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Original poster

New Puppy!

14 replies

2ndtime · 24/08/2006 22:44

We became the proud new owners of an 8 week old Yorkie x Jack Russel pup today. It wasn't planned, I had gone to look at horses and came back with Ernie instead!
He went straight to the vets to have a check over and get his jabs started. We also got worming meds and frontline for his fleas (he was alive with them!)
Baisically I would welcome any tips on helping him settle in with our rather disgusted cats, 3 ecstatic kids and 2 very large horses.
Obviously he wont be going out and about for a few weeks, but how on earth to you get a puppy the size of a small guinnea pig to mix with half a ton of horse?
House training hints also gratefully recieved!

OP posts:
MatNanPlus · 24/08/2006 23:03

Buy some puppy pads, like pampers care mats, he widdles on them they absorb wee and smell.

Have him on a short leash when he meets the horses and encourage him no not yap at them.

Let the cats sort themselves out with lots of fussing from you.

Are the kids old enough to help train him?

They could get him used to a lead and walking nicely in the house.

Start as you mean to go, so if not allowed on the furniture ensure everyone sticks to it and he is given the same message if he gets up.

And lastly...ENJOY...Cheaper than a horses

EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute · 24/08/2006 23:14

awww, puppies! congrats!

i can recommend crate training. worked a treat with our jack russel and when training is done it is still somewhere for them to sleep or escape children when things get too lively!

crate training

Original poster
2ndtime · 24/08/2006 23:53

Thanks for your replies. Funny you should mention pampers care mats.That was the only thing I could think of to make him a cosy, dry, disposable bed and we had some left over from DD3s bedtime mishaps. Ernie has done so well today.Every time I've taken him out he's "performed" and no widdles inside.

The cats are hilarious. They wont go near him when he's awake although he wags his stumpy little tail at them but as soon as he fell asleep the went over and patted him very firmly on the head a few times before running off.

With regards to a crate do you think a cat carry cage would do the job for now?

The kids are 6,7 and 12 and once they stop fighting over who's turn it is to hold him, will be able to help out in his training, I hope!

P.S. Where do you buy a collar for a dog with a pencil neck?

OP posts:
Fauve · 24/08/2006 23:56

Can me and dd come and live with you? Please?

magnolia1 · 25/08/2006 11:30

If the cat cage is completely see through like a cage then yes but if its a plastic one with just the slits in it will probably be a bit too enclosed.
You can get the small crates from Ebay very cheaply and possibly move up to a bigger size one once he is bigger.
Our dogs love their crate and it really is nice for them to have a copsy place of their own when the kids are having a mad moment (all day with my kids lol)
He sounds lovely
No advice with horses though, I stick to anything smaller than me!!!
Cats will come around and if they don't he will learn to steer clear
Kids will be arguing over holding him now and then in a few years arguing thats its not their turn to walk him in the snow etc.....

magnolia1 · 25/08/2006 11:31

copsy = cosy

lilymolly · 25/08/2006 11:38

Congrats! I Have 3 yr old lab and 2 horses, I just let the dog when she was a puppie come down to the stable with me and let her associate herself with them, she hasd a natural fear so kept away at first. she now loves my big horse and the shetland, but shetland hates her and chases her round field !! As long as they do not chase the horses or nip at their legs, the horses should not kick. Sounds a bit like my house (chaotic) what with 7month dd, labrador 2 horses, 10 cows and husband who will just not so what I tell him!! Enjoy it.

Original poster
2ndtime · 25/08/2006 18:51

Ha Ha Fauve. I managed to sneak the puppy past DH without too much fuss but I think he would draw the line at me bringing humans home to live with us too!

Good thinking Magnolia about the cat box being too enclosed. He is not at all happy in it althiough he is very chilled out when lying outside of it. Will get a proper crate tomorrow.
He's a little love. Cried all night tho. SIL who has 3 beautifully behaved standard poodles says not to go to him during the night if he cries as this rewards his behavior. Is that not a bit harsh? He really is a baby.

OP posts:
Fauve · 25/08/2006 21:22

Oh, go on, we'd exercise your horses and walk the dog...

Original poster
2ndtime · 25/08/2006 21:57

Oh, Ok then. I'll pick you up a 9.30 sharp in the morning. You have to promise to be quiet while I sneak you in though!

OP posts:
magnolia1 · 25/08/2006 22:01

No don't go to him in the night, it sounds awful but it just rewards him for crying. BUT!!! He is young as so may be crying for the toilet, I always ignored cries within the 1st couple of hours of puting puppy to bed but if they cried at say 4am I would get up and let them out for a wee.

I also spent the 1st week sometimes laying on the kitchen floor so they know I was there and gradually moved further away.
Dh thought I was mad but the crying was so hard to hear.

Original poster
2ndtime · 25/08/2006 22:04

You sure know your puppies Magnolia. Are you sure your'e not spying on me! I felt so guilty this morning when I went to him at 6am. The first thing he did when I put him outside was a lovely big wee and a poo!

OP posts:
magnolia1 · 25/08/2006 22:10

I have 2 dogs and have had dogs all my life. Jsut home 6 lovely 8 week old puppies too

I promise you will look back in a few months and have forgotten the crying etc.... although it will be replaced by chewing etc...

magnolia1 · 25/08/2006 22:10

i meant to write just had to home but cant type tonight

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