So the puppy update
Had Bob about 6/7 weeks now. He’s been to our own vet for a general health check and flying colours were flown. He is on Royal Cannin golden retriever puppy food (dry biscuit) with a scrambled egg in the morning and a little chicken fed as treats every other day. weighed him today and he’s bang on, 13kg.
He is 90% house trained and it was very easy, far easier than i expected, we learned with him, having to take him in the garden every 30 mins but now, thanks to this great weather, the back door is mainly open but even at night, he’ll go to the back door and if it’s shut he’ll sit and wait. It’s up to us of course to spot the signs and follow him through the kitchen and open the door. treat reward approach has worked fabulously, he is yet to have ‘human’ food and doesn’t bat an eye when we are eating.
he can do an hour max when we are out and from early barking in the cage he now travels virtually silently. He knows the car and cage means out and about means fun times and meeting other dogs.
He is a submissive dog and straight on his back showing his underside to other dogs straight away, but interacts confidently once he’s ‘met’ them.
Been in water upto his belly quite confidently but doesn’t really bother with ducks/geese although he’ll quite happily eat their poo if we let him!
Made the mistake of treating him to a pigs ear at the weekend, far to rich for him. He loved it but an hour later a substance akin to used engine oil erupted from him and saw me getting the carpet cleaner out of the garage at 11 at night!
we are stepping up the training next week looking at sit/wait/come. He’ll sit now and sometimes wait but we’ve never set it as his goal with a reward, will update in the coming weeks.
Bad things? none really, for saying he’s a retriever he does the opposite! he loves shoes and slippers and will pinch them and run off with em, likewise with glasses case, tv remote, belts....He’s more of a stick dog than a ball dog. He has a choice a great toys (point of view from a human) but his favourite by far is the tried and tested empty water bottle with some treats inside it!
What a friend we have, we are very lucky to have this in our lives and he brings so much fun and enjoyment. Until now i never understood how much interaction with other dog owners your own dog brings, we’ve met so many interesting people.
As ever UKC has been a valuable resource with advice before we even got him, I feel duty bound to update those who have given advice freely. I’ve always liked dogs more than people and feel like a proud father
