Week 5 (10 weeks old)

I am not actually through the entire week yet, I normally write his adventures on a Friday, however today I put it all on the blog! So I thought I might as well update you.

General Temperament
In the house:
Best week so far. Totally house trained (thank goodness) and happy as Larry to go into his crate. Feeding time is so much better too, he is sitting waiting for his meals now, and although I am still giving him large portions, he is still very very happy to take tidbits outside (for recall etc) too.

Sociability:
Wonderful! He is not running off to other dogs and people in the park, and seems to repsond so well to a 'leave' - yet responds equally well to a 'good boy'. I have started to not treat him for every time he does something well, 20% of the time he gets a scratch at the neck (he makes funny faces when you get the spot just right!) and a 'good boy'. The barkyness is definately less, but still there, continuing to distrupt him when he starts.

Trainability:
I haven't actually done much one on one this week (but it's not over yet) what with xmas and all, however I am not bothered by this. Both in the house and outside we are pretty much constantly training, if he plays with a ball I will ask him to 'leave' 'sit' and 'wait' or 'get it' (where he comes to me) and he is 100%. I know this will deteriorate with onset adolescent diliquentness, however I am enjoying every minute of his good behviour this week, I just love him to bits. So well rounded and a happy little fellow. Been reading about the Border Collie (oh-oh) and how they have a high startle reflex. He does actually, to several things, but he trusts me, this much I have learned. When he panicks or runs from something, I put it down (for example he was frightened of moving car wipers and my jingle bell wreath) ask him to come to me - praise and hug, then slowly show it to him from a distance (this involves me stretching!) and slowly make the movement or noise, then again praise. Doesn't have to happen in one day either. He was very very scared of the jingle bells (they are noisy) but I made a point to make a small movement with it everyday, over a couple days. He doesn't flinch when I pick them up now, will carry on playing with his toys/annoying the other dogs.

I am so happy with him, everytime I pick him up I squeeze him so tight. He is so cute, I wish there was a pill to make him stay this size forever. He got leggy this week and it a great size, I no longer feel ill when he is running with the other dogs (I was so frightened of him getting squished) I know as well that everytime I pick him up that there are only a limited number of times left before he will be too big to be doing that. What if I taught him to smoke - that stunts growth right!?!

Recall:
Much better from last week, in fact he is eager to come. Making the most of it just now, as I said I am sure he will go up and down, and then at 6 months be a little sh*t!!!

New Tricks:
Nothing fun, but the does 'wait' to cross at the kerb, and late at night when there are no cars about, off lead he will put the brakes on for the kerb, and then look at me. (Love him)

House Training
This title can come away now as he is house trained and seems to have bladder control overnight which is super!

Food Manners
Again this title can also come away as he is alot calmer around food now.

Lead Manners
Still pulling a little. Trying to think of things to do with him to stop that developing. Took him off the collar as I don't like to have them pull against it. The harness is more balanced, however when out walking 4 on the lead it is not easy to do training with pup. Must invest more time on this. I tried the gencon this morning, which he obviously didn't like but did walk on it for a bit. He looks ridiculous as he is so small and it is huge on him, but if it makes him walk more balanced then that's what it will be!

All in all I think 10 weeks might be the perfect age - all downhill from here!

Going to post pictures I promise!