Ludo's Been Home For Four Weeks!

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

Ludo's been home for about four and a half weeks now and I love him more every day. 

The last two weeks have been busy but low key.  Ludo graduated from puppy preschool on Saturday.  This class was mostly just for learning appropriate socialization and let me tell you... with Ludo, it was necessary.  He had such a hard time starting out first with being nervous and then with being a bully.  He finally caught his stride in the third week when he met his match in a Wheaton Terrier.  By the fourth and final week, there were no time-outs for inappropriate play and he was a model student!  It was a struggle for me as well because my whole philosophy with Ludo has been to do everything possible to set him up for success.  It was really tough to watch him struggle with those social interactions with other dogs when in my mind, I was sure he would not struggle with anything.  But I think it was just as important for me to recognize that he would have struggles and that that is ok... just like with any human.

He got his third round of shots last week and he was not very excited about it.  He was calm and awesome for everything else but he nipped the vet when she attempted the second shot.  I then held him in a more secure way and he was fine, but that nip has been floating around in my head ever since.  The vet was unfazed, said it was normal and not bothered by it at all.  She continued to love on him like everyone else in the office.  I appreciated that, but I still feel a little weird about it. Ludo was treated for a tape worm as well.  The pill was called Cestex and apparently it is very safe to use and very effective in getting rid of tape worms.  We're going to retest him at his next appointment, but it looks like all is good.

He also weighed 16 pounds at the vet and she said he was actually a little underweight.  It's hard to know what is the right weight.  She said she could feel a little too much of his spine on his back.  So I've been giving him a little extra food, a couple more treats and a kong every couple days with peanut butter (xylitol free) and kibble mixed together. I'm trying not to swing too far in the other direction and give him too much food and too many treats.  I think we're on the right track though.

My brother and sister-in-law came in from New York City over the weekend and met Ludo for the first time.  He loved the extra attention, but at the same time the weekend was a little hard on him... he was happy to return to our daily routine. I realized that it is easy to get distracted in spending time with guests and I had to carve out specific time just for Ludo and the things he wanted to do.  I was annoyed because I was cooking dinner and my brother offered to watch him.  Watching to me means that he'd provide all the care Ludo needs while he is watching him.  I keep Ludo leashed at all time (except overnight) and apparently to my brother, watching meant looping the leash around his toe (?!?!) and proceeding to not pay any attention to him at all.  That clearly didn't work for me.  I had to send my sister in to properly watch him.  But in general, they both really liked him.

Ludo has become much more cuddlier.  Today, he snuggled with me on the couch during nap time while I worked and when he's finished playing, he'll bring his toy over to my lap to sit on my lap and chew on his toy for a while.  It's a really nice and welcome change and it's really nice to have the flip side of him liking to go and sleep on his bed or cool mat by himself.

We're about 2 1/2 weeks away from being able to have the last round of shots and I can't wait.  Ludo wants to go on walks and so do I!!! We've been practicing good leash manners in our yard and he's done really well so far.  He'll occasionally walk me to the end of the driveway so nonchalantly like I just might not notice if we keep going down the street.  It's funny because most people stop to pet him when we're outside and they walk by.  Well, this weekend, someone walked by with headphones and Ludo was so sad (like whimpering) that they didn't stop to pet him.  He tried to follow after him. :)

He's such a great and easy puppy. We've had no accidents in the last two weeks (though today because it's rainy and cold and we haven't spent as much leisure time outside, he's rung the poochie bells easily 60 times just to go out) and the growling has stopped.  I think that is partially because he is more used to us and he is more reliable with potty breaks... he doesn't like to go out when he doesn't need to go (especially at night).  He also is big enough now to make the step down out of our house without any help.  That coupled with the leash to take him away from temptation has completely solved it.

I think this week is another low-key week.  I may try and make a couple trips to Lowes or another pet friendly store, just to get him out of the house-- he loves going on car trips!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It sounds like he is settling in really well....keep up the good work.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I enjoy these blogs too, but I demand pictures. ;)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Enjoying your blogs because it's so nice to read about how much you and Ludo are enjoying each other and growing together.  You're doing a great job, Kaitlin.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ludo sounds like the perfect puppy for you.  Kudos to you because you are working very hard to make him a confident, happy, well-mannered dog.

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

I am so glad you guys enjoy them.  My main goal in writing them was to be able to look back and be able to see how quickly he grows up, but also hoping that something I write helps someone out at some point.  I plan to keep sharing my experiences with him here. I so appreciate all your encouragement.  Even though he is an easy puppy and objectively I know I am doing the right things for him, it is really helpful and encouraging to hear that I'm doing a good job with him.  It is certainly a full time job!!

[Nancy & Echo]

I so enjoy your blogs too, and learn from each one! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I agree with Wendy, and you are really doing a terrific job with Ludo.  

[Wendy and Myla]

I love your blogs!  I think what I love most is that you tell both the good and the bad and you don't obsess about the bad - you just work with it!!!!  I am sure that Ludo will become an awesome adult doodle!!!!  You have definitely done your research and know what end result you want and how to get there!  Please keep blogging!!!