Future Chocco Boy (Welcome Hugo Bear! )

[Lab_adore]

Wow, that is one Hug(o) growth spurt. Such a cutie

Your floor boards look exactly like the ones we are looking to get! We have been planning to replace our very old and worn floorboards for years but were waiting for Maxx to 'grow up' first. I guess 6 1/4 is grown up enough

 

[Loraseal]

Well hell O teenager!
Hugo is just stunning.

 

[Kelsey]

Wow, that is one Hug(o) growth spurt. Such a cutie

Your floor boards look exactly like the ones we are looking to get! We have been planning to replace our very old and worn floorboards for years but were waiting for Maxx to 'grow up' first. I guess 6 1/4 is grown up enough

I love the colour of them! Yes, I think he may be grown up enough now I would do it and enjoy them

 

[MrChew]

Hugo looks so grown up now. Chewie does lazy sits when he wakes up from a nap in a chair. He sits there slow blinking and looking a bit confused before doing a big stretch (sometimes so big he falls over...) and lying down again.

 

[Jacqui-S]

He's so very hansom

 

[Kelsey]

Hugo looks so grown up now. Chewie does lazy sits when he wakes up from a nap in a chair. He sits there slow blinking and looking a bit confused before doing a big stretch (sometimes so big he falls over...) and lying down again.

That’s so cute!!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Still looking deliciously squishy, even in teenager mode.

 

[Jennifer]

Gorgeous. Good luck with your teenager @Kelsey . Hunter has reverted back to chewing and once again I seem to have my hand in a dogs mouth rather a lot. To be fair his drop is pretty instant these days and while he definitely tries to push his luck on occasion a slight change in the tone of my voice or just walking off and, so far, he still comes running.

 

[Kelsey]

Gorgeous. Good luck with your teenager @Kelsey . Hunter has reverted back to chewing and once again I seem to have my hand in a dogs mouth rather a lot. To be fair his drop is pretty instant these days and while he definitely tries to push his look on occasion a slight change in the tone of my voice or just walking off and, so far, he still comes running.

Thank you! We will see how this goes Oh Hunter, you little monkey keeping your mom on her toes But that’s great he is recognizing your cues and you walking away and him running after you trumps being naughty I’ve noticed that Hugo is recognizing my tone also these days. Before there was zero difference in him when I changed my tone, now there is a ‘oh, I think she actually wants me to stop humping the cat…alright then’ Baby steps

 

[Kelsey]

Hugo is 6 months old today and 56lbs
He is loving, calm, confident, loves to snuggle, gentle and loves everyone and everything, truly such a good boy. The most repetitive comment I get from people is that he is an old soul, which is what I’ve said since that first week I brought him home. As many of you know, I really struggled with puppy blues with Axel, and I was prepared to go through it again but was dreading the process, but I am pleasantly surprised that it is so far minimal compared to the last time I went though this. The worst was weeks 10-12 I believe, it was when I had my meltdown and vented on here, and somehow he must have known I was struggling as that was it

Now, in saying that, he is not perfect by any means But in comparison to what I’m used to he is so easy. Inside the house he is a dream, doesn’t chew shoes or anything he shouldn’t, very calm and acts more like a 5 year old lab than a puppy. But outside the house on walks is where I’m struggling. He is obsessed with putting everything in his mouth and selective hearing comes in to play when I say ‘leave it’. Also, he is pulling a lot more to sniff things or say hello to people, and just pulling in general, and jumping up saying hello to strangers sometimes. So I clearly need to up my rewards to something more tasty than just training treats as those aren’t cutting it anymore. I used canned salmon or tuna with Axel, but I worry about sodium content in those? I could cook up some pork or turkey and use that instead. But any other suggestions or tips on managing these would be wonderful

A few recent photos as of lately

 

[Joy]

He looks gorgeous and you sound so happy! A couple of thoughts about puppies picking things up: First perhaps think whether it really will hurt him to pick up any particular object and if actually it's safe then let him investigate it. If it's something that you think could hurt him, how about carrying a special (squeaky?) toy in your pocket that you produce with much excitement when you need him to leave something alone? This is working well with a puppy whose owners I am helping at the moment.

 

[Jacqui-S]

He is just perfect for you, a lovely boy x

 

[HAH]

Gah, he is such a joyful bundle of Hugo!! I’m so so pleased to hear how well your relationship is growing @Kelsey - so much credit to you for prioritising this and making Hugo’s world safe, secure and full of love.

At 6 months he’s heading firmly into adolescence, and it sounds like you’re managing it beautifully. I’m very envious of his at home behaviour! Stilton is a little wonder horse but we’re still working on settle, self soothing and patience around tasty things (!).

He is obsessed with putting everything in his mouth

I remember hearing some time ago that puppies explore their world with their mouths, and ain’t that the truth! I do like @Joy ’s suggestion of being pragmatic; if you pick your battles wisely it might improve your chance of success, plus reduce stress for everyone.

he is pulling a lot more

Such teenage behaviour! Stilton is so much stronger now, and pulling is far more effective. I’m finding that really high value treats (cocktail sausages or cheese) that you can break into small pieces and stream when necessary really helps, alongside pattern games (“1,2,3 and treat!” Etc) really helps interrupt the pulling.

jumping up saying hello to strangers

Again, we’re finding that pattern games, practicing about turns (a to b game) and keeping Stilton moving really helps. We met a woman the other day on a walk and she was very chatty, Stilton did brilliantly but did get bored and eventually started jumping at her. The woman yelled NO at him a couple of times and I must have pulled a face because she then asked me what I wanted her to do… I realized that actually Stilton hasn’t been in that situation before and it was just too tricky to hold it in, so we did some ping pong throwing treats, and then practiced Middle which he loves and is handily a mutually exclusive behaviour. And then we moved on, recognizing how well he did. She probably thought I was mad, but I’m caring less about that the older I get!

 

[Kelsey]

He looks gorgeous and you sound so happy! A couple of thoughts about puppies picking things up: First perhaps think whether it really will hurt him to pick up any particular object and if actually it's safe then let him investigate it. If it's something that you think could hurt him, how about carrying a special (squeaky?) toy in your pocket that you produce with much excitement when you need him to leave something alone? This is working well with a puppy whose owners I am helping at the moment.

Thank you!! I really am happy, he has helped heal me so much
Absolutely, I realized I was being a bit, (OK a lot) crazy at first, even telling him to drop leaves. Now it is mostly sticks I want him to drop as I worry so much about injuries with them running with a stick and it jabbing the back of their throats. He also pooped out a stick yesterday that was 2 inches long I also don't think I mentioned on here that about 3 weeks ago he ran in to a stick and it went straight up his nose, which caused a massive sneezing fit, with blood flying out his nose, it was so scary, but thankfully once all foreign bodies flew out his nose the sneezing stopped, as did the bleeding. All because he was so excited to grab a stick and have a zoomie session. Pinecones are finally losing interest to him, he picks them up still but drops them on his own accord rather quickly, I am hoping this will include sticks soon also. I will try a squeaky toy and see if that helps any, I tried a ball and that didn't do anything unfortunately after about 30 seconds but balls are not exciting to this boy like they were to Axel

 

[Kelsey]

Gah, he is such a joyful bundle of Hugo!! I’m so so pleased to hear how well your relationship is growing @Kelsey - so much credit to you for prioritising this and making Hugo’s world safe, secure and full of love.

At 6 months he’s heading firmly into adolescence, and it sounds like you’re managing it beautifully. I’m very envious of his at home behaviour! Stilton is a little wonder horse but we’re still working on settle, self soothing and patience around tasty things (!).

I remember hearing some time ago that puppies explore their world with their mouths, and ain’t that the truth! I do like @Joy ’s suggestion of being pragmatic; if you pick your battles wisely it might improve your chance of success, plus reduce stress for everyone.

Such teenage behaviour! Stilton is so much stronger now, and pulling is far more effective. I’m finding that really high value treats (cocktail sausages or cheese) that you can break into small pieces and stream when necessary really helps, alongside pattern games (“1,2,3 and treat!” Etc) really helps interrupt the pulling.

Again, we’re finding that pattern games, practicing about turns (a to b game) and keeping Stilton moving really helps. We met a woman the other day on a walk and she was very chatty, Stilton did brilliantly but did get bored and eventually started jumping at her. The woman yelled NO at him a couple of times and I must have pulled a face because she then asked me what I wanted her to do… I realized that actually Stilton hasn’t been in that situation before and it was just too tricky to hold it in, so we did some ping pong throwing treats, and then practiced Middle which he loves and is handily a mutually exclusive behaviour. And then we moved on, recognizing how well he did. She probably thought I was mad, but I’m caring less about that the older I get!

Honestly, I am SO surprised how good he is in the home! Ever since he was about 14 weeks old I have been leaving him free when I shower (I take long showers ) and he always would just play with his toys, he still does now but mostly naps. The number one question I am asked on my walks 'ahhh a lab puppy, so what all has he destroyed?! ' and their shock when I say 'nothing, a couple teeth marks on my side table from when he was 8 weeks old but that is it.' Honestly, he is probably ruining me for future lab pups!

I remember you telling me that during my meltdown a few months ago, about puppies exploring with their mouths and I try to remind myself this as he shoves all the sticks and prickly bushes in his mouth hahah.

I am relieved to hear that I am not the only one struggling with leash pulling! It is amazing how strong they are, but I suppose they have 4 wheel drive I will give cheese a try! I have not tried cheese on him yet. His little sensitive tummy worries me a bit but trial and error and just small little pieces to start.

Aw Stilton, I can't say I blame the boy, I get antsy myself when people don't continue on after a quick hello! And truthfully, I think I would have been a tad annoyed at the lady for yelling NO at my boy, but good on you for handling that so well!! Sounds like you have puppyhood down pat with your tips and tricks! Stilton is a lucky boy and your hard work, love and patience will shine through him!

 

[Selina27]

Lovely to read your 6 month update @Kelsey , he really a super pup and I am so pleased that he is helping you heal.

I would like to turn back the clock to Cassie's puppy days and teach a better loose lead walking. In those days I only knew I wanted to avoid aversive methods but didn't have the +R knowledge and skills to teach it well.

 

[Kelsey]

Lovely to read your 6 month update @Kelsey , he really a super pup and I am so pleased that he is helping you heal.

I would like to turn back the clock to Cassie's puppy days and teach a better loose lead walking. In those days I only knew I wanted to avoid aversive methods but didn't have the +R knowledge and skills to teach it well.

We learn as we go Granted I thought I would be much better at teaching it this time around and yet I’m struggling so much!

 

[Cath]

You both will get there @Kelsey

 

[Joy]

balls are not exciting to this boy like they were to Axel

Yes, you've got to find the thing that an individual loves. Tess (borrowed dog) loves balls above everything (even food), whereas Molly's never been keen on balls. When Molly was small one of her favourite things was an old sock tied to the end of a bungee cord.

 

[Candy]

You both will get there @Kelsey

Yes, you're doing all the right things and so you will.
What I think it can be difficult to remember in amidst the madness of New Puppy Time ( at least, I always seem to forget it) is that this all takes time. It takes time for you to get to know your pup, and for him to know you, then just when you think you do, things change because he's growing up. Also building your bond takes time and again there's the element of change there as he grows and matures. Quite often now I find Joy coping well with a situation that would have been difficult to say the least when she was younger. As they say, it's a process, not an event, so enjoy the puppyness and trust that you're doing the right things to help him become a lovely adult dog. You clearly did it very well last time.