Growth & Development: A Dog's Life

Rocky is about one year old now.

Missy is about nine months old now.

They are much more manageable than they were when I first brought Missy to the Farm.

That said, we are beginning to go through a major developmental phase. Unleashed.

We know that bad things can happen when dogs go unleashed. We have also learned that self-survival should trump loyalty. Drink as much pond water as you want before you "come."

Rocky is on his third or fourth day of being unleashed. He has a stubborn streak, but he's essentially obedient. I'm going to take him on a few leashed walks around larger portions of the property so he gets to know the area. And then I will unleash him and we will go for a walk. 

Missy is a challenge. My job, with respect to Missy, is providing Missy with ample opportunity to burn calories.

It was not the run in the pond pasture or the two or three runs around the "yard" that tuckered Rocky out. It was asserting his dominance over Missy. Repeatedly. Throughout the Day.

Good Lord. What's she chewing on now?