Last week we had another vet visit for his last round of puppy vaccinations. That went even better than last time in most ways. I also had him walk in on his own this time and we had great walking, even past the cat! On Sunday morning we did additional vet things – we went to the local golden retriever club’s health clinic – all three dogs had cardiac and eye exams. Viktor did amazing in that environment – a lot of dogs were in the lobby and he was happy to hang out in my arms or offer settling at my feet. The eye exam was harder, we tried him on the table but when we just held him in the air he was much happier. He’s confident on the table, it gave him too much room to move around.
Classes this week were great, he continues to settle well at my feet . He’s old enough now that he’s quite excitable and can eagerly do so many things. We sit out of play time and on Wednesday he was so relaxed – he wanted to lay on his back in my arms and watch the other puppies playing. Dogs usually don’t like to lay like that but he does!
I feel bad for parents who wake up to small children crying to get their needs met. Viktor wakes me up by licking me, gently pawing my face, gently tugging my hair, rolling on me, or other adorable things I can’t quite remember because I was sleeping.
This week he has become much more athletic. He’s actually running and is faster than me. His movement is obviously more coordinated, he spends a lot more time awake and playing. He’s now showing interest in raised surfaces (tables and counters are clear).
I need photo editing programs to make these brighter.
Informal Training: We got in so many trips out in public with a few nicer days and vaccinations complete. We went and walked in town and to pet stores – his walking is going surprisingly well given his age and how little we’ve practiced. I don’t expect it to always be this great. He also did a great job of offering settle while we talked to someone outside of the library.
Formal Training: Lots of training this week! Playing has much improved, we’re working hard at standing (he came loving to Sit and loves his Down position because of training), and more holding still. His response to a release-and-focus cue has been great for many weeks – there’s this extra flourish of a leap that I probably should get rid of but it’s adorable. He suddenly has been able to do pivoting into heel position. One of the hardest lessons this week was “move/look away from the reward to get it.” He likes the tunnels but didn’t want to go through and stop looking at the toy.