For his third and final puppy visit, Lemmy arrives walking on his leash like a gentleman. His tendency to pull the leash when excited has been curbed with gentle reinforcement and a treat-reward system.

And speaking of rewards and training, he now knows a few commands. He can sit, speak and shake when asked.

These are more than just party tricks. Using the brain to process and retain training occupies portions of the thought processes that could otherwise lead to anxiety and undesired behaviors. Knowing some tricks will literally keep him happier.

He now weighs almost 20 pounds and appears to be destined to be a bigger dog. He eats an over-the-counter, reputable brand name dog food and is in puppy classes to learn more commands.

His exam is unremarkable, save his urgent need to shake my hand. Apparently he has a favorite trick. I don’t mind. He’s charming and polite, and only shakes when I make eye contact.

His owners have worked with him in all the recommended ways, getting him used to having his feet and mouth handled and examined. Therefore, I have no trouble looking at every tooth in his head. Looking between every toe is just as easy.

This is important, because when he’s full grown, he could make it impossible to examine these areas if he wasn’t familiar with the process. If said area is painful, I’d have no chance.

I administer three vaccines: the third puppy combination, the second kennel cough and the rabies vaccination. This series is necessary to fully stimulate the immune system to produce a lengthy protection, and to cover the puppy as his immune system is developing.

When he was a tiny guy, he couldn’t respond as strongly as he can now. But without his previous vaccinations, he might have gotten sick. Thus, the reason for the series.

He’s now on medications to protect against heartworms, fleas and ticks. At this point in his life, nothing else is needed.

In two months, he’s scheduled to be neutered.

He shakes my hand and I tell him to stay out of trouble.

Matthew Sisk is a practicing veterinarian from Habersham County. Have questions about your pet? He can be reached at mattsisk2003@yahoo.com.