Who's the new dog???Doc Holliday has arrived in MN and has been put out to pasture after being a stud for far too long. My first dog was English Setter and so this is a real treat to have this sweet boy with us. Doc is 7 years old and knows no commands, thus it's like dealing with a 45 lb 8 week old puppy:)
The first couple days he was wary and a bit growly with the residents; 2 Golden Retrievers, granddog Gracie (pitty/lab mix) and 3 resident cats. He has a very high drive for the cats, and hopefully we can teach him kitties are for sniffing, not snacking.
A sweet sweet boy
Doc 's first night he was put into his crate. After getting up 2 times to let him out to potty, I brought him to bed, tied his lead to the head board, gave him time to roll around, stretch, sniff and finally cuddle up to me. He slept the rest of the night and every night since on the bed with me. Everyone should have the wonderful experience of having a dog jump on your bed and watch him roll round and round while snuffing and stretching. Such pure joy in such a simple thing, but after living on concrete and sleeping on who knows what, Holliday knows what he likes.
Where's the beer?
Rest time.
Checking out the vet
You will notice in a couple pictures Doc has a dark 'band' around his back side. This is a male belly band that holds a kotex in place. When Doc gets the urge to mark/potty, he does so in the band, not on the furniture. We are working on calling him by name, praising, saying let's go outside and potty, after going, again praising. I am considering using the ring the bell program, and will see how that works out.
Playing tug with Grace
This little boy is so sweet and a real cuddle bug in bed and on the couch. He is slowly coming around to my hubby. When he tried to coax Doc out of the big wire crate to go out side, Doc would go to the back of the crate, cringe and shake. So hubby left the door open and eventually he came out. He now will go up to my hubby and lean in for pets and scritches. He is a leaner and lover. I love the pic of Doc looking at himself in the mirror......and lucky to have caught it.
Doc will be neutered in a couple weeks and done with his deworming etc. Stop back for more updates. Or better yet, adopt this sweet boy! See Illinois Birddog Rescue's website for more information on how to adopt: www.illinoisbirddogrescue.org
