Over the weekend Swagger got to have his sixth visit with his stand-in siblings the PineBank Labrador Retrievers. It was, once again, a great improvement upon his last two visits this time showing great confidence and less aggressive play with the group. He did more running about they actual wrestling and arguing. He is definitely more comfortable with his Lab family. He has his favourites that he prefers to play with (funny enough each of them are the “bullies” of the Lab litter).
Although I have seen Swagger play with each and every puppy in this litter he plays quieter and more peacefully with the ones that are not his “bully friends.” Clearly the rest of the group has shaped him to take a more peaceful approach to his play with them. Very interesting study of behaviour. I am thinking anyone doing a Masters degree would love all of the footage I have of these interactions. Here are some clips of the indoor play.
But the most fun of all happened when the entire troop took the party outside.
In this next series of clips you can see how the interaction changes once everyone gets outside. Here Swagger is much better at avoiding the approaches of his Lab buddies and he creates the interaction with them at his own choosing.
Today I am grateful for a gorgeous sunny day that allowed us to take the puppies outside for a big adventure in the woods.
Hi Susan,
Boys ROCK! Mr pOOf in Australia thinks you need to put a Swagger in your step. Plus you need to balance out the oestrogens in the household Pleased to hear that he is coming along so well.
Ros n Peter n the BCs, Melbourne.
Keep Swagger and train a male !
;D
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support/207835229228979
Susan – I ask that you consider using your broad reach via the blog and facebook to inform the canine community about the effort underway to assist the animals in Japan. There is a coalition of non-profit, no-kill rescue and welfare groups in Japan that have banded together to share resources and coordinate efforts. They are trying to help not only the animals left in the wake of the initial disasters, but also those being left as families flee the country.
@Toni I am participating in Trish Whitely’s relief efforts http://www.facebook.com/AgilitySupportsJapan on both my personal Facebook page and my new Facebook page. Thank you for posting your link. The more participation the better for the animals and people of Japan.
Wonderful to observe puppy interaction.
“the Swagman” confident,fearless,agile,fast and focused (even at this early stage).
Talk about recalls…what a response when you called him despite all the distractions from the other puppies and environment.
…..and then there’s that “drive” element.
That puppy sure does tick a lot of boxes.
What a great little guy.
Susan, I really want to find that WLTDO toy. I have looked and looked. It would sure help to know the maker of the thing. I haven’t been able to find something like it. Any clues?
So adorable. Thanks so much for sharing this. It is amazing to look at the difference breed makes in behaviour even this young! Swag already looks like an agility super star!
He is such a cutie! Love the very last picture of his pounce in mid-air!
You may have been reminded of this before, but I wasn’t reading the blog when you said why you preferred girls,sooo, I went back and saw in NOv,2009, You said and I quote ” If Featyre has only males I will be owning a boy and he will be great…” Swagga -man is lookin to be an awesome dog I do hope he stays with you Thanks so much for letting us share his puppyhood!
Boy or not I dont think I could give this boy to even my best friend.
I really love his cheeky face – Feel he would fit in nicely with my 3 girls here in Scotland. Send him over with a nice blue ribbon.
Really enjoying the clips that boy makes me laugh – and I dont like boy dogs!
I love that name Christopher “Swagger” Columbus. That he is! Now that the Labs have taken to the outdoors, when will they be visiting Swagger at his house? 🙂
This socialization is so wonderful for Swagger.
How long will you be able to continue the get togethers with the Lab puppies?
I guess they will be going to their new homes soon, not sure when Susie lets them go. It would be so nice if he could see his buddies for awhile as the socialization with them continues to develop great social skills in the Swag man.
Referring to your still photos; how many “pictures of nothing” does it take to get 10 good shots?? Delightful commentary as always!
Thank you for sharing this beginning journey of ‘Swagger’… are you still deciding? You both have bonded well and it will be hard, Susan. I don’t envy you on that one decision! I’m enjoying your updates so much. I see so much potential in my red/white BC “Snap Dragon” and hope I can fulfill some of them for her. I’m so blessed to have her in my retirement years (56 years young!) She is 11 months now and just awesome… thanks for listening…
Debra