The Adventures of Hammer and Hatchet

Hatchet on left, Hammer on the right

It's been a few days now since I've had the two lab boys, Hammer and Hatchet. They aren't so wild, really, just uneducated in the ways of the world. Having just raised 12 puppies, it made me realize the importance of what we did in terms of teaching them and exposing them to new things. These guys pretty much raised themselves, I would guess. They have now learned to do the stairs in the house. They are fine with being crated at night. They have been de-wormed, and have adjusted to new food. They have met a variety of larger dogs and are good with them.

On Monday I took them for a three mile hike in the woods. I'm pretty sure that was new to them but they enjoyed it very much. They didn't really pull so much on the leashes, but they also didn't understand that the leash connecting them to me made it necessary for us to pass on the same side of trees along the trail. They improved significantly after the first mile or so. We met some other people, and off-leash dogs along the trail and had no problem although I kept them moving so it was mostly a passing encounter. 

Hammer (darker color, bobbed tail)

They both have appointments to be neutered on Thursday. They've already had vaccines and heartworm tests (both were negative). Although they aren't officially ready for adoption yet (pending the neuter surgery), Green Dogs Unleashed is accepting applications and I'm interested in moving them because I've got a quite a houseful here now.

Distinguishing features: Hammer is the one with the bobbed tail. He is darker colored. He is also the more shy of the two. Hatchet has a full tail which he usually carries curved up over his back. He is lighter colored. Hatchet has climbed out of the 6' tall, welded wire fence. Both dogs now move between the house and the outdoor area without leashes. Sometimes it's necessary to leash one or the other to get them to go either up or downstairs. Both are friendly, but both still have a lot of learn.

Hammer in front, Hatchet in the back

Hammer

Hammer

Hatchet (full tail)

Hammer

Hatchet

Hatchet

This shows the color difference very clearly.
Hammer on the left, Hatchet on the right.

Hatchet

Hammer