just the way children do, meet some other dogs, dug up rocks and spent over an hour just enjoying the sand and the surf.  This morning we went back and it was high tide; leaving very little room to roam. Monty meet 2 labs, Georgia and Tim.  Georgia was digging various tunnels and wasn't interested in playing but was very patient as Tim and Monty ran everywhere, helped her dig, ran into her and played.  Then Brady, a goldendoodle joined the crowd.  They had so much fun!  What a joy seeing them all play together.

When we got home today, you could see Monty take it all in and feel "good" about it.  He wanted to walk his yard, say hi to the cats and go for his walk.  Which we did.  It was a great outing for him and I look forward to the next.  I took a slew of pics and will be processing them and posting them soon.

Bird Watching

Monty and Bee

Monty Contemplates a Bee

Three Weeks and It Feels Like Home

Monty has been part of our family for three weeks now.  I read somewhere that at 3 weeks, dogs are settled and view their new environment as home.  I believe so.  The dog and cats just hang together.  He runs to all of us and enjoys going out and playing.  With the flowers in bloom and spring here, we've noticed that Monty loves to chase and snap at bumble bees.  Stings do NOT stop him.   You can tell when he hasn't been walked, then he tears around the house with his toys.  Its so silly to watch when he puts a toy in his food dish.  Is that for protection?  He's also "buried" his dent-a-bone in my shoes.  Its been a great three weeks.

Walking, yes indeed he's walking

I am very happy to say that Monty is getting the hang of walking nicely on leash.  Lots less criss crossing.  It will be fun to see how he does tomorrow.  Of course tonight it was rainy  and dark so there were a lot less distractions.  He continues to delight us.  Running around with his toys - piling them up together then dispersing them.  Sitting on my toes or just following me around.  He's better and better with the cats. Except he loves their food! 

Learning New Things

Coming home this evening, Monty was out with Jay, learning the invisible fence.  We're making progress - slow but sure.  When I called out to them, Monty came running (he was on the long lead).  What a great welcome home.  

Tonight was our second night of classes.  We worked on walking.  Monty did great with both Jay and I .  Of course he's pretty good walking around in a circle  -now to see if he'll do it walking down the road!  We'll keep working on it. He's really good around the other dogs and sits well when asked.

Fun tid-bit.  Monty knows the traditional command to sit but he also will sit when you snap your fingers.  Amy wanted to be able to get him to sit, without having to sit up on the couch! So she snaps her fingers and he got it!

Two weeks

It two weeks tonight that we first met Monty and brought him home.  We're still working on the invisible fence.  Our fear is that if he's at a full run, he'll go right through.   If he's calm and aware (as he is on the leash) he's ok.  So I'm working on "come".  Once he comes outside regardless of distractions, I think I can let him outside and see how he does with the fence.  That's going to take awhile, but its worth the time to be safe.

Tonight, Monty did something he's never done before (well in the last two weeks anyway) he counter surfed and brought down some ham.  He was caught in the act so was unable to eat any of the ham that he brought down! Otherwise he's doing great.  We've a lot of training ahead of us,but its going well.

With every day that passes, Monty becomes more integrated with the entire family.  He's getting along fine with the cats.  Sundae really knows how to put him in his place when he needs it.  He loves being outside while Jay's working on the yard, enjoys Amy and follows her around.

Today we did a good 7 mile walk and he meet more doggie pals.  I'm talking with more neighbors on our walks! Lots of fund.  The walk didn't tire him out in the least!  He came home and was running around with his toys and playing.  We're still working on coming ALL the time when he's outside.  He's very good about it inside but the birds, chipmunks and the great outdoors catches his attention and he doesn't always come when called -  yet.  He got a bit better today and we'll continue working.

We went to the Pet Stores looking for a hands free leash, doggie backpack, portable water bowl.  Couldn't find the leash and the back packs were all pink, so we didn't get those but got a nice portable water bowl for the long walks.  Amy found a squeaky dinosaur and squeaky tennis balls.  He loves them!  Its fun watching him play with his toys. We picked up more treats that read like food so I know they're good for him.  He's supposed to gain weight but with his activity level... so treats are fine.  I think Monty enjoyed the stores and certainly enjoyed meeting all the other dogs at the store.  He's so social and good with kids, people, dogs etc.  It's a joy to be able to take him places.

For me, the best part of the day was when he laid down over my feet while we were watching TV earlier.  I'll give lots of positive reinforcement for this - especially if he does it during the winter!!

Monty and Amy

First Day of School

A good day all around.  Amy took Monty out for his second walk so he'd be ready for "school" tonight.  The first class was sorta boring but we got to meet 6 other dogs - a great thing for Monty.  We got an outline of what will be happening on our upcoming classes. So for a talk, talk class, Monty got treats for sitting, lots of pets, meet dogs, got to ride in the car.  All around a good evening.

Walks, slippers, digging and bones - a great way of life

Today started with a brisk walk, getting Amy to school and my going to work.  The first day of work since Monty joined our home.  All was well.  Then, left to his own devices Monty chewed up the cat's bed and one of my slippers.  He spent a glorious afternoon in the yard with Jay and helped re-landscape parts of the yard and flower beds with digging.  Boy he likes to dig.  A late evening walk then dinner.  Monty then spent his evening "unearthing" his bone, chewing on it and reburying it.  I'm glad I hadn't had a chance to move it.

Vet says I'm healthy!

Another beautiful day.  Monty had  his baaseline appointment with the vet.  As suspected, he's the model of health(thanks to the good care of his foster Mom Anna and NBRAN).  He's now a favoriate of everyone at the vet and he doesn't mind going there.  He loves watching the birds!. 

Monty has begun putting his toys away - in his food bowl!  Ah wel....

He also puts himself to bed as we get ready for bed.  No fuss or bother, he just goes in and lies down. 

Tomorrow, is my first full day back at work, we'll start the day with and early morning walk .  Its going to be tough leaving him for a whole day!

Ham Bone and Sundae

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day - literally.  We all went walking and playinng with Monty in the sunshine.  I gave Monty a bone for Easter Sundae.  He was thrilled.  Then he wanted to bury it.  He kept circling the house looking for a spot to bury it.  Around and around, with the bone in his mouth, not stop, just seeking.  He dropped it behind the sofa and tried to dig - didn't work.  Went behind the love seat, dropped it.  I soothed him and it was "covered" a bit by the drapes so thought he was done.  Nope.  He went back, got it and circled the house.  Amy by this time had gone into my studio and the closet was open. On the ground was some old scrape material.  When I came in , the dog had pulled out a good section of the material, placed his bone in it.  I watched as he carefully wrapped his bone and then pushed the material back in.  It was amazing - and very funny.  So now I have a ham bone in the studio!

That evening our timid cat Sundae decided she'd exiled herself long enough.  Monty was very curious and interested but kept his distance.  We had all three animals (2 cats, one dog) peacefully in the living room for the first time.  It was a wonderful breakthrough - all on Sundae's timing.

Monty in the yard

The End of Week One

It's hard to believe our first week is over already.  It flew buy.  Monty is learning not weave in front of me while we walk.  He's getting very good at going to the door when he needs to go to the bathroom.  (what a relief). He is loved by all and a member of the family.  I can't imagine not having him by my side.  There are so many people to thank.  NBRAN - for rescuing these wonderful dogs, Anna his foster Mom who took good care of him for three months before we adopted him, Anne - my  NBRAN coordinator is who is always there to answer questions - even now, all of the volunteer drivers who brought Monty from Tennessee to New Hampshire.  During my search Jeff, another foster parent, was kind enough to let us visit his pack, Above and Beyond Rescue - an amazing group of people- guided me through the world of English Setters, and there were numerous other foster parents that talked to me about their dogs, let us visit etc.  All of which led to us adopting this amazing, sweet, smart, funny dog that has captured all of our hearts.

Long Walks and Other Joys

So far its been an interesting and fun day.  Monty and I did at least 7 miles this morning to start our day.  Monty is getting better and better about staying to the side and not getting in between my feet.  We meet  two unleashed dogs.  He did great with both - which I expected.  Does make me wonder why people lets dogs out.  The traffic wasn't heavy, but it was steady on this little side street.  One dog could not have been any bigger than my shoe.  How he doesn't get hit by a car is beyond me. (okay- that was my rant for the day)

Monty recognized home and was happy to return but he wasn't worn out in the least. He had his first bath - at least with us.  He wasn't too sure about getting into the tub at first but was aces with the water, shampooing, and rinsing.  As we get ready for Easter , the house has had more activity.  He follows the vacuum cleaner around but does not fear it nor does it make him anxious (yeah on both counts). He was left outside (with a long line) which he enjoyed.  Lisa brought him in when she realized he wanted to create a tunnel - probably to China. Yes, he dug AFTER his bath.  Could it be any other way? 

Just when you think....

Monty is a great dog.  He rides well in the car, sits for his dinner, goes into his crate and we thought he was learning the invisible fence.  He shies back into the yard and the sound of the first chirp and tries to stay away from the flags, we were soooo proud.  So tonight we put him on a super long lead and let him run and play.  He never tried to break.  So then, we took off the lead.  He was great until he got to the front yard, saw the street and bolted.  I didn't know I could run that fast.  He followed our daily walk which thankfully goes down to the cul de sac first and not the street.   He took a right turn up our neighbors drive - the one with the very steep uphill drive.  Thankfully he saw birds, stopped and pointed as I got next to him.  He doesn't know it but he's failed that test.  Back to step one with the training, with more work at the front of the house. 

On a much brighter note, one of Monty's favorite toys is a squeaky plastic thing in the shape of cheese.  This afternoon he was tossing it, stepping on it etc.  Pharaoh, our cat, went by.  He picked up the "cheese" walked it into the kitchen and "gave" it to Pharaoh!  Literally put it right next to the cat who was at his food dish.  Very funny, very cool.  

Sunshine makes for a great day

Thursday was our first full day of sunshine.  Monty got in two good walks and some training in the backyard.  Invisible fence training went well.  He enjoyed playing catch with all three of us as we called come.  He is so good at coming when called in the house.... outside where there are birds?  Well that's another matter.  It was also his first day when he was home alone with rotating people.   He was with Jay in the morning, then just me in the afternoon, then all of us and then just Amy at night.  He did great for everyone and there doesn't seem to be any anxiety about any one of us leaving!!! yeah.  On our afternoon walk, he met a lot of the neighborhood dogs.  The lack of rain brought them all out.  Most were behind their own invisible fences so it was a long distance hello, but he met Cassie, a wonderful Golden Retriever, who had just come back from playing in a stream.  They got along great and Monty got to meet a new person.  He then met our neighbors and their cat.   He's so good.  I really will be able to take this dog anywhere with me!