Luna is home!

[Melissa Hazlip]

So on Sunday we brought Luna home! The breeder had warned us that she has a lot of energy and quite the attitude. But she asked us to trust her and that in two-three months she would calm down and we would end up with the perfect dog.

I DO trust our breeder. She is fantastic and I know she wouldn't give us a dog she didnt think would fit with our family. However, Luna's energy is really overwhelming at times. She is just turning 9 weeks old. Can anyone give me an idea of how many days/weeks/months it takes to start seeing even a little bit of change? I am all in and totally trust my breeder, I just need a little encouragement and maybe tips/tricks and timelines... soo... lots of help :)

I wasnt sure how to post this directly to the "puppy madness" group! So sorry!

[Adina P]

Hmmmm.  I don't know Luna, but I'd say 12 months with training =)

[Lynn D.]

Learn distraction techniques NOW!!!! Bully sticks, frozen kongs, everlasting treats, himalayan chews, antlers. Go on walks 3 times a day. Make sure that you never leave your puppy alone that is when they will get into trouble! Use a kennel at night and anytime you don't have both eyes on her. Start with training with a trainer! Get her her shots and socialize her.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow! Congrats!!!

But...Chloe and Myla are 5 & 4 years old and still pretty crazy! Patience and training and you will be ok!

Enjoy that fiesty puppy!

[Anne]

I'm by no means an expert - only had my active puppy for 2 months now. But here is what has been working for us:  1.  EXERCISE!  Before he had has shots we would run laps in the back yard.  2. I also had good luck with the Kyjen Tail Teaser Dog Toy (got it on Amazon).  This can be used outside or inside.  3. All Lynn D's chew suggestions are great too. We use all those and knucklebones, too.  4. I've recently realized when I'm about to pull my hair out, I put him in crate and he usually falls immediately to sleep. Sometimes I think they get crazy and overtired - just like kids - but refuse to lie down and go to sleep.  Good luck!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I looked up the tail teaser to see how that might work for indoor exercise-my concern would be that it would encourage my dog to jump-something we are working on stopping.  

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Well, OUR Luna was a SUPER high energy puppy... now at 2, she has finally calmed down and doesn't demand to be played with every hour on the hour.

My biggest suggestion - Large plastic bottles (sturdy ones!) 

The bottles like to "run away" from Luna so she has always loved them.  She wrestles with them, chases them as they bounce away from her.  They can be pretty loud though!

She also loved to play with frozen towels (soak in water, twist into a "rope" and freeze) and ice cubes as a puppy.

[Melissa Hazlip]

haha... well, i will just hang in there i guess! i am doing my best to distract her and train her as much as i can. i think once we move (we are supposed to close in two weeks) and have a fenced back yard it will be easier. i can't just let her run around the back yard right now. also, it was pouring rain all day yesterday and that was the cause of all our accidents. i wish we didnt have to wait until 16 weeks to do walks because i know that would help! but she LOVES chasing balls around the house, so we do that a lot!

thanks everyone!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Melissa, a fenced in backyard will help enormously, but she will still need your time too.  Pretty soon now you will have some time when you aren't just hanging in there - you will be having fun while hanging on.  Remember to crate her often, she needs rest, just won't give in until forced to do so as it is big exciting world for her right now.

Rain really makes things difficult, after 3 straight days of rain, I gave in and walked Tigger and Roo (4 and 5 respectively) in the rain for a couple of miles.  They just needed to let off some steam!

After you move hopefully you will be able to find a playmate for her, playdates  are great energy gobblers and give you some chat time too.