Saturday, May 23, 2009

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!

6 comments:

  1. Hi, I'm a GDB raiser in California and I've loved reading your blog!

    I wouldn't be too concerned about the constant searching for food. All the puppies do it and it just takes a lot of consistency to get it nipped in the bud. Inside the house, maybe put a leash on him so you can correct the floor searching (I call it "hoovering" because my puppies think they're vacuums!) as the puppy is doing it. And increase the strength of your corrections... Just my thoughts. :)

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  2. Yes, May IS always a crazy month--with Mother's Day, teacher appreciation day, big school projects, open house, graduations....Glad you were able to make it through while getting accustomed to Dupree! Sounds like you are doing great with him and vice versa.

    I agree with Elizabeth about Dupree searching for crumbs. It's probably sniffing out any smells as much as trying to eat the crumbs. He's a toddler that has to learn by putting everything in his mouth. Bitter Apple spray is a great remedy for chewing on his tie down/leash.

    As far as outside chewing, I still have to regularly stuff my hand into Cabana's mouth to retrieve whatever she has decided to pick up. It isn't as frequent as when she was Dupree's age, but still about once a day. Since we are puppy sitting Persia, though, I will say that Persia pretty much NEVER picks anything up when we are outdoors. I don't know if it's just a difference in temperament or if the behavior was corrected out of her.

    I look forward to more summertime posts!!

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  3. Hi. My name is Taelor, and I am currently raising my 3rd puppy, Pilaf. I am really enjoying your blog.

    I have to say, your dog's name has a very special meaning for me. Dupree was the name of the very first puppy I puppysat, and he was a real sweetie. I hope you are having a great time with this Dupree. =D

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  4. Hi. My name is Hannah, I am currently raising my 5th puppy, Journey. Dupree's brother Dickens was started in my club and he is a very cute lovable pup. Your club is very lucky to be getting him.

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  5. I just have a pet dog - 7 yr old female black lab and I still occassionally have to take things out of her mouth while telling her "NO WAY!" She is pretty good for the most part - she mostly gets into things on our walk. She also sniffs anything - I still have a hard time with that. She and I are a certified therapy team, and some patients like to let her get close and sniff them and always say "its OK". Its not - she usually gets a firm "Stop that" along with a gentle correction and she seems to do ok.

    Good luck!

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  6. We have dupree brother Dooley. What a sweet litter.... aww he has family!!!!!

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