MUCH better day!

[Ronda Businda]

As I mentioned to a fellow Tennessean, I was really feeling like a 'new puppy owner loser' yesterday and I'm glad to have read all the responses encouraging me and letting me know I'm in the 'norm'!!! Cool!

So my strategy was much more successful today, although I'm as whooped as Willow and my daughter! But it paid off!

Willow slept til about 6am, I promptly put her out (non-chalante, of course) to empty. Came back in (my daughter's up!) & fed both 'babies'!! LOL!!! Then....I let my daughter in on my new strategy since the weather went up a whopping 8 degrees. My daughter, Willow and I ventured out in 21 degrees for a morning workout! We 'ran' and walked the pup on leash in our neighborhood  - not quite a 1/4 mile then let her loose in the yard where we played relay 'fetch' AND literally ran the pup in relays across the yard. Willow got exercise, I got exercise and my Mary got great exercise! Willow was happy and though still anxious when placed in her crate as we ran errands today (twice) we found her quiet when we initially came home!

After lunch and we were thoroughly digested - Round 2!!! Same drill, but this time, the weather was warmer and we had a blast! Both times of exercise, we brought treats to help distract from a pile of poo or other things - worked GREAT! And yes, did relays in the yard! Still trying to help my daughter become for fun yet firm but it's coming and I'm proud of her! 

Only one accident (I had her in an open space and turned my back, drat!) and caught one in the act before bedtime and she finished nicely outside! So....was a GREAT day, dog is already asleep and happy, my daughter went to sleep right away and Mom here is enjoying a nice cab and going to take a long hot shower (without hearing whining from ANYONE!) shortly!!!!

It IS alot of work but my end goal is a happy, adjusted  ADULT dog; I'm so thankful for this community! Looking forward to seeing how Willow 'matures' in the next 6 months and maybe twice a day 'runs' with the puppy will help me shed my winter coat!!! LOL!!!!

Blessings everyone!!!

RondaB

 

[Suzanne & Jack]

Congratulations on a successful day.  I'm sure everyone has told you it is a lot work to raise a well adjusted pup.  I've always found structure, routine, and lots of exercise works wonders.  Good luck

[Pat and Traveler]

Congratulations!  Sounds like you have a great routine going on.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Rhonda, This is such a positive report! A tired puppy is a good puppy! Exercise, exercise, exercise! ;o) Keep up the good work and get her into an obedience class as soon as she has had all of her shots. You will never regret it. 

[Moe]

The first week I had my puppy I really thought I had made a terrible mistake. Every night I went to bed thinking... Well I'll probably have to give her up tomorrow. It was so stressful and tiring. I got a kitchen timer and set it for every 15 minutes and took her out. (She as 8 weeks old when we got her.) After getting through the first two weeks either she got better or I got used to the routine. It is a ton of work in the beginning but so worth it. Hang in there!

[Julie and Max]

Sounds like a wonderful day, not only quality time for your puppy, but happy quality time for your daughter too!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That's great news. The impact of a new puppy on a household, especially one with children is pretty enormous and quite a shock. You seem to have got a great routine going for now, hang on in...it will get so much better. We are all here to with support and advice as you go along.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sounds like progress.....great.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Great day!  Love your attitude! Puppies are a lot of work… but this too will pass. It sounds like you're going to be a great doodle mom!  Your daughter and Willow are so cute. Love that you are involving your daughter in Willow's education from the get-go.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Woo woo!

[Miss Ellie]

So happy to hear you are having a better day...it really is a comfort to know that everyone who has a puppy goes through the very same scenarios...you are not alone and the puppy stage really does go by quickly...just remain consistent, keep up with your daily training and stick to a schedule...it really does make a difference.  Hard to believe but you will miss this stage...they grow so fast...Enjoy every moment and take lots of pics!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

great to hear! your extra effort/hard work will pay off in spades! 

[BG and Gavin]

Great work.  There are no shortcuts, but everyone benefits from the exercise and fresh (really fresh) air.