Yes, We're Still Here!

May is an insanely crazy month. Any mother of school-aged children knows what I'm talking about. But instead of listing a bunch of reasons why we haven't blogged in - what? - a MONTH, we'll just get on to our first order of business, and know that we'll be much more diligent after school's out (next week!) Now, on to Dupree!

First off, Dupree continues to prove to be a super-sweet little guy. Well, not so little anymore. But still adorable. We've encountered the usual puppy stuff, some very trying, and some very cute. Even with as crazy-busy as we've been, Dupree has adjusted into our lively household very well. Things have also worked themselves out with all of my volunteering at school and church. I've managed to never have to leave him for more than a couple of hours, and never more than once a day (except for very short errands). He actually seems very content in his crate, and I'm not feeling as guilty about my short absences.

Dupree has been a good sleeper from the get-go, and I'm so relieved about that. I had visions of getting up several times a night, but that never really happened. He whined a couple of nights for a little while, but not bad at all. He is very happy to crawl right in and sleep for the night.

Leah has been very on top of his training, and has spent quite a bit of time on the following:
* Let's go - pretty good at this when he's not distracted
* Wait - very good at this, especially before meals
* Sit - also very good
* Hand-placed down - not so great yet
* Kennel - pretty good when he wants to be
* Come - excellent! No-brainer!
* That's enough - very good
* Stand - not really getting this yet, but haven't spent much time on it

Some things that we're really trying to work on are:

- Not chewing on things (everything) when he's on his tie-down. Furniture and carpet especially. Even his tie-down itself.
- Playing gently with our big pet dog.
- Pooping on non-grass surfaces.
- Picking up anything and everything.

I'm concerned mostly with the "searching" for little crumbs at all times. One of the most convenient places for him to be on his tie-down is at our kitchen table. Since we're in or near there so much of the time, we like to have him there. He really likes to be close to us, so this is the best place. But I notice him actively searching for any little tiny crumb, and we can't seem to get him to stop. I sweep many times a day, so he's not really finding anything. But he's going to try! The other things we're working on seem to be normal puppy behavior that I'm sure he'll outgrow, but I would love some advice about the "searching" around the floor for whatever he can find. Outside is also a problem - pebbles, leaves, mulch... anything. Of course, we're always holding his leash outside so we can do corrections, but he is very persistent. Advice?

I hope everyone is doing well with their new puppies! We are looking forward to meeting Dickens! Dupree will be reunited with his brother!