Tweedy
I have only ever had one dog, my baby, Agatha Bean Glatter 1992-2008. She was an 8-week old pup when I got her and I crate-trained, housebroke, and leash-trained her. It wasn’t perfect and she was never great on the leash, but she was good and definitely manageable. We tended to hike exclusively in places where no leash was required and that’s how we rolled; “city” walking wasn’t too important. Also, for her entire life we had a fenced-in yard. Digging was a bit of a problem when she was a pup, but she quickly gave it up.
This one? He is 7 months, a rescue of sorts (he was turned over by his owners from Virginia and shipped north to Massachusetts; not an abandoned or abused dog like many of the “Dixie dogs” that find their way from several Southern (RED) states to our true blue Massachusetts. I am tired of the ignorance that seems to extend from the political climate in the South even into how people care for their pets (or rather don’t care for their pets)—no spaying or neutering, over-breeding of certain types of dogs, abuse.
Anyway, he is getting a bit used to the leash after 4 days. Has been peeing outside fairly successfully. Pooping? Def not an outdoor activity in his mind. Whining in the crate and being let out immediately because the family cannot sleep? Yup. We are instilling a BAD BAD habit.
I don’t know how to get through the feeling that I have an infant again. I hate the feeling of being chained and controlled by HIS needs and schedule. I hate being sleep-deprived. And even though I love him, I need a lot of encouragement to remember that it’s temporary, that sleep does eventually come, that creating a bad, quick-fix habit is no substitute for a few days’ suffering to gain a lifetime of better behavior. Yup, just like babies.
Dog-adoption PPD? I’d say that’s about right.
Who’s a good dog? Not yet. But soon, I hope. Soon.
What a beautiful boy and he is lucky to have you. Welcome Tweedy!
I like seeing the photos of your pooch on FB, too. Do you have a special affinity for greyhounds? I am not too familiar with them. I know they are sweet.
Send me patience and sleep if you have some to spare! Thanks for stopping by, JG. Life is busy! twinkly
Kath,
I’m so happy for you and your new family member! They are a joy, and a lot of work too! I remember Aggie and she was a great dog – just like Kisha. I’m sure you’ll have years of happiness together.
We’ve never crate trained because the crying would drive me crazy. Instead, we’ve always had a dog door and we sit outside until the dog has done his/her business – then we have a big celebration and the dog ‘gets it’! It’s usually worked for me. My chiweenie sometimes forgets, however, and I find a little mess in the house. Can you blame him? His brain is the size of a walnut. Fortunately, he only forgets when it’s raining or snowing, which seldom happens in the southwest.
Unfortunately, we have lots of abuse and neglect in the southwest too. It’s so sad.
I wish you and yours all the best with your new baby!
🙂 Sharon
I need a lot of positive reinforcement right now, Sharon.
We can’t do the out the door thing ’cause we don’t have a fenced-in yard. We are working on it. It will help a little to have him out back without a leash so we can play more. Right now, we have to play exclusively in the house.
Send me LOTS of helpful thoughts!
XO, Kath