It's very different having a puppy, even a 6-mo-old one. He wants to play all the time and cannot be tired out. Flash arrived around 2 p.m., and after his owner left, we took him for his first walk around the ranch. We had him on a leash so he learn the territory. He did finally settle down in the evening, but was very unhappy about having to sleep outside. We have a very nice, large crate for him, doorless, but he whined and scratched on the door until early in the morning.
Finally, by the time we got up, he was just standing in the breezeway looking at us. We let him in, fed him, then took him for a walk down to feed the horses. Then we walked down to Grandma's house and met up with Grandma and Honey then continued on around the ranch trail with no leashes. Honey and Flash got along just fine. They played and ran around. If they got ahead of us, Flash would look back to see if we were coming. I don't think we have to worry about him running away. He likes us and he likes the ranch. Who wouldn't?
After breakfast Dennis and I threw the Frisbee for Flash. He loves to run after it and he brings it back to within 5 feet or so. We need to work on this.
At noon I took him with me on leash to let the horses out. I knew I would have to train him not to chase the horses, but I thought he would be more submissive and/or respectful of the horses (they are bigger after all). It's a good thing I had him on leash because he was after the horses even before I let them out. We got through it, but it wasn't fun. We have to work on this, too.
Next Friday I have a trainer coming out to the ranch to help me learn how to train Flash. I'm looking forward to it.
Right now Flash is sacked out in front of one of the recliners. After I finish this I'm going back to my knitting while he's resting.
