Another update.

Well, the boys have been growing and learning and growing some more. Jack is really a fruit bat in disguise and loves plums and apples. Both of them are omnivores, which is a bit different to Taz who thinks you are poisoning him if you offer him fruit. Jack likes runner beans too. The chaps have had their first run-in with the dreaded fleas but are now righteous again, having been to the vets for a dose of Frontline.
Jack is beginning to develop some lovely water-ripple kinks in his coat. Pip is getting a fluffy tail. Pip is the more laid back and outgoing of the two. Jack is more athletic and tighter-knit, but Pip was the first to suss how to get downstairs. Jack just sat at the top and screamed despite being the better runner and jumper. Pip has the better confidence which is what made the difference. They are well socialised with other dogs now. At home we are only having minor spats for dominance and a point and a hard stare is all it takes to keep order. All is motoring well at the moment. I've included some photos from the last fortnight. Click to enlarge.






Jack pondering life.













Pip in the garden








Exploring the border with Taz













'Helping to clear
the border











Jack supervises












Guarding the edging tool












Collar on
Handsome boy










Sunny summer evening







<

Update photos

Click to enlarge

Close up of Jack at The
Rising Sun pub at
Shackerstone. July
31st 2010













Pip and Jack at
The Rising Sun
Shackerstone
July 31st 2010









Pip thinking about
having a doze










The canal at Shackerstone
where we went for a family
walk










Rellies. Jack, Pip,
Auntie Tia and
Cousin Ellie
(mostly out of shot)





Auntie Tia, Cousin
Ellie and Jack
examine an interesting
smell. Pip prefers Roger's
shoe.









Auntie Tia,
Cousin Ellie
and Pip in
the garden







Walking nearer home
A pair of bums!












Scenery near home












Jack all gritty after
rolling in sand













Go, go, go!
Jack and Pip
by the banks of
the Trent








Dabbling and paddling











Digging for victory
while Taz supervises.












Cherry picking.











More cherries.














Desperate for dinner.
Roger was preparing
a rabbit









Hurry up.
Please!

Pastures New

Jack and Pip have had both lots of jabs now and are starting to get out and about. Here are a few weekend photographs of them exploring a country field and the nearby Grantham canal. Also a couple of kitchen photographs.

Click to enlarge

Swans on the Grantham canal











Sniffing the verge
on the towpath








Pip takes a looksee














A fishing lake near
the canal









More verge sniffing










strolling












Pip looks at a
dredger











A conflab with
the big dog










Dramatic skies
over South Notts













The world's a
playground!









thistle sniffing!














A walk by the
old ruined windmill










Group hug!













Pip sulking with
his teddy having
been told off for
scrounging.

Update

The pups have been doing very well since last I posted. They have now had their second jabs and are ready to start going out and about a bit more. They went for an evening stroll last night down near the river where not many dogs go. They are learning to walk on the lead and making good progress. They're very bright and are learning commands and what is proper behaviour at a very fast pace. Biting of clothes is not allowed and they've very quickly learned that play mouthing is fine, but not play biting. We let them get on with their own socialising, but intervene if it gets too hectic. There are 4 danger times. Just before a meal when they're hungry and fractious; just after a meal when they're wild with energy, when they are bored, and when they are tired (like toddlers having a tantrum). My husband Roger is very good at setting boundaries but keeping it fun and Pip and Jack love him to bits.
When they went for their jabs, they were weighed too. Jack (surprisingly, because he looks lighter) is the heavier at 3.8 kilos and Pip is 3.1.
As far as personalities and achievements go, Pip has learned to run up and down stairs the first. Jack has to psyche himself up by barking madly and then launching himself. Pip is also the slightly better house-trained, but only by a margin. Both of them are about 80% there. Jack is probably slightly the more dominant of the two, but it's not a wide gap, and Roger makes sure that everyone knows their place in the hierarchy. Both boys know 'Wait' and 'No' and 'Good boy'. They are also learning 'Drop it.' Jack's CV should also say that he loves ice cream and licking the inside of the dishwasher when no one is looking! Pip's should say that his favourite experience in all the world is having a gentle tummy rub - and what a wonderful spotty tummy it is! Click to enlarge if you want.


Up the stepping stones












That's the way!









Made it and we're off
and look at master
strugglingup behind!







More lessons on steps
and stairs. Jack and
pip listen attentively.











Dinner time again!












Eating Al Fresco.
Very Yummy says
Jack!










Pip curls up
with his Yorkshire
Pudding








Jack does his own
cute posing












Heatwave. Too hot
to sleep together,
although teddies are
allowed as companions.









Pip gives a glimpse
of his spotty tummy.

Growly tug of war

Here are Pip and Jack involved in a tug of war with a ball on a rope. It sounds ferocious, but they were having fun!

THE FIRST WEEK

Pip and Jack have settled in very well to their new home. They love the garden and they're enjoying romping together and getting to know us. They've also grown a huge amount! Here are a few photos of them enjoying the garden, sleeping, and waiting anxiously for their dinner with Taz. It was rabbit that particular evening, so everyone was very eager! Click to enlarge the photos if you want.


Anticipation...















Checking out the worktop
by mountaineering on
my eldest!













Get set, go!
Who's the fastest!












Dozing with my husband












And together in their bed











Sunning in the garden


































Chewing sticks
found in a flower bed