Our first two weeks with Kella were difficult. Either I forgot how much work puppies are or we just got really lucky with Mouse. Between the chewing, biting, crazy amount of energy, getting up multiple times in the night, frequent potty accidents, and the overall weight and responsibility that comes with having a pet, I was discouraged. And honestly I wasn't even sure how much I liked her. I had thoughts of giving up and finding her a new home. But quitting didn't feel like the answer.
Once we got a little more settled into the house I was able to focus on Kella. I did obedience, potty, and crate training sessions with her multiple times a day, Jay and I took her on morning and evening walks, and we played fetch to try and drain as much of her energy as possible. All these things were effective and I was grateful. But I was still having a hard time adjusting to living with this new family member, and learning to keep my cool when she was being a boob.
Here we are one month later. I can't explain how it happened, but I love that pooch. Couldn't possibly give her up and the thought of doing so makes me sick. She's still a booger...that's for sure. She is still chewing, biting, has a crazy amount of energy, disrupts our sleep, has potty accidents, and is a big responsibility.
But there is definite improvement... She responds when we correct her naughty behavior, we channel that crazy amount of energy with a lot more games of fetch and longer visits at the park, she will go a good week without a potty accident, and does fantastic in her crate! We're slowly pushing the time but as of right now she will do great in the crate for up to 5 hours during the day, and she sleeps from approximately 9:30pm to 6:00am. She never barks, she follows me everywhere I go, shes fearless and we're convinced feels no pain, she's our puppy Kella and we couldn't imagine life without her.
But there is definite improvement... She responds when we correct her naughty behavior, we channel that crazy amount of energy with a lot more games of fetch and longer visits at the park, she will go a good week without a potty accident, and does fantastic in her crate! We're slowly pushing the time but as of right now she will do great in the crate for up to 5 hours during the day, and she sleeps from approximately 9:30pm to 6:00am. She never barks, she follows me everywhere I go, shes fearless and we're convinced feels no pain, she's our puppy Kella and we couldn't imagine life without her.
She got spayed and had her dewclaws removed. One of her paws got infected and she wouldn't leave it alone so we resorted to the cone. It was a sad time but she has healed and is back to her normal annoying, but also cute self.
1 comment:
Such a cute puppy! Sorry it's been so rough with her, but glad that things are getting better. Have you tried a head collar on her (Haltie or Gentle Leader)? They work wonders for stubborn puppies! :)
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