Monday, February 23

Update on Dakota

It's been a while since I've posted an update on Dakota's progress. He is growing like a weed. He's more than double the size he was when we got him. He is intelligent and eager to learn. He has learned to whine at the door to go outside. Unfortunately, sometimes it is after the fact, if you know what I mean.

He is into mouthing,(puppy biting.) and I wear the scars to prove it. Over the weekend he seemed to get the hint that this is not allowed. That doesn't stop him from trying. Like a kid, he's testing his boundaries.

He goes out with Dwight without the leash and stays with him or, if he does wander away, comes when he is called. I hope this continues. He knows to come when I whistle for him. I've whistled from day one so that hopefully he will always obey when he hears that particular sound.

The weekend before Brandon left for Quebec, the boys came over on Sunday afternoon. They wanted to see Dakota. When they realized he liked playing ball, they came up with the idea of playing, "Monkey in the Middle." Guess who was in the middle...yeap! Dakota.

Here is Brandon showing Dakota the ball. Then, he rolled it across the living room to Jordan.
Here is Dakota in the middle, keeping his eye on Jordan, who has the ball at the moment. He did good. When Jordan rolled it, he intercepted.

Jordan, trying to lure him closer so he can roll the ball to Brandon without Dakota intercepting. Ha! Dakota fooled him.
Brandon watching Dakota chase the ball. When I pressed the button on the camera, Dakota was also in this picture. By the time the flash went off, he was at the other end of the room with Jordan.

When the boys left, Dakota was exhausted. He slept through our usual play time and got up for about an hour at 11pm. Then he slept right through until morning.

While Brandon was in Quebec, Jordan came to stay over on Thursday night. It was snowing and about 9pm, I put on my shoes in order to take Dakota out. Jordan offered to do it and I let him. Dakota was biting and chasing the leash. Here, Jordan is lying on the terrace, trying to get Dakota under control. Dakota is looking at some people who were walking up the other side of the street.
Jordan and Dakota, having fun. They stayed out there for about 20 minutes interacting and playing in the snow. Good for both of them. When they came in, Dakota went to bed and slept through the night. He got up about 7am and played with Jordan as he got ready for school. After Jordan left, he had a three hour nap. He plays hard and sleeps hard.

This past weekend, hubby took Dakota out and I thought I'd try to get some photos of him to show you how much he's grown. Well, getting a good shot of him is rather difficult. I got lots of pictures of the ground. By the time I aimed the camera and shot the picture, he was long gone. However, I did manage to get a few that included him.



This last one is cute, though it's from the side. Hubby was making squeaking sounds and Dakota sat there trying to figure out what he was doing.

This little creature can tucker us out completely, but we wouldn't trade him for anything. He's already a great companion and keeps us in stitches with his antics. He loves the snow, playing ball and he has all of Meeko's old toys, so he is the most spoiled dog in town. I hope you enjoyed the photos.

Have a great week and remember to do a random act of kindness for someone. It will make life a little better for both of you. ~Blessings, Mary~

23 comments:

  1. Looks as if Dakota is bringing joy into your life.

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  2. ahh the old nipping stage, who could be cross with him though? He's so sweet!

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  3. You know this post was for me especially! I'm so glad that he is doing so well...maybe the "going" will get better...lol

    Hope all is well and that you have a wonderful week

    Im still missing blogging... working 2 jobs and all

    lots of love dearie

    Jess

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  4. The only thing better than having a new puppy of your own is enjoying a friend's new puppy, vicariously. And we don't have to clean up the puppy accidents, LOL! ;o)

    He's adorable.

    Hope you have a great new week!

    Love and hugs,

    Diane

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  5. Loved the pictures -especially the very last one that really shows off the cuteness of that puppy!
    You're making me very envious with all these puppy pictures. Just want you to know that. I'd love to have a dog but things, being what they are here, probably is for the best that we don't get one for a while. Only problem with that is, the "later" never comes, ya know. There will always be yet another excuse I suppose to not get a puppy and bring into this house. But I keep hoping anyway.

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  6. He's a cutie and he has grown since his first photo, yes?

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  7. He really is a cute dog, and look how much happiness he brings to you and Dwight and also the boys!

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  8. Oh yes....I SO enjoyed ALL the photos. What a character, Dakota is!!! He's adorable Mary. I LOVE the last photo of him in the snow...the profile. He's beautiful. Well, since he's a boy...I should say he's mighty HANDSOME.

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  9. mary...such great shots, you truly captured some great moments! The puppy stage does pass, hopefully Dakota will hold onto his puppy spirit!

    ~AM

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  10. He is a beautiful dog and sounds like he's very smart and fun-loving.

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  11. I enjoyed your update on Dakota. He is so cute.
    Mama Bear

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  12. Dakota is a cute little pup - looking at the photos, I can just see his tail wagging. I've never seen a dog that didn't love a ball or a frizzbee. It's good that you guys are taking up so much time to train him - he is going to be a great companion..:)

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  13. He's such a cutie! I can almost smell his puppy breath from here~

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  14. Oh he is a handful I bet but sounds like he is coming right along... Puppies bring such joy and such WORK.... but the rewards will be many. Not sure what type of dog we will go to after Zeke.... He is a schnauzer. Very smart and does not shed......... but I would like something bigger I think...... We will have the yard fenced in this summer so who knows......

    Have a blessed day......

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  15. Dakota is darling. Sounds like he is being a good dog most of the time. I am sure the boys enjoy him. When I read about Brandon's adventure tears came to my eyes. I know how good it made you feel to know that he is handling things better. Now I would have loved seeing you run from that gander. Waldo, Gil's dog, had a run in with some on the same mission and he has given them wide berth since then. The reason I think this is funny is he is a HUGE blue dog. Have a great week Mary. Peace

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  16. Sounds like he is adjusting quie well. He is so cute...m.

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  17. Oh Mary, is Dakota ever getting big. He sure looks like a bundle of energy. Have fun!

    God bless.

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  18. I am so glad Dakota came into your lives. He has helped to ease the saddness left by Meeko and you have given a loving home to a deserving little guy.
    He certainly is growing fast, even looks as if his coat is thicker.
    Enjoy!!

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  19. Yeap always animals at our house..get spoiled..How can you not if you love them..right?

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  20. What fun a new puppy is, even with the sharp teeth and little puddles!

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  21. Awwww, Mary, he's so adorable and yes, he certainly has grown quite a lot already! You can see the delight on the boys faces as they play with him, that's the best part:-) If you want him to sleep through the night then you know what to do...have the boys come over to tire him out! lol Give him a scratch behind the ear for me:-) xoxo

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  22. What a wonderful addition to your family! Dakota is adorable and I see he's growing like a weed. I remember puppy teeth and all the training. Molly's smart too, but it's time consuming to teach babydogs isn't it?

    Hope all's well with you and yours. Love your new header too.
    Hugs and blessings,

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