What's up Doc?

Yesterday being outside was unbearable...apparently we hit triple digits and if you throw in humidity it was the equivalent of torture.  So we tried to stay indoors by going to different shops (that could be very dangerous so i suggest leaving your credit card at home). And Brooklyn needed to go in for her annual checkup to get a slew of shots and boosters.

She's one year and 5 months at the moment and 75lbs.  According to the doctor she needs to lose a couple of lbs.  I can't imagine how we are suppose to do that.  She already goes to the dog park 5 or 6 days out of the week and we don't give treats, instead give kibble for tricks which works just as well.

I also posted about her first trip to the vet here.

Brooklyn: First 12 Months

Brooklyn turned 1 a few months ago.  I have been taking pictures of her since the first day she arrived...sometimes against her will...but mostly with her posing in exchange for treats. Fair is fair.

Here she is!

Dry Retriever??

Brooklyn is growing up really fast and she is now a year and 2 months.  Her wild bursts of energy are a little more mild, she still gets really excited just about anything and wants attention all the time.  But she is also becoming more independent, going to her bed to sleep and rest during the day without the need to follow us around all day.

My dad emailed me this clip and i think it's so cute.  Can't wait for summer when we can take Brooklyn to the doggie area of the beach!  Here she is last summer at about 6 months.

Bad day...

I love my dog. I love my dog but seriously why are Labs so destructive?? I buy her a ton of bones, chew toys, plush toys. Everything she needs to be entertained while I'm away so why is she still destroying my stuff. Today was by far her best masterpiece. 2 pairs of sunglasses, binoculars, earrings my parents got me, various books, one flip flop and 2 passports! Welcome home...

Back in the Dog Park

Brooklyn is getting so big!  She's 9 1/2 months now and is approximately 60lbs.  I haven't been taking her to the dog park for the past 2 months.  She got sick with kennel cough from another dog there and it took a long time to heal.  Some owners are so inconsiderate.  Apparently many dogs have gotten sick as well.  This weekend i took her back and she was beyond excited.  Spent the entire time running with "the pack".  Here are the highlights.

Saturday walk in the park: Prospect Park

 As much as people love TGIF..i feel the same way about Saturdays and Sundays. Sleeping in late, wearing pajamas and eating breakfast on the couch...oh wait i don't do that anymore..the doggie has to go outside at 6:30am and she doesn't care if today is the weekend.  I still love her.  And on the weekends we like to go on long walks in the park to change up the scenery and meet other canine friends.

Since we are staying in Brooklyn NY today we chose Prospect Park.  Here are some snapshots along the way

Prospect Park Lake

<3

Brooklyn @ 7 months

This baby swan was really brave and we got so close

Trying an odd angle...i kinda like it

What to Expect: 12 to 16 weeks

My puppy Brooklyn is getting bigger every day.  I think she grows a little after each meal.  Her paws are getting longer and she is trying to get used to her body.  Although she is sleeping a lot, when awake she's a mess of energy.  We noticed that she is able to "hold it" for longer periods of time, about 6.5-7 hours.  Just a few weeks ago she had to go every 4-5.  Although accidents are happening at home i know it's not intentional and eventually she will learn to go only outside.  She is eating 3 times a day about 1 scoop (this may vary depending on the food you give).  I also started teaching her simple commands at home.  SIT she got instantenously and DOWN followed closely.  I would like for her to learn others, but she is easily distracted and if i nag her too long she gets bored and actually yawned.

What to expect: 8 to 12 weeks

IMPORTANT TO DO's

• go out for frequent walks (Brooklyn can hold it for maybe 5 hours or so)
• make sure there are plenty of chew toys around
• you can start training and teaching new commands
• go to the vet regularly to keep up with the shots

During this time the puppy is growing quickly and my large breed (labrador retriever) is very clumsy and wobbly because of it.  Just last week she was able to walk under the dining room chair, and today she tried to do the same and bumped her head.  Her legs are getting longer and she is not used to it and trips a lot.

The puppy is very curious and mouthy.  She tries everything by trying to eat it.  Rocks, socks, pillows, grass, anything you name she will try to eat it.  We noticed that small rocks were showing up in her poop (clearly we weren't paying attention when she ate them).

Since the puppy's immune system hasn't developed yet be very cautious when going to the park and daily walks.  She shouldn't play with other dogs even if they have been vaccinated.  When we go to pet stores we put her in the shopping cart so other dogs can't reach.   Since it is too early to meet other dogs, it's ok to meet people.  It is ok to let others pet and touch the puppy as long as they are not visibly sick.  If the puppy becomes agitated or uncomfortable don't be shy by asking the person to stop or simply leave. 

Remember, let the puppy sleep.  When they sleep they grow!

Meeting playmates at the dog park

Brooklyn loves going to the dog park.  As she is learning appropriate behaviors from other dogs, she is also getting much needed exercise.  We take her on long walks 3 days a day while she is young and unable to control her bladder well, but nothing beats an hour in the dog park.

We met a very nice lab mix, who has white paws and some white on his chest, hence the name Tuxedo Lab.  He is about 1 years old and is very mild mannered.  He recognized that Brooklyn is just a small puppy and was very gentle allowing her to be the dominant one.  If she bit too hard he let her know by making a small yelp and immediately she backed off.

Welcome To The Family

This is Brooklyn. 

She's a black labrador retriever and nine weeks today. 

I already love her beyond words.