Batman has experienced his first real snow this week. While at home during break Batman was not able to experience more than an inch or two of snow. Although, last night it snowed about six to eight inches and batman loves it.
When I walked batman this morning he went crazy trying to figure out what he was stepping in. Later in the day Rusko came over and we let them run around in the back of HPU's townhomes. A few other dogs came out to play as well. By far Batman had one of the greatest days of his life so far. He was able to play with new dogs, play with friends, and experience an entirely new environment.
Days such as this is why I appreciate living in a dog friendly neighborhood that HPU has created and letting Batman learn to play with new and multiple dogs.
Days such as this also force me to think about Batman's living situation after graduation and what I must find to keep Batman socializing with other dogs and stay active.

Batman has had a relaxing week due to the weather. Although after the snow, Batman and Rusko were able to play together and get all their energy out. They had a great time playing and sliding around in the snow.

Even though Batman had a fairly relaxing week my good friend from home has been here visiting and has kept batman company while I'm in class. Batman hates being alone and especially hates being left in the create or his "Bat cave". So having my friend here made him happy and more relaxed. Having my friend be here has let me find out more how he acts when I am not around. When I left my friend with Batman he said that he couldn't get Batman to get off his dog bed. Therefore I think I must start to leave Batman with other people more so that he learns to listen to others and feel more relaxed when I am not there.

This week was not very eventful but I was able to learn more about batman and some things he needs to work on.

Batman had a great weekend because he was able to see my mom and sister during parents weekend whom he loves, as well as playing with his friend, Rusko. My mom has not seen Batman since christmas and was shocked at how big he has gotten, as well as his improvement with his training. Although, as soon as my mom arrived it was hard for Batman to listen and behave because he was exploding with excitement. He jumped on my mom and constantly begged for attention and licking her face. To work off all the excitement I called up my friend Paul to bring Rusko over and let them play. They had a great time and another puppy came out to play as well, named Milo. Milo is small 4 month old mix of several unknown breeds, but is cute  and loves to play with Rusko and Batman. Batman enjoys playing with Milo because he is smaller and Batman is able to catch up to him, unlike Rusko who is an Australian Shepherd and is very fast. Therefore Batman tends to give up chasing Rusko and goes after Milo.

While my mom was here we often talked about the experience of raising a puppy in a college environment. I believe that the residence that I live in and it's environment is great. I am fortunate that I have an entire town home to myself that I am able to maintain and make sure it is a suitable living area for a puppy. This way I do not have to worry about roommates leaving food and other things that could harm Batman. As well as not feeling guilt after Batman breaks something that is not mine. Also, HPU has created a great complex for dogs, that include waste baskets and partially enclosed area where all dogs can play without the risk of running away. In addition, having the easy availability of other dogs  for Batman to interact with has given him the chance to learn how to play with all types of dogs. As well as not reacting badly when introduced to a new person.
On the other hand there are environments in college in which puppies should not be raised in. Puppies need a safe, clean, and spacious environment. I have heard many stories of students that try and raise a puppy in a dorm. This is a terrible environment because it is often a loud environment, as well as often dirty. Another problem with raising a puppy in a dorm is that puppies are not allowed in dorms, therefore students often get caught and are forced to find a new home for the puppy. After a puppy gets caught what usually happens is that the puppy gets moved from dorm-to-dorm and have several owners, which will stress the puppy out and could cause problems and fears for them in the future.
Having my mom come visit was great, Batman was extremely happy to see her and Batman was able to get a new bed, which he loves. (Thanks mom)

Batman has recently turned five months old and about 30 lbs. I have continued to practice all of his commands and he has become very responsive to all commands/tricks including sit, stay, lay down, come, leave it, and paw/other paw. As well as being potty trained, he has not gone to the bathroom in the house since back in CT, in early January. Also, I have also been able to leave him for longer hours of the day. The longest I will leave him will be around 4 hours and even when I leave him for a little longer he has been great at waiting until I come home to be let out.

This past weekend Batman met his cousin ZEUS, Zeus is my sister and boyfriend's seven year old Great Dane that is 160 lbs. This had been an introduction that my sister and I have been looking forward to since I adopted Batman. Although at the same time we were both just hoping they will get along, considering Zeus is five times Batman's weight and could probably eat batman in one bite if Zeus wanted (or strike batman with the wrath of a lightning bolt). Although, overall the introduction went great. We brought them to the dog park in my sisters apartment complex and let the run around and play together. It was very entertaining because Batman would be sprinting as fast as he can after Zeus or running away, and Zeus would catch up to him in a few strides because he is so tall and has such long legs. After playing for a little Batman came over to me and I noticed that he looked like he just took a bath. This was because Zeus enjoyed wrapping his jaw around Batman's entire body and would drool all over his back. Although the played great for a little after a while, Zeus got tired of Batman and wanted nothing to do with him. But Batman would continue to try and would lick his face a jump on him. Which Zeus did not like and would bark at Batman and Batman would bark back and run under the tables and chairs to hide. Even though after a while Zeus got tired and annoyed by Batman, I would say the introduction was a success. My sister, her boyfriend, and I concluded that Zeus is just old , especially for a great dane and just doesn't have the energy and patience for a puppy, as well as great danes are typically very relaxed and mellow dogs.

Here are pictures of Batman and Zeus on Christmas.