Puppy survival thread part 2

[Orangebadger]

Thought I would start another thread for all those puppy owners.

@Riverlee
@Unluckycat1
@Sunflowers765
@BigBundleOfFluff
@Cocopuff

Will have to look back to tag others as cannot remember all names.

Oh florapup!!!! It is just a phase and will pass but that doesn't help you much now does it!?
At that stage I enforced naps, I needed a routine. So we did awake an hour, crate an hour. Fluffpup was never barky or whimpered much so I never had much of an issue.
Until she could go out (and actually we still do it) I did a lot of sniffy things to tire her out and licky things to calm her. I used all of her food allowance for this otherwise it's a colossal amount of treats. Licky mats, kongs, snuffle mats and puzzle toys were my saviour. Training tires them out too I think. The girls used to like hiding under a blanket so Fluffpup could retrieve them.
This was the worst stage for me and I was still sobbing 90% of the time, I also said I hated her a lot too... (to the kids, not to her obviously)
Wellies if it's ankles? Ignore it if it's anywhere else?
Ignoring the bad, praising the good will work - it just takes ages.

The biting stage is horrible, and I seemed to be the main target.

I spoke too soon about car journeys. Took RiverPup out Saturday and Sunday, the first time since coming back from holiday (apart from collecting him), and he refused to get into the car. We had his usual Boneo treat in there, and said ‘Up’ as usual, and he walked away. We tried adding more treats, and eventually got him in, but for a food loving lab, it was hard work.

I’m going to try and get some higher value food treats, maybe sausages.

Thanks @BigBundleOfFluff and @Riverlee I know it will pass and I’ll hang in. It helps to come here where others really get it.

As for ignoring the bad etc, I do that when I can, but when she is trying to chew my arm off, it’s not possible 😳

She’s been for her second vaccine, so in a weeks time, I see myself taking her for impromptu walks at all sorts of times for respite.

<As for ignoring the bad etc, I do that when I can, but when she is trying to chew my arm off, it’s not possible 😳>

Oh I know! My mum used to helpfully say "A dog that's only ever known love and affection will only ever give you love and affection" yes that's true mum but YOU ARE NOT HERE AND SHE'S BEING A COMPLETE ARSEWIPE.

@Beginningless yes, I think you were right it was just an off day. I was panicking though!! She seems to be back to her mostly very chilled self now. She didn't appreciate me waking her up for a picture, but it's so hard to get one of her when she's awake because she just runs over for snuggles.

There’s definantly a look of ‘why have you woken me?! Not happy” in her face!

She's giving you amazing side eye there!!!

It’s been a while so thought I’d do an update pic of Joshpup. She’s 8 months old and mostly a lovely little thing. Still a bit chewy and definitely a bit clingy but generally she has settle into being a lovely dog.

Aw she is beautiful

I'm hoping we're close to consistently getting a full night's sleep here. We've managed 10pm to 6am a couple of times, but still needing a 5am toilet trip often.

This is the view from my desk this morning.

Tidz - a lovely view.

Looks very sore @AnnieSnap . Its really hard to manage to biting, we always seemed to have plasters at hand for various injuries. Try to wear long sleeves and unflappable trousers (hard in the heat I know). Only consolation I can give you is it does <slowly> get better. Ours is 20wks and barring the odd playful nip we haven't had that sustained excitable attacking for ages.

I just used to always have a stick, chew, whatever in my pocket to pop in her mouth when things got ott. Usually in an evening .

This was my view

AnnieSnap our weim is now five and a half months old so I (quite literally) have felt your pain.
Rafa started getting better at four months. Now annoying behaviour is humping his favourite teddy while having a death like grip on my arm!!
I wish you luck and strength for the coming months 😂
Also helped that he's lost his most feral teeth!

Thanks @AmyyL It’s reassuring to hear that. We go on holiday when she is 20 weeks and the pet sitters arms have been a cause for concern.

@drivinmecrazy Thanks, good to know 😂🤣😂🤣

Do you just let things slide sometimes in your training out of mental exhaustion? I’m generally consistent in my dog training (lots of dogs over lots of years). I just took a tissue off Florapup that she saw me put into the waste basket. Next thing I know, I see her with it in her mouth again and I think f**k it!! and let it go 🙇‍♀️

I do try snd be consistent. Last week I left Fluffpup at the gate of someone's house that was wary of dogs. I was dropping off his daughter after a play date and my own daughter stayed with Fluffpup. I was all of 30 secs and 20 metres away. When I went back, Fluffpup was so excited to see me again that she jumped up and gave me a lovely welcoming standing cuddle. I forgot and cuddled her back. Guess what's a thing again?!? Sigh.

Aww @BigBundleOfFluff and this is why jumping up is still a problem here, I find it such a love filled gesture.

@AnnieSnap I definitely let things slide sometimes, training is such a slog and some walks/moments/days I just want to enjoy dog ownership, or rather let her enjoy herself — eg sniffing and dog watching rather than checking in with me, saying hi to other dogs rather than desensitising her to them, letting her chew things she shouldn't etc etc

Sweet pic @tizwozliz I've become slightly obsessed at the thought of a second dog. Unluckypup just loves dogs so much, and she plays in a sprinty bitey face manner that not all other dogs appreciate, and there are so many lurchers needing homes...

Unluckypup turned 7 months yesterday. Should I be expecting a teenage rebellion soon?

Yep, been there. I agree with walks, sometimes we’re zero tolerance and I’m in full training mode, other days not. Must admit, didn’t really appreciate that every interaction is a training exercise before getting a pup.

@Riverlee God, it is isn’t it. I haven’t done much formal training with Florapup yet (she’s 11 weeks now), as her concentration isn’t good yet, but she learns so much each day anyway.

@AnnieSnap I certainly let things slide with training from time to time. Mostly because it's only really me who does any! So it gets a bit exhausting and frustrating when no one else is on board.

@Unluckycat1 I agree, I want Orangepup to enjoy all the doggie things so excessive training like walking to heel with no sniffing or playing with other dogs (when reciprocated obviously!) just takes a lot of that away. All about balance I think.

Big day today - RiverPup’s first birthday! Treated him to some (doggy) ice cream, and of course, some presents.

Awww happy 1st birthday Riverpup 🎈🎈

Happy birthday riverpup!!!