Day1:
It was so easy to shower this little girl with love! There is no need worry about roaming as she sticks to my side like a Velcro-dog.
When we went to pick up our puppy, named Molly (Fancy) for the first trip home, I had to coax her out of her crate with my voice. I brought little bits of chicken jerky. I stayed home with her for a few days to give her the proper introductions!
We explored the house together. Then next the back yard, only the lower terraces. Kevin nand I took photos like two proud parents until the batteries ran out. She really loves our yard. She already has chosen her favorite paths (though she hasn’t mastered every step)!
During the day, I took her your outside for relief after play time with her squeaky toy, after her waking up, and after chow. She needs response so fast that I could only reward her with praise. She had to void 11 times today (we may increase potty walks this to possibly every twenty minutes tomorrow!). Once, when I was slow to tie the laces of my shoes, she hit the pads- an act for which she received high praise!
I only missed Molly twice today when I left her with her new daddy. Kevin was distracted by the cute look she gave him. (It may take Molly the next few months to train Kevin).
I stayed up that night to watch my little girl sleep. I was glad she has taken to her cozy little beds (one in the center of the house, and one in the kitchen). It helped me be proximal while “on call” for her needs in the middle of the night.
Around 3am, I put her behind a puppy gate, in the kitchen with her open crate, food + water, toys and kitchen-bed, towel and a heating disc I had warmed up. She cried all night. (Oooh, it was tough not to go to her!)
Day2: We cleaned up her mess, far from the pads, and took her outside. I was so happy to see her play in the grasses. She ran only where my foot fell. All was forgiven.
We introduced to my family (my parents, the neighbors) tody. Molly was very anxious if I was out of sight so I stayed nearby to promote feelings of security. Naturally, everyone adored her. We got several volunteers today for babysitters (though we would not need them this year).
There were so many new things for her today. She could care less about squirrels and small birds. She was very curious about cats - in a friendly way? They watched her frolic with her squeaky toy from the fence. Molly is terrified by humming birds- so much so that she may have to give up her favorite rock in our yard.
With all the activity today, she often climbed into my lap and dropped off in a nap in seconds. The experience is so priceless that I tried to enjoy it while it lasts. She will be my independent puppy soon.
It feels like trial and error is the method when assimilating your new puppy into your home.
Today, she went into her open crate in the kitchen, while I was nearby. I gave her high praise. She came out wagging and turned into a gleeful blur. Then she ran back into it so fast that she slammed her own door shut!
I took the chance today to get her used to the loud sounds of the kitchen (hood, dishwasher, cooking). Her eyes stayed on us the whole time instead of her toys for two hours without a potty break, “Now, what are they burning?” asked those eyes.
I penned her in the kitchen another night last night. I did not go to her despite the crying.
Day 3: I found one of my worn socks in her crate today. I thought she was only watching me gather laundry last night. Clever girl! When I came to get her this morning, she greeted me like we had been separated an eternity. Molly only lives for the current situation. I will train her to brave the night on her own from now on. (Not being as brave as my puppy, I had informed my co-workers I would stay home from work today…)
I tried not to pay attention to her cries today, which were more frequent. I rewarded her with treats for voiding for me in the backyard and for going into her open crate. (I gave her praise for everything else).
Today, I introduced her to her collar. Her little ID tag did not dip into her water this time.
Tomorrow she will visit her vet.
Thank you so miuch.
Warmest regards,
Carole CALIFORNIA 3-3-08
