Toby loves his new home

It's Toby time again!

We've told you all about this Labradorable puppy, so now here's a bit more about where he lives and what he's up to.

But first, a quick look back at where he came from. Here's his family, all arranged neatly in a row. Honestly, we don't know which one's Toby! They're all so similar. And so very, very cute.

So, back to his new family.

First up, he's made great friends with the granddaughter of Nicola, his Volunteer Puppy Trainer. 

She explains: "Toby gate-crashed her 'dolly's tea party', but he was very well behaved. He loves to join in with their games and is often to be found in the Wendy House with them too. He is loved by our granddaughters who are very good at practicing his training getting him to sit and wait for his treats."

He's investigated the garden...

... investigated a cardboard box...

... (twice, just to be sure it's been thoroughly investigated...)

... found his wonderful, comfortable puppy bed...

... and then, after realising he's in a lovely, secure, family home, has had a snooze or ten. Sweet dreams Toby!

However, as happens so very often with puppies - especially Labradors - Toby soon started to grow. 

Back to Nicola: "Toby has grown a lot already. He has very long legs which he finds quite difficult to manage especially going downstairs."

We're sure he'll get the hang of stairs soon. All our puppies need to 'grow into' their legs. Meanwhile, Toby has found that he needs to upgrade to a larger cardboard box...

... but a fringe benefit of growing is that he can now carry the watering can in the garden.

And, of course, he can still snooze, pretty much anywhere and any time it suits him.

As you can see, Toby is well and truly at home with his volunteers now, which is a great foundation for him to move forward with his training. So, here he is, learning what we call 'impulse control. It's an amazing ability to resist treats until offered, so that Toby learns if he does the 'right' thing and is patient, he'll get a reward.

He really has started to shoot up by this time! The only bit he doesn't quite get right is parking himself back on the mat. Never mind, it's really not important - and he does sort of half park on the mat on the final treat!

Impulse control is such an important skill. It means Toby knows that all good things come to puppies who wait, and for the rest of his hearing dog life, he'll be a nice, laid-back, relaxed friend.

Let's finish this Puppy Pen with a lovely portrait of this lovely Lab...

Yes, he's growing, and it would appear he's going to have an exceedingly boop-able nose before long! Boop!

That's all for now. Toby is at the beginning of a wonderful journey, which will end with him changing a deaf person's life. This is all because of your kindness in supporting him. So, until next time, thank you for sponsoring Toby!