Gwen: Training and entertaining

We might be going through another lockdown now, but that doesn't stop us from showing the fun Gwen had recently - and how she continues to be trained and entertained by her amazing Volunteer Puppy Volunteers Colin and Sandy.

First, the training. It's important that Gwen maintains what she already knows, and here she gives a perfect demonstration of impulse control. Just watch... and wait...

Did you see that? She knows that, if she's a good girl, she'll get a fuss and lots of praise. And here, being 'good' means just waiting until she's given the cue to eat. This is what we mean by 'impulse control'. A dog that just obeys its impulses all the time will be very difficult for a deaf person to live with, for example near the meat counter at a supermarket, or when waiting to load or unload the car. Now that Colin and Sandy have done such a great job, Gwen knows that all good things come to pups who wait!

Here's another example, which is possibly even more impressive.

Her focus is amazing!

Next, the entertainment. Sandy and Colin know that a puppy with too much time on its hands can build up a lot of pent-up energy, and during lockdowns in particular, doggy walks might not be enough. So, they have some toys that they can hide food in, and Gwen has fun nosing around for the treats.

It's all about keeping Gwen (or 'Gwennie' as Colin and Sandy call her) mentally and physically stimulated. It looks like fun! Perhaps us humans should have something similar!

Did we say walkies might not be enough? Well, Colin and Sandy have made sure Gwen has plenty of those anyway. And not just walks, there's plenty of running to be done too! Notice how our good little Gwennie comes straight back. She's so loyal and clever.

Finally, for some 'proper' entertainment, they were all able to visit the seaside together when guidelines were relaxed. Gwen enjoyed drinking water from a bottle...

... found a purveyor of ice cream especially for dogs ('Tubs that get tails wagging!')...

... and spent a bit of down-time just looking magnificent, contemplating her future as an amazing hearing dog, who will one day change a deaf person's life.

She's well on the way, thanks to your support. So once again, from all of us, thank you so very much for sponsoring Gwen!