Last week was very different for me! Mom dropped me off at a different house. I stayed there all week while Mom was away on vacation. At first I missed Mom, the sitter told her I cried a bit the first night. Its true I did miss my Mom! I did have a lot of fun though, there was a little boy that played with me and 3 other dogs! Sometimes there were a few extra dogs too. I stayed with SSD Ben who is a golden retriever, I think he is 9 or 10 months old! We are great friends.
I even went to puppy class without Mom. That was weird. I was good and worked for our trainer. She did some strange things while asking for me to sit. At one point she was standing on a chair, doing jumping jacks, and the strangest one was behind a door. I didn't really do well with her being behind the door, she had to open the door slightly and then I did it. I heard that since Mom is back she will have to try it with me.
I was so happy to see my Mom when she came to pick me up. Since that first night I was having so much fun, I didn't realize how much I missed her. The whole next day I cuddled with her. Mom says she likes the new cuddle bug Lewey! I have to say I like it more too!
I was very tired after spending a week at the sitters and Burnaby was too. She stayed at a different sitter and I missed her too! But guess what! I am just about the same size as Burnaby! Yep and here is the proof!



Flood!

This past week there was a terrible flood where we live. Fortunately we live so far in the middle of nowhere that we were not effected by the major river floods. We were cut off from the rest of the world because of all the little streams and creeks flooding so I didn't get to go to puppy class this past week.

 Mom and I held our own puppy class, where I worked really hard on my self control around dog food. First Mom started out with some easy stuff. She put some kibble on the shelf of a bookcase. Then she moved in down one shelf, once she found that to be too easy for me Mom upped her game. Next there was a pile of kibble on the floor. I had to leave that pile alone while we did some loose leash walking without the leash! That too was pretty easy. Next came a down stay across the room with recalls past the pile of kibble. Again I rocked it like a rock star! Mom then thought she would try dropping food next to me while I stayed in a down. This was a little tricky! I wanted to get that food so badly but I never got up, I just looked like I was going to. After some practice Mom moved to some harder stuff. She tried THROWING the kibble at me! How dare she! It was too hard and I moved every time. To end our training session Mom went back to some easier stuff, she always ends on a happy note. Again I was put in a down stay and each time Mom walked away she put kibble in different stops of the room. She then called me, and guess what I ignored the food! Mom tried pushing it to me to let me have it but I would not eat it. Mom then picked it up and dropped in on the floor as a big jackpot for being such a good boy!

After all the rain stopped I went outside to play in the giant puddle in my backyard! It was awesome, I love to play in water (unless its a bath). I quickly noticed that there was water bubbling up from the ground! This freaked me out at first so I barked at it. Later I was curious on where this water was coming from and well you can see what happened:



Mom wasn't too happy that I was all muddy and that I got my big sister Burnaby muddy too! Its Burns fault for standing behind me.

In other news I have outgrown the other puppy harness! Also Mom has been weening me off of my special diet, as a puppy I was always sick to my stomach and had to eat special food. So far I have been doing great on normal dog food.

The baseball game and a visitor!

We went on our monthly outing as a group for puppy class. We went to go see the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Yankees play. I was excited to see my first baseball game, but I quickly figured out that its quite boring! At the last minute the team annuonced that Alex Rodriguiz of the New York Yankees was coming to play while recovering from surgery. The stadium had over 10,000 people there! The place was crazy.

We had a visitor in our yard! It was a turtle! It was so cool seeing something new. Burnaby just barked at it, I eventually joined in on the barking! It didn't stay long. Turtles can move quickly when they want too!



So Mom got a new camera this week and all she has been doing is taking my picture! I really don't mind, I like all the extra attention.







This week at puppy class I had my puppy 2 evaluation. It was two weeks early but Mom was pretty sure I could handle it. I'm pretty sure I did great. I know I am young and need work perfecting things but it still was a good start. Our trainer taped a lot of my eval and Mom is hoping to get the videos to share.

For those of you who don't know but I also have a page on Facebook. Mom updates that a lot more often. Here is the link so you can check me out and "like" me!http://www.facebook.com/ssdlewey

Its been a while since my last post but things have been so busy. Lets think I've been real busy playing with Burnaby, sleeping, eating, getting into to trouble occasionally, and of course training. I went with Mom to a trainers round table about shaping. We should people who haven't used shaping how it works with clipping nails, teaching heel, and how to get dressed, which is me putting on my harness. I was wonderful and let two strange people cut my nails. At puppy class we had a scary night. Mom was to bring things that could possibly scare a dog. She brought a witches hat and big stuffed Tigger. Neither of these things bothered me. The other dogs moms also brought in strange things but I was brave and kept all of my attention on Mom, see the photo below. I even made a new friend that night. She is a doberman and she had some funny white stuff wrapped around her ears.

Last week at puppy class we practiced stays. Mom was walking pretty far away from me and at first I was a little confused and thought that I should follow her. I quickly learned I got treats for staying where I was. Then they started to add in some distractions. I could handle people and dogs but the tennis ball rolling past was just too much. After some practice I was better but its still really hard to sit still when I love tennis balls so much. Here is a video of me practicing stay while Ben and Cassie play

Hillside Farms

Last weeks puppy class was so much fun! I really can't wait to go back to Hillside Farms. There were these things that Mom called chickens roaming free but I didn't see them! I did see some in a giant kennel thing. There were some sheep too but they didn't bother me. The best part about the whole trip was swimming! There was a little creek that turned into a big one and I had a blast playing in the water. Afterwards Mom got an ice cream cone and she even got me a little bit of ice cream too! That was the second best part and it didn't upset my stomach later.

On Saturday I turned 4 months old! Mom says I'm growing up too fast. I even out grew my little puppy harness! Mom says I weight over 30 pounds now. I'm getting too big for her to carry me, which makes me a little sad because I love when Mom carries me around. I can almost jump on the couch too! Last night Mom decided that I was ready to sleep on the dog bed instead of in my crate. I wanted to show Mom that I was more than ready and I slept all night without getting into any trouble. It was a little hard at first because Burnaby was laying under the bed teasing me. She wanted to play, and so did I, but I had to be good so I can sleep there again tonight.

What chicken?

I love water!

So that's what a chicken is

Look I give great attention even in water

Mom and I

SSD Picnic and swimming

This past Saturday Mom and I went down to the kennels for an SSD puppy picnic! There were a lot of dogs there but only one other small puppy to play with. SSD Parks and I had a blast playing in the yard. She was shorter than me and her sister SSD Hale, who I play with at puppy class. After playing Mom went to eat lunch and I was a very good boy and sat under the table quietly. While at the kennel I got to play on the obstacle course. Mom took a picture of me going up the big ramp which I was a little nervous on but I was following my new friend. She is a little girl who kept playing with me and would give me some treats. I really enjoyed her.

Walking up the big ramp

Just chillin

On Sunday I went swimming! That was a big surprise to Mom. She seemed very excited that I willingly went into the water. I guess I should explain why. Last week when I went to work with Mom she took me into the fenced in area with the in-ground swimming pool to see if I was interested in going for a swim. While she wasn't looking I decided to check the area out. I had no idea what an in-ground pool was and I'm all brave and don't need Mom to be everywhere, so I was walking and sniffing and the next thing I knew I was in water! A lot of water! I fell head first into the pool, I still had my harness and collar on. Luckily Mom fished me out. After that I was not thrilled to go into the pool. Mom even got her swim suit on and carried me out into the water and I just swam to the steps and got out as fast as possible. After all this I really did enjoy playing in the pool with Burnaby.

Tomorrow for puppy class we are going to a farm! I'm really excited.

This past Tuesday I had a very busy day! First I went to my first SSD demo. I thought I did well but Mom is not happy that I bark at certain times to remind her I'm still here and that I'm waiting patiently for those treats. At one point Mom turned her back on me! I was like how dare she, so I laid down quietly and eventually she turned around and gave me treat for being quiet. Although I did it a couple more times and she kept turning her back. Mom told our trainer that I also bark at work and asked for some advice, I just think Mom is a tattle tail, I mean the barking is just so she doesn't forget about me. Hopefully we can come to an understanding about the barking.

Later that night I went to the rodeo! I got to see some horses and donkeys! We also ran into my big sister SSD Cinderella, Mom knew she was going to be there and that's why we went. I also got to walk on a  few new surfaces. It was a metal ramp and stairs that led up to the bleachers. I was not all concerned about the new surface. The other new surface I walked on was this orange shiny metal. I was unsure of it at first but Mom took some time to shape me to go on it. It wasn't long before I was sitting and laying down on it like it was no problem. I even met some little boys that kept petting me and trying to move me away from Mom but I never took my eyes off of her. Another guy even picked me up! Here are some photos Dad took.

I was a little worried about this new surface.

But Mom worked with me and now I'm fine with it

On Wednesday I went to puppy class. Mom got the results on my puppy 1 evaluation and we did really well. Mom and I are now working on cues for my puppy 2 eval. It includes sit/stay and down/stay and leave its with food and toys. I'm working really hard on these. I just don't see why I can't follow Mom everywhere and why I can't eat those treats on the floor, but I am getting better.

Yesterday Mom made me a new collar! Since I'm getting bigger she made me this very nice collar!

My new collar!

Tomorrow we are going down to SSD's kennel for a puppy picnic! I hear there are going to be a lot of puppies to play with! I'll make sure Mom takes pictures and I will tell you all about it next time! Have a good and safe weekend.

Evaluation, New Puppies and the Vet Oh My!

Last week at puppy class I had my puppy 1 evaluation! I had to show off how I do sit, down, kennel, come, loose leash walk, and my self control with the food dish. I haven't got my results yet but I feel like I aced this test. While showing off my come skills our head trainer decided to really test me. She sat half way between me and Mom with a hand full of my treats, which were cheerios! Guess what I completely ignored her! I even almost ran it to her trying to get to Mom. 

I'm just so happy after doing so well on my eval.!

Also we had some new puppies attend our class. SSD Pheonix and SSD Fred Astaire came for a visit. They normally go to classes down in Harrisburg but decided to visit us for the night. We also have a new addition to our Northeast Puppy Raiser group SSD Hale from the American Heros litter. This means I'm no longer the youngest and smallest pup! Although I'm only taller than Hale, she is not far behind on weight. I loved playing with her.

SSD Lewey and SSD Hale

 I also went to the vet last week. I now weight in at 18 pounds! I'm growing and I'm growing fast! On Saturday we went to a community day where there were a lot of kids and some live bands. One band even played my song, Louie Louie! I think the song writer got the spelling wrong! I was very welled behaved. Tomorrow I go to my first SSD demo. I'll let you know how that goes.

The Northeast Fair

Last week for puppy class we took a special trip to the Northeast Fair. Mom was really excited because we were going to see her first service dog puppy Cinderella. I was excited because I was going to meet some ducks and donkeys, although I didn't know what they were at the time. Mom took lots of pictures. I didn't realize that the ducks were right behind me for quite a while, which was cool with Mom. The donkeys didn't phase me either, I even got to stand on one! We went to the fair to educate people on what is a service dog and what they can do for people. Most of them just wanted to know about me since I am the cutest puppy ever! It was a long night!



What ducks?

Those ducks!

I showed really good attention next to the donkeys and with that man trying to call me away from Mom.

OH BOY am I allowed up here?

Cinder, Mom, and I

Cinderella and I

This weekend I went to visit Mom's friends down in the Philadelphia area. I was a really good boy in the long car ride and was an even better boy walking in the park. I had a little bit of trouble at the restraraunt. We went to some burger joint and Mom would not give me any of her burger of fries so I had to announce my frustration! It didn't work I still got only cheerios. Yesterday I went with 7 other dogs to get my eyes checked. Luckily I don't need glasses and my eyes looked good. I went with SSD's newest litter of puppies. They are the American Heros litter and there is 5 of them. All but one are black, only one is yellow, and there are 3 girls: SSD Hale, Keller, and Parks and 2 boys: SSD Judge and Ripley. Their mother SSD Dee went and so did the black poodle SSD Fred Astaire! Everyone has good eyes and no glasses are needed.

Well I think I get a much needed break after this long month, but I'm sure Mom won't make it a long break. I can't wait to see what adventure I go on next and can't wait to tell you all about it!

Busy Weekend!

Well yet again another busy weekend! It was a ton of fun. On Saturday I went to a graduation party where I got to play with a 9 week old White German Shepherd puppy. Her name is Kiera and we became great friends. We went early to the party to help set up and so I could meet Kiera, Kiera and I had a party of our own before everyone got there. So I kinda slept through the graduation party, so did Kiera. I can't wait to go play with her again.

On Sunday I went back to Knoebel's! This time with 14 other service dog puppies in training. I did just as good as the last time. There were a lot more people and dogs this time but that didn't bother me! I walked very nicely on a loose leash. I didn't even get worried about the noise from the BB gun game. I even got to go on the train ride but I quickly fell asleep. Here are some pictures Dad took of Mom and I through out the day.

What little girl?

Chillin next to the North Pole

Hello can't you see me paying extra good attention!

Mom and I

Sleeping on the train ride

I had a ton of fun. Today Mom took me back to work, this time I went for the whole day instead of just the afternoon. I was real good and slept most of the time. Tomorrow I am going to the Northeast Fair where I get to meet my big sister SSD Cinderella. She is Moms first service puppy and she works with a very nice man that has donkeys and ducks that I will also get to meet. I will let you know how that goes next time. I'm off to rest up after that long busy weekend.

Parks, Parks, and more Parks

I have had the busiest week of my life ever! First Mom took me back to work! Here is a picture!
Then I had to go to the vet and get some shots! That was horrible and I screamed and cried and was even sore for the next day! I really hope that doesn't happen again. On the good side I gained 2 pounds! I now weight 11.5 pounds. I think that means I'm a BIG boy but I keep hearing people say I'm so little! Can't they see I'm a BIG boy!

I went to Knoebel's Amusement Park on Monday! It was a short outing but I was a really good boy. Every time someone asked to pet me I would sit and watch Mom for more cheerios! I wasn't afraid of any of the noises or new strange surfaces I had to walk on. I even took a break to watch the one airplane ride.

Last night was our monthly outing with our group of SSD dogs and we went to Kirby Park. It was a long walk and I did really good walking past kids playing with balls and other dogs, there were even people on bikes but none of that phased me. There was even this very little girl who came to see me. I'm not sure I liked her. She started to pet me nicely but then she started to pull on my leash and even tried to hit me, but you know what I never even took my eyes off of Mom. Mom was so happy that I was such a good boy! I even did a sit and down on cue next to some traffic! About half way thru the walk I did get too tired to go on! So Mom carried me! Here is a picture after the walk.

This weekend I'm going to a graduation party where I'm told there is going to be an 8 week old white German Shepherd puppy that I get to play with! Finally someone my size to play with! Also on Sunday we are going back to Knoebel's where there is to be an SSD puppy picnic/outing. Mom says there is going to be a lot of dogs in training there. I will let you know how it goes! Have a good weekend!

Learning new things at puppy class

Yesterday was a pretty busy day for me. Mom took me to work with her for the afternoon! I did okay! Every once in a while I would bark but for the most part I laid down next to Mom and watched her. The best part is every few seconds or so, it felt like a lot longer, I got a treat! Mom gives me cheerios since I have been having some stomach problems. Just before we left for the day I did fall asleep. I hear that I maybe coming back this afternoon.

I also had puppy class last night. It was really too hot to do any extreme training but I worked on leave it and shaping get dressed. I made some good progress with leave it last night. Mom says this is probably going to be very hard for me since I absolutely love food! I try to climb into the refrig every once in a while. But after a few minutes Mom was able to leave a cheerio on the floor without me going after it. Also she would roll some past me and I would actually not follow it. I bet Mom is really proud of me! I made some good progress on "get dressed" as well. For those of you who may ask what is "get dressed," its where I put on my harness. Twice last night I put my head throw it. Mom was very happy, she even clapped for me.

After puppy class we went to a local pet store. While there we practiced walking on a loose leash and paying attention. It was really hard to pay attention with all the smells of dog food and bones. Mom says we will be going back quite a bit to practice, especially since I am SO food motivated.

Its been an okay week. I missed last weeks puppy class due to being sick. This week I am better and can't wait to go to class again so I can learn more things. Mom mentioned something about going to see some strange animals this month. I think she said there would be ducks, donkeys, and my big sister SSD Cinderella. She was mom's first service dog, she is now out working. Mom is very proud of her and misses her alot too. I can't wait to meet her.

This weekend mom and dad put up a fence! Now we can all play outside, before only one of us could go out on a tie-out. My big brother and sister, Graham and Burnaby, love it. They play outside all the time. I am a little too small still to play with them, they play just too hard for me yet.

Mom picked up all of the dog beds to be washed this week. Which was so unfair, where was I going to chew on my bones and toys now? Well I became creative and this became my new dog bed.

This is week training wise, I have been working on shaping. I'm told these are very important skills for a service dog. I'm trying really hard to learn what I am suppose to do with this box, but I just haven't figured it out yet. Mom says I'm really close, once I know I will let you know.

Puppy Picnic and Meeting My Big Brother

I have had a busy busy Memorial Day weekend. I hope everyone had a nice relaxing holiday weekend. First on Friday my big half-brother Graham Cracker came home. He was at SSD's kennels for advanced training. He comes home on weekends until he goes to his new partner; however Graham will not be a service dog due to some issues that came up while in advanced training. His future is still being determined, he will either be a demo dog or released as a pet for someone. Anyways Graham is much much bigger and darker than I am! Here is a picture of us chewing on bones, can you see what I mean?

On Sunday we went to a puppy picnic! I got to play with my puppy class friends and a few extra dogs. I had tons of fun. First I got to play in this big yard, that really wore me out! While everyone ate I found a nice cool place to sleep!

I got to play a game called Bobbin For Biscuits! Its where they put treats in water and I had to fish them out. I had to see how many I could get it 30 seconds! My grand total was 1, here is the video:

After Bobbin for biscuits, I was given a huge ice cube with dog treats in it! It took me like forever to get all the treats, but I ate all the ice when the treats were all gone! I even went swimming for the first time! I'm not sure if I like it yet. I watched Mom set up our pool this morning, I will give it another try to today.

Last but not least Mom and I played Musical Chairs! I had to sit before Mom could sit. The first time we played I was the first one out. The next time around we almost won. Boy was I tuckered out by the end of the day! I had a great time and can't wait till the next one when I am bigger!