Well Shadow has been part of the family for 3 weeks now, but crikey doesn't it feel longer. Probably because weekdays I rise at 5.30am to walk him. Not by choice! That's when my partner gets up for work and once woken Shadow needs to go out. Weekends are slightly better, 6.30am, that's my fault though, I seem programmed to wake up early now...
Went to puppy classes again, started doing 'heel work' this week, went much better than I expected, but he did start his usual antics of chewing the lead/my leg. The trainer touched on the problem of dogs who use their teeth too much, suggested putting something that tastes horrible on your hand or anywhere else the pup grabs, haven't tried it yet.
Going to be doing the recall next week so decided to try and get ahead of the class, have been practicing assiduously in the garden (I have always had a competitive streak!)He is doing it really well here including going round to heel to finish, but not sure what will happen when there are loads of distractions, and heel work is a strain as Shadow is still more inclined to chew the lead/me than actually walk nicely to heel!
On the whole i guess his behaviour is improving, shoes don't seem to be in much danger now, but the rug is still under threat and some nights you get an endless stream of toys dumped in your lap!!
Must admit I had forgotten how much work a puppy actually is..
Only other area for concern are his ears, still have one up, one down, he only gets the other one up if we are walking into a strong wind! He had two erect ears when we got him, so hopefully it will come right...
