Splashes and classes with Arthur

It's Arthur time again!

Here he is, looking every inch an Arthur.

So, what's Arthur been up to recently?

Well, he's started his puppy classes! Exciting!

The point about his early classes is that they're about helping him to learn about the world and his place in it. To do this, he's been encouraged to explore his senses and grow in confidence. So, lots of toys to play with (and share, obviously)...

... and other puppy pals to play with.

He's also been snuffling around for treats cunningly hidden so that he can enjoy looking for them...

... and, when he's decided he wants a time-out, he gets one.

It's all about moving at Arthur's pace, and giving him lots of praise and treats every time he gets something 'right'. If he does the 'wrong' thing, it's just ignored. We call this 'reward-based training' and it really is rewarding, for puppy, trainer and volunteer alike.

As you can also see from these photos, Arthur is at the point where he's starting to look more 'dog-like'. They're puppies for so long and then they can change quite suddenly.

So, what's Arthur like nowadays?

Well, Arthur is incredibly friendly and helpful with it. Here he is helping with some artwork. He's clearly a puppy who wants to express himself, even if it does mean grabbing someone else's brush.

He can take it easy in the sunshine...

... or curled up with his ears outside his bed...

... or half-curled up in his bed, and half-sprawled outside it. He clearly feels very safe and secure in his home!

He's been splashing and sploshing around in streams - look out, here he comes!

He's clearly unafraid to jump in at the deep end, especially with his pal Shep around.

Looks like Arthur is following Shep's lead!

His tail is most definitely up there. What a happy puppy he is.

So let's end this one with another portrait of Arthur. We still can't quite get over his markings. He's so handsome (OK, cute, adorable... but also handsome).

One day he'll be such a talking point, helping a deaf person to reconnect with the world around them, simply by having proud little chats about their hearing dog. Right now however, he's doing really well, thanks to your help.

So, until next time, thank you once again for sponsoring Arthur!