The Blue and Mickey Litter

Tye hit 87 pounds yesterday, Are his brothers and sisters that big? He’s long and tall, not much fat on him. He's just a big dog.

On an unrelated issue Tye has very red eyes, or at least the area around the eyes, a lot. It seems to me his lower lids are pretty loose. He loves to crash through tall grass and usually ends up with red eyes after he does.

Tye is NOT crazy about swimming. He will swim after a stick of ball about three times then just look at me as if to say, "If you want it so bad you go get it." He is much more enthusiastic about fetching ducks and pigeons from the water. He's not afraid of water often wading out up to his chest for no apparent reason. He will stick his head underwater to retrieve an object that has sunk. So far his deepest retrieve is about 10 inches.

So, how are his siblings doing?

P.S. He is still addicted to any of our clothing. My wife’s bra is a particular favorite.

Dave buy some eye wash. I use it on the dogs when bird hunting tall grass in EW. They get seeds and stuff around/in their eyes. The flush is easy to apply and washes all that stuff out. Tye will get used to it.

Is he rubbing his eyes or laying around watching tv and eating all the time and laughing?

We could have other issues working here.

Seastrike,

I admit he eats like a stoner with the munchies, but he swears he doesn't inhale.

I'll call him Bill from now on.
He won't get it. It'll be my own little private joke.

It's all that pizza you keep giving him Dave .. . . . . . .Onyx (not related to Ty, or even a lab) just hit 65 lbs @ 6 1/2 months. . . . . if I weren't riding the tech short bus I'd post pics. .

Dave, you just about described Boris to perfection. I haven't weighed him recently but I'd say he is definitely between 80 and 90 pounds and, just as you said, long, tall and relatively lean. It also seems like he isn't done growing.

Boris also has the red eyes, particularly when sleepy.

His level of swimming enthusiasm sounds similar to Tye. He WILL swim but doesn't see much reason for it. At the same time, he has absolutely no fear of the water. His retrieving is similarly casual. He also does the head diving thing and is curious of sunken sticks.

For the first couple of months, he was into chewing on socks. That stopped for a few months but more recently, he seems to have a sock fetish and is becoming a hoarder. He'll root through a bunch of clothes to find the used socks and then either take them in his crate or to his pillow, sometimes collecting several before I notice. Generally, he just wants them around and doesn't actually want to destroy/chew on them. When I confront him, he immediately goes into "shame" mode and lays down with his head between his paws. Just cute enough to get out of any harsh punishement.

My girlfriend says he's got it all figured out.

GreenDrifter is up at my house with his girlfriend and his gf's dog (6 year old chocolate). Boris is in full-on hump mode with her.

I'll try to put up some more recent photos on this thread (not of the attempted humping).

-AP

These dogs are going to top out well over a hundred.Micky's dad was over 110 and his dad was pushing 120 when I got her. By the end of summer they will swim for the hell of it. It was over a year until Micky became water crazy and would jump out of the boat because a twig floated by. Radar has the loose red eye thing at night too. Gets better when he is pumped up or out in the cold. Destruction has slowed. I have been buying fresh bones (beef knees cut in half mostly)and they seem to love em. Latest trick is to try and pick up the cat. Cat isnt into it.

BTW Tye will hump pretty much anything. Every night right about 7 he drags the mattress out of his kennel and humps it for about a half hour. When he's done he lays on it with the edge in his mouth for up to 1/2 hour and his eyes closed. Ya, he's a sick puppy. God I love him!

This is his "These are mine and you are NOT going to take them away form me look."



And this is his, "I have no idea who made this mess look."

kenna's built like mickey, rather than blue. wide otter tail, weighs in at about 76# right now. i'm thinking she might get a bit bigger, but i don't think she'll top around 85#. still loves the socks, but is much less destructive with them. LOVES dirty laundry, especially recently used bath towels. walked out in the hallway this morning with a towel wrapped around my waist, and she about knocked me over trying to rub on my legs. can't keep her out of the mud puddles. her obedience has improved drastically since we got an e-collar, i have no issues with her running off or affectionately assaulting people. we walk for about 45 minutes every morning, interdispersed with some fetching. i need to get a couple more pigeons: tye ate one, and the other escaped (primary feathers grow back in about 6 weeks, in case you're wondering). i'm planning on hitting the bird training as much as possible this spring, so if you've got tips and ideas, let me know!



willy

Willy,

I could use some pigeons if you find a source. Tye DID NOT eat that pigeon. He did maim, maul it eventually kill it, but we still use it for training. I freeze it then let it thaw for about four hours before we use it again. But I admit it's getting pretty rasty. (He absolutely loves that nasty thing and will swim anywhere to get it.)

About April I will be trapping pigeons if any of you guys want to help out.
I don't have lodging for them so it'll be a trap in the evening shoot in the morning deal.

I do it down by Shilshole with a dog crate and popcorn.

Plan on doing the training at Stillwater over by Duvall.

I've got some foot release traps for the birds. Should be fun.

Also going to do a trip over to Cook Creek (Eburg) to do a planted bird thing this spring. Right now I've got one buddy and his pup coming with me.

I'm in for both. Keep me posted.

Still kinda worried about the gun shy thing. Think I will take him back to the Kenmore gun club one more time.

Good idea Dave. How I do it:
Take dog out of truck and start playing ball. Have buddy 500 yards away and start shooting once every minutue.
Keep playing ball (or whatever the dog likes if it isn't ball).
Have buddy move closer and closer until he is with you.
I was given this advice by my great grandfather who raised shorthairs for hunting.
It has not let me down. I've done this with three labs and none were gunshy afer that.
Putting them in a blind and firing over their head is about the worst thing when they haven't been exposed to it.
Props to Dogfish who helped me break in current dog Chase.

I'm in too. She's been shot around, but not over. Think I'll take her to kenmore too. I've been meaning to for a few weeks, but Lindsey swims on tues and thurs. Maybe next week. I'll let you know, Dave. If they're busy screwing around and enjoy it, it might work.

Willy,

Lets do it Tye has been there once and seemed fine, but I do want to be sure he's rock solid that way.

Seastrike,

I will buy the ammo if you wanna be the shooter on the 500 yard thing.

With the way mom and pops feel about gun shots I wouldn't worry to much. Start by smacking a couple of chunks of lumber together when he is having a good time. If he stops what he is doing get excited and praise him for a bit. Before Mickey herd her first shot she would get excited if you even pointed a gun or a stick for that mater at something. With no bird training at all she maid a half dozen water retrieves her first time on a duck hunt.

Your going to end up duck hunting again arnt ya.

I think Dave is totally going to start hunting again. He's lying if he thinks not. You know you can justify it by saying "well I'm doing it for the dog".
Hey dave. Give Doug Teakle a call on the shooting. He lives out your way and has a similair aged pup who he has hunted over. He also has a lab about your age who is a good hunter.
You are in for the pigeons and pheasant shoot.
I'll be bringing my son for both things and you are welcome to bring your grandson.

Dave, I got one of those dog dummy shooters you're more than welcome to borrow.......you can buy those .22 shorts that barely make a pop......I have found that gun shyness is easily cured with another dog around and shooting over water, labs are competitive, and their instincts to retrieve will overcome their gunshyness.

i have a coop i built for keeping birds, so if we need to store them for a while, i can do that. I probably have room for about 6 or so. Dave, if you need birds sooner than seastrike can trap them, ican make a call. let me know....




willy

Nofish

I would love to borrow it. Out of town this weekend, but maybe the next weekend.

Seastrike

Yeah, I'm in for both and yeah like Stam said sometimes the dog tells you what he wants, and he wants to go hunt pheasant. He told me he's not yup for freezing his azz off in a duck blind but he thinks it might be cool to hike around E wash on a fall day, and maybe kill something.


Willy,

I can wait on the birds but think maybe we should take both dogs out to Cherry Valley with a few.

That isnt an option!!!

Although the idea of Art showing back up at home and seeing 1000+ pounds of lab waiting for him is quite humorous to me.

I think Kaiser is on to somethng. Lets have a reunion at Art's house. Say on thier Bday, March 25th I think?

I am pretty sure they were born March 31st Dave.

Dang I won't be home and you Fers better not be here either...
twas the 31st
If we do this we will need a lake and alot of room.

Art...howwas your trip? Sorry I missed you!

1 wild 1 hatch 1 big Dolly
30"Hatch cut like cat food but looked nice on the outside. At least we got it out of the river. Awsome day with Killer weather. Sorry we missed ya. Wild fish was small but the dolly was around 27". How did you do.

Lots of wind. Nothing big on the penners, 5#ish probably. Then stopped on the way home and caught a couple steelies. Had a good time though. I'm glad you guys got some action!!!!

Dummy Launcher = Best all around toy/training device I own

Along with the obvious training benefits you can quickly give em some serious workout's (and a dead arse tired dog rarely get's into mischief) especially nice in the winter when daylight is short.

Both dog's go nut's when I bring it out.

The only problem with the dummy launcher is it shoots the dummy so far out that my poor Britt has no chance against 3 other labs. They're back on the beach by the time my pup is about 30 yards out

Other then that they are a hoot and are much easier on one's throwing arm!

That's how I feel. I don't ever really consider myself a bird hunter. When I take the dog out for long walks she's hunting regardless if I am or not. Occasionaly I carry a shotgun and occasionaly I even shoot something. As far as I'm concerned she just gives me the perfect excuse to park the truck and get out to see what's on the other side of that ridge.

By then he should be over 150 pounds...not trying to discredit 2MANY's method here (it obviously works for him) but I think you'd be hard pressed to find any professional trainer that uses the Oscar Meyer method to cure any possible gunshyness.

Yes, it is important to make him relate the "pop" with something he likes and wants, but that "something" should be birds and/or retrieving, not food. When the pup is young it is recommended to make noise while they are eating, like banging pots and pans and slamming cupboards and such. Personally I wouldn't introduce the food bowl to any portion of field training. The food bowl is for dinner, period.

I ran across this dog joke a while back that pretty much illustrates just how easy it is to train a lab versus other breeds. They are perhaps the most eager to please....

How Many Dogs Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?

Australian Shepherd: Just one. While the rest herd the property for any more light bulbs or even light switches that need to be replaced.

Pit Bull: As long as I'm here, nobody can change ANYTHING. Not as long as I'm breathing. NO WAY.

Golden Retriever: It doesn't matter. Even if someone breaks in, I will find the flashlight for them and show off all of my toys and will play fetch nonstop. I still got lots of toys that squeak.

Labrador: Oh me, me! Huh? Huh? Pleeeeeeeeease let me change it! Can I? Can I? You sure you only want me to change it? Too bad these bulbs float, or else I would even change the ones from way under the pool.

German Shepherd: Roger that. First of all, I need to see if that is truly a light bulb or a bomb. Second, I'll check for any intruders still left in the premises.

Maltese: Let the German Shepherd do it. Cocky bastard. You can fix my hair.

Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring, check for any hazards, and let you know how long that light bulb will actually last.

Siberian Husky: You mean just yank it out of that ceiling and take off with it for miles without even looking back?

Jack Russell Terrier: Dude, I have cats to chase, rabbits to hunt, and make my owners catch me if you can game. Besides, I will pop it again with my constant bouncing around anyway.

Bassett Hound: Leave that thing off. I am so tired and sleepy and I love it when it's pitch dark. Too much light hurts my eyes.

Poodle: Oh come on. Give me a break. Who wants to mess up the hair for a stupid light bulb? What if the minute I even try to install it, it fries my awesome fro.

Doberman: Let them break in. I always wait in that corner and never make a sound. By the time they notice me, my teeth will meet their crotch. Then we’ll talk about who’s really going to get neutered tonight. GRRRRRRRRR.

Beagle: Light bulb? I don't sniff any light bulbs? What's the point. I will pop it again with my long piercing barks anyway.

Chihuahua: Yo quiero TACO BULB?

Bulldog: No way Jose! Last time I tried that crap, I landed flat on my nose.

Pointer: I see it. There it is. That one right? Yep I see it. There it is. Right there.. hmm.. although it is not moving.

Ike

Wow, I may have found a "hunting" buddy.Your idea of hunting sounds right in line with mine.

BTW, I took Boris in to the vet just to use their scale. 88 pounds.

Dang. He and Tye are within a pound of each other. Tye is so long legged and long bodied he looks like a stretch Labrador.

Same with Boris. If he ever completely "fills out", he'll be a beast. I think he'll stay long and lean though. Even then, I can't imagine they'll be under about 105.

Art, just recently let me know their granddad was 120. I think that given we were not fully informed of these dogs potential size Art should pay for part of ther dog feed each year or at least kennel them for free for us wheneve we have to leave them for a few days or months..

When I look at Radar I don't see Mickey at all he is a long and lean one too. Blue is in great shape but I wouldn't say he is skinny. Mom is a tank.
These pups are gona fill out. I plan on having Mickey fixed soon but am thinking I'll leave Radar intact. No I don't want to breed him I just liked the attitude and everything else about my last male lab that was never fixed.

i've got the mickey clone. while she's a bit longer (i think ) than mom, she's definately got her tail and ears. last time i weighed her, she was right about 78#, so definately not up there with her brothers. i fugure she might end up in the 80-85# range which would be alright with me.

so, what time on the 31st, art? I'll bring some chips!



willy

Everytime I start to think your some sort of really wise guy that has this whole life thing really figured out you go and say some totaly Fing stupid chit like that....
One more rediculas outburst along those lines and you are going to have to make room for me on one of your trips.

Is that a no?

You are always welcome Art, but you may have to put up with a sock chewing, slobbbering, very playful 90+pound lab.

just one?

Always figured Radar was rite there with Boris and Tye. I see him next to Ruger (one of the other choclate males) more often and he is very close to his size. When I put him on the scale today he was only 77lbs. I know Tye gets a lot more running than Radar and Radar is a bunch longer than his mom. I can't wait to see these two dogs and am very curious about Mack who I thought was the stud of the litter. You guys are screwed.
Hope you have plans for a nice stable for your dogs.
Let me know if ya need me to go on any of those trips for ya that you thought you were going to have time for.

Dave I have the Kids this weekend let me know if your around.

I'm around. Whatcha got planned?

Nothin planned. Just would like to see Tye and am sure Alie would too.
Weather isnt looking to hot so maybe just a quick hello near some water. Willey, Cameron anyone else????
Could probably pop a cap or two out by the launch near the Mouth of the Snoqualmie.

Sounds good to me. lets pick a time. I'm wide open this weekend.

I'm in. Let me know when. Are you talking about the crescent lake area, art?

LCW

If Art craps out on us I will be hiking with Tye on the Duvall trail tomorrow. If you wanna meet me there at say 9:30 that would be fun.

you should call and harass him........i'll let you know tonight



willy

we are all set. need a high bridge snoqualmie. 2 pm tomorrow afternoon

got the message from the wife. think i'll bring a gun.
see you tomorrow...


bill

Any body else?

Hey Dave bring that bitchin' camera of yours!

What camera?

Whatever camera you usually use. Mine sucks

Me, Jackie and Blue are in 2pm at high bridge. I will call either Willy Dave or Art to confirm in the am.

Aweseme a dogathon. Should be complete chaos. Tye still goes nuts when there's any other dog to play with.

utter chaos dave, if anyone has a video camera they should bring it. We might be able to make a youtube video that would go viral!

I am putting Sky to bed early and giving him an extra allotment of kibble in the morning. For some reason when puppies look at him he has a big red X on his chest. They all know not to mess with Blue but they love to torment Sky.

I will bring a video camera. Tye's resting up now.

We had a mini reunion today. Blue, Mickey, Radar, Kenna and Tye. They had a great time. A couple of low quality videos will give you the flavor of the get together.

That was quick.
Let me know when your friend gets ya that disc of pics....

It was a fun day guys, these dogs were absolutely crazy, my left knee can testify to that. I got hit from behind by a 300lb ball o labs running at full speed. I ended up on my back in a snowy/muddy cornfield, everyone, especially Dave got a good laugh out of it. Luckily, I dont think anyone got it on camera.

Boris at 11 months. Right at 90 pounds.





-AP

Two very nice shots. They are more like identical twins than brothers. I'm not sure I could tell them apart if they got together.

Does Boris pee like a real male or squat? My big pussy still squats to pee.

Tye seems razor sharp to me. I have taught him to:

Sit and lay down by voice, whistle or hand signal
Go to Rug
Roll Over
High Five
Crawl
Spin
Bring me his leash or food dish on command
Jump over things on command. Presently working on crawling under or jumping over as commanded


I have NOT taught him to leave my socks alone, but he will now reluctantly drop them on command.

This photo of Tye is now in the Creative Leisure web catalog


<a href="http://s814.photobucket.com/albums/zz70/TYEFISH/?action=view&current=P1080776-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz70/TYEFISH/P1080776-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I am such a proud awh um ..........what ever the hell I am to these dogs. Great pics!!!
Radar was sapose to be my sons dog but whenever possible he is at my side. I kinda like him being there.

Funny how solid and dignified they look when laying down. When sitting they look goofy. They sure are loooong legged beasts. But Tye can jump a long ways due to those legs.

Boris still squats when he pees although he HAS lifted the leg about 10 times, with no real obvious reason why he does/doesn't.

He also has the sock/clothes obsession although he only grabs stuff when we are sleeping or have left him at home alone for a couple of hours. Even then, he generally just sits with them rather than chew them.

Great pic Dave!
The most useful command I've used with my dogs is "kennel".
It means:
Get in the truck.
Get in the boat.
Get in the box.....etc....

I shot a few more of Tye today. I think he's a damn fine looking dog, but I am a little biased.


Tye getting warmed up. Damn he has loooong legs.



He's great at catching food. The frisbee, not so much.



His glamour shot.

Great shots guys...Mickey and Blue put out some handsome dogs for sure.

Whatcom Falls is one of my favorite stomping grounds in Western WA and a great area for running the dog. I have lots of photos of my pup on that bridge. Spent alot of time out there during my college days.

Ike

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I have lots of photos of my pump on that bridge. Spent alot of time out there during my college days.

Ike[/quote]

Better watch it, you could get arrested for that these days. .. . .

Oops! Can't say that never happened out there in the park...but I meant "pup"

Ike

Has anyone else had their dogs go through what seems like a serious maturing process in the last month? Boris really seems to have turned the corner from being a lab puppy to somewhat of a thoughtful dog.

I really couldn't be happier with him.

-AP

Not yet, but he's getting there.

little bit every day. really loves chasing pheasant wings and tracking them around the yard. she now barks at people at the door, or someone walking down the street. she's becoming territorial. still very much a puppy a lot of the time. birthday next week!



willy

Not so much. Tye will now reluctantly drop socks and such rather than making me chase him down and punish.

Bird/field training begins this week. Kinda already begun with retreiving ducks and pigeons from water. Loves that!!