Here We Are At 9 Weeks Old!

The "Magnificent Obsession" litter of Chevy & Pippin's Brittany pups turns 9 weeks old tomorrow, July 12th.  Picture below are the 3 gorgeous little boys we have here with us.  Hemi (top photo), Tank (middle), and Mopar (bottom) all enjoyed the coolness of the woods in our backyard this afternoon as temperatures soared to the 90's with high humidity. They also found their way to the ponds edge and checked out the water. Tank actually went in to about his tummy and then simply sat down. Hemi and Mopar both walked in and splashed with their paws for a bit, running back and forth because they could not make up their mind whether they liked it or not.  The water level has dropped significantly so there is a 'ridge' that surround the entire pond which the pups had a blast running around chasing each other. They climbed up and down the embankments with ease although we did see a roly-poly Brittany act a time or two when balance was briefly.  I walked around the circumference of the pond with them which led to their discovery of the world beyond.  It was such a joy to see their reactions to all these things that are new, things we all take for granted.  These pups are bold, fearless, confident yet also very much aware of John and I.  For as long as it is safe to do so they will be  off leash for these outings and each time I take them down back they will range out away from me a little bit further than the time before. It's all about discovery right now and they do want to know where I am. I don't call them back to me when they decide to go a little bit further than they have ever gone; I wait and I watch knowing they do have a comfort zone right now.  I know which one is apt to forge ahead blazing a trail without a care in the world.  I know which one is apt to stop and turn back to come to me first. And I know which one is unpredictable.  Together they form a united little band of Brittanys, marching alongside of each other. They are all ring leaders here.  After this outing John and I walked them back up the 'path' where the bird houses are which is also where a lot of unused (ahem) objects, projects, jewels and gems are kept... the canoe, extra fencing, stacks of this and  all very valuable  necessary items of course that will come in handy some day.  Anyway... As they ran back up towards the kennel house they picked up the bird scent quickly.  I loved seeing their little Brittany bodies freeze as their tails and noses went up in the air! We walked around the yard for awhile and they played with Jack.  The rest of the crew was resting quietly for the most part in the coolness of their sheltered runs - they had already had their turn at being out and about.  I try very hard to keep whatever informal 'training' with the pups separate from the older dogs, and even from each other. It is too easy to depend upon another dog to 'dogsit' a pupster when in reality they just need one on one time.  But today was all about having fun and they sure did.  We put the gate across the back porch and they all laid down and fell asleep in the shade.  A good time was had by all!  Thanks for your interest in our fun-loving canine crew of Brittany dogs here!  Hope you're enjoying the wonderful summer weather and/or staying cool wherever you are.  Take care and God bless you and yours,
John, Ann, and All Things Brittany