For a short while, when Nico was a puppy, we had fed him to help build engagement with us. We’ve decided to return to that, coupled with a short training session at each meal.

He's back! We picked up Nico from the Upstate Canine Academy today. Their training staff spent two hours teaching us all that Nico has learned and how to keep moving forward with his training.

We dropped Nico off at Upstate Canine Academy today, wish him luck!

Getting settled in to spend some family time sitting on the couch.

This is the look Nico gave me when I told him his new Benebone was a present for when he goes off to “college” this weekend. We recently decided to send Nico off to Upstate Canine Academy for a three-week board and train program; we’re referring to it as Nico going to college.

Did I hear someone mention dinner?

Nico is practicing for his yearbook photo and I’m practicing my on-camera flash technique.

Nico is feeling a little under the weather today because he decided to get into a dessert that was left within his reach (totally our fault).

While walking today, we came across two alpacas and a goat. Nico was over by the fence before he realized they were there. He eventually came back over to us and sat like a good boy for this photo. I’m sure he was thinking, “those are strange-looking dogs.”

I sold all my Nikon camera gear several years ago when I switched to Sony. Since then, I haven’t had a flash to help with low-light situations. I got myself a Godox V1s on-camera flash, knowing we have several more months of limited natural light.

Nico watching all the snow melt away…

Awe struck by a dried rabbit ear. Nico’s Aunt Robyn and Uncle Shawn set him a package of treats for Christmas. When I handed him the dried rabbit ear (with fur and all), he gently placed it on the floor and then rubbed himself on it. After a few minutes of this, he chomped it down and had this awe-struck look on his face.

When you have dried slobber on your nose, that is usually a good sign fun has been had.

Nico waiting as I fumble to grab a treat with gloves on. He’s been having a lot of fun running along as I cross-country ski.

After three miles of all-out running, we practiced impulse control by waiting for friends on the ski trail. Nico has good obedience as long as there aren’t new and exciting distractions. If we could teach him how to chill out when new dogs and people are around, he would get to socialize even more.

Nico can’t wait for summer to fetch his new toy in the water. This Ruffwear Lunker will sit nice and high in the water, making it easier for Nico to see.

Nico is ready for Christmas morning.

The dog bed on the couch at work seems to receive positive reviews from Nico, though he occasionally slides off the bed. He lives a tough life.

One of my colleagues made treats for all the office dogs. Nico loves them and figured out where they are in the conference room.

Data analysis + dog = a great afternoon.

I tried putting Nico’s dog bed on the couch in my office; it seemed like a win. We’re still working on how to relax in an office with many other people and all kinds of noises.