The reality of a puppy - Part 1

Yes puppies are cute and that cuteness can fog the brain. That's a bit of what happened to me. When we had the emergency to bring up all 6 puppies I agreed to foster one & temp a 2nd thinking "Oh it won't be that bad, they're so cute and little".  Then the reality set in pretty quickly of what it takes to care for a puppy with both of us working full time. 

 

Most people think having a puppy is all about poop and potty.  Well, there's a good amount of that! But, there's a lot more that the human has to do to prepare a puppy for a well socialized, well adjusted life.  That's the part many forget about when they say "Oh cute puppy"....

 

Cute Efeste - looking so docile.  Based on this picture how much work could she really be?

 

Bailey: "Aww cute calm puppy" - one might say based on the picture

However, these are very terrier puppies!

 

 

So, what is the reality of having a puppy?

 

Reality #1) Puppies chew. They are teething and this brings constant chewing.  I'm always stunned when people ask if the puppy chews.  Of course they chew! And they will for a good while so you better be prepared.  If you don't want your shoes, rug, cords, fingers or face chewed then you should not be looking at getting a puppy.

Yes Efeste is a cute puppy and she has puppy teeth that need to be constantly chewing on something

Bailey also beyond adorable and she too is teething.  We have TONS of items for them to chew on and that doesn't mean they stick to these item.  REMEBER these are active curious terrier puppies and they use their teeth to explore their environment.  If you get mad at them for chewing on something they shouldn't, then shame on you! You shouldn't be looking at a puppy.

Here you can see Bailey engaging with the rug - you need to be paying attention to what is going on with a puppy.  If need be, you redirect NOT punish a puppy for being curious.

Bailey

Efeste

Just because Efeste in pint size she still uses her teeth, paws and nails to check out the bed - you will see this below.  And Bailey shows us Reality #2:  Puppies are often obnoxious to other dogs



 

Aurora wins a gold star in puppy patience.  Bailey is an in your face puppy (with dogs and people)  and she will need to go to a home that can work with this in a positive non-punishing way. 

 

If you adopt a puppy and have an adult dog(s) in the home it's YOUR job to monitor the play and interactions of all dogs.  At our house Catty has wanted zero interaction with the puppies and that is just fine. D'light will visit with them for a couple minutes and then he's done.  Aurora is intrigued by the puppies and will interact with them for a while and then she needs a break.

 

Bailey muzzle punching the camera in all her puppy excitement. 

 

Aurora wanted to be out with us and the puppies but... had enough of the puppies. So foster dad hooker her up!  Keep in mind the puppies had been playing like this for well over a couple hours.

 

 

 

Sweet Aurora enjoying the sun out of puppy reach

 

Here was D'light earlier in the week.  He also wanted to be out with us and the puppies but, not in their line of energy and play. 

 

Watching as the puppies were running around being typical busy puppies.



D'light was able to catch a nap while the puppies played.

 

Aurora ready to play with the puppies and up come the Molly Mutt bed.  You can see foster mom not paying attention and I didn't do a good job of managing the environment. 100% my fault and now the bed that are out are beds that can easily be washed.

 

 

Reality #3:  Puppies are not potty trained ( you saw this in the above video).  Yes we get asked this question.  Puppies require a lot of attention and they will poop and potty in your house.  If you want a puppy expect this for at least the first year.  If you don't want to clean up poop and potty for that long then don't get a puppy. 

 

If you think punishing a puppy with a rolled up magazine will make them understand not to potty in the house, then you are an idiot and you should not be looking at a puppy.  The potty training is all on the human and if the puppy has accidents you should take that magazine and whack yourself for not paying attention.

 

 

 I was a bit rusty around puppies and potty stuff since we have three potty trained dogs in the house.  Aurora is 100% reliable and has never had an accident in the house.  If you haven't had a puppy in the house, you forget how much you have to be at attention, watching a puppy.  We have dog beds all over our house and the beds that cannot be easily washed are now up so that a puppy cannot go potty on them.  

Don't fool yourself thinking potty training a puppy just takes a little bit of time.  And don't forget the getting up in the middle of the night for puppy potty time. Because a puppy likely can't make it through the night without needing a potty break.  A puppy will tire you out so you need to be mentally prepared for all that you will to do for this cute little pup.  Remember, you were the one who wanted a puppy...  

  

  Anyone who gets a puppy will have to adjust their home, routine and life for at least the first year.  Iit's part of having a puppy and part of the commitment you make to them.