On the run on the frosty field

Will and Emma run the bases

All this running is hard work!

Emma, the circus dog

A few photos at Town Park

Even though we had an unseasonable frost overnight last week, we still enjoyed the morning run at Town Park. Here's a few photos of that frosty morning romp.

Emma greets Tommy Girl, her new friend

Emma and Tommy Girl

Emma, Tommy Girl and Will watching

Mornings at Town Park baseball diamond

Our latest routine is to take the puppies for a good run and play at the Town Park with the beautiful baseball diamond in the morning before Jim goes to work. They love it! We love it too, since it's a lot more fun for all of us than a walk around the neighborhood. They have even met a few new friends, but Emma especially loves her newest best friend, Tommy Girl, the miniature Australian shepherd. She comes with her 'dad' in the morning; he jogs and she runs. And she just loves playing and running with Emma. I'm sure this is a long-term friendship with the two of them. Will just watches the two girls run and play, and they barely know he's there.

Mother's Day at Elizabeth Park, West Hartford
Me, Will and Emma by the lilac garden

No roses yet!

A little girl treats the puppies!

Will just hanging out!

Emma's wondering where all the robins are...

We decided to take the puppies to Elizabeth Park, the Victorian style park in West Hartford for a little fun and socialization. They had a fun time meeting and watching people, wandering through the lilacs and the rose garden that will be in full bloom before we know it. Emma saw lots of her favorite robins to 'herd', which made for a bit of a challenge. There was lots of fun and frivolity with people out to enjoy the fine weather and mother's day festivities. A pretty day it was.

Obedience Class for Will and Jim

We have enrolled the puppies in beginner Obendience class. This time, Jim is working with Will, and I take Emma to class. We are all benefitting, even though the puppies really know how to do all of the basics, like sit, down, stand, sit-stay, down-stay, and leave it. The best thing about the class is that they are being introduced to distractions while we work with them. They are getting used to being approached by other people, but still want to jump up to greet anyone that comes near. This is such the opposite of Tobie, who was leary of most people who came close. These puppies are overly friendly, which means we did a good job introducing them to lots of people and pups when they were young enough to get accustomed to it. Now we have the challenge of getting them to be mannerly when they meet folks.

The other issue is that Jim was having a difficult time controlling Will, and we felt that he should get more involved with his training. So taking him to class and doing the work in between classes has been beneficial. Jim has more control now, but still has more to go. We are also dealing with the 'terrible teens' and the rebellious nature that goes along with it. More about that later.