The River Log

Beanwood

Administrator
Dear River is 13 weeks old today. I find myself saying.. how can labrador pups all be so different? :rofl: It is absolutely fascinating to watch her grow next to her mum, Bramble, they are alike certainly, and it is lovely to see the similarities. River though is harder work than Bramble, in the sense she is more active, more curious, and always in trouble! You really have to watch her 24/7, the instant you take your eyes of her she has dismantled the remote or emptied the coal scuttle! It does mean we have had to work a bit harder on calming/settling behaviours, especially when thinking of crate time. You just can't "pop her in there". :facepalm:.

After a lot of thought we decided to take her to puppy class. It is run locally, outside and by arguably one of the top trainers/behaviourist in our area. I know I had said that before, but Caroline is a bit special. She had a spot available so I snatched it up! I feel that she looks at each dogs needs carefully, and she reads canine body language beautifully! I don't feel I need to be an advocate for River, this trainer has got our back. We have already built up a good relationship over the last few years, and designed a really comprehensive and knowledgeable webinar for the Bramblette puppy owners.

During the puppy class we worked on foundation skills. New environment for the pups, so at our stations rewarding any "check ins". Started work on a mat/dog bed outside and rewarding the puppies for being on the mat. We also worked on started to approach other puppies on a lead, getting so far then rewarding focus back on us, everything at a good distance. I love that everything was done at a slow pace, no rushing through exercises. So all good. River was a tiny bit apprehensive at the beginning, but soon warmed up, loving a cuddle with the trainer complete with full on body wiggle! Her focus on the exercises was really good, and it was commented what excellent choices she made. Looking forward to the next one!

I do love how good River is with people, it makes life so much easier! Even at the vet for her booster last week the vet commented how absolutely lovely she was. Music to my ears! This lovely warm temperament that River has also runs through the whole litter. I am getting lots of updates from the other Bramblettes, they are all doing really well, and most have just about ventured out on their first BIG walk! :inlove:
 
Great to read how River is progressing with her training and life in general! How lucky that you have a trainer like that on your doorstep.
It's interesting to read your observations of the differences between your Labrador-s. Really brings home how individual they all are, despite the breed similarities. Highlights the fact that we have to work with the dog in front of us ☺
 
Lovely to hear how well she is progressing and that all the Bramblettes are also doing so well too. Reading what you said about the puppy class, made me realise that Hunter's puppy class was actually quite good. We did all the same things you mentioned.
I would love to see a photo of the emptied the coal scuttle:giggl:.
 
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Beanwood

Administrator
River really loves her training! Will be working a bit more on boundary training this week I think, mainly because she does have a habit of getting underfoot in the kitchen!

Out and about... River has been out on a couple of BIG walks, meaning out in public. She did really well, enjoying sniffing around, mooching and generally exploring at her own pace.

This is River off the beaten track. We just hung out in an area of woodland, with cut trees to navigate and lots of novel scent to explore. She loved it!



River having a bit of fun placeboard training with mum! :rofl: :hug:


 

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
River really loves her training! Will be working a bit more on boundary training this week I think, mainly because she does have a habit of getting underfoot in the kitchen!

Out and about... River has been out on a couple of BIG walks, meaning out in public. She did really well, enjoying sniffing around, mooching and generally exploring at her own pace.

This is River off the beaten track. We just hung out in an area of woodland, with cut trees to navigate and lots of novel scent to explore. She loved it!



River having a bit of fun placeboard training with mum! :rofl: :hug:


Oh! My heart is just melting! The little sweetheart!:inlove:
 

Boogie

Moderator
Location
Manchester UK
Poo in the night ...

Try feeding her later. All my pups went through a similar phase and a later meal worked. We moved it back to normal time (6pm) as they got older. Tatze had to join in, of course. She wasn’t thrilled but she was fine.

🐾🙂
 
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