Have harness, will travel

Max had his final puppy jab last week as you are all already aware, and so yesterday was the first day of him being allowed out on the lead, and what a day! We've already got a collar and a lead for him, in fact we have two collars but his little neck is so small that only ones fits him properly AND it has his camouflage hanky on it which isn't befitting a little dog when out walking! I took him out for the first time on his collar and lead and.......Max hated it....it was not a positive experience for either of us.....(Max and me are now having strict training from Dad No. 1)...

Max going out with Dad No. 1 on his collar and lead

He was not a happy puppy and really disliked it. We were going to get him a harness but hadn't got round to getting one, however there is a pet shop just round the corner from us, so we took Max over there and Dad No. 1 bought him a lovely black harness which he has absolutely no problem with, he's a natural when he's in it, not a single issue, a changed puppy!!! 

Max struts his stuff in his harness

The "mad as a hatter" pet shop lady took a shine to him and Max walked out with a complimentary dog chew......milk it Max, milk it!!!

Max coming home with Dad No. 2 in his new harness!

As well as going out to get his new harness, Max has been up the allotment and over to the cemetery for walks and lots of playing. Today, in the space of about 30 seconds Max built up a fan base of half a dozen people up the allotment who are all besotted with him, he knows how to turn on the charm this one (a bit like Dad No. 1!!!)...he's going to become something of a regular (and I hope a Celebrity!!!) at the allotment and I'm sure he will cultivate his fan base accordingly.

The Broodies!!!!!!

Max hasn't had any interaction with the Girls this week as they are ALL broody!!!!! All 3 hens have decided they want to be Mums.....as you can see, being broody is a family affair and yes, Stella is ON TOP of Harriet!!!!

Check out http://hensinthecity.blogspot.com for more news from the Chicken Shed (or lack of it!!!)

Daddy, I does feel shleepy I does......

Max is off to Cornwall with us next week for the Easter weekend, so no doubt (as is always the case when we visit the God Kids), it's going to be full of adventures for him and us....Max at the seaside is a VERY exciting prospect!!!! 

This also means that Max's Marvellous Adventures will be offline for 10 days or so.....

See you soon Folks!

A Month of Max

It's amazing to think that Maximillian Sydney Bruiser McEllis has been with us for 4 weeks and a day now. Time flies when your life is taken over by a cute, naughty little puppy!!!

Max is definitely growing!

Yesterday Max had another 'adventure' at the vet, however I don't think Max would have called it that....!!! It was Max's last puppy jab which went well, but then Dad No. 1 decided to get him micro-chipped AND get his Rabies jab ready for his passport....so the poor dog was 'stabbed' three times, and to make matters worse he had his glands cleared out which meant a vet's lubricated finger was unceremoniously poked up his little bottom...to say he came home shell-shocked is an understatement (the dog, not Dad No. 1!!!)

Puppy Tooth!

Max's teeth are growing almost as fast as he is (he was 2kg two weeks ago and he's now just over 3kg!!!) and this morning Dad No. 1 found this little tooth in one of his toys....the puppy is growing up so quickly *sigh*......Now that Max has had his final puppy jab he can go out on the lead from next Saturday and that is very exciting. He's been on his lead with us up the allotment as you saw from the pictures last week, but to be able to take him on a proper walk will be great, at least then he can get rid of some of his unending energy!!!!!

Max and Dad No. 1 have a cuddle

Max's interaction with The Girls goes from strength to strength and he's absolutely fine with them. Yes, he gets a little overexcited but not once has he even tried to harm them. They, on the other hand, are not the least bit interested in him and Harriet positively ignores him, she's not bothered by him at all....probably because she is actually bigger than him!

Max and Dad No. 2 pose for the camera

The dog flap still needs work as Max still hasn't realised that if he just pushes it he will be able to get out. When he needs to go to the toilet he is very good and stands on his hind legs trying to push the back door open, but sadly not on the flap.....he'll get there.....I think!

Spring time Max

Well that's it for this week.....Max and me are on our way to the allotment to see how Dad No. 1 is getting on with his broad beans....more adventures to come!

The Taco Terror!

We've come to refer to our little Max as "The Taco Terror" in honour of his Mexican Heritage (well he is half Chihuahua!!!) because once the red mist descends (should that be Chilli Mist?) he just doesn't stop. He has more energy than he knows what to do with and he goes on and on and on, he is the Duracell Dog! Not that this is a bad thing, at least he's getting lots of exercise and keeping himself amused with all his toys. However, when his two Dads come home from work absolutely knackered and just want to collapse on the sofa with a glass of wine, it's very hard to find the energy to even stand up, never mind play with him. But, play with him we do and it is a pleasure, it has to be said, he's a joy and I wouldn't be without him now. When he greets you at the front door with a furiously wagging tail and he's so delighted to see you the whole world melts away and he makes you feel wonderful....I love our little dog!

Max in playful mood (thankfully the pink toys have since gone....what was Dad No. 1 thinking?!?!?!) 

There have been a number of firsts this week for Maximillian. The one we are most proud of him for, is his toilet training. He's come on in leaps and bounds and is now going through almost everyday without any mess in the house. He's learning very quickly and has now started 'telling us' when he wants to go out. All he needs to do now is learn to use the dog flap. He doesn't understand at the moment that he has to push it open, but he'll get there eventually.

You can JUST make out Max in this picture!!!!!

Today Max went up the allotment for the first time. Because he is still getting his puppy jabs I carried him up there and then put him on the lead on the plot and then carried him home again, just to be safe. He LOVED it.....he had a great time up there, although he wasn't overly keen on the lead but he did walk whilst on it and didn't struggle or get upset as some dogs do, so once again we are very proud of our little man.

Max at the allotment

As I type this, Max is flaked out on his sofa (yes, the dog has claimed one of them as his own!) fast asleep after such a busy morning and Dad No. 1 is out with the Girls 'cat proofing' the garden....(check out http://hensinthecity.blogspot.com next week for some news!). Next weekend is Max's final puppy jab and then one week after that we can take him out for "walkies" properly and Max will have the whole world to play with......we can't wait and we're sure neither can he!

Max and Dad No. 2 in the Spring sunshine

The Adventures Begin......

Maximillian Sydney Bruiser McEllis has been a very busy little puppy this week!

Dad No. 1 has been at home with poorly joints and so not only has Max been busy but he has also been well and truly spoilt with love, cuddles, attention and lots of play! One of Max's current favourite toys is his Tug. He loves having it thrown for him and then spends a fair amount of time grunting and growling whilst trying to wrestle it from our hands...he's a vocal little dog when he's playing. 

No Daddy, I will not let go....ever!

He has a varied collection of toys....quite a few actually for a little puppy who has only been here 2 weeks!!!!! Dad No. 1 bought him a Fling-A-Ring today.....I kid you not!

Max and his Tug

The first 'big' adventure of the week was Max's first puppy jab.....

Lordship Lane Veterinary Surgery

He's registered with Lordship Lane Vets in East Dulwich (http://www.lordshiplanevets.co.uk/). He was no bother and didn't even whimper when the vet gave him his injection. Max went back to the vet this morning to be weighed and he is officially a mighty 2kg....we could have found a heavier hamster!!!!!!! He also got some more worming tablets to keep him tip top and in good health. Max's next and last puppy jab is on 20th March and then a week after that we can officially take him out on his lead....very exciting!

Max on his way to the vet

Today we took Max to his favourite shop - Pets At Home in Blackheath where he normally gets thoroughly spoiled and bought lots of treats! We bought him a dog flap for the back door which he is currently receiving training on how to use......it's going ok and he has no issue  going through it but we have to hold the door open  for him, the 'nudge' is going to take a little longer methinks.

He's a good little traveller and doesn't make a sound. I was only saying to John in the car on the way to Pets At Home that he was a good traveller when he promptly hacked up some sick!! Either I'm on a psychic level with the dog or he knew what I was saying and decided to make me look like a right tit....either way it was funny!

Play with me, play with me, play with me!

Today Max has spent most of the day in the garden and he and the Girls are getting along just fine, for those of you who wondered how he was doing with them. He's very eager to play with them, they on the other hand are not and just ignore him, apart from Stella who gives him a mouthful whenever she sees him. 

Tomorrow we are going to give him more dog flap and obedience training.....

And HOW cute does he look in his very grown up collar!!!!!!!!