Puppy Diaries: One month!

[kimbersmom]

Technically Sunday will be a month but Stormy turned 12 weeks yesterday so close enough.

First, a huge shoutout to everyone who assured me we could DO this and that it's possible to enjoy puppyhood. (See my meltdown thread about "how to learn to stop worrying"). It's definitely tiring and a ton of time and effort, but Stormy is such a joy. Not all of life is rainbows and sunshine right now, so I'm truly grateful to take comfort in her exuberance and cuteness and cuddliness.

Stormy had her second vet visit since we got her and everything looks great. She's up to 20.5 lbs. We talked about the potty training struggles. Since Stormy has no problem holding it through the night or during extended naps in the crate, the vet doubts it's a UTI. He suggested we give her an Extra Special treat when she pees outside. He also advocated for 'negative' reinforcement by bopping her on the head when she pees inside, but DH and I agreed that's not the way we want to go.

She's very sassy. She barks at us as if she's talking to us- often, talking back to us. She's also not shy about barking at dogs who bark at her, as we learned last night at the vet's office. She doesn't seem intimidated when the other dog is much larger, either!

She's acclimating to the crate- much less screaming. She's actually spending her nap times napping rather than throwing temper tantrums. I'm not sure if it's the naps or just that she's no longer a baby puppy, but she's much more active in the evenings. We've been keeping her out of the crate 4 pm to 10 pm; we could count on her napping on the couch near us for an hour or more, usually around 5:30-7, giving us a chance to cook and eat dinner and have a conversation. But this week she's been in constant go-go-go mode. I've implemented some food toys (wobble kong, treat ball, frozen kong) but her attention span is limited. Once it gets hard, she abandons it. I think we'll have to crate her after she eats for about an hour so we get a little downtime.

This weekend, we plan to take part in a number of holiday-with-pets offerings (weather permitting.) I hope to have photos to share!

[Labradorks]

Sounds like things are settling in.

In the evenings, for Presto, I do some training for a few minutes. We play. And, if I need me time, like when I shower, I put him in his crate with a bully stick or a food puzzle toy. Or a raw meaty bone like a large knuckle bone that I know he cannot choke on. I had to make the Kong easy at first or he didn't know that what it really was. He's been doing harder puzzle toys for some time now; he just had to be eased into it. I'm sure your pup will get it.

[Blackboy98]

Even with all the challenges, I can tell Stormy has been a real blessing, brought life back in your home and been a month's worth of fun.

Can't wait for the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jollymolly]

Sounds like Stormy is settling in. Its hard to believe you have had her for a month already. I cant wait to see the pics of what sounds like a fun weekend