Hello, loyal fans and snack providers,
Itβs me, Smaugβyour favorite in-training service dragon (I mean, dog) Shelton let me tackle this Pupdate!
Can you believe Iβm seven months old? Neither can my legs. Seriously, they keep getting longer, and sometimes they surprise me. One minute Iβm gracefully trotting, the next Iβm doing an unintentional interpretive dance move. Itβs called Growing Pains: The Smaug Edition. Coming soon to a sidewalk near you.
Despite my sudden expansion pack, training is going really well! Iβve been working hard on my impulse control, which basically means pretending I donβt see that delicious sandwich someone just dropped. (But between us? I totally saw it.) My βleave itβ game is getting strong, and Iβm learning that ignoring tasty distractions gets me even better rewardsβlike praise and belly rubs!
My newest skill is βhead down,β which is a fancy way of saying Iβm learning to rest my chin down and relax on cue. Itβs great for staying calm in public, but it also makes me look extra adorable. Seriously, Iβve been melting hearts left and right. Strategic cuteness is key in this business.
Iβve also been practicing βperch,β which means stepping up onto objects and balancing like a pro. It helps with my body awareness and confidence, and let me tell youβif they ever make a Canine Ninja Warrior, Iβm so ready.
Lately, Iβve also been having the best time with my favorite puppy-sitter, who always spoils me with fun and adventure. And, of course, TOYS. So many toys! My current favorites include my hockey stick, which makes me feel like a true Canadian pup, and my brand-new squeaker toyβwhich, according to Shelton, is the best thing ever. (Editorβs note: This is sarcasm. It is loud. Very loud. Pray for me.) But hey, I love it, and thatβs what matters, right?
Iβve been going on more public outings, learning to navigate busy places like grocery stores and coffee shops. It turns out that people love seeing a puppy on duty! But donβt worry, I keep my focus on my handler. (Okay, mostly on my handler. Sometimes there are really interesting smells.)
At home, Iβm still my goofy, lovable self. My stuffed dragon remains a favoriteβbecause, letβs be honest, I am the one true Smaugβbut the hockey stick and squeaker toy have definitely entered the rotation. And yes, I still fit on my bedβ¦ for now.
Thanks for following along on my journey! Big things are ahead (hopefully not just my legs), and I canβt wait to keep learning and growingβfiguratively, not literally.
Until next time,
Smaug (and Shelton, my trusty sidekick)
Submitted by: Shelton Bowes





Photos below…
Submitted by:Β Chrissy, PADS Puppy in Training Sitter

