Fourth Road Walk - Second Time Alone

I meant to write yesterday but I just got so busy that I didn't have time. We took Chrome on another walk by himself on the roads. Actually he wasn't by himself. My husband was walking the dogs, so we don't have pictures unfortunately. I wish I had taken the camera because at one point Chrome was sniffing Storm and had his neck arched beautifully, but I was being lazy, :)

Chrome did great! Since Zeppelin didn't bray at him and Galaxy wasn't there to neigh at him, he was much quieter. The only time he neighed was when we passed the neighbor's pasture and their gelding neighed at him. He neighed back once and then kept walking.

The only thing he hesitated on was a huge mud puddle. It was ankle deep and very wide. I just walked into it and waited on him. He looked around for a long time and finally walked through it. The whole time he walked through it he looked like he thought something was going to eat him. I wish he could understand English. I would have told him it wasn't deep enough for sharks or crocodiles lol. So, sorry I don't have pictures. It's still exciting though. If things aren't as busy tomorrow I'll try to get some pictures posted of him playing with his toys. :)

Wordless Wednesday Shadow

Monthly Progress Report - 1-19-10

Date: 1-19-10
Age: 8 months
Height: A little over 13¼hh (52¼in/132.08cm)
Height Gain: ¾ inch
Weight: Approx 530lbs
Weight Gain: 55lbs

Progress: Wow, I knew Chrome was growing, but ¾ of an inch in height and 55lbs in one month! Nice! Chrome is still doing very well with picking up his feet and he adores being groomed. I think he gets muddy just so I have something to brush off lol. As most of you know we rehomed the filly Galaxy and brought my dad’s donkey Zeppelin home to keep Chrome company. He wasn’t sure about Zep at first, but he calmed down instantly. They have quickly become friends and I don’t think Zeppelin is going to put up with Chrome’s obnoxious behavior, so that’s good. Chrome is starting to show out and test his boundaries, but other than the nipping he hasn’t tried anything with me. Chrome has also found a treat he likes finally and of course it’s sugar. I’m going to use it for now but will continue to try him out with other treats. He still eats nicker makers occasionally and he even ate one of the peppermint treats the other day, but he won’t eat either consistently enough yet to use for clicker training.

Goals: My goal for this month is to start Chrome on clicker training. I’ll probably start with target and I’ll of course work on polite behavior (no mugging for treats!). I also need to be consistent with our nipping training. I read about a method on one of the blogs I follow (sorry I don't remember which one) about nipping. She suggested walking away and ignoring them when they nip because nipping is an invitation to play. So far, so good. I’m not going to try for too much this month because it is still winter and with unpredictable weather comes unpredictable behavior from me lol!!