There is Hope!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Well, we are coming up on the end of our qualification for being members of Puppy Madness as our girls will turn 2 on March 3rd.  I cannot believe how fast it has gone.  I wanted to share though that there is hope for all of you who are struggling with all that excess (and sometimes destructive) puppy energy.  This time last year I was very frustrated with all of the snow, and rain, and wet muddy yard and not being able to get the girls out for their exercise.  I was seeking out people with basements so they could run and play on snowy days because they were chewing up my braided rugs in frustration. 

Here is the hope ...... this year has been totally different.  They are not requiring the same level of exercise at all.  We have had a particularly snowy week, with even 2 days of being in their room all day because I had a guy here painting and we are doing fine.  Couple little zoomies during the evenings, but otherwise we are good.    So, hang in there.  Those puppy days will go by quickly and things will improve!

Most importantly, enjoy those puppy days as much as you can because they go so quickly.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I remember those training classes well ..... we would all come home and fall asleep ..... they were mentally exhausting. We did Petsmart training so there were lots of distractions! If you have a Lowe's nearby, try doing some training there. We spent a lot of time at Lowes during the winter months. You get to practice lots of sits (for petting) and things like that there.

[Tina, Dylan & Lucy]

WOW - this came just when I needed it! Dylan is 6 months and I'm working at home today. All he wants is to play and keeps nipping and pulling at my feet and arms. We're off for a long run and ball chase soon but I'm always amazed at how different he is when he's like this, full of energy. And yet other times - sleepy and snuggly at the end of the day.

I love his energy and puppy-ness, just wouldn't mind it turned down a notch sometimes...

A little way to go yet, but glad to know there is hope at the end!

Just noticed - Dylan looks a lot like your cream doodle!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Just looked at your pics. Dylan and Sophie are very similar. Slow with the beard to come out and Sophie also had the little white whispies as a puppy as well. She was slow to start, but very shaggy now!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Oh yes, there is hope. Lucca is a joy even at 17months. He has calmed down considerably also. I couldn't see that "hope" at this time last year also:)
And yes....enjoy the puppy time because it surely does go fast.

[Kyoko]

Charlie is now 14 months, and sometimes still get zoomies like no other! Especially during this snow storm, I satyed home and played with her all day in and out of the house, now I am back to work, she doesn't know what to do with herself when I come home!! Thank you so much for all of your advices and stories over the last 2 years. I have learned a lot as a new puppy owner. And I am so glad to know that there is HOPE!!

[Ann Kendig]

Wow, they grow up soooo fast! It's hard to believe Sheba is already a year old and Duke will be a year old in March.
Thanks for the encouragement! We all need it! Do you think Duke will grow up and give up his bad boy ways? :))