Balou's first days

Balou did very well on his long journey to London and has quickly settled into his new home. He is such a baby that he does little besides sleep at the moment. He enjoys his toys but prefers stealing Bouche the Shih Tzu's fluffy toys rather than playing with his own big toys. He is quite a chewer so we are all keeping our eyes peeled for the moment he starts nibbling something he shouldn't. So far the wicker baskets and the fridge have caught his eye.

Since he is so young Balou isn't allowed to do a lot of exercise but he still comes out with us, pootling around in the woods, sniffing leaves and picking up sticks while the little dogs shoot off around him chasing squirrels. Because of his size and fluffiness Balou attracts admiring glances and it's impossible to move more than five feet without someone rushing over to cuddle him. Luckily Balou loves all the attention and is happy to meet new dogs, grown ups and children.

On Monday he went to meet the vet and have a little stroll, everyone fell in love with him - naturally.
So far he had coped well with all the changes and new experiences of this week. He knows his name, 'sit', 'come', 'outside' and is doing well with his toilet training. Even though he probably has felt a little overwhelmed he hasn't shown it.

For the first few days Balou was very quiet and a little shy around the other dogs, however he soon found his feet and now follows them about. On walks he follows his 'big' brothers Scrappy and Bouche and in the house tries to play with them and generally wind them up like a typical puppy, play bows, woofs and looking plaintive haven't yet succeeded.

At the end of his first week we are all pleased with how sweet and calm he is. We only hope it continues and he doesn't have too much of a difficult adolescence!

Balou's first week.

Weight at the vet's - just over 11kgs
Height - still to come.