Chaplin is 3 Months Old!

Chaplin is 3 months old today! He is growing like a weed: he is much taller, looks more like a little dog than a baby puppy and his feet still look incredibly huge! 

He is doing well with house training - he goes to the door to go out and cries if he's in his crate or x-pen to go out. He routinely sleeps through the night and can go about 3-4 hours between potties during the day. At this age, we are responsible for any accidents he has in the house. We keep him in a crate or X-Pen if we can't watch him, both to keep him safe and to stop him from having accidents. When we bring him out from "confinement", we take him out to potty and when he plays for a short time, we take him out again. We take him out when he eats and when he drinks very much. He understands the routine beautifully - he runs down the ramp, finds a spot and then races back up to the back door. Since he gets a treat for coming in, he then runs in to sit in front of the treat container.  So although he still doesn't have the physical capacity to "hold it" for more than about 3-4 hours and I have no doubt he would forget while playing and pee wherever he was, he has had very few accidents and is obviously beginning to understand the idea of letting us know when he has to go outside! Good boy, Chaplin!

Tomorrow is our last AKC STAR Puppy Class. Chaplin is doing very well with the behaviors we've been practicing - sit, folding down (from stand), down (from sit), stand, settle, "with me" (beginnings of loose leash walking), leave it (automatic for us) and stay. We're also playing with food toys, a wobble board, spinning left and right and riding a skateboard. We'll have some tests in class and show our "extra credit" trick - Chaplin can either do the spins or ride the skateboard. He is so much fun to do training with - we are practicing many of the behaviors for short periods at a variety of different places and he is proving to be very quick! 

Last night, I was sitting on the sofa with Chaplin beside me. I started eating ice cream which brought the cat, Maggie running. Of course, Chaplin thought the ice cream and the cat looked inviting but when I very gently told him that he needed to leave them both alone, he stayed right where he was despite the major temptations! He is so food motivated as well as being intensely interested in Maggie so I was very impressed with his understanding and level of self-control! 

This evening, we left Chaplin home for the first time! I got a "nanny cam" program for my computer and iPad/iPhone so that I could make sure he wasn't having a problem with us being gone. We left him in his crate on the floor facing Laurel's and Hardy's crates and I was able to see and hear him on my phone. We ran up the street (literally about 5 minutes from our house) to have dinner with some friends at Panera's. I was delighted to see (and hear) that Chaplin did beautifully while we were gone!

I had forgotten how much work little puppies were and I had also forgotten how quickly they grow up! I'm amazed at everything Chaplin has learned already and how much he has grown mentally and physically!

Busy Day for Chaplin at Animal Hospital, Car Dealership, and the Airport

Chaplin had a  busy and long day today! He went down to Metropolitan Animal Hospital early this morning as we dropped Hardy off for his neuter surgery/hip & elbow x-rays. Chaplin went in and visited with the staff already there at 7:00 am. 

From there, Chaplin, Brent and I headed to Mike Pruitt Honda for a service appointment. My wheelchair-modified 2007 Odyssey is close to 100,000 miles when our extended warranty runs out. We wanted to have the various systems checked before that happened so we set up an oil/filter change and inspection. Chaplin visited with many adults and children, walked next to my chair, went out a couple times and mostly sat in my lap. He was very well behaved and after that bit of excitement, fell asleep sitting with me. 

We went home for a couple hours. Since Hardy was still at Metro and we'd left Laurel at home, she was happy to see Chaplin return. They played for awhile and developed a new game: drag the puppy across the family room with a toy! 

Laurel & Chaplin nose to nose

Chaplin watching birds and squirrels

Chaplin on the sofa

Laurel saying, "No really, I think you should jump!"

Laurel wondering if Chaplin's going home anytime soon!

We headed back to pick up Hardy at about 2:00. Chaplin got to visit with many different people while we were waiting for the vet techs to bring Hardy out. Then while Brent took our groggy brown boy out to go potty; Dr. Hitchcock, Hardy's cardiologist, came out to meet Chaplin. After meeting Hardy last summer, she asked for his breeder's information. When she found out we were looking at a litter this spring, she called Donna to arrange to get a girl puppy. In fact, she took the littlest one, an adorable little girl. 

From Metro, we headed to Akron-Canton Airport to pick up our son, Devin. From there, we headed home where Chaplin and Devin got acquainted! One thing I noticed today is that Chaplin is getting faster and has developed a taste for deer poop!

Chaplin's First Agility Trial

This weekend, Chaplin was very busy! Thursday, we just continued our training sessions at home. He's having some loose stools (pudding poop) so I'm going to use fewer treats and we're going to slow down switching his food from the Purina brand he came home on to the Fromm Large Breed Puppy food we'll be using. He continues to prove to be a very quick, motivated puppy, especially when food's involved! 

Friday, we went to Costco and then to the North Olmsted SoccerPlex to set up for the USDAA Agility trial Laurel and I were entered in over the weekend. While I was taking Chaplin in my lap across the parking lot to go potty, a bunch of Border Collies yelled at him from the back of a car! He really didn't like that and his response reminded me that he could be in a fear period right now. He did fine on the grass going potty and I took the long way around to avoid those dogs on the way back. While Brent set up our stuff, I took Chaplin around to visit. He was held by about 15 different people; everyone was very careful with him and other dogs. At another agility trial, I had seen a Westie lunge across an aisle to go after a Golden puppy and I wasn't about to let that happen to Chaplin. 

Yesterday (Saturday), Laurel and I headed to the agility trial while Hardy and Chaplin stayed home with Dad. Brent took Chaplin to his first puppy class at Canine Affair Center. I heard that he did very well playing with the other puppies even though he is the youngest and one of the smallest. There was a pushy Boxer puppy that was given a time out but when he came back out to play, Hardy was right there begging him for a romp. Apparently, one of the puppies lost a baby tooth chewing on Chaplin so he came home bloodied (but it wasn't his blood)! After class, he ran errands with Brent - they went to Costco again, to a watch repair store, and the local dry cleaner. He was made over and held by several different people - he visited people of different races and saw some children. 

Today, we all went to the agility trial together. Chaplin spent some time shrieking in his crate so we played the cover it when yelling and uncover when quiet. Generally, though, he was very good and while we were watching dogs run, I kept telling him that it was his job to fall in love with agility! I didn't let anyone put him on the ground but lots of people held him and carried him around! Chaplin practiced pottying in different places and on command ("Find a Spot"). He came home very tired - one of the good things about taking him out to do things during the day! He is doing great at night - he either sleeps through the night or gets up once around 4:00 to go potty. He's still sleeping in his crate up on a table next to me in bed. He's got some stuffed animals in his crate with him and I'll probably start thinking about putting his crate on the ground in line with the big Labs' crates. For now though, I enjoy waking up and looking at my little guy sleeping peacefully in his crate!

Chaplin's First Visit to Chardon High School

Chaplin continued his busy schedule of meeting people and other dogs while going to various places this week! Monday, we ran some more errands together. He's enjoyed repeat visits to Costco, Home Depot and Tractor Supply while going to the bank, Half Price Bookstore and a convenience store for the first time! I am amazed at how much attention he attracts but he loves it all and I love hearing about other people's Labradors, Pointers, or other beloved dogs!

Yesterday, Chaplin and I went to Chardon High School to visit the staff and administrators there before they left for their summer break! He was a big hit! He got a toy and a couple treats, was held by everyone and had two different people take him outside for me. One of the Vice Principals got down on the floor and played with him and his toy! All in all, Chaplin had an absolutely wonderful visit! 

On our way home, we drove out to Chaplin (and Hardy's) breeder to pick up his paperwork. Unfortunately, no one was home but it gave Chaplin more time riding in the van. He is doing that beautifully (and quietly) now in his van crate (which is a size smaller than his house crate) and I am very thankful that he doesn't get car sick or anxious!

Last night was Chaplin's second puppy class at CABTC. We gave ourselves almost an hour to make the 30 minute trip but unfortunately, due to a couple accidents on the highways along our drive, it took us about an hour and a half to get to the training hall. Our instructor got there right before we did but we missed the social/play time. We reviewed the sit, down, and fold back down (from a stand). We started sit stay and "with me", the beginning of loose leash walking. Chaplin did a great job and this week, we'll practice trading a toy for a treat. I predict that our problem is going to be convincing Chaplin to be interested in anything else, including a toy if he knows I have food! 

As I've mentioned before, he is an extremely food motivated little guy! He will shriek while everyone's food is being prepared so we are going through the painstaking process of stopping preparations until he settles and quiets; starting up again; stopping again etc. It's better if he isn't in his pen although he still leaps and acts like a little fool but he will sit and wait until he just can't contain himself any longer! He is doing a great job of sitting and waiting while his food is being put down, however. 

This morning, I had an infusion so I was away from him for the first time - about 3 hours total. Chaplin did just fine but I found it pretty painful! Funny how quickly I've gotten used to being around the little guy!

This afternoon, we took Chaplin out to his breeder, Donna's place. We took him in and it was so cool to see him with all the adult Labradors who live in the house. There are breeding males, breeding females and spayed females. He just wandered around with them, got warned a couple times when he got too close to someone's toy but everyone did beautifully! 

This evening, the boys came to my classes with us. Chaplin was terrific! He came out to watch some and spent the rest of the time chilling in his crate! He really continues to be a pretty remarkable little guy!

When we got home, Hardy proved once again that he is going to be Chaplin's puppy raiser! They had a great time playing together!

I just finished registering Chaplin with AKC on-line. Donna and I am co-owning him and his registered name is Ridge View's Charlie Chaplin. She wanted to make him the #7 puppy in the litter due to a superstition she has and that was just fine with me. I'm honored that she wants to keep ownership in him and very grateful that she let me have the puppy she wanted to keep for herself. I also found out that his daddy, Magic is 8 years old now and Donna hasn't kept any of his sons yet. She was going to keep Chaplin but she let me take him home anyway. I find that pretty remarkable and I am extremely grateful for her generosity! Thanks, Donna!

Chaplin's First Trial Weekend

Our friend, Laurie, arrived from Utah for the weekend. She judged at Canine Affair Center's C-WAGS obedience and rally trial. Yesterday was obedience and today, rally. Chaplin spent both days at the trials and was really amazingly good! He met everyone there and different people held him, took him out and spent time with him! He slept or just sat watching everything around him! 

Laurel did very well in Level 3 Obedience. Unfortunately, I screwed up the signal exercise both times and we NQ'd. Hardy NQ'd his first try in Level 2. He sat up at the very end of the last exercise but came back for a solid Q and 1st place his second try. Both Labs did very well in rally with many Qs and nice placements! 

Taking all three Labs to Canine Affair for the trial, along with the X-Pen, bed, Brent's chair and table, 3 crates and my power chair made me think about what we're going to do when we have 3 big crates and our stuff to stay overnight. Will we need to take both my van and Brent's Jeep or should we get a carrier for the top of the van? Something to think about over the next couple months!

Chaplin tends to shriek while we're getting everyone's food ready. Since they eat 5 times a day, that can be pretty annoying. We've implemented the "if you're shrieking, no food gets made" policy which means you can't be in a hurry. It's just like working on no pulling - you can't be in a hurry to get somewhere because letting the puppy/dog pull every once in a while negates all the work you did not letting the puppy or dog pull across the parking lot, in your driveway or on a walk. Taking the time to wait out the shrieking is making mealtime much more complicated! The good part of this is that like other Labs I know, this is one incredibly food motivated young man!

I told people all weekend that Chaplin was a "scary good" puppy! I need to remember that when he turns into an adolescent! Until then, I'm just planning to do plenty of socialization, work on basic behaviors and enjoy puppy breath!

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!

Chaplin's First Puppy Class was a Success!

Chaplin had puppy class last night and it was a complete success! Hardy is the youngest puppy by several weeks (next youngest being 11 weeks old). There are some puppies that are quite a bit older and larger (like the St Bernard puppy) and Hardy seemed a bit overwhelmed during play time. He need not have worried though because there were several young girls who wanted to hold him and pet him so he didn't have to worry about being on the ground. We worked on sit, down (from a sit and a stand), restrained hold, handling and settle. During class, we used luring for the sit and down. At home, I'll be working on capturing the behaviors as well as using shaping. Even in class, we aren't necessarily doing everything the same way they teach it. For instance, they recommend that you physically hold the dog down for the "settle", something we are not going to do. The instructors seem fine with us doing the exercises in our own way. 

Chaplin showing what a good "sitter" he is

Chaplin settling during the down

Relaxing on my lap during class

At the end of class, we had a bit of a "make up" for the 1st class that we missed. Chaplin fell asleep while the instructor reviewed the exercises. And we found out that as part of the class, you get a free 5 X 7 photograph by a professional photographer! We had the option to have the photos taken now or at the end of the session. We decided to do it now so that we'd have real baby photos of him! He was very good during the photo shoot and we're looking forward to seeing the proofs in a week or so. 

Chaplin sleeps through the lecture! Perfect chance to see his little "mustache"!

Again, Chaplin did a great job during the night. He woke once for a quick potty and then back to sleep!