Tyson: Training and entertaining

It's Tyson time again!

You'll be pleased to know he's been enjoying plenty of lovely, refreshing walks in the woods.

He's even managed to look really cool in slow motion while jumping over a log.

In between fun walks, Tyson has moved along his training journey.

He's learned how to 'settle' in cafés and restaurants.

This is really important, because his eventual deaf partner will probably want to visit such places. To do so, they need to have confidence that Tyson will just keep himself to himself, happy in his own space. So, his Volunteer Puppy Trainers - that is, the entire family! - have clearly done a fab job, as you can see.

And, just to remind you, here is Tyson's loving, lovely volunteer family. From left to right, Peter, Tabitha, Sarah, Polly... and Tyson!

Tyson has also visited other public spaces and places, such as libraries.

He's clearly asking which book Sarah would recommend! The main thing is, from now on, Tyson knows all about libraries. It's all part of what his volunteer family is aiming to do - to train him with his cues, and eventually to recognise sounds, but all the while also to introduce him to the wider world in a gentle, controlled way. This means that Tyson gradually builds up not just knowledge of the world around him, but confidence that new experiences are fun and interesting, not to be feared.

Of course, he gets a cuddle whenever he gets it right!

Tyson has also experienced his first lift.

He didn't mind waiting, but he did come across another strange dog that kept looking back at him.

Cue another cuddle for being such a clever dog!

Tyson has even combined cuddles with training. Here he is practising being on the back seat, while Tabitha gives him a reassuring stroke.

He looks fairly happy about it all, doesn't he? We particularly like the way the seat blanket matches his colouring!

Tyson has also been posing for photoshoots. He's quite the model. We're not absolutely certain whether he got a cuddle after this, but we expect he did.

Tyson has also been entertained throughout the lockdowns. This is also important: young dogs, especially bright ones like Tyson, have a lot of energy to expend, so the more they can be stimulated, the better. Here's one excellent idea for keeping active canine mind occupied - a puzzle in which he has to find the treats.

Balloons also work well, especially if you have a nose as 'boopable' as Tyson's.

And finally, this video really says it all. Here, Tyson is learning all about how much fun humans can be, providing him with plenty of toys, interaction and stimulation. The more he enjoys being around us, the more he'll bond with his eventual deaf partner. What a wonderful life!

Note also in that video, how Tyson always comes back when called. This is fun, but serious fun: it means that Tyson knows his eventual deaf partner will need him to be near at all times, and to come back when called, either by calling, or by whistle. The last thing we'd want is for them to be left alone, in the woods, by the stream, in parks or fields. It's called 'recall', and Tyson does it brilliantly.

So, there you have Tyson again. He's growing up in such a warm, loving home, and this is a brilliant foundation for his future, changing a deaf person's life. He has so much love to share.

We hope you enjoyed this Puppy Pen. Why not leave a comment or ask a question below? We'd love to know what you think!

In the meantime, as always, from all of us at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, thank you so much for sponsoring Tyson.