Getting really antsy on the dogless front... we’re showing our condo for sale and have a provisional offer to purchase a house with a yard. Just can’t get a pup until we’ve moved. I can’t promise that I won’t get four though before the ink drys on those closing docs.
It most certainly is and grateful for everyone enlightening me as it's amazing! One more pic of the hybrid animal....
We got him at seven months old, and he was already named Burt. Best audible I could call under pressure.
I’m training the pup to ring bells whenever she needs to potty. To my surprise it’s been working pretty well given she’s only 10 weeks old. Last night though, she snuck off and took a monster dump in the kitchen. One of only a few accidents she’s had. Fortunately she immediately jogged out and rang the bells to let me know ;) So close..
Ours scratches at the door, wife is like Sally is ruining the paint, well would you rather she poop on the floor
Had a photoshoot with Nug this weekend. He fucking loves snow, did 8 miles with him yesterday. He killed it. He's barely moved from the couch all day Spoiler Spoiler
Aight fella's... advice time. This puppy is getting real nippy. It's all play, but she's a bitey moutherfucker (..ahem) Last night she bit my hand and basically tried to play tug with it. That's no big deal to me, but the kids are starting to be scared of her. She broke skin on my elderly mother in law. It's not aggressive just doesn't quite know how to play with humans yet. Doing the obvious stuff in that I'm keeping toys nearby to distract her wife. Trying to work with her on 'no' and 'down' and such, but we're not quite there yet. I'm going to attach a lead to her today so we can more easily stop her in her tracks when she gets worked up. It tends to only happen when she's extremely excited (which is usually just before she passes out, just like with kids) Anyone have suggestions?
I dunno if I’ll get flak for it, but when Sam was little and being mouthy I’d just stick my finger or hand or whatever in his mouth a little farther to the point he’s try and spit it out. Never had a problem after a month or so of that. Also, as soon as he spit my hand or finger out, I’d put his toy in his mouth.
If all else fails act like she hurt you. Yelp and turn your back to her and whimper. This was basically the only way to bite-train a St Bernard (my last pooch) and I found it to be pretty effective.
Yeah that's what I did. Make a fist and push towards him/her. Worked for my pup, but he wasn't any more mouthy than other pups and it was pretty much just me he'd interact with while I worked on his training.
Made the mistake of agreeing to take the bff to the Humane Society today and it looks like we’ll be coming home with dog #2 and kitty #3 tomorrow. Will post pics if it happens. Ts and Ps appreciated.
I've done the hurt thing and the yelping thing. I think it's just hard because it's a pretty chaotic household with three rambunctious boys. It's when she's really excited or really tired (and acting excited) that it seems to be bad (bad being like, playing tug with my fucking arm kinda thing) I've started holding her mouth shut (briefly) and being a little more firm with her than I have been (she went after my 1 year olds face). It seems to be working in that she was hesitating before biting me (and I'd reward her when she didn't). Just not sure if that's the right way or not. It's been awhile since I had a puppy and the last time around the answer was the slap the shit out of them which seems to be frowned upon these days (and frankly, not something I'm completely comfortable with anyhow) Crate training at night has been working out, starting to put her in for spells during the day and turning the whole thing into some sort of willy wonka treat factory for her. Still whining a lot but I'm hopeful. Puppy classes start on Sunday. Fingers crossed.
Found out this little guy loves a frisbee. Took him a few tries to adjust to it after being used to a ball, but won't stop even to eat or drink if that frisbee is out. Man having a yard is a game changer. He is such a better dog now that he can run around all the time. I just wasn't able to walk him enough in the apartment.
We have left up a set of bells on the door to our garage where we keep the food. They have learned to go hit that bell when they are hungry or thirsty. The one to the back yard, we are having yo retrain because they hit it all the time now to just go play. I have to not let them play when they hit the bell.
Yea, she's just started ringing them with no intent on going potty. Basically I give her just a few minutes and if its clear she's got a different motive, I bring her back in. We'll see. It might be optimistic to think it'll stick long term. She's also just gone to the door and sat politely a couple of times, which frankly, is enough for me. The bell thing was more in hopes of preventing her from scratching up our relatively nice front door. I really hope we can get her catching a frisbee like your pup one day!
Sorry to hear that. It's never easy. I snuggled up and hugged my big ol dude while it happened. My other girl before that was on the brink. The vet told me to go home and think about it for a little bit. He called me and I came back. She was waiting for me to say bye and then died in my arms without even being put down. Dogs are fucking amazing. I'm probably gonna cry now.
Well I made it back from the shelter without another cat (thank god), but I didn’t have enough pull to stop the dog from happening. Newest member of the family is an emaciated and abandoned what-looks-to-be a purebred English Pointer. 2 yrs old, should be 50-60 pounds once she puts some weight on her. The Humane Society was calling her Hoku which is what we’re rolling w for now.
Spoiler This picture is my favorite. It's how I'll always remember him. He never let me take a shower by myself.
Don’t be sad. I still am but they both lived nice lives. I did my best but Jesse got bone cancer and had to have a leg amputated. She was a trooper and carried on for a full year. I had hoped that it hadn’t spread but it had. Sam was just old and got sick. I had some lady come out and do it at home so I could lay next to him. It was rough but he was checking out. Better than on a cold table at the vet. It was hard and a very difficult situation but I think the right decision.
What a beautiful pup and I'm so sorry for your loss. Love the picture with him next to the shower. For some reason my dog fears water so she stays away while I shower, but when I sit on the throne she is right there...clearly doesn't have a keen sense of smell. Dogs are the best and we are lucky to have them. I know I'll be holding my pup just a little bit closer tonight.
All love here, Lucky24Seven he’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing the pics with us. There aren’t words that make this suck one bit less. Goddamnit I’m Tebowing now...
They’ve had their ups and downs over the last 48 hrs, but if there’s one thing they can agree on, it’s that I’ve been voted off the couch:
Say hi to Maddie. Half lab/half Aussie rescued from a homeless man that had to give her up in Ocala. She’ll accompany me on the trail for climbing and hiking for years to come. She’s a darn good doggie. Question. My 14 yo bichon has never been on heartworm meds. He didn’t interact with other dogs or walk much outside of the backyard for most of his life, and he’s always been healthy, and I was a cheapskate for most of his life. Maddie will be a dog of the people(and woods and other dogs), so I need to get he on something, pronto. What does everyone use for flea/heartworm and where’s the best place to get it. I’ve ordered Griffin’s(bichon) flea meds online for the last couple of years but looking for other options.
Generally always buy mine from the vet if I like them. So far 2/3 vets have been good enough for me to pay a little more to support their practice
Puppy here doing well. Picking up potty training but for some reason she enjoys eating rocks. I’m afraid she’s gonna break her teeth.