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,

VIDEO : Lexi (14-week-old puppy) shows off her water-retrieving skills

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

This is a short post today - 
For those who have not yet seen this video - enjoy!
Sending lotsaluv,

LEXI's first puppy class

(Above: Lexi spending time 'watching TV' AFTER her puppy class)

By Saturday 2nd March, all Lexi's necessary documents had been collated and emailed off to...

MCKAYNINE TRAINING CENTRE in Johannesburg.

 All the necessary boxes were ticked: 

Vaccination certificate, treats, water bowl, water, lead, collar and, of course, our little Sunbeam...

13-week-old "LEXI" !!!

We arrived at the venue with ample time to spare so that she could acquaint herself with the new environment.  

(Above: Lexi meeting the sheep at McKaynine Training centre)

McKaynine Training Centre is located in a farm-like setting with many distractions - sheep, ducks, other dogs, etc, etc.  The trainers are well qualified and under the guidance of the highly qualified animal behaviouralist and instructor, Shannon McKay.  If you recall, Toby did his own training at this centre, as well as his preparation for THE STAGE PRODUCTION OF THE MUSICAL, "ANNIE"  (click HERE if you missed it) so I was more than happy to return to McKaynine Training with our new little Lexi.

We parked our car below the main fields and allowed Lexi her first glimpse of things to come. She climbed out of the car - tentatively - and looked around.

 "What's this Maxmom?"

I am fully aware that our Lexi is a soft, sensitive little puppy and needs to be ushered into new environments gently. She's always a little timid at first, but once she's familiarised herself with her environment, then her confidence blooms.  Her first day at puppy school was no different.

 There were approximately 20 pups attending, (a large class with lots of distractions) but more than enough 'crew' to help and supervise the pups and their  handlers.

 The first class is designed to familiarise both pups and handlers to the setting and the whole idea of puppy 'training and socialisation'. There is a lot of talking and giving of advice in the first lesson, but it gives the pups the opportunity to learn patience and be encouraged to settle down next to their handlers. 

 Later in the lesson, when everything is calm, the pups are let off lead to explore and to play with their co-students.  At this time, the handlers are encouraged to stand still and not interfere at all.  

Lexi was a little tentative again, but more interested in exploring the array of humans that were present.  She is a friendly, happy and affable little pup.  

We then moved from the enclosure onto one of the larger fields.  Here the pups were encouraged through two different tunnels. For many pups, this exercise can be quite daunting, but Lexi was very happy to perform these tasks with confidence.  

Well done, my Sunbeam!!!

At the end of a happy lesson, we were sent home with a complimentary packet of puppy food as well as a DVD for "handler's-homework".  

My goal this week is simple - to reward Lexi for offering me calm behaviour in potentially excitable situations - eg, visitors at the front door or when I am busy in the kitchen.  Our puppy classes are approximately six weeks in duration and I know that we'll learn a lot of new things during that time.  We look forward to our next one this coming Saturday. But for the moment, it's time for a puppy cuddle:

Well done, my little Sunbeam! You've survived your first lesson.

Sending lotsaluv to all our friends around the world...

That pivotal, incredible moment...

It's a unique turning point when your puppy suddenly realises that 

YOU are their life’s purpose! ...

I wonder how many people have experienced this as profoundly as I have. And Lexi gave it to me yesterday. My heart melted.

The moment is almost indescribable – I’ve been giving it serious thought since then because I need to share it on this blog. It’s as special as a baby taking its first steps.  But this time, it happens with a puppy. Your own puppy!  You’ll miss it if you are not watching.  It happens so fast, but it is a definite communication with you, and you are lucky if you witness it

Weeks have gone by with all the happenings of puppyhood.  I’ve dedicated time and energy towards this tiny, young, living creature.  I’ve harnessed my patience; my knowledge; my purpose; my love – all with the goal of nurturing our young Lexi.  Then suddenly it happens and it's profound!

My thoughts have been dancing around this particular notion.  I’ve tried hard to put it into words in order to be able to explain it to those who have not had the privilege of experiencing it…

This 'moment' is a culmination of the time you have spent with your young puppy.  It’s a coming together of two very different species and it seals the vulnerable bond in the early stages of this partnership.  It happens in the blink of an eye – literally - with merely a glance your way. But then it is followed by a few minutes of utter, static adoration from your young companion - her attention is directed totally at you in awe and wonder.

 “My prayer is to be as good a human being as my dog thinks I am.”

It’s a pivotal moment.  You’ll miss it if you’re not attentive. It happens suddenly and you see it in their eyes – like a light bulb experiencing the joy of illumination.  Their expression exudes adoration, admiration, trust, faith, love all mixed up with a measure of surprise.  It’s the  bridge of understanding laid down between a human being and his/her dog.

From this particular moment onwards, your relationship with your dog will soar.  She is ready – to focus on you, to learn from you, to work for you, to share your life with you. She will take whatever comes her way – her trust is unconditional.

I must have done something good…

Lexi's progress report : 12 weeks

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Can you believe it? Our little Sunbeam is already 12 weeks old! 

How time flies.  At this stage, she is "all long limbs and happy energy".  I've posted regular updates on Facebook over the past weeks, but I thought I'd update this blog too - for the benefit of my extended readership and friends

Lexi has settled well into our household routine and adores her two older house-mates.  Toby and her are particularly bonded and will spend hours playing together. Tammy, too, has accepted her although she prefers to keep her distance. It seems that young puppies don't auger well with arthritis but I've sometimes caught them simply lying together in the garden.

On Saturday, Lexi will be starting her puppy classes at McKAYNINE TRAINING CENTRE. 

 We can't wait...

Our puppy is a soft, sweet little puppy with an adorable little personality.  She is imbued with the energy typical to puppies, unearthing all sorts of 'unmentionables' and practising her 'zoomies', but when her energy is spent, she is more than happy to settle down next to me for a cuddle or two.

She is a fast and focussed learner and is quick to pick up on her basic obedience commands.  She loves her food and loves her new home.  

All-in-all Lexi is one happy puppy!!!

... and so are we.!

Lexi is learning fast from her big 'brother', Toby.  He loves showing off his pool jumps while Lexi looks on...

 Like Toby, Lexi also has a deep love for water.  She has claimed the water-feature as her personal spa, but I am sure she would be equally happy to share it with any other willing playmates.  She's still not worked out that the water spout is a permanent feature, so there is a lot of posturing and barking during her watery romp.  On a number of occasions, when I've not been watching, I've suddenly discovered a sopping pup rubbing herself around my ankles in a dance of triumph.

 "Check me out, Maxmom!"  

Here is a short video of her progression to the big pool:

Her vaccinations are up-to-date and she is now able to explore the bigger world. 
 On Sunday we introduced her to our local doggie-park.  

 Admittedly I was a little nervous - with many dogs around, with many untested personalities.  Lexi was a little overwhelmed at first, dropping onto her back and yelping in angst, but by the end of the park visit, she was romping happily and willing to meet more canine companions. 

Thankfully with puppy-socialisation she'll have dogs around who are the same age and stage as her.  I am sure her confidence will take off in that controlled environment.

Thank you, again, to Marycke Ackhurst of

QUILLQUEST GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

for trusting me with this gorgeous Golden girl.

Sending lotsaluv