Settling into a Schedule, Running Errands & Visiting Dr. Neal!

Yesterday, we started settling into a schedule with Chaplin. He's dong a great job sleeping at night and I'm beginning to work on our puppy behaviors based on the puppy class homework (for the AKC Puppy STAR) and the book, The Focused Puppy by Deb Jones, PhD and Judy Keller. I'm using part of Chaplin's meals and a clicker. He is extremely food motivated and has learned "sit" very quickly. We've also started working on down, touch, stand, and automatic "leave it". Hardy's default position is "down", Chaplin's is going to be "sit". Of course, we're also working on house training, no biting, differentiating what he can and can not chew on and sitting/waiting for his food and to come out of his pen/crate. He's obviously a smart little guy and is going to learn (good or bad) quickly!

Chaplin and I also ran some errands together. We went to Pet Supplies Plus together to get an ID tag, Costco for some milk and A Dog's Life for a couple water bowls. Errands that would have taken a couple minutes without a cute little Labrador puppy turned into lengthy adventures accompanied by Chaplin. But he's learning about riding with me in my chair and loves the attention when we go out. We've discussed that although it seems like a good idea to chew on various parts of the chair (the arm rest, joy stick etc), it really isn't and I will be carrying a little toy with me! 

Before class yesterday, Chaplin got to meet "Aunt Ann", a friend who has a wonderful 7 year old yellow Lab, Miles, who is Chaplin's cousin. He also came to my classes with Brent and me. "Aunt Dorothy" trimmed his nails for me (especially his dew claws which were like razor blades) and he got to meet several of my students. 

Today, we went to visit Dr. Neal Sivula, our veterinarian for the first time! There were no shots involved, just a physical (which he passed with flying colors!) and some nice snuggles! Laurel and Hardy got their massages and Chaplin agrees with them that visiting Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center is a great time! 

This evening, Chaplin went to Laurel's agility class and met "Uncle Rob and Aunt Ana" as well as the other students in class. He's been excited to meet people but still remains very calm and composed for such a little guy!