Update from my better half (Katie, aka Buff - who dosn't have internet access)

Overall it's going great, I was really apprehencious before Jasper turned up, but only 3 days in and he seems like he's been here for ever. Well apart from nothing's showing much sign of chewing, yet! He's now 8wks 2days old and seems happily training (crate, come, good boy, etc etc)

Katie has a few questions:
1. How much time should Katie be giving Jasper? Should she be just getting on with things, or spending as much time as possible with him? Obviousily she's helping him learn boundaries and limits. Katie has a month off work, then she'll be back and Jasper will have a puppy sitter.

2. Jasper (a Border Terrier) seems very placid. However our "reference dogs" are all Cocker Spaniels. He, generally, seems very placid and calm; not "mad" as some puppies seem to be. Is this the nature of the breed, something to celebrate, or something to worry about.

Thanks, nigel

p.s. Quite long for first post isn't this!

Congratulations on your puppy Nigel!
Borders thrive on human attention, and at this very tender age you can teach and learn a lot. You seem to have most things covered and have obviously done your homework, so well done!

About "placid" Borders, I have known a few laid back ones, but I would think Jasper is just settling in at the moment, stand back and wait for the rush when he feels confident enough. My Borders are very "buzzy" little dogs, but very controllable, get those commands into Jasper now and you will be fine. One thing I always do, is as soon as the pup can go out, loose him with a well behaved dog and its the ideal time to get him to come back, reward him with a treat, he will still be insecure and won't venture far, and will stick with the other dog, so training is MUCH easier than with a confident half-grown yob!

Good luck.
Dawn.