Scott Linden Outdoors

Day One here at his new home, ten pounds.

Nine pounds.

That’s how much Flick has gained … virtually doubling his weight since arriving at his new pack. It’s as good an indicator of how he’s grown as anything. But by every metric, he is a different dog than when we pulled into the driveway on August 11.

Genetics deserve most of the credit. Jeff and Heidi Funke have made a science of breeding wirehairs for cooperation and drive – and the coats are pretty darn good too. The other half of the nature-nurture equation is being handled quite differently too. This is my “by the book” pup, destined for the best he (and by default, me) can be. Many of us have seen all this advice somewhere, and pooh-poohed it … or used it. Now, I am a believer:

• Socializing with other puppies and tolerant adult dogs teaches everything from doggie manners to bite inhibition. I have fewer scars than ever, and a confident, bold-but-wise-for-his-age pup.
• Starting early – before he comes home – is critical. Socializing, basic physical skills like running, pack dynamics.
• Learning on Day One at his new home continues: basic obedience, learning “aagh” (my word for “no”), exercise and physical challenges, water, name recognition and eye contact, awakening the nose, bird exposure, gunshot exposure are all best absorbed in the first 18 weeks, say the experts. I agree.
• New stuff: men with beards, leaf blowers, bulldozers, children, Harleys, truck beds (in a secured crate of course) … now is when a pup “gets used to it.”
• Being alone – see yesterday’s post.

Yesterday with his auntie, 19 pounds.

Thanks Larry Mueller, Rick and Ronnie Smith, the Monks of New Skete, everyone who’s consented to meeting a stranger with a puppy in his arms, all our puppy class teachers, and other doggie parents who have come over to play with us.

Right now, Flick and his aunt Penny are chilling on the back porch, reveling in a cool morning the result of a much-appreciated overnight rain. It may not stop all the wildfires, but it’s had a positive effect here, as have the lessons learned from others smarter than me.