Hi Sunny!  

  Miss Pink is still doing well.  She's settling in and learning the new rules of the game.  She really enjoys playing in the yard, which is fenced with chain link, and we live in a nice residential neighborhood where people walk a lot so she's getting to observe all kinds of new things pass by on the sidewalk.  Old people with canes, babies in strollers, kids, etc.  She quickly adjusted to the noise levels - we have a cargo train track a mile away and a commuter train half a mile away, and we have neighbors much closer than yours, so it is definitely a different level of background noise!  She has learned her name and come, sit, down, and the command to eliminate.  She's really smart, and I will be the first to say, you were entirely correct when you said not to be fooled by her cute face!  She can be quite the little monster, but she is also very sweet and cuddly.  I hope her energy levels will be much more manageable when the weather warms up and I can play with her outside and really tire her out.  It has been unseasonably cold here (read 50 degrees!) all weekend, and it isn't much fun to be out and about.

 

   She's been sleeping nights in her shipping crate but she doesn't really like it.  She whines for a few minutes when we put her in and then quiets down eventually.  I think she'd prefer to be in bed with us, but barring that, she's got a nice LL Bean dog bed that she likes to sleep on.  As soon as I trust her at night I'll stop crating her and just let her sleep on the dog bed.  We have a wire crate in our living room and she seems to like that one well, as she'll go in and take a nap on her own accord.  She also likes to nap on laps or feet or any other available body part...  She enjoys playing with toys, but I think her favorite toy is hands and feet.  She's getting good at inhibiting her bite, so mostly she's just kind of mouthing, so it isn't too bad.  We have given her a few stuffed Kongs but I don't think her jaws are strong enough to chew the treats out, so she tries for 5-10 minutes and then gets bored when nothing comes out.  We'll keep trying that one until she gets it!

 

   I do have a couple of questions for you.  How long until I can reasonably expect her to sleep through the night?  So far I get her up every 2-3 hours, and she goes outside to pee like a good girl, and she slowly seems to be adjusting to pacific time.  Yesterday she was ready to go at 3:30 AM, today it was 4:30, so I'm hopeful that in another couple of weeks I'll be able to sleep from 10-6 like a normal person!  Also, do you have any good tricks for teaching a puppy not to jump on furniture?  She really wants to be on the couch with us but we're trying to discourage it given how big she'll be as an adult.  If you have any other advice about puppy raising or about anything we're doing wrong or should be doing differently, please let me know.  We're trying to do right by her but gosh is it a lot of work!
Thanks again,

Jen

 

Hi Jen,

Yes, it IS a lot of work -- just imagine those moms who have twins or triplets!!  I'll tell you what Ray does now -- he is sleeping in the laundry room which is between the kitchen and our 'family' room.  I have baby gates at either end so between the washer, the dryer and his crate he really only has a space of about 3 x 8 at night.  I'm usually off to bed really early since Jim gets up at 5 a.m. but right now I am up until about 9 p.m.  I make sure I've taken his food and water up at about 5 p.m. so when he relieves himself at 9 he will be pretty much empty for the night.  So far he has not relieved himself indoors at night since we are up so early.  As soon a Jim (or I) get up in the morning we zoom outdoors with Ray in hand or tow -- and wait until we see him at least pee before coming back indoors to make coffee/etc.  During the day we keep an eye on him like a hawk and take him outside every few hours just to make certain he doesn't need to go.  He had multiple accidents yesterday after drinking a LOT of goats milk (my granddaughter thought a puppy should drink about a quart and he agreed...)  but today he hasn't had any.  I recognize that our lifestyle is not what yours is ~ we have a fenced area outside the back door with the door cracked open today so that is helpful when I'm outside ~ 

As for jumping up on the furniture, yes, I'm sure she does want to be up there on the cushy cushions with you!  We have a zero tolerance policy here in regards to the dogs on the furniture ~ they are too often dirty from the barn or the river, etc.  Ray so far hasn't wanted to go up but his time will likely come and I will be very stern in telling him 'No.' and standing up and going away from the chair.  If he is a total pest I would put him in a crate.  Like some of the other pups in this litter, he has no great love for the crate yet but that will come in time.

Pretty much the puppy rule is that you don't allow the puppy to do anything you wouldn't want done as an adult ~ life in black and white at this stage :)

Give her a pet from all of us here and I hope this helps!  P.S.  I Always say "A Tired Puppy is a Happy Owner!"

Our Puppy is doing great and really getting along well with our whole family.  She loves the ambient noise of my 5 and 7 year olds and is plenty happy in her crate right in the middle of our family room/kitchen where we spend 95% of our waking time.  Sleeping with me in the same place and getting up every 90 minutes on the nose to go potty when she wakes me up.  Eating fine and has been really pleasant.  Does not enjoy the crate in the car and I suspect that may have to do with the airplane trip.  We will ease into that.

We have named her Tommika.  I am a cyclist and have a passion for racing.  One of the current top professional racers in the world and a favorite of mine is a Belgian named Tom Boonen, nick named Tommika.  He hails from the Flandres region and won one of the most prestigious Spring Classics, the Tour of Flandres, on March 24^th  this year.  He then won the next weekends Queen of the Classics, Paris Roubaix, a feat seldom accomplished in the over 100 years of these events.   Seemed fitting and original.

Rainy and cool here all weekend so it has been great to devote a lot of time to her initial bonding with her new home.

Hi Karl,

That all sound good for such a short time and what a great name!  My only suggestion would be getting up every 90 minutes -- that sure seems like a lot unless the change in altitude is causing her to drink an enormous amount of water?? -- 

Sunny

Our fellow Man Ray - ears cut off and down with a cold, he's feeling funky today.

Sunday update: the cough and cold seems to be over already!  I guess it wasn't kennel cough he got from the vet office after all ~

Our Pocket Rocket!

She has been in the pond walking along the edge, it was rough and splashing hard, she did fine even swam a bit.

 

She is circling the chickens, they are bigger than her-wont run after them.

 

the cat saved her from falling in the pond, Harry made an out right effort to go between the puppy and the waters edge & rocks, he mumbled at her for a good ten seconds and both moved away from the edge (two feet to the water not deep) Harry has taken on the older bro role. He is an amazing cat. She was not in danger of anything other than getting wet. Harry swims and showers

 

She has very good stamina and memory, there is something under an old car here she wont forget the smell, we will be some ware in the yard and she will get a whiff or remember to go looking, she has a very good nose and decision making for seeking out items by smell we've been playing hide and seek.

 

She has pretty much mastered the rocks (our steps, yard and the shore line) and can get in or out the door with a hop

 

she sleeps buy/on our feet if we are sitting, sometimes she goes to her crate or just lye's down where ever she gets tired inside or out.

she has made her special spot under the bench out side already.

 

In a crate at night up stairs next to the bed, she sleeps all night till about 5, she fusses a bit and waits for me 530

 

We have a wind chime that dings in heavy wind or when its needed, it has been windy, and if we ring it she heads for the house. She knows where home is from any part of our land already.

 

She has figured out her food is for ever and eats when she feels like it and leaves a little for latter no hording gulping or growling.

I put her bowel up on a brick to stop the lazy eating-that changed everything for her. She drinks a lot of water.

 

Teeth -Pee and sleep

 

That's the update

m&m

REX!

Sorry I was not in touch before today.  We have been busy with that baby.  He did great on the ride home.  He cried for a bit , but settled.  He would cry a little less after each stop.  We crate him at night and he loves it.  He does not complain at all.  He just goes in and falls asleep.  The biggest project right now is potty training and we doing OK.  There have been accidents, but only a few.  We focus on getting him out often.  He loves the yard.  He likes to go out and lay on the top level of the deck, like he is the king of the castle.  When he is alone in the yard, he runs around like a maniac making fun for himself.  He throws leaves up and barks at them.  Grabs them again and starts over.  He is enjoying his toys.  He loves to cuddle.  We are also working on the nipping…man that guy can pack a punch with those teeth.  Overall, it is easier than expected.  He is a little man who seems to be doing a great job adjusting in my estimation.  My sister-in-law stayed through Monday and she and my brother are coming back today.  He is getting a lot of love and also time to enjoy himself without being suffocated by two eager big brothers.  I cannot thank you enough for the gift of Rex.  We love him.  We will send pictures.  It just requires me to become more technologically savvy.  I will happily keep you posted on his progress.

8.4# ~ going to Maine

 

11# ~ going east in Wisconsin

11.6# ~ going to Minnesota

10.3# ~ going to Minnesota

10# ~ going to California

13.25# ~ going to Canada

11.4# ~ going to Montana

12.5# going to Illinois

Going to Maine, our little Pocket Rocket

Afternoon playtime in the puppy play yard.

I love these puppies.....

This week our puppies will continue to grow, to observe the other dogs, their environment and us and will have a full week of temperament testing, vet visits and maybe even a couple of short car trips.  They have been an interesting litter for us and quite fun to watch mature.  As those of you who know our dogs, you know that both Solo and Trouble are quite special members of our family and to see them in their kids gives us great pleasure.  We will see what the puppy tests show and will contact each of you to let you know which pup we feel will be best suited for which home.  We will use the information you've given us in your puppy reservation form to help us make that decision.  For the moment, we are holding back a male puppy for us to see how he turns out.

 

We are feeding NutriSource Large Breed Puppy to your pup.  While we are currently feeding 'free choice' so that there isn't a feeding frenzy every time the pups see the bowl, you will want to feed your pup at regular intervals (3 x per day until he is 4 months old, then twice per day.)

 

 

Dog Nutrition – 12 Human Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat and the Reasons Why They Are Dangerous

By Susan Benson
In a world where there has been a pet food recall, some dog owners feel they want to make their own dog food. This is a great idea because you know exactly what is going in your dog’s tummy. But do you know what foods are actually dangerous for Fido? Let me list the most dangerous and also tell you WHY they shouldn’t be eaten so you can save yourself from unnecessary Vet bills or something we don’t even want to think about…the death of your beloved pet.
1. Chocolate: This means ALL chocolate even though the high cocoa content chocolate and Baker’s chocolate are the most toxic. To reach toxicity you only need 2 baking squares for a 10lb dog, 4 baking squares for a 20 lb dog, etc. It contains theobromine which is a diuretic and cardiac stimulant.
Side Effects: vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, seizures, increased drinking and urinating and even death.
2. Alcohol: If you think it’s funny to watch your dog get intoxicated, think again. You can cause Fido to go into cardiac arrest and die. Not so funny anymore, now is it. They can’t handle alcohol and it only takes a small amount to get them intoxicated.
Side Effects: depression, excessive urination, excitement, slowed breathing rate and cardiac arrest which can lead to death.
3. Fatty Foods: Yes, you know them well because you probably eat them yourself and know how bad they are for YOU. Gravies, bacon, high fat snacks, etc. can all be fatal in some dogs.
Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal distress and something called Pancreatitis which can be fatal.
4. Raisins and Grapes: This is one of those foods where the toxin is not known yet but is extremely dangerous and there is NO treatment for it.
Side Effect: acute kidney failure. It only takes as little as 6 grapes and raisins.
5. Potato Peelings and Tomato Leaves & Stems: These both contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine.
Side Effects: severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, dilated pupils, damage to the central nervous system and slower heart rate.
6. Avocado: This fruit contains a toxin principle called PERSIN. It’s also in the leaves, the seeds and the bark. All avocados have the potential to be toxic for dog’s however, the variety from Guatemala is the most toxic.
Side Effects: diarrhea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.
7. Macadamia Nuts: The toxin in these nuts is unknown, it only takes a small number of nuts and even the butter in them to make it toxic for your dog.
Side Effects: affects their nervous system, digestive track and their muscles.
8. Coffee: Contains dangerous components called xanthenes.
Side Effects: urinary damage, heart muscle stimulation and damage to their nervous system.
9. Peaches, Cherries, Plums, Apples and Apricots: The fruit itself is fine. It’s the leaves, stems and seeds that contain a cyanide compound. Large amounts of them are toxic.
Side Effects: hyperventilation, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties and shock.
10. Xylitol: This is an artificial sweetener that is found in SUGAR FREE products like gum, candy, etc.
Side Effects: sudden drop in blood sugar and seizures.
11. Onions: Thiosulphate is the toxin in onions. This goes for onion powder as well. One good thing about this is that they will eventually recover from this toxin when it leaves their body.
Side Effect: Extreme anemia. (as little as one small onion can cause this)
12. Yeast dough: Believe it or not if your dog swallows yeast dough it will rise in his stomach and it will end up being very painful for them.
Side Effects: Severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea and bloating.
Please use common sense when it comes to feeding your dog and if he accidentally eats any of the above foods, get to your Vet immediately. Getting there in time can save your dog’s life.

A warm spring day, I'm taking a minute to wash up the dishes from lunch and what are those puppies up to??

Pink Girl, looking for trouble...

Having too much fun!

Pretending to be good ;)

After dragging my boots outdoors, better hold them down!

Garden shoes too!  Oh no, the impatiens!

What's behind those hostas anyway?

I'm coming, I'm coming!!

The front of my little farmhouse being wrecked by your puppies :)

Pile 'o Pups  ~ raining outside, the pups hanging on the porch

This video timed out earlier so I loaded it as for viewing it on a phone.  Hopefully it will be clear enough for you.  As you see, the littler pups are catching up in size ~ and I cut the coats down on some of the puppies who looked black but are, in fact, brindle!  They are all doing well and are now taking little trips around the yard and spending the warm days in the big puppy pen by the front door on our farmhouse.  You can see their reactions to a door being slammed (accidently, oops!) and to a truck driving down the road.  I am starting to see some little changes in their personalities and am, overall, pleased with them.  Next week I will be doing puppy testing and that will give me more information about which puppy goes where - - for now, we will watch them closely.

Male

Female

Female

Male

Female

Male

Female

Male and Female

Pocket Rocket!

Here we are at 5 weeks, exploring the world outside the kennel building.  We have discovered toys and water and dry kibble, have visited Zelda the Papillon and tried eating grass.  Life is Good!  The little Pocket Rocket closes this video -- be sure to watch it to the end!