Training day

After a low of 19 yesterday, another approaching storm drove the temperature into the 40s today and the sun came out.

Alert at the word "Walter."

So, Walter and I went for our longest walk yet, even toured the Butte International Airport.  I thought it would be a good day to work on his "come Walter" command. 

I have been using that command every time I call him all along and when he comes it always involves a treat, but this was the first time I would try it off the property.

On his way at "come Walter."

For the first time on our long walks I let him off the leash when we were in the woods away from the road and then when he wandered far enough away, I called "Walter!" Once I had his attention, I called "come Walter" and all three times he hightailed it toward me. Of course the command meant there was a treat involved, still I was pretty happy with his responses.

I bought the deep bowls with the 
tapered sides just so his ears fall 

outside and food doesn't stick to 

them.

You'll believe a dog can fly, at
least if there's a treat involved.

He's about 15 pounds now, and getting adult food mixed with the puppy food until the puppy food is used up.  That was the vet's recommendation. Both his harness and collar are too tight so they will have to be replaced next week after his vet visit.

All in all he seems a healthy, intelligent boisterous puppy so I guess the choice among nine was a good one.

Walter's gallery