Well it only took three months for us to fall into a really comfortable place as Jax's family. Much like anything, it was all new and fun when he first joined our little crew, but as the newness wore off we all started to slack off.
Earlier on we would teach him new tricks, okay, I would. I would make sure he walked so he would learn how to behave on a leash and enjoy time outside of the house and confines of the backyard. I spoiled him with a new toy every time I was in the vicinity of Pet Smart, as did the kids. We practiced the new things he'd learned to keep him sharp. And we'd get down on the floor and play with him just about every time he looked like he could use a good tummy rub.
Now, don't get me wrong, we love - even adore - that Jaxie of ours. But we all have to be mindful to keep him learning and growing healthy and strong. I think part of why I fell off the Fur Mama wagon was because no one else, besides Jay, seemed to be on the Team Jax wagon and I got tired of being the only person taking care of our fur baby! But I know that Jax won't learn new tricks or commands, or respond the way we hope he will to old ones if we don't work with him regularly. When he goes out on a walk with Nas or Babe, Jax will just stop and lay down every so often. Need I mention that neither of the guys in our house have the patience for this? So if Jax lays down they don't encourage him to get up and keep it moving, they just bring him home and say Jax didn't want to walk with them.
It's time to get Jax into puppy classes. That is where we can all learn to work with him so we can nurture the little guy's mind because Jax is one smart dog. I would rather we help him use his wisdom for good and not naughtiness the way he often does now. We'll all have to tools needed to have the smartest dog we can, and that makes having a fur baby all the more enjoyable.
Meanwhile, we really need to be better about playing with him outside - not just sending him out to do his thing - and I've been more mindful of spending time with him on the floor the way I did before the newness started to wear off. Hopefully we'll strike a good balance and Jax will be a happy little guy for many years to come.
