The blog has been rather quiet what with Christmas and one thing and another.   Barney is now 14 weeks old, has had all his vaccinations, been micro-chipped and really started his 'big adventure'.  Our first hurdle to overcome was getting him used to the car.  We put his crate with his bedding in the back of the car, but he really didn't like it.  However, on the advice of the vet, we bought some DAP (dog appeasing pheramone to the uninitiated) which is meant to reproduce the scent of the mother dog and be very calming.  We sprayed his bedding and have to say he was much calmer after that and is now fairly relaxed about travelling in the car (we do wonder if there is a human equivalent!!).  We became a little concerned when we took him to 'puppy party' at the vets, only to find him hiding behind our legs or sat very shyly in the corner.  He soon gained his confidence and by the next week he was joining in with the rough and tumble.

3rd January, was a big day for Barney - his first walk on the lead outside the garden.  We set off out of the driveway only for Barney to put the 'anchors on' and lay down, refusing to budge.  No amount of gentle coaxing could persuade him that this was fun.  So we tried tasty treats (I just happened to have on my person, some freshly cooked chicken - doesn't everyone!!!) - forget it, this was a dog completely 'thrown' by the outside world.  Over the next couple of days we went out every few hours still with very little success.  Then our ingenious daughter came up with the idea of using an extending lead.  We started walking down the lane and when he put the 'anchors on' and laid down, we just carried on walking.  It wasn't long before he realised that we were going away from him and off he trotted to catch up.  Before you knew it we had made it up to the pub (about 500 yards) and as the saying goes 'one small walk for mankind, but a huge leap for canine kind'.  He now walks with a joyful spring in his step having worked out that this is fun - at last.  Our little 'fella' is growing at the most amazing rate - not surprising considering what he eats.  He is on three meals a day now and cleans his bowl up every time.  He is particularly partial to the puppy chicken sauce we bought, to cheer up his kibble.  One day his legs  seem to have grown, then his body catches up - he still has a way to go before he grows into his ears and feet, however!  He is doing well with the housetraining, though apparently my dulcett tones  saying 'Barney be quick' and '0h good boy Barney' can be heard clearly - much to the amusement of the neighbours!