Cooper update: he is basically housebroken. He's VERY good with the bladder control. He definitely is smarter than Toad. He's still a puppy, though - all about the biting. I've been struggling with that (and my feelings about it) because I don't like it but I know that he's a puppy and he can't help putting his mouth on things (including me). We try to discourage it with yelps. We went to puppy class last Saturday, and he was kinda shy, but had opened up a lot by the end of class. Over the last week he has seemed better with dogs that we've met - more interested and less scared. He has walked all the way around the block with me - is this too far for a puppy?
Do you have any suggestions for brushing a puppy when he's constantly trying to eat the brush?
I wonder if I'm reading too many sources of information; puppies need to play for exercise, but wrestling and tug are bad games, and they can't walk far... what's the best exercise for a puppy? Almost seems like another puppy is the best thing! If only we knew one!
Kiri
Hi Kiri,
I'm making a little video with Noche' and her newest toy - she is also really biting me which I actively discourage - not so much with yelps as "HEY! Stop That!" and then I try to have something else to cram in her mouth asap. I know she'll get over it but it isn't a lot of fun with those little needle teeth. I can't say that Noche' was shy at class - she's an enigma to me - I thought she'd be more retiring in public than seems to be the case. She has gone probably a half mile at a time on pasture walks with me and the dogs - she doesn't swim yet but she's thinking about it; she fell in the creek last week and was determined not to use the bridge so fell back in as we returned. hey, she's a dog!
I use a grooming table so brushing isn't generally an issue - do you have string cheese handy? If you can get Ross to occupy him with something while you brush, that might help and don't be afraid to correct him if he's being a butt. Tug is a great game - these dogs generally love it and you can use it as a reward tool....yeah, probably best you stop reading all that puppy stuff and just do what comes naturally and seems sensible!
I'm amazed at the bladder control on my pup also - she sleeps in the kitchen (alone!) and you'd never know she was there she's so quiet and clean. Thank god.
Sunny
