When Harvey met Alice

Harvey continues to love life with his family - both human members and dog members!

You've already met Lottie the Labrador, who is Celia's own dog (Celia is Harvey's Volunteer Puppy Trainer). "Harvey adores her and follows her everywhere," Celia tells us. "We are very lucky where we live, lots of choice for walks straight out the back door!"

Or maybe some runs...

Lottie looks extremely excited judging by those ears!

"The other dog is Barney, a friend's golden retriever," explains Celia. So, a happy dog (extended) family!

In Harvey's human family however, it seems he's found an extra special friend - Celia's daughter, Alice.

"Alice absolutely loves him and measures out his food, reminds me to flea him, grooms him and cant wait to get home from school to play with him."

We've heard stories of how our puppies bond especially with children. It's a really lovely thing to see. It's also very important: our puppies feel safe in a loving environment, while children learn the importance of looking after animals. It helps them both grow up!

Here they are sharing a moment together.

Although actually, it looks like Harvey's real focus is on the possibility of a treat...

Yes, we though as much!

The above sequence is a great example of how Harvey has learned impulse control. This is how our dogs learn that, if they're patient and wait, they will get a treat eventually. They don't need to pester or fuss. Eventually they'll learn that, if they do the 'right' thing - tell someone about an alarm clock or a fire alarm for example - a treat will come their way. It's called reward-based training, and Harvey's taken the first steps along that path.

Alice and Harvey manage to have plenty of fun together. Back to Celia: "This was the first time Harvey had seen a balloon...

. He wasn't sure about it at all, but once Alice played with it with him, he thought it was good fun...

until it popped!"

We don't have the photo of the actual 'pop', which is hardly surprising as it must have been instantaneous, so we'll just have to imagine that bit.

And, in time-honoured tradition, we close with a picture of a pooped (popped?) pooch.

As you can see, Harvey is growing up, with a magnificently shaggy brown coat. He's doing so well, and proving such a gentle, yet playful puppy. One day this combination will be ideal for a deaf person who needs help. For now though, until your next training update, thank you for sponsoring Harvey!