Quote: Carol Blumlein

I have survived teething, puppyhood and even have both hands!

Even most of the fingers!

Last count, there were 10!! Wait, where are my glasses?

But my hair... can't blame that on Ramsey! Shucks!

Carol, your Ramsey is beyond beautiful! That's a gorgeous photo of him - love the ball in it as it adds balance - I am not going to say I can't wait until my puppy is large as I am going to cherish his babyhood - but if my boy turns out to be as noble looking as yours, I will be over the moon happy.

And I say this as I am looking at 3 tiny puncture wounds on my arm lol that will teach me to always have a toy in my hand/pocket!

I love the humor on this site

Today makes one week since I took Heiland home. He is 8 weeks old today. Thanks to the excellent advice/guidance I received on this forum he runs through the sit, down and stand while being lured. I found the right HV treat.

Last night he went to bed in his crate at 11:30 and slept through to 6:15 - mind you I had to run to the pee place with him in my arms as he was letting me know he had to go bad. He hasn’t peed in the house even once. Yet lol

He runs to me (not too far) when my husband holds him back and releases - even passed a major distraction to get to me and his treat.

I made him a drag thing (I forget what it’s called) and he will chase it and tug like mad until I let him win. Quickly as he is a baby

He loves THK as a side dish to his kibble – soon more THK and less kibble and in time THK and RBM

My other dog is much healthier and she feels lighter - again thanks to the wonderful advice I received here.

What a difference a few days make – I am back to feeling so happy that I have him and this site.

Hi Maggie~

Thanks for the compliments on Ramsey. He is almost 16 months old now!

I am an older person with tissue paper for skin, and I really caught it from those puppy teeth .

One of the smallest little punctures became infected and my hand was a balloon! I've always had puppies and that was the 1st time I've ever had that problem. I think it's my age and the skin issue.

Anyway, after the antibiotics, and soaking my hand 3-4 times a day, the fever and the swelling went down.

Take care of the puppy "bites". Their teeth are like little needles, so quick to break skin.

I tried to have a toy in hand whenever I could, but I still caught it!

Ah.... but worth every bite!!

Maggie, you are doing such a good job!

Did you make him something like a flirt pole? I remember you were planning to do that.



PS
Carol's right ..... watch out for those puncture wounds.

Those flirt poles are wonderful!

I was complaining that I could not run because of my really bad knee.

It was Bob, who suggested the pole to me. We STILL play with it a lot. Ramsey loves it!

In all of our puppy games of tug, ball, flirt pole, etc the out is a must IMHO and the motivational out is by far the best way to avoid conflict with the dog. Teach him/her that outing gets rewarded with another toss, tug, etc.
Steve mentioned in another post about using a different command when outing for different reasons. I use leave it or drop it depending on if the dog has picked up something unwanted or actually has it it's mouth. These are also very rewardable behaviors that come from good "out" training.

Carol - that's a great point you brought up - I was always the kind that would heal so fast - not anymore So I will keep a close watch and be proactive in treating my puncture wounds. TY!

Connie, is that what you call it? I like that name, a flirt pole - yes I passed the time today while the electricity was out (twice !!) by making him one. The sack that the basmati rice comes in seemed a good choice - I removed the zipper and sewed it tightly so it won't fray - attached an old leash to it and then put it on a pole I had - cost zip - he loves it! I have to time the play as he would keep at it forever but I let him win so he happily carries it back to the deck to kill some more lol - I can get it off the rod quickly so he feels good. Steve gave me the idea of using an old leash which I appreciate as he will go through them fast at this age.

Bob, I am going to have to come up with a good word - and I did try taking the bag in both hands today and holding it still - he released it and then the fun begin again .. I love playing with him and he sleeps so much better.

Epsom salt baths are now my best friend to soak out the new aches from muscles I haven't used in a long time - also great for disinfecting my many scratches and puncture wounds.

My Scottish blood comes in handy as a guttural ack rolls off my tongue easily and Heiland loosens his grip at the sound - lol.

"Epsom salt baths are now my best friend to soak out the new aches from muscles I haven't used in a long time - also great for disinfecting my many scratches and puncture wounds. "


Ah!

Puppy "insider tips."