Well we've nearly made it to a Year old! Just thought I'd give you all an update Eric is still as mad as a hatter and by no means the 'perfect' pup but he is gorgeous and in the main a lovely puppy. Walking: pulling much, much less on the lead. We are getting more and more loose lead walks. And when he does pull he is learning it gets him nowhere and he quickly comes back without prompting. I also don't need to feed him his full meal allowance on a training walk which I sometimes thought I'd be doing for years! Ignoring other dogs while on lead: again we have worked hard on this and providing I'm on the ball we can avoid the pulling across the street! Recall: well what can I say. No distractions he is the star pupil. Add in a dog or a human and well he still loves everyone and thinks everyone loves him. However he is definitely improving. He doesn't run as far to lick anyone to death. They pretty much have to be in reach. He will come back if I whistle at just that moment when I see the cogs turning 'should i run or not' but if i miss that cue I sometimes lose him. We are much better Grumpy: He is still a grump if being stroked from above and front. Still trying to get to the bottom of it and he has never grumped at anyone outside the house. Its mainly with hubby although he adores hubbie and is his shadow at every opportunity. We are working with the trainer and Eric is just much happier if you are on his level. I still feel this needs addressing as I would hate to think he grumped at anyone else. cuddles: after being the least cuddly lab in the land he has decided cuddles are good lol. And I love it! Bits and bobs: still in tact. so far no major humping and I don't feel being in tact is causing problems so he still has them Upset tummy: after a fair few upsets I have totally chilled over the packet instructions and feed him according to how he looks and feels. Hence no upsets for a long while. All in all I am starting to feel like a true labrador owner and can't believe I cried so much last summer! He really is a gorgeous boy!
Ah Jools,this is lovely to read....you are an inspiration to other members having the puppy tussles at the moment.You do come out the other side but it can feel like a loooooong tunnel at the time x
