UPDATE: LEXI's training and the Golden trio ...

Hello there to all our friends and followers around the world.

LEXI is 14 weeks old now ... and there is so much news to tell you.

How time is flying!  

She's growing by the day, loves her food and weighs in at a whopping 

11.4 Kgs.

 In the past six weeks I have applied myself diligently to orientating her towards her new life and home.  She has adapted well and is totally settled into our household.  She is loved by all our family members too.  Occasionally we are gifted with the odd 'accident' - left on the carpets - but her house-training is virtually complete.  "MY LITTLE SUNBEAM" is bringing plenty of sunshine into our lives.

(Above: A very wet Lexi sneaks into the house)

I am really grateful to Marycke Ackhurst at 

QUILLQUEST GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

 for entrusting this little pup to me. 

Lexi's relationship with the other dogs in the household is fabulous.  Toby and her are truly an 'item' and play for hours, while Aunt Tam looks on, graciously.  Where they get their energy from, I have no idea (Oh yes, it must be their 'Hills' diet), but they exude vitality, naughtiness and happiness.  The enjoyment we get from their interactions almost makes up for the many muddy pawprints left on our floors.

I have learned, over the years, that this early stage of a puppy's development is crucial to the ultimate disposition of the adult dog.  They are like little sponges - absorbing and learning every minute of the day - 24/7 - whether we are aware of it or not.  There is so much to explore -noises, smells, tastes, environmental conditions, moods and the people/animals/creatures.

   Like all puppies, she is  also a master at reading body language.  When it gets close to supper time, she practices her vocal skills with gusto.  Thankfully, when the actual bowl is presented, she is calm, sits nicely and is starting to offer her paw.  I am most impressed.

My goal of introducing Lexi to "200 people before the age of four months" is well on target.  I have lost count of the actual numbers of folk she has met.  We've been on car trips, to shopping centres, walks, etc, so we should be hovering comfortably around that figure. 

 Below: Yes, Lexi, those are children!

Lexi has commenced her puppy socialisation classes and enjoys them immensely.  She is a cautious, observant pup who develops confidence quickly.  This week she showed a lot more confidence  - venturing to interact more with the other pups (as opposed to using humans as her shield).  She is vital and energetic and  loves the 'Tunnel' at dog training. (Indeed she broke loose at one point to dart through the tunnel a second time - much to the delight of one of the crew members.)  

Lexi absolutely LOVES swimming and retrieving objects from our pool at home.  She throws herself into the water with absolute abandon.  She's a very brave and athletic little doggie!  

Diving in with carefree gusto...

  AN EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG SWIMMER!!!

 Admittedly, it's hard to divide my time between the three dogs with their very different needs.  In terms of pool retrieves however, there is already a competition developing between Toby and her as to who should be fetching the toy. 

TOBY, our "Sweet Hooligan" diving into the pool. 

 Above: Somewhere, in there, is a dog!

I think it's wise to set up some routine with pool games too: Toby gets his turn and then Lexi gets hers.  I need to be aware of situations which could potentially provoke jealousy.

During the day, I spend quality time with Toby - walking him around the neighbourhood and practising his own obedience commands. Once that's finished, it's Lexi's turn.

 She's doing very well with her basic obedience commands too.  She knows: "Sit","Come",  "Let's go", "Down" (Hand signal too - most impressive!) and we are working on the "Stand" command. 

I am aware that we don't have children at home, so today, I started taking her to the local primary school to get her accustomed to "miniature humans". 

  I am so thankful to have been invited to bring Lexi to a Grade 3 class of 35 learners towards the end of this week. (We look forward to that visit) Lexi appears to be very comfortable with the environment.  There were so many little ones who came to say 'Hello!'  

All-in-all, we have a happy, vital and well-adjusted puppy in our midst.  I am so enjoying spending time with her. 

 But I am also aware that we have three Goldens in our family - each with their own specific needs.  

Phew, what a task! But it's one I wouldn't swop for the world! 

Sending lotsaluv to you all,