Tap and shred.

We are in full winter mode. Paper is being shredded - even books if I'm not careful. Things are being tapped - computer monitors, rowing machine computers (I think it's been tapped to death), electrical panels in the basement (it sounds cool?) and more. I have provided him with drums to tap. I have provided him with my recycling bin to shred (he likes to scatter the paper everywhere first). He has a broom in the basement which is just for him to pick straws out of to twirl, tear and twist.

Winter is tough. This time, we have sensory space: a gym mat, mini tramp and the rower downstairs, for now. Maybe next weekend we'll hang the sky chair and/or hammock. Swinging might help. Last week, he had fun swinging outside despite the frigid temps:



And Burke is coming right along. We had another training session on Friday. I taught him "lap" today using the lure-reward method and my lap. Will work on it more - I really just introduced the command. We're working on "back up," sit at a distance, desensitizing him to collar grabs, and a cue for greeting people in public, "go say hi." I got some great strategies for keeping him calm and under control during greetings in public where he can get a little excited. The trainer is extremely happy with how he is doing as far as behavior, and credits the neutering with a big role in his newfound calmness.

I have been promising myself I'll get pics of Burke and Jake all ready to go with Burke in his work vest, but my house has been covered in tiny bits of paper so often that I just never feel "up to" taking a photo with that kind of background! I'm vacuuming today, though - again, LOL - and have on my list to get Burke dressed and a pic snapped later. For now, you'll have to content yourself with a very sleepy Burke who let himself be tucked in:



For a (very long) update on the addition plans or lack thereof, visit Birth of a Homestead.