Puppy Update

[Juli]

Hello All,
Thought those of you who miss having a puppy might want to live vicariously through me for a moment. I am convinced there is a conspiracy...the same people who just smile and nod when you are pregnant........just smile and nod when you get a puppy. If we all truly had a concept of how difficult it is...we would never sign up!!
Satchel is a wonderful boy, 12 weeks tomorrow! He has slept thru the night since his arrival. He wants nothing to do with his crate during the day. He prefers the kitchen, and the fan and sleeps belly up. We have a good sized wading pool and he wanted in day one. I couldn't believe it. He swims like a pro, and he herds the kids to the side, nudging them with his nose until they are safe and sound at the "edge". He adores all the children in the neighborhood, giving kisses and tail wags. If an adult tries to do that kissy stuff with him he regally "tolerates" it then looks at me as if to say "does this human have no dignity?" His eyes are so expressive, he appears to smile. He is enthusiastic but doesn't seem eager to please. This might be tough I think. When I tell him he's terrific for using the outside facilities he just doesn't get to excited. He throws a tantrum when I try to tether him to me. He has a hard time calming down that way. If he doesn't want to be in the kitchen he barks and barks and barks I have tried ignoring him so he is not rewarded. His other "problem" is house training....I know it will take time but being on the carpet is almost a guarantee that he will pee. He just lets loose, even if he went 5 minutes earlier. He can tip his water bowl over just enough to make a yucky wet mess to lie on, and leave just enough for a little drink later. He has left an imprint on me already. I feel like the Grinch....My heart grew 15 times larger that day.........

Juli

 

[GAD]

Awesome post, and yes, I'm quite jealous.

Keep up the updates won't you?

GAD

 

[AmyPC]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Juli:
He has a hard time calming down that way. If he doesn't want to be in the kitchen he barks and barks and barks I have tried ignoring him so he is not rewarded. His other "problem" is house training....I know it will take time but being on the carpet is almost a guarantee that he will pee. He just lets loose, even if he went 5 minutes earlier.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good to hear from you Juli, it *ALMOST* makes me want another puppy, although when Rory was that age, all I wanted was for her to be a full grown dog so all the annoying things would have been worked through and I could enjoy all the Newfie niceties!

I quoted above because Rory was exactly the same as your Satchel in those respects. It sounds like he might have a slightly dominant personality. When I used to come here and winge about Rory's dominant personality I was told by some members the dominant ones can end up being the most rewarding of dogs and it has turned out to be true. Every milestone you pass with them is such a pleasure and a joy, because it's that little bit harder to get there with these funny ones.

As for toilet training...hmmm, I know where you're coming from. All I can say is perservere! It may not seem like it but you will get there, I didn't think we would but we did - when she was SEVEN MONTHS OLD! (That was her very last accident. She was mostly trained a bit before that but not completely).

 

[Juli]

Amy,
I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed and learned from your posts about Rory. I remember reading them and thinking....oh..am I really brave enough to do this!
I just finished about a 45 minute grooming with Satchel, hoping he would quietly lie while I was at the computer. He let me believe he was sleeping then quietly creeped out the back door. I knew all that work was for nothing when I heard the big splash and the happy frolicking. It's only 7 AM!!
Ah well........another day of MY training begins

Juli

 

[AmyPC]

WELL I've learnt a lot about Rory from posting on here, so we're all getting something from it!

I know what you mean about the grooming, I often brush Rory before taking her to the dog park so she looks nice when she sees all the people down there...and it's just ridiculous, because what does she do at the park? Wrestles like crazy, rolls on the wet grass, splashes through puddles...you get the idea!

It's a neverending cycle, but so wortht it! I love coming home to my fluffy, friendly puppy!