Hi, FM here. Wanted to share a couple more pics of Mo(ses) with everyone, as well as things we have learned since we got him on Friday.

Moses cannot be around cats, as the day after Mo grabbed Bailey, I did find a puncture wound. I thought maybe he had gone after Bailey cuz Jax always does. But this morning when Mo was outside, Coulter, my friendliest cat, came up on the deck to come in and Mo went after him. Coulter escaped. Since Mo was never around cats on the farm I guess he doesn't know what else to do but go for 'em. I would say he has a high prey drive when it comes to cats and other small furry things that move.

Mo wasn't interested in food since he got here. He finally ate Sunday. He went to the vet on Monday for his neuter and did great. However, when they put his food in his kennel he shoved it back out through the bottom of the gate, not once but twice. I brought him home on Tuesday at noon and put his food in his crate and he finally went in and ate.

I am crating Mo in a Mastiff dog size crate and putting his food in there for him to understand the crate is a good place. Last night for the first time it only took me a couple times to get him to go in his crate 'willingly' LOL I praised and gave him his treat. The first 2 nights he cried and barked a bit, but I ignored him and he settled in. Last night all quiet.

Getting him to take his pills is another story. I have to put honey or peanut butter on his antibiotic and open his mouth and put them at the back of his mouth. Thankfully he takes the pain meds without a fuss.

We are working on the mouthing, no tolerance. He tries to get up on the couch by me, but only gets half way up then starts to chew on my blanket or one of the pillows. So he is made to get down and sit. Then invited to come up. He has to sit and wait before we go out and come in. He knows sit but just thinks he should chose the times he should do it.

He is doing well on potty training. I started out with a belly band, but he had 3 wet pads and he was on tether with me, so no idea when he pottied. So we took the belly band off and keep him tethered, watch him and take him out often. He has not messed in his crate.

This morning I was sitting at the kitchen table and heard him chewing on the floor next to me. Well, the toy basket was there so I assumed (you know what they say about that:) he was chewing on something appropriate. NOT. He was chewing on the end of the leg of the table. I don't mind as this table has seen many a puppy and dog chew in the exact same place. But I need to be more mindful so that he learns it's not acceptable.

We are trading appropriate toys for inappropriate items that we have over looked and he has gotten. He is doing very well with this. Lots of praise for good behaviour, a firm reprimand for mouthing. Keeping him tethered is getting a bit old, but it helps to control his actions. He loves the tennis balls, stuffed toys (to be de-stuffed), hooves, chew bones etc. He is a chewer plain and simple and has to be watched.

Mo is a big boy at 81 lbs and my vet said he could lose maybe a couple pounds, but really he is a healthy boy despite the ear infections and dry/red skin which is improving. Mo is learning so much: how to live in a house, ride in a van (he jumped right in when it was time to come home from the vet), not chew what he wants, no free feeding, but eating 2 times a day in his crate, how to sit, to come when called, trade things and of course potty training. He still likes to jump up and so no small children under at least 10. Living life 'free' to being confined with rules is all new for him. He is a challenge. He needs a family that can handle a big dog with no manners, be CONSISTENT in all you do with him, dog obedience is a must, and he can't be crated all day, ideally someone home for the summer to train him would be awesome, a fence would be best for him, but I think he'd learn underground fencing quickly. He would chew through a tie out, a chain is not acceptable. A tired dog is a happy and content dog, as it is with Mo.

I want Mo to find the right home and family, not only for him, but the family. I want who ever is interested in him to be aware he will be a challenge but is eager to please and learn. If you think this big beautiful boy would fit in your life style, please do let us know.

FM and the troops

Mo, it is ok to be on the old couch	Mo and baby gates
Mo at his best