Learning the ropes...

Kai, 1 day short of 11 weeks old.

Well Kai is 11 weeks old tomorrow and continues to grow rapidly. His collar is becoming tighter and will need to be enlarged soon. Amazing to think that just 3 weeks ago it was far too big! He is also getting taller, as he can now see over the edge of the sofa. We are some way from him being able to jump up, so the girls are safe for a while yet!

Kayla tends to leap onto the chair or sofa to escape him when he chases her. He launches himself unsuccessfully after her then stands with his paws as far up as he can reach and yaps at her. He also makes what can only be described as 'ewok sounds', a kind of 'I'm frustrated' sort of noise. He often does this when he's playing and is trying as hard as he can.

He's a sponge when it comes to learning how he should behave, taking his cue from the girls. His manners are really improving. Where he would scrabble to get at whatever we're eating, he will now sit and wait when asked. He also just lies down at mealtimes in the same way as the other two do. Far more civilised. He takes things very gently, finally deciding that he knows where his mouth is. When he was younger you would try to offer him something and he had no idea how to get hold of it. Of course his beard doesn't help and needs wiping whenever he eats and drinks.

Sitting next to Bella eating a carrot

The number of things he likes is constantly increasing, indeed we haven't found anything he doesn't like yet. A diverse range including fish, scrambled egg, ice cream, apple and even plum! A healthy appetite he enjoys his food, sometimes leaving some when he's had enough. Not a gannet!!
He's very good about food, showing no possessive streaks. Bodes well for the future.

Kai walking across 'the corridor'

Toilet-training is still hit and miss. Some days he's brilliant, even barking before the alarm went off the other morning because he needed to go out. He's been going through the night accident free for some time. We're picking up the signs of when he wants to go, or perhaps he's getting better at telling us!!

What is really bizarre is that he has also had an accident whilst lying on the sofa next to Eric, some days has accidents all over the place and even started peeing when he was about to come across 'the corridor' between the sofa and my chair.(see photo). That's puppy bladders for you I guess.

Kayla is really funny when Kai is doing something she thinks he shouldn't (such as grabbing Eric's slippers. With toy in mouth and lots of woofing she pounces up and down in front of him. Bella just tends to watch, as is her way. Kai for his part isn't phased at all, he isn't bothered by either of them. This is a bit of an issue with Bella who isn't as enamoured with him as Kayla. My girl doesn't approve of silly behaviour, so she tends to try and avoid him, and growls at him he he jumps around her. This is also her way, she always grumbles at Kayla about various things. Top dog and all that. Kai is slowly learning his place with her, and they are fine together when on me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

All in all he's coming on well.I'm managing to interact with him a lot more in the last day or so and feel much happier that I will form a firm bond with him. Those of you who read my CRPS blog will know that this was a major issue for me.Being stuck in my chair I've got to find ways to attract him over. His squeaky duck works really well. He loves playing tug so I'm onto a winner I think!!