All the little details (or most of them, anyway)

Tag has always had other dogs or children to play with, so I suspect he might require a little bit more attention the first few days.  Generally, Tag will rest his head on your knee or, if you're sleeping, nuzzle your hand to wake you up if he decides it is time for interaction.  If you respond to either of these maneuvers, plan on actually getting up and playing for a few minutes or finding a toy that will divert his follies.  Don't ever hesitate to just put him in his crate.  It is your world and he will need to adjust to a new schedule and rhythm without imposing on either of you.

I suspect some of Tag's new experiences will include swimming (maybe in the ocean!)  He enjoys the water and loved playing in a baby pool when he was younger.  No doubt, a few rounds of fetch on the beach should do the trick.

Tag has a few toys that he prefers and we'll make sure that you have them.  He really enjoys playing fetch, seems satisfied to chew bones and will play tugs for a short time.  Tag tends to stick to using his toys only, although he's been known to sneak in a few socks here and there.  We have not had any problems with his chewing anything he shouldn't chew.   You will have a great time playing with the Nina Ottoson toys that Tag has never had a chance to use.  Each toy encourages the dog to develop the underlying  skills necessary for service work.  Tag will learn to use his front teeth to pick small things up, use his paws to manipulate an object to another position and his nose to move things from side to side.  Each toy delivers a treat when the dog has correctly performed the task.  

Tag eats twice a day and has developed the ability to inhale food.   Quite literally.  I think he actually got a piece in his lung once.  To prevent this from happening again, please feed him from the large bowl provided, or use the Canine Genius toys (which he absolutely loves, but can be a bit hard to load with food when you aren't completely conscious.)  We were lucky to receive donated food from Happy Trails and you'll be loaded down with the likes of 100 pounds of Merrick's Campfire Trout before leaving St. Louis.  Most dogs only dream of eating that well.

We hope you're enjoying St. Louis!