Thani's stitches came out on Monday. The doctor prescribed some ointment to put on his first stitch - it looks good now. We also found a sore on his shoulder Sunday night and the doctor thought it could be from a vaccination/shot & also told us to put the ointment there. Thani is doing well - he's coming out of his shell and starting to feel at home! Lots more playful behavior (he's finally discovered his toys), energy during the walks, etc.

As for the nipping and jumping up. That hasn't been as much as an issue this week. I think alot of the solution has been my behavior towards him. Something we have noticed since he doesn't jump up on Michael. Before I enter the room I stand by the baby gate and talk to him for a minute and tell him to sit. When he seems more relaxed I come in and do what I need to do... but don't talk to him any sort of excited or animated voice. I also don't get down on his level and give kisses right away. I'll pat him on the head and let him follow me around, talking to him in a calm voice. After 5-10 minutes of being good then I'll get more affectionate. During this time I also stand with confidence and face him as much as possible. During super excited times (morning or when he's been in his den) I'll make sure I'm facing him and always moving slightly forward. He'll try to jump up but it's not as tall and not as strong as it was before. Or maybe I'm getting used to 75 lbs jumping on me? :) So I haven't done the thing from class where I ask him to jump up and move forward. I'll trying that in real life situations and just being more alert /confident and not letting him get too excited, if you know what I mean.

We are heading out for our camping trip at Joshua Tree now. Looking forward to it so much! We've talked so long about how great it would be to have a dog with us on our journeys.