Sadie's first night home gave us some entertainment and little sleep. Not being familiar with each other, she found places to "Den", peeking out to observe the situation. As the evening went on she would sneak out from behind the chair and pick up one toy at a time. The first piece of furniture to become initiated by her tiny, SHARP teeth.
Electric and computer cords have seemed to become automatic chew toys for her. This puppy has one absolutely challenging habit at this age. Chew! Chew!! Chewing!!! Oh YES, Did I say C-H-E-W-I-N-G?!? Diverting her attention has been one thing. Holding her little mouth closed and telling her "NO" firmly, short time outs in the kennel, have been other methods of getting her attention. Another suggestion I have also read about is to place a bitter-taste on the focus of the teeth puncture wounds or ripping. Patience and being consistent will bring positive results. The first full day of being home,with trips outside every two hours, there weren't any potty problems...Soon to change in the next couple of days. I am getting to see what her cues are for us to be getting on our way out the door.
Particular noises around the house are becoming less of an anxiety trigger as we reach almost a week together come tomorrow evening.
At 9 weeks of age she is most definitely a sniffer ; catching the scents in the neighborhood.
1.Going up and down three deck steps on her own. 2.Learning her name in a very short amount of time. 3.A free foot warmer while sitting at the computer.
Sadie found a stick on one of our early morning excursions,on her second day home,and carried it very proudly like any "Retriever" would...
Wow, what a beautiful dog! I remember going through all the puppy training not too long ago - boy was that a test of patience! :) They sure do like to chew on whatever they can get a hold of!
ReplyDeleteTom Sorenson - Thanks!
ReplyDeletePuppies are precious is my mantra presently.
We are looking forward to some of the obedience commands she will eventually gain with work on both of our parts. Builds bonds between owner and dog. She has been fun no matter the chewing...
I've had my five-month-old lab/golden for about 10 weeks and am still trying to teach him to stop chewing everything. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMatt - I will be keeping positive thoughts for you on the chewing ...I know how frustrating it is and I have only had my puppy for a week. Each day something seems to change for her . Today, she isn't as "chew happy". Lets hope we all can find a good solution for our individual pets.
ReplyDeleteShe is so cute. Looks like she knows what her job is already.
ReplyDeleteSounds like "love" is all it takes. Keep up the consistency and you and your dog will have a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteSadie is adorable. Very pretty too. have fun! Dogs are the best!
ReplyDeletekristine - She is forever picking up sticks or whatever she can carry in her mouth. Good traits for a bird dog.
ReplyDeleteeagle eyes - Yes, "love" helps to over look some of her behavioral outbursts. Things will correct themselves in time with guidance.
windyridge - She is an absolute charmer in my book. Has me wrapped around her wiggly little tail. ;) She is a funny puppy. She has found my clumps of chives and attacks them. Ripping and rolling in them - head over heels...
She is adorable. You should look into Kong toys. They are great for chewers and just might save a couch or two.
ReplyDeleteGood luck. It is all worth it in the end.
simplyoutdoors - Thanks for the toy suggestion. I think I am going to need a 5 gallon bucket full of chew toys. She gets mad at me when I remove things out of her mouth like twigs , dirt , grass clumps and rocks. She starts some serious nipping and gets herself a time out in her kennel until she calms down...
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