They say 4-16 weeks is the most crucial time in a pup’s development. During this time, they make lifelong associations and gain critical bits of social understanding. This is the key time to establish a pet’s role in the family.
Brody knows that I am his alpha. We are gently and consistenly reinforcing this through praise, the nothing in life is free approach, and training.
Brody also knows my husband is an alpha. As far as I can tell this has been accomplished through a baritone voice saying “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” on a regular basis.
He is not sure what to make of the kids. They share food. They wrestle. They sure do squeal a lot. The short guy seems to resent have having his bottom bitten. They are figuring it out.
But this weekend, Brody encountered a new member of the pack, an intermittent interloper who swoops in once a week like a Saturday Santa come to disperse treats and affection to all the pack. This would be Grammy.
We decided to take a chance and brought Brody to the North Pole for a visit. He spent the first half of the visit tied to the kitchen table, both out of concern for a wayward potty break and, more importantly, protection from an evil calico elf named Polly the cat.
This is kind of boring, mom.
But don’t worry. I have a plan.
Well, I have to save up the energy first.
Ah ha! Awake now! Are you ready for my big plan to woo this giver of treats?
Tug on the lace doily tablecloth thing! Then, right before all the stuff on top comes crashing on you, do some crocodile rolls!
They’ll shoo you outside soon enough. And moments later, Grammy will arrive with a big bowl of food to keep you company.
Told ya it was a piece of cake.
On August 31, 2009 at 12:37am, Wade said...
What a handsome dog! Thanks for the photos and stories Doctor V, I hope Brody brings you lots of happiness!
On August 31, 2009 at 12:41am, Wade said...
What a handsome dog you have, thanks for the stories and photos Doctor V!
On August 31, 2009 at 12:45am, Wade said...
Sorry didn’t mean to leave 2 comments, I though the first one didn’t work, and now I’ve left a 3rd…..promise I won’t do it again
On August 31, 2009 at 10:42pm, Dr. V said...
Sorry about that.
Now that you have a comment up you shouldn’t have to go through that moderation any more. 
On August 31, 2009 at 4:04am, msubugvet said...
hehehe
Looks like a good visit to Grammy’s. I was almost expecting the evil elf to make a cameo.
On August 31, 2009 at 10:42pm, Dr. V said...
I was expecting it too. Fortunately, it did not happen.
On August 31, 2009 at 6:02am, Chile said...
I would have a hard time saying no to Brody. I mean GAH! Look at that cute sleeping face and that smile on the last photo…precious! He should be a doggie model.
On August 31, 2009 at 10:44pm, Dr. V said...
The last pic is my absolute favorite.
On August 31, 2009 at 7:29am, Megumi said...
Brody has this art down
On August 31, 2009 at 10:44pm, Dr. V said...
Doesn’t he, though? Already at 3 months.
On August 31, 2009 at 10:43am, kimchi said...
augh, those pictures are too much! and the bottom biting?! must get pictures of that please?! and I hope Polly wasn’t too put-out about the Brod-ster?
On August 31, 2009 at 10:43pm, Dr. V said...
The bottom biting? LOL. It’s like that old Coppertone photo.
On August 31, 2009 at 5:34pm, Georgia Jewel said...
I’m completely in love with the Brodster and Grammy.
On August 31, 2009 at 10:43pm, Dr. V said...
We are too.