dblhelix

Kip is usually out for 1-2 hrs in the morning as we have breakfast/get ready for work. Then in the evenings she is usually out for 3-4 hours during dinner time and TV watching! I try and have her participate in most activities around the house.

hmmm...another attempt with the image. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/485675467_2ecab7982f_b.jpg

They love toys they can climb on and some rope toys are great. Attached is a photo of a swing toy I modified with one of those bendy rope things...fun! Kip loves it...

I agree, ignore it is about the best you can do. Do not give any feedback, positive/negative. Just leave the area for a few mins, maybe even wait until he/she says something or does something you like and only then give attention. Watch what you say, some can learn words/phrases so fast. But as others have said they will move on if they dont get much attention from saying things and dont hear them often.

Kip has been a pretty steady avg of 360 grams since we've had her. I have recordings from 355-365 but no more fluctation than that. I always weigh in the AM after the big morning bomb. She is coming up on 1yr old, female CAG. She's on the smaller side but it seems this is a naturally healthy weight for her. There is a pretty large "normal" range for them, just like with people. They key is watching for significant changes (say more than 10% body weight). Of course on average TAGs are smaller than CAGs.