Introducing .... Rundle!

Rundle has officially been a part of our family for two full days now. I picked him up Tuesday from the breeder's house and we had a long trip home - 4 hours on the plane and 2.5 hours by car. He was a great little traveller and slept most of the entire trip. I suspect much of that had to do with the sudden stress of unfamiliar surrounding, but he doesn't seem to be affected by any of it.

Yesterday was Rundle's first full day home and we kept things a bit quiet. He is learning where the potty area is and the household schedule. We spent much of his first day outside on the deck. Rundle got to hear traffic noise, airplanes, thunder and the lawnmower. He doesn't seem to be sound sensitive at all as he was not startled by any of the noises.

Today has been much of the same - gentle introductions to what goes on in our house. Rundle also got brushed today - he didn't mind at all and thought the brush was a fun toy. I started conditioning the clicker today so that we can start some clicker training within the next few days. We also practiced "your butt must be on the ground if you want a cookie" - he did well with that and now we have much less bouncing and much more sitting.

After my first couple days with Rundle I am still getting to know him but I have formed a few first impressions. So far he likes toys - he likes to chase them and to play tug. He will bring a toy back if you encourage him. He carried my keys around yesterday, so he doesn't mind picking up metal.  He is so-so about food right now. He loves his meals but is not over the top crazy about treats. I have only tried a couple different treats and nothing I would consider high value.  So far it is looking like he will have a nice balance between food and toy drive. I want to foster both, that is why I am not using really yummy treats right, now as Berners tend to be much more food driven than toy driven and I don't want Rundle to decide that food is the more interesting of the two.  So far Rundle seems to be a medium energy kind of puppy. He likes to run and play but he can also settle nicely when he is held or petted. In a few weeks I'm sure I will have a better idea of what his energy level will be like.

So, for the next few days we will be concentrating on house training and basic puppy manners. He already has a healthy respect for adult dogs, so that is good. We will start some clicker work and continue to foster his play drive. Mostly we will be getting to know each other and developing a relationship and bond.