J. started work at his school this past Monday and so we are back in the routine of him heading off in the (dark) morning and me staying home to… well, clean up pee, play ball, and try to do some writing training.
Because, yes, we got a puppy.
Since about a year after Oliver, our last dog, died in 2011 at the ripe old age of 13, we’ve been looking for a new canine companion.
Strictly rescue dog because there are so many terrific dogs out there that no-one needs to (or should) buy “new.” Just take a look at Petfinder.com.
So when the Northern Manitoba Pet Rescue announced that they had about 30 cold and hungry puppies who needed homes, how could I not email?
Right away they told me about this little three-month-old pup who’d been found as a stray here in The Pas and who needed a place, pronto!
After only six days here, we leaped in. Nothing like knowing a puppy’s coming to stay to end one’s procrastination on unpacking and cleaning up.
He’s barely house-trained, loves to chew on your slippers (while you’re wearing them) and the cat seems to hate his guts, but he’s also smart as a whip, calm in his crate, smells like puppy and, seriously, how could anyone resist that enchanting gaze?
And now his name is Mowat.
Magic Eye Mowat
You can get another pup in about 6-8 months!!!! Mowat will have bonded to you humans by then. Litte rmates bond with each other and it takes a whole lot longer to establish the ‘alpha thing’. 🙂 But really, the time will fly!!!! (The other thing with nippiness is a sharp high pitched ‘ouch’ which is what Mom or a litter mate would do if they were hurt by a nip) Of course, Griff will rip his face off so there won’t be much of a problem there 🙂
A fun/interesting book to read is by The Monks of New Skete (a monastery that raises and trains German Sheppards). I think the second book is called. The Art of Raising a Puppy.
OK, I’m sure you are figuring it all out just fine!
Jayne
Thanks, Jayne! We are figuring it out but it is a challenge! Mowat was super-fast to learn house-breaking but is slow on learning that we don’t really want our fingers and toes chewed 😉 Griffy is coming around – ventured down the hallway this morning (towards the kitchen, where his crate is) for the first time since we got him… We’re trying to boost her self-esteem and remind her that she is a lacerating kung-fu master… 😉 I’ll check out the book (on my new Kobo, which I LOVE).
LASER eye!
Magic eye….. or EVIL EYE!?!?!?!?
I was beginning to wonder that myself…. 😉
He’s beautiful and appears to be very engaging. Good for you!
One word of caution about two puppies..they tend to form their own little pack..and
choose their own leader (which inevitably is not you)..at least that’s what I’ve read 😉
As for the nipping, with Sadie, as soon as she nipped, i would stop the “game” (be it chase the slipper or some other fascinating object…like your fingers) and offer an appropriate chew toy. Takes a while, but he’ll learn nipping stops the fun…licking however is ok right?…hmmm soggy slippers…maybe not…
Thanks for the great advice, Laura. We’ve instinctively (and from reading, I guess) been doing the “stop the game” thing and it’s really working… Will try replacing with another toy. Great idea. I seriously wish they had a pet store here though – haven’t found any puppy chew toys… Just ones for adult dogs.
He is a quick study though!
Yes, I have been thinking that… Because he certainly wants to play like a dog and that involves a lot of sharp little puppy teeth…
As strange as this may sound, if you get two they probably are easier to deal with. So I hear. Because they then have companionship with each other.
Thanks, guys. Uh, anyone know a good puppy play group in The Pas… THE ENERGY!!! :
What took you so long…when are the other two dogs arriving? lol
Congratulations!!!!
Too bad he’s so darned ugly!! 😉
Another lotto winner in your household!!
(Come on you two, everybody knows slippers are WAY better with feet still in them! The way they wriggle and scream…. ahhhhhhhhh
Jayne
Oh Lauren! His eyes say it all. Quick to learn, play and get into just a wee bit of mischief;) Mowat is very fortunate to have you and Jason as his guardians!
Oh Lsauren! His eyes say it all. Quick to learn, play and get into just a wee bit of mischief;) Mowat is very fortunate to have you and Jason as his guardians!
Awwwwwwwe, he looks so silky. I love his magic eye.
Oh, what a sweet thing! A new granddog for me! Can’t wait to meet him.