First full night's sleep!

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

 I have had some of the most wonderful dogs through my life.  I was always the woman in town with the one dog who was so well behaved, I was discouraged by shop owners from obeying the 'no dogs allowed' sign on their doors.  And, I've raised three children.  Lots of experience!  Never, in my wildest imagination, did I think I would have such a difficult time with a puppy. Even my beloved Basset Hound who used to eat EVERYTHING including the carpet, seemed easier because she wasn't always biting at me and my clothes!  It's humbling.  Only other Doodle mums get it.

The common denominator is poodle.  Is it the poodle that is so nippy?  I know it's not typically the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Golden Retriever.

Yarrow is 11 weeks old today.  Last night we fell asleep around 10:30 and she didn't need to go out to pee until 6:20.  Yay!  That's the most sleep, all at once, that I've had since bringing Yarrow home on November 6th.  Being more well rested will certainly help.

Right now it's time to hit the trails.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

:)

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Oh, and with the kitchen being such a big, bright space, Sadhu and I end up spending plenty of our time with her.  I go get other things done while she naps.  Yes, she has me wrapped around her 'finger'.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Yarrow has come at the perfect time.  I have no other distractions or responsibilities at the present time.  She can be my full time project.  Yarrow's way of being has forced me to take my relationship with her to another level not previously necessary with my other canine friends.  I am already amazed at how much she understands.  My partner and I are both quiet people, so there's not a lot of unnecessary chatter.  With my partner being away so much, when Yarrow hears my voice it's because I am addressing her. 

Yarrow's domain is still the kitchen until bedtime when she gets to come upstairs.  I think if I let the little imp run through the house, the cats would hate me. Cobweb and Blossom come into the kitchen sometimes to visit her in very short doses, out of curiosity.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

All puppies nip, bite, chew   :)

It is going to be just fine.  It passes and you are on to the next challenge and the next.  The best dogs, were the worst puppies I think.  It forces us to take on training, become patient dog owners, to understand, to bond.

Your pup is beautiful.  I LOVE the coloring.  Hang with us here and you will get through it all

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Yes, the first few weeks are the hardest. Finn nipped too and each night he zoomed (and I mean zoomed) around the house from 7 pm until 10 pm when he would suddenly collapse and I would carry him to bed.  Now he's a therapy dog and such a gentle soul.  I love the name Yarrow (and Sadhu, too). 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Yarrow is just adorable! It only gets easier!!!

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Jarka, Monty & Auggie, if I had read that comment of yours before picking up Yarrow and paying the balance owing to the breeder, I may have changed my mind.  But now, you've just made me laugh 'cause I get it.  I'm living it and I know she's worth it.  If Yarrow's being truly obnoxious with her teeth, I get down where she can clearly see my face and I growl at her and show her my teeth.  She immediately lets go and looks away.  I'm taking that advice from old Sadhu who is soooo patient with her, but when he's had enough he shows his teeth and growls.  She immediately stops bothering him.  He's a great mentor for both of us.  I make sure to give her affection only a couple of minutes later so that she knows we're still cool.

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Great tip for her teething, BG.  I'll get a wet sock into the freezer tonight.  That'll help save the walls, baseboards, the freezer, the maple tree outside...

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Puppies are exhausting! Monty was a nipper as well, I remember having bruises and cuts all over my arms and legs (and the clothing with holes in it). Nothing would stop him, he was like an alligator. I carried a can filled with little rocks with me and shook it every time he bit me. Did not do much. He is a therapy dog now. Puppies are cute, but fortunately, they grow up fast. Hang in there, it will get better. I love to sleep so I totally understand how tired you must feel now. Those first several weeks are the hardest.

[BG and Gavin]

So just to give you a bit more lift, my landshark of a puppy is now a certified therapy dog.  I also used to wet the knotted tube sock and pop it in the freezer - really helps with teething.  I remember the trainer at Puppy K whispering in my ear "Ohhh, you've got a good one."  That was the lift I needed way back then and she was right.