Elton has his first off-lead walk

It's time for more Elton!

He's had a 'first' - his first off-lead walk. This took place after he'd had his innoculations, so he was all raring to go when Sally, one half of his Volunteer Puppy Training team, took him out to the local common, while the other half (David) recorded it for posterity.

Sally explains: "After I'd put him down, I let him sniff about a bit, before we practised his recall."

And what a recall!

As well as fab videos, David took some lovely photos of this momentous occasion. David is a professional photographer, and it really does show.

Even Polly got in on the act - if you recall, she's Elton's best friend, even if she doesn't know it yet.

Two things to notice from the videos above. Firstly, Elton is already quite happy in a new place. Sally just lets him go, and he starts exploring at his own pace. This is because he's been brought up so well, so gently, that he's confident enough to explore his senses. This is all part of the foundation of what makes a great hearing dog.

Secondly, the recall is very important. Elton needs to understand that, if he's called, either vocally or with a whistle, he's to come right back. This is because his eventual deaf partner must have confidence that he won't leave them alone to play with other dogs in the park or investigate interesting undergrowth in the woods. As you can see however, Elton is something of a recall superstar!

Actually, there's another thing to notice in that second video: how much praise Sally gives him. For Elton, life is so much fun. It doesn't really feel like 'training'!

Let's see another aspect of his training...

That's right - even getting used to his puppy harness is important. He'll soon be very proud to wear his 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' burgundy coat, but first, he has to get used to a harness, which is better for walking an excitable, inquisitive puppy that is full of life! And notice another training tip: the use of treats. The way to a puppy's heart (or even head) is through its tummy, especially for Labradors!

It's not all training though. Elton has some downtime. Below you can see a classic way of keeping an energetic puppy entertained: putting some tasty treats into a plastic bottle and letting him play with it.

And that's about all for now...

Hang on! Not quite! Because there's another photo we'd like to show you...

Elton passed his Puppy One Star award! Hurray for Elton! These are like 'milestones' that we use to track a puppy's progress. You can read more about it on our website. 

Your kindness made this possible. It's still very early in Elton's journey, but he's already doing so well, thanks to your generosity. So, from all of us, and from David, and Sally - and Polly! - thank you so very much for sponsoring Elton.