Got a new pup
Last edited Fri Jul 31, 2015, 01:31 AM - Edit history (1)
This one is a sheltie/jack russell terrier mix. He definitely has more jack in him than anything else though. He's just tiny - and won't be growing much bigger than he already is. I've named him TimBit. My niece no longer wanted the lil' guy (huh!?) and I could not bear to see him sent to the pound - which is where he was heading had I not intervened.
I'm very partial to Jack Russell's - even though many others consider them a "demon" breed. I do not - but they can be very trying during the puppy stage. I know this because I already have one who is now nearing ten years of age. So I do have the benefit of experience when it comes to this type of dog. I already knew going "in" that I'd need eyes in my ass to keep up with this young one. And true to form - he has not disappointed.
Completely "puppy-proofed" the bathroom. That's the place he goes when I cannot be at home. It's quite a large bathroom - with ceramic tile on the floor. I thought I had everything figured out: no electrical cords anywhere, the vanity doors totally secured, lot's toys for him to play with. However, I forgot about the toilet paper, kinda. Placed it on the back of the toilet where I thought it was out of reach. Ummmm....came home and it looked like it had snowed in my bathroom. And he just looked up at me with that sweet, innocent tiny face that still had tell-tale wisps of toilet paper lodged in his whiskers!
All I could do was laugh. Oh how I wish I had a pic of the bathroom that day!
Daughter has snapped a few pics of the lil' guy outdoors - but she has not emailed them to me yet. When she does, I'll post them.
I'm lucky because I have someone who lets puppy out periodically for breaks during the time I'm at work.
Not wanting to brag, but what a smart little guy he is! Already he has figured out potty time, mainly from watching the older dog, I think. We've had very few "potty" accidents in the house, and were heading into week two now. I'm beyond thrilled with that. Pretty much stunned actually. I've never had a puppy that trained this easily before. He knows exactly what "outside" means and gets animated and excited at hearing the word - just like the older dog.
He's teething and he is constantly wanting to chew on anything - blankets, fingers, the legs of the furniture, and.....the older dog (who is not quite as forgiving!) So I'm patiently watching him like a hawk, and redirecting him to his chew toys when he does this. He is catching on to this.
The older dog (Billy) has begrudgingly accepted the presence of the new fella. At first - there were a few squabbles: over toys, over me, over a certain spot on the sofa. But they've sorted things out for the most part. They play tag together too, which for me is a true joy to watch.
My local Humane Society is offering a clinic for puppy shots - only $25.00 compared to over a $100.00 elsewhere. So I've booked him in to get his shots. When he first came to me, he was on the thin side. But his appetite is huge for a little guy - and after two weeks time, already a proper 'puppy belly' is starting to grow on him.
Sorry for the long post. But I'm thrilled at the new (if unexpected) addition to my household!
Edited to add:
= new reply since forum marked as read
Thank you, fine citizen, for increasing the squee level today. 
In June we became the proud parents of the little yellow girl puppy fr the last litter MiniMe posted here. Missy (Dolly became BissyBiscuit, then back Dolly and finally to Missy), is now a big 3mo old, weighing 28.5lbs! Labs grow so quickly. She's a Sweetheart-Biting machine. 
My hands and arms stay scratched up despite my best efforts. Must get some heavy work gloves to protect myself.
It's great that you have Billy to help entertain TimBit. What a joy they are.
I told MiniMe that I'd set up an acct. to post some pics of Missy but haven't yet done so yet. When I do, I'll post a few. Looking forward to seeing pics of cute little TimBit.
What to do when she gets excited and wants to nip? Gees, I don't really know except to treat it as a bite (see below). We haven't had that kind of greeting happen. I think your furry grand-baby is indeed nipping to be friendly and to get attention from folks she likes. I think pups do this with each other.
As I said, our Missy doesn't nip but she used to want use my hand as a chew toy when she could find nothing else in close proximity. I call it biting because a chew starts with biting down. In these cases I would let out a huge whimper and act hurt and being the little empathic creature she is, she mostly got the message. The real trick is paying close attention so as not to let the bite begin. When you think it may be coming, loudly say "NO BITE." Really loudly. Missy knows what we mean when we give that command. Perhaps that'd work with your grand-doggie? I know you don't want to scare her nor discourage her from being friendly but I don't think that would harm her great personality. Our "no bite" extends to clothing and any off-limit materials, as well as our bodies.
Our Miss has more chew toys now and plenty of cardboard (yep, boxes - she loves 'em) to tear apart. I have many pieces of cardboard pieces to pick up every few hours! She's a chewing machine. Also, I put ice cubes in an old clean rag, then secure the cubes tightly with a rubber band and let her chew on those.
When Missy greets, she jumps, whines, and wants hugs and kisses from family coming through the front door. Labs later normally develop the habit of bringing loved ones things when they come in, which is very much a retriever trait. Also another typical thing Labs will do when they get older is to include "body slams" in their greetings, as a way being closer to you. Wolves also do this with each other as a pack greeting. I find these things charming and endearing, although most folks don't. The puppy nipping thing, nawww, not so much.
I googled and found a link that might help:
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/puppy-nipping
Good luck to your daughter and her hubby. Puppies can be challenging but well worth the trouble in the long run.
Here's TimBit:
Kissy, kissy. Loves this puppy.
Those ears....!
Just love' em.
I hope there will be many, many years of happiness ahead for TimBit, Billy, and you.
