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At Home with TODAY: Wrangler welcomes you to his home turf

Wrangler is officially a regular furry face in Studio 1A, and now he's inviting you home to see what he loves to do at home.
/ Source: TODAY

Wrangler is officially a regular furry face in Studio 1A, and now he's inviting you home to see what he loves to do when he’s not holding down the fort in the Orange Room.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

As part of TODAY’s original “At Home with TODAY” series, Wrangler — and his trainer, Saxon Eastman — are opening the door to their New York home to show you some of the little Labrador retriever's favorite spots to relax, work and play.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

TODAY’s Puppy With a Purpose lives outside of New York City with Saxon and other four-legged friends that are also with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization that trains guide dogs.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Wrangler prefers to spend most of his time at home sticking close to his big brother Vincent. The pair has lots of favorite activities to do in and around Saxon’s home, including playing with toys in the living room (but not on the furniture!).

TODAY Show: At Home With Wrangler, TODAY's Puppy with a Purpose. -- February 9, 2015.
TODAY Show: At Home With Wrangler, TODAY's Puppy with a Purpose. -- February 9, 2015.Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Playing is an important part of Wrangler’s training, and he definitely likes to make the most if it.

TODAY Show: At Home With Wrangler, TODAY's Puppy with a Purpose. -- February 9, 2015.
TODAY Show: At Home With Wrangler, TODAY's Puppy with a Purpose. -- February 9, 2015.Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

“Playtime helps Wrangler stay in a good state of mind so that he can learn,” Saxon said. “It is also another outlet for his energy and a great form of exercise.”

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Wrangler plays hard, but he also works hard when it comes time to practice certain skills with Saxon that will later help him as a guide dog.

These skills include the basics, like learning to sit and lay down, as well as more intermediate habits, like body handling, which helps Wrangler get used to be touched all over his furry body.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

"It is important that Wrangler is accepting of being touched anywhere on his body so that he grows into a confident, calm dog who can be handled, touched, groomed, restrained and cared for with ease," Saxon said.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

The little guy doesn’t even flinch when Saxon rubs the inside of his ears. What a pro!

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Wrangler is lucky to live with lots of open space around his home, and he’s always ready to take advantage.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

After playing inside with Vincent and practicing his skills, Wrangler loves to head outdoors for some time in the snow.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Behind Wrangler’s home is a fenced-in area with plenty of room for Wrangler and Vincent to race back and forth, roll in the snow and get their energy out.

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

“This allows Wrangler to decompress,” Saxon said, “and have fun with his big brother!”

Samantha Okazaki / TODAY

Check out more At Home with TODAY posts here.