A little fatigued

Today was our second training day with Peg Munves of Step In Time Training, and *wow* did we learn some new things! We learned about not pulling on the leash, coming when called, waiting at doorways, and most important of all, paying attention to the person who has all the great treats!

Our two new friends are a little tuckered out, as you can see, but it was *so* worthwhile! We feel we have a truly useful model we can use to teach our friends a zillion fun things that will make all of our lives easier.

Two dogs, one ball

For the most part, Grace & Gunner settle their differences amicably. On occasion, there are tiffs about toys or who gets the softest bed or special stuffed toy, but typically, these two are model pals. The great majority of their "battles" are massive playtimes, with Gunner chasing after a rolling ball and Grace just waiting him out and stealing it from him when he brings it back. Whenever they both have the same grip, as in the game above, Gunner invariably yields to Grace, allowing her to saunter off in triumph--only to circle back and taunt him for yet another tug-of-war. Such fun friends!

Training time

Gunner & Grace grew up in a country setting where they didn't need to go on too many leash walks. Where they live now, in addition to running around the back yard chasing balls, toys, and the occasional squirrel or mouse that happens by, leash walks happen three times a day. With a bit more car traffic in our neighborhood, good behavior on leashes is a new idea for this pair.

Enter our new trainer, Peg Munves. Peg came by on Saturday to teach us the most gentle and reward-motivated approach we've ever seen! We watch in amazement as our rambunctious duo were charmed into being attentive, waiting for doors to open before bolting through them, and not pulling our arms off on the leashes. Quite a morning of learning!

There's more to do, of course, and Peg will be back to see us soon, but we're definitely off on the right foot with her guidance and experience. If you're in the Westchester/Fairfield area, you can reach her at pmunves@panix.com. Highly recommended!

A happy pair

It's been two weeks since this frolicking couple joined our family and they seem to be settling in nicely. We just took our first road trip to our house in Rhode Island, which was exciting, if just a bit disorienting. A few more trips will help them recognize their summer abode, and with fields and beaches galore, they'll soon look forward to it anytime they're invited to jump in the back seat. We so enjoy Grace's infectious smile and Gunner's gentle kindness.

Ferocious tussling at all hours...

One of the great joys of a bonded pair is watching the passionate playfulness that breaks out between them. It could be sparked by the discovery of a stray sock or toy or sneaker, but once the battle begins, the object in question is often forgotten. Gunner, the black male, is several times stronger than blond Grace, but he mostly allows Grace to stay in the dominant position in their play-fights. They growl and roll all over each other, gently gnawing and growling at one another until, as if on cue, they simply stop -- only to start right back up seconds later, gnawing and growling on and on until one of them signals it's time to quit, at least for the moment. Built-in entertainment!

As long as these two are together, all is well.

The depth of their connection to each other is truly amazing. They spent about three weeks apart right before they arrived in our home, and from the way they are glued to each other now, I can only imagine the agony of that separation. When they were finally reunited, they couldn't stop romping and jumping all over each other!

During a recent visit to the vet to look at one of Grace's front paws (just a small abrasion that healed quickly), Gunner was beside himself for the five minutes Grace was out of the room getting a pedicure!

There was a time we were uncertain about having two new friends come live with us, but now, we can't imagine them apart.

Welcome to Grace & Gunner's blog!

Grace & Gunner arrived in our home on Saturday, January 26, 2008, a few weeks before their 4th birthdays. Born just weeks apart in separate litters, Grace is a frisky, endlessly playful blond female, while Gunner is a powerful, richly handsome black male. They came from a very loving home in southeast Connecticut where their family just couldn't keep them, but thanks to a wonderful organization called Labrador Retriever Rescue-CT, Inc., they were able to find a way stay together! We hope you enjoy their posts and pictures, and warmly welcome your comments and questions.