Happy Thanksgiving everyone! (or, fellow Canadian`s rather)
It`s ten thirty and we`re getting ready to do a mass clean up of the kitchen, and throw the ham in the oven! Spencer`s going to be a whiny puppy tonight, with all the smells. We`re going to grammas house for dinner, but we`re doing the ham. She`s doing the turkey and the roast - yes, a roast. We`re weird!
Spencer`s going to hang out with his doggy family today. I guess I should introduce you to all of them, too.
Oldest to youngest, yet again:
Teddy; he`s a black and tan miniature Daschund, and he has a problem with most other dogs. He loves his little lady friend, Zoey. He`s over weight although he doesn`t eat much, and runs around. The doctors can`t find anything wrong with him so we think it`s just his metabolism. Teddy came from what we now think was a puppy mill. He was skin and bones and stunk horribly. He has an extreme attachment to gramma, my sister, and myself. He loves afternoon naps and watching "the girls", which is what gramma calls the squirrels that frequent their yard.
Zoey: she`s a toy yorkshire terrier. When we got her, she was black, but after her first hair cut she turned silver. Is that normal? She is madly in love with me, and I feel the same way about her. She loves laser pointers, Teddy, and sleeping in my bed. I`m the only one who can give her a bath, and I usually just toss her in the tub when I have a shower. It`s the only waty she`s relaxed about it. She thinks she`s a huge dog, but...she`s not! Haha.
Sam: Italian mastiff. He`s black. He`s bigger than Hiedi - his sister - an he`s a bone head. Spencer is afraid of Sam, and I can see why. Sam`s not vicious by any means, he`s a total cuddle bug, but he`s just so big he plays a bit too rough...
Hiedi: Italian mastiff, and Sam`s smaller, orange sister. She has yellow eyes, which is where she developed her nick name, yellow-eyes. She is in love wih my grampa. Like her brother, she`s a big slow in the head. Her and Spence get along
I`ll be sure to take videos of them all tonight. However, I only have my cell phone, and when I upload stuff, it doesn`t have any sound.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Half a Month
It's been half a month since I updated this blog, and I apologise. I'm watching Julie and Julia right now (or is it the other way around?) and it made the urge to write here itch so hard, I wanted to physically scratch it.
As you all know, Spencer was sick a few weeks ago. He had to be rushed to the vet, and they gave him medication as well as a "wet food" named 'Medicare'. It's a veterinary food. It looks like rubber, and it smells like vomit, but the dog loved it. I can not understand why. Then again, I can't understand why he likes to sniff my socks and other dogs butts. I guess bad smells equals pleasure in a dogs mind.
The past few weeks have been amazing. Spencer has learned so many amazing things. He can now sit, give paw, lay down and roll over. When he first gave me his paw his heart swelled the same way it did when my niece spoke for the first time. I know that sounds horrible, but my dog is my son. I don't treat him the same way as I would a child, but he holds a similarly special place in my heart.
Spencer has gotten very close with his cat friends, and I have to say that I think he'd like to tell you about the rest of our family. He loves us all and I think he'd want everyone to know about his four legged family.
I'll start with the oldest
Rocky; there's not much to say about Rockster. He's a very tiny, very skittish shorted haired white and brown cat. He's thirteen - almost fourteen - years old. He used to be an outdoor cat, and a great hunter. In his old age, Rocky's settled down. He wants nothing to do with Spence. Rocky has a drooling problem, and a major cuddler. Ladies man for sure!
J.C.; her name sounds for Just Cat, and she's just that; just cat. She's a black and white long haired kitty, with a little black nose. It's so funny actually...J.C. was born two days after my little sister. Back in the day, babies had to be held in a nursery and that's how long it took for my sis, S, to come home. The day she did, Nala - J.C.'s mom - gave birth. That's not the best part though. J.C's dad? His name was Boots. He was born from a litter of kittens that my aunt had had. J.C's blood line goes for a few generations. She had kittens too, but only two of them. One ran away, and the other...he passed on. J.C's got history with us and we don't always get along, but I love her. She's toothless now and has been since she was four. Vet told us she wouldn't live a long life, but she proved them wrong. She's a pretty lady, and may she live another health thirteen years.
The babies? Heh.
Sabbath; Savage the Beast. She's attacked me more than once, drawn blood, but we love each other. I bug her, she gets her revenge. She was brought home by someone long long ago. She was found at somebodies work, a scared, tiny, black and white kitten. She cried all the time, and got fed for it. Now she's a little fattie, and talks constantly. Sabby loves to tell us about her day! She's a great hunter, and, sadly, brings us little mousie presents everyday. I've only seen her catch two birds to date, and ugh. I can't say I enjoy it! - or condone it!
Dawson is the newest edition. I found him outside our old apartment building, half dead. At first I thought he was dead. I walked by him four times before I crouched down to see if he was alive. He crawled towards me, all skin and bones, then climbed into my lap. He cried so pitifully that I begged my mom to let me bring him home. We did, and J.C. didn't like it much. After a while, he got his shots, got neutured, gained weight and ever since he's been the perfect cat. He loves to cuddle and nuzzle against us to purr, and he always knows when we need cheering up.
Last but not least is Bella the Hedgehog. She is a salt and pepper hedgie who turned three this August. Spence is afraid of her, but her mommy - me - loves her. She's a cuddly ball of prickles, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Her favorite treat is the common chicken dinner, and she loves to run on her wheel. Bella was purchased from a lovely breeder here in Canada.
Those are all of Spencer's siblings...however, yesterday Spencer had a doggy play time. He met several other wonderful dogs in the park, although Chico, a yorkshire terrier, kept snapping at him. I hope if the owner of Chico ever reads this, she doesn't get offended. I love Chico! Spencer had a great time, and it was an awesome socialization thing.
A few weeks back Spence had a play date with my grammas dog, Hiedi. Remind me to post the videos here!
As you all know, Spencer was sick a few weeks ago. He had to be rushed to the vet, and they gave him medication as well as a "wet food" named 'Medicare'. It's a veterinary food. It looks like rubber, and it smells like vomit, but the dog loved it. I can not understand why. Then again, I can't understand why he likes to sniff my socks and other dogs butts. I guess bad smells equals pleasure in a dogs mind.
The past few weeks have been amazing. Spencer has learned so many amazing things. He can now sit, give paw, lay down and roll over. When he first gave me his paw his heart swelled the same way it did when my niece spoke for the first time. I know that sounds horrible, but my dog is my son. I don't treat him the same way as I would a child, but he holds a similarly special place in my heart.
Spencer has gotten very close with his cat friends, and I have to say that I think he'd like to tell you about the rest of our family. He loves us all and I think he'd want everyone to know about his four legged family.
I'll start with the oldest
Rocky; there's not much to say about Rockster. He's a very tiny, very skittish shorted haired white and brown cat. He's thirteen - almost fourteen - years old. He used to be an outdoor cat, and a great hunter. In his old age, Rocky's settled down. He wants nothing to do with Spence. Rocky has a drooling problem, and a major cuddler. Ladies man for sure!
J.C.; her name sounds for Just Cat, and she's just that; just cat. She's a black and white long haired kitty, with a little black nose. It's so funny actually...J.C. was born two days after my little sister. Back in the day, babies had to be held in a nursery and that's how long it took for my sis, S, to come home. The day she did, Nala - J.C.'s mom - gave birth. That's not the best part though. J.C's dad? His name was Boots. He was born from a litter of kittens that my aunt had had. J.C's blood line goes for a few generations. She had kittens too, but only two of them. One ran away, and the other...he passed on. J.C's got history with us and we don't always get along, but I love her. She's toothless now and has been since she was four. Vet told us she wouldn't live a long life, but she proved them wrong. She's a pretty lady, and may she live another health thirteen years.
The babies? Heh.
Sabbath; Savage the Beast. She's attacked me more than once, drawn blood, but we love each other. I bug her, she gets her revenge. She was brought home by someone long long ago. She was found at somebodies work, a scared, tiny, black and white kitten. She cried all the time, and got fed for it. Now she's a little fattie, and talks constantly. Sabby loves to tell us about her day! She's a great hunter, and, sadly, brings us little mousie presents everyday. I've only seen her catch two birds to date, and ugh. I can't say I enjoy it! - or condone it!
Dawson is the newest edition. I found him outside our old apartment building, half dead. At first I thought he was dead. I walked by him four times before I crouched down to see if he was alive. He crawled towards me, all skin and bones, then climbed into my lap. He cried so pitifully that I begged my mom to let me bring him home. We did, and J.C. didn't like it much. After a while, he got his shots, got neutured, gained weight and ever since he's been the perfect cat. He loves to cuddle and nuzzle against us to purr, and he always knows when we need cheering up.
Last but not least is Bella the Hedgehog. She is a salt and pepper hedgie who turned three this August. Spence is afraid of her, but her mommy - me - loves her. She's a cuddly ball of prickles, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Her favorite treat is the common chicken dinner, and she loves to run on her wheel. Bella was purchased from a lovely breeder here in Canada.
Those are all of Spencer's siblings...however, yesterday Spencer had a doggy play time. He met several other wonderful dogs in the park, although Chico, a yorkshire terrier, kept snapping at him. I hope if the owner of Chico ever reads this, she doesn't get offended. I love Chico! Spencer had a great time, and it was an awesome socialization thing.
A few weeks back Spence had a play date with my grammas dog, Hiedi. Remind me to post the videos here!
Friday, September 17, 2010
One Sick Puppy
Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday, but Spencer was...sick. Lots of vomiting.
We did not take him to the vet right away. We thought about it, but you know what? Puppies are like babies. Sometimes they get sick. If he had have continued vomiting at night, we would have taken him. Just tossing that out there so people don't flip on me, and call me a bad owner.
Also, two cats who are very close to our family got put down yesterday. A twenty two year old, belonging to my moms best friend. Also my aunt C's cat, Kali, who had a disease in her bladder that was gradually getting worse. A lot of sadness yesterday, therefore, I was not online.
Aunt C has had many a dog in her life, and when Tilly and Sparky got sick when they were puppies, the vet said to put honey on their gums so they salivate, which will help keep them hydrated. She drove me to the store so I could get honey, and we did it on Spencer.
He wasn't eating or drinking last night, and I guess it was because he was scared he was going to be sick. Just a little while ago, I put more honey on his gums, and then he chowed down on a treat I gave him - which was being used, just to try and get him eating.
I brought his water bowl over, and he devoured half of it. After a few minutes, he looked a hundred times better. He began running around the house, bugging the cats, and getting into things he shouldn't!
Then, he sat at the door and begged to be let out. He went all over the front yard, then the back. He's definately doing a lot better, and I am so bloody relieved it isn't funny.
I also called the vet today, to make an appointment. She said that he should be fine, pups get sick, and we made an appointment for next Friday at six o'clock, for him to go get his second shots, and a booster.
Hopefully today there will be more posts. If not, it's because I'm spending my time with the boy, making sure he's feeling better.
Oh: my super best friend is here, and I'm so glad that Spencer likes her! Last night when he was sick, she sat outside with him - he didn't want to come inside - while I made us dinner. Today he came up onto the couch and cuddled in between us, and when I got up to do stuff, he snuggled her. I think Spencer and K will have an awesome friendship together, if only because she stood strong by his side, in his time of need.
She has really bad circulation, and her hands were nearly black she was so cold - Spencer didn't seem bothered by it, and he whined and growled when I tried to bring him inside - and yet she sat by him, making sure he was okay. When other people tried to feed him, she would rush inside and ask me to make sure it was okay. She sat out with him for almost two hours - I joined her once I finished cooking - and didn't complain once, not even when it looked like her fingers were going to fall off. Talk about a true friend, right? I couldn't ask for anything better, in my human soul mate - K - or my canine soul mate - Spencer. We're going to be together for a long time, the three of us, and really? We couldn't be happier.
We did not take him to the vet right away. We thought about it, but you know what? Puppies are like babies. Sometimes they get sick. If he had have continued vomiting at night, we would have taken him. Just tossing that out there so people don't flip on me, and call me a bad owner.
Also, two cats who are very close to our family got put down yesterday. A twenty two year old, belonging to my moms best friend. Also my aunt C's cat, Kali, who had a disease in her bladder that was gradually getting worse. A lot of sadness yesterday, therefore, I was not online.
Aunt C has had many a dog in her life, and when Tilly and Sparky got sick when they were puppies, the vet said to put honey on their gums so they salivate, which will help keep them hydrated. She drove me to the store so I could get honey, and we did it on Spencer.
He wasn't eating or drinking last night, and I guess it was because he was scared he was going to be sick. Just a little while ago, I put more honey on his gums, and then he chowed down on a treat I gave him - which was being used, just to try and get him eating.
I brought his water bowl over, and he devoured half of it. After a few minutes, he looked a hundred times better. He began running around the house, bugging the cats, and getting into things he shouldn't!
Then, he sat at the door and begged to be let out. He went all over the front yard, then the back. He's definately doing a lot better, and I am so bloody relieved it isn't funny.
I also called the vet today, to make an appointment. She said that he should be fine, pups get sick, and we made an appointment for next Friday at six o'clock, for him to go get his second shots, and a booster.
Hopefully today there will be more posts. If not, it's because I'm spending my time with the boy, making sure he's feeling better.
Oh: my super best friend is here, and I'm so glad that Spencer likes her! Last night when he was sick, she sat outside with him - he didn't want to come inside - while I made us dinner. Today he came up onto the couch and cuddled in between us, and when I got up to do stuff, he snuggled her. I think Spencer and K will have an awesome friendship together, if only because she stood strong by his side, in his time of need.
She has really bad circulation, and her hands were nearly black she was so cold - Spencer didn't seem bothered by it, and he whined and growled when I tried to bring him inside - and yet she sat by him, making sure he was okay. When other people tried to feed him, she would rush inside and ask me to make sure it was okay. She sat out with him for almost two hours - I joined her once I finished cooking - and didn't complain once, not even when it looked like her fingers were going to fall off. Talk about a true friend, right? I couldn't ask for anything better, in my human soul mate - K - or my canine soul mate - Spencer. We're going to be together for a long time, the three of us, and really? We couldn't be happier.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Rainy Days
It`s raining today, and Spencer doesn`t like it much. He`s being good today, although KE and CR think he`s being bad. They don`t know what he`s like.
He scratched at the bottom of a chair, and CR smacked him in his butt. I never smack Spence. He started crying, then ran over to me and jumped, tossing his front paws into my lap. I picked him up and he didn`t want me to put him back down.
This morning, Sabbath - one of our cats - took a nice swipe at him. Perhaps later, I`ll post pictures of all the cats, the hedgehog, and maybe my Gramma`s dogs, since once Spence has his shots, they`re going to be a part of his life too.
He scratched at the bottom of a chair, and CR smacked him in his butt. I never smack Spence. He started crying, then ran over to me and jumped, tossing his front paws into my lap. I picked him up and he didn`t want me to put him back down.
This morning, Sabbath - one of our cats - took a nice swipe at him. Perhaps later, I`ll post pictures of all the cats, the hedgehog, and maybe my Gramma`s dogs, since once Spence has his shots, they`re going to be a part of his life too.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Pee Pee Problems
Spencer's been weird today...he peed on the floor in the living room, in front of everyone, and then later on peed on M's jeans. I don't know whats wrong with him. Maybe all the people here are stressing him out.
Walking Ritual
When Spence and I go out for walks around the block, we have a ritual. We run to the park, unless he's to busy with his nose against the ground.
After that, we either jog or walk, depending on if he's being nosy and snuffling every single blade of grass we walk past. Jogging is great. It's the only time I let him have his full six feet of leash, so I don't step on him. We jog, and he looks so bloody happy it should be a crime :P
My favorite part of our walking rituals? When we get back home. Haha, that sounds mean, doesn't it? No, not when we get inside. It's when we get to the driveway.
Spencer rushes ahead of me, and I let him have his whole leash. He sits or lays down, then turns his head to me. I sit six feet away, and he runs, pouncing into my lap. He hugs me, or cuddles me, and I feel warm because his fur is so thick. He sometimes rolls onto his back, laying across my lap, head propped up on my foot, and he just stares. After ten minutes, we get up and come inside. But those moments in the driveway? They're special to us both.
If anyone walks by, or tries to pet him, he gets up and moves away. Those are our moments, and we don't share them with anyone. Spencer and I are on the same wave length in those minutes, and we both treasure them. Its the time when the line between man and dog fades, and we're just two souls looking to each other for comfort. Two beings, huddled together in the cold, knowing that it's going to be okay, cause we have each other to hold onto.
After that, we either jog or walk, depending on if he's being nosy and snuffling every single blade of grass we walk past. Jogging is great. It's the only time I let him have his full six feet of leash, so I don't step on him. We jog, and he looks so bloody happy it should be a crime :P
My favorite part of our walking rituals? When we get back home. Haha, that sounds mean, doesn't it? No, not when we get inside. It's when we get to the driveway.
Spencer rushes ahead of me, and I let him have his whole leash. He sits or lays down, then turns his head to me. I sit six feet away, and he runs, pouncing into my lap. He hugs me, or cuddles me, and I feel warm because his fur is so thick. He sometimes rolls onto his back, laying across my lap, head propped up on my foot, and he just stares. After ten minutes, we get up and come inside. But those moments in the driveway? They're special to us both.
If anyone walks by, or tries to pet him, he gets up and moves away. Those are our moments, and we don't share them with anyone. Spencer and I are on the same wave length in those minutes, and we both treasure them. Its the time when the line between man and dog fades, and we're just two souls looking to each other for comfort. Two beings, huddled together in the cold, knowing that it's going to be okay, cause we have each other to hold onto.
Just Keep Walking
Walk -again- didn`t last as long as I would have liked. He`s still all hyper, but now hims got hims bone :P He`s tossing it around the house and chasing it. Apparently, the rule of thumb is "If you're not tripping over their toys, they don't have enough" when it comes to distracting puppies.
Ever since I got home? Yeah, he's been amazing. That puppy so knows I'm his Alpha, haha!
He's a good dog, he really is :)
Our walk was eventful! The park was full of squirrels, and birds, and other things he wanted to play with. Some man had a Jack Russel Terrier out there though, and he got scared again.
I've taken to keeping him on my left side, because he likes to cross over infront of me, and I stepped on him by accident. So now, I've shorted his lead so he only has a foot of space. It's just until he can wak properly :) He's doing good so far though, and he knows that pulling gets him no where, and that if he wants to go somewhere he has to ask.
Ever since I got home? Yeah, he's been amazing. That puppy so knows I'm his Alpha, haha!
He's a good dog, he really is :)
Our walk was eventful! The park was full of squirrels, and birds, and other things he wanted to play with. Some man had a Jack Russel Terrier out there though, and he got scared again.
I've taken to keeping him on my left side, because he likes to cross over infront of me, and I stepped on him by accident. So now, I've shorted his lead so he only has a foot of space. It's just until he can wak properly :) He's doing good so far though, and he knows that pulling gets him no where, and that if he wants to go somewhere he has to ask.
UGH!
Of course, we set the crate up last night. So today, I had to go out for an hour. I put Spencer in it, told him he was good, gave him a treat - I had also taken him for a walk prior to the crate, but praised him for being so good - and then...I left. I could hear him crying while I was outside, but its something that has to be done until he knows to not chew things.
Of course, my cousin KE let him out as soon as I left, because he didn`t want to listen to him. Then left him UNSUPERVISED. Yeah. He tore a few boxes right open.
When I put the freaking dog in the crate, I`m not trying to be mean. Yes. He`s going to cry. Of course he is! He`s a baby for crying out loud! But just like a toddler, you can`t give him everything he wants. When you do, he`s just going to keep taking and taking. Next person who uncrates him after I put him in one, is going to get a wooden spoon across their hands. It`s not Spencer`s fault that the humans here can`t follow the rules. I can`t get mad at him for doing things he doesn`t understand he shouldn`t do. It`s KE`s fault for letting him out.
Anyway, the boy and I are going for a walk now. I want to get him to tire out a bit. Probably only a half hour one, because he gets tired pretty quick outside. If he`ll sit still for me, I can maybe get some more pictures up tonight...you know, ones that don`t involve chewed up boxes :P
Husky, Perhaps?
I don't know what it is, but Spence doesn't respond too well to voice commands. This morning - not even an hour ago, haha - I sat down to eat a bowl of soup and he started jumping on me. I kept pushing him off and telling him no, but he didn't care at all. Finally, I got frustrated and snarled at him, teeth and all! I tend to 'growl' (it's a noise in the back of my throat) when I'm aggitated, and it slipped out at him. He flew backwards and started whining, then settled down at my feet and patiently waited for me to be finished. I let him lick the spoon after that. I don't know why he's like that, but using animal noises...he listens to those.
Also, another thing we think is the Husky, is when he's playing with the cats. After they hiss at him, he flattens right to the ground and whimpers/yelps at them.
Any thoughts on the "animal noise training technique"? Should it stay, or should it go?
Also, another thing we think is the Husky, is when he's playing with the cats. After they hiss at him, he flattens right to the ground and whimpers/yelps at them.
Any thoughts on the "animal noise training technique"? Should it stay, or should it go?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Organic
Spencer is the only dog, out of all the dogs that I know, who loves organic food. He was on Iams Puppy Chow, and we mixed Pet Valu`s Performatrin Puppy Chow. He picks the organic bits out, and eats them.
Also, he loves Benny Bully`s dog treats. He goes crazy insane for them, no lie. He jumps up, flips, runs in circles, everything. He even tries climbing up the wall to open the cupboard, he`s so silly.
Today mom got him the Peanut Butter flavored Buddy Biscuits. He also loves them, and they`re 95% natural.
We had our walk, which didn`t end up being as long as I wanted it to be. We went to the store and bought his Benny Bully`s, then sat around outside. Just soaking up the rays! He had fun playing in the sun. I was going to walk to the park from the store, but as soon as we got near our drive way, he wanted inside. He really knows what he wants.
The boy gets multiple walks a day. Sometimes they`re only for five or ten minutes, but by the end of the day, he`s had five or six hours outside. He`s out until ten at night, then he`s put to bed.
Well, I`m off to set up the dog crate! If I get the time, I`ll try to do one more picture post.
Oh, and just to say this: I really do recomend trying out the treats and his food, with fussy dogs. They`re healthy, natural, and apparently delicious! (Or maybe my dogs just a freak :P)
Also, he loves Benny Bully`s dog treats. He goes crazy insane for them, no lie. He jumps up, flips, runs in circles, everything. He even tries climbing up the wall to open the cupboard, he`s so silly.
Today mom got him the Peanut Butter flavored Buddy Biscuits. He also loves them, and they`re 95% natural.
We had our walk, which didn`t end up being as long as I wanted it to be. We went to the store and bought his Benny Bully`s, then sat around outside. Just soaking up the rays! He had fun playing in the sun. I was going to walk to the park from the store, but as soon as we got near our drive way, he wanted inside. He really knows what he wants.
The boy gets multiple walks a day. Sometimes they`re only for five or ten minutes, but by the end of the day, he`s had five or six hours outside. He`s out until ten at night, then he`s put to bed.
Well, I`m off to set up the dog crate! If I get the time, I`ll try to do one more picture post.
Oh, and just to say this: I really do recomend trying out the treats and his food, with fussy dogs. They`re healthy, natural, and apparently delicious! (Or maybe my dogs just a freak :P)
Big Paws!
Spencer has a problem with digging, and smacking. I guess it`s not fair to call it a problem because he`s a puppy, and we just got him, but it`s starting to get...difficult. Don`t get me wrong, we`re not freaking out on him or screaming or locking him away or anything like that, haha!
No, it`s just getting annoying. I settled on the floor with him earlier, and he brought his paw right down on my face. If I wasn`t wearing my glasses he probably would have really hurt my eye. I`m trying to break him of this habit, but it`s not working. Does anyone have any tips?
I've started reading different methods for breaking his begging and biting habits - really, they aren't that bad, all things considered, but I want to get him out of it while he's really young.
I've started trading the things he chews on - the cat bed, the cat tree, the bench, the carpet, our shoes - for toys. So, when he grabs something he shouldn't have, I give him his bone or his BunBun, and praise him. So far, it's working to distract him!
Also, cleaned out the living room and put his food and water near the fireplace mantle, in an effort to get him to stop eating catfood. His catfood munching habits haven't changed at all, but I'm hoping they will soon.
I sound like I'm expecting miracles, but I'm not! I know he's just a baby, and that it's going to take a while. Just want to keep updating this blog! It's going to be great to look back in a year, and see how far this boy has come.
Speaking of the boy, he's sprawled out in front of the door, having a puppy nap! Once I'm done watching At the End of My Leash, we're going to go out for an hour. Then, we'll come home and do the dishes.
Except at least one more update before the end of the day, as well as a picture post, if I can get Fido here to sit pretty! <3
No, it`s just getting annoying. I settled on the floor with him earlier, and he brought his paw right down on my face. If I wasn`t wearing my glasses he probably would have really hurt my eye. I`m trying to break him of this habit, but it`s not working. Does anyone have any tips?
I've started reading different methods for breaking his begging and biting habits - really, they aren't that bad, all things considered, but I want to get him out of it while he's really young.
I've started trading the things he chews on - the cat bed, the cat tree, the bench, the carpet, our shoes - for toys. So, when he grabs something he shouldn't have, I give him his bone or his BunBun, and praise him. So far, it's working to distract him!
Also, cleaned out the living room and put his food and water near the fireplace mantle, in an effort to get him to stop eating catfood. His catfood munching habits haven't changed at all, but I'm hoping they will soon.
I sound like I'm expecting miracles, but I'm not! I know he's just a baby, and that it's going to take a while. Just want to keep updating this blog! It's going to be great to look back in a year, and see how far this boy has come.
Speaking of the boy, he's sprawled out in front of the door, having a puppy nap! Once I'm done watching At the End of My Leash, we're going to go out for an hour. Then, we'll come home and do the dishes.
Except at least one more update before the end of the day, as well as a picture post, if I can get Fido here to sit pretty! <3
Day Three
I think the Husky in Spencer is making him difficult. We have only had him for one day, but still. The guy at the Pet Valu said that due to his breeds, Spencer will probably only accept one person as his Alpha. Because I've been the one spending time with him, I think he's looking to me as 'leader of the pack'. It's not a bad thing, and it doesn't bug me, it's just interesting.
He doesn't listen to everyone elses commands like he does to mine. As soon as I tell him to sit or come, he listens. He's at my feet in an instant - when I tell him to sit, he comes to me and flops his furry little hiney on the ground - and it's great. With everyone else? He hops around, runs in cirlcles, and then comes to me instead.
Also, I'm the only one disciplining him. My Ma, sister S, and cousin KE coddle him when he does bad things, or use the baby voice to scold him. I on the other hand, use a deep voice and tell him that he's bad.
However, some interesting stuff happened last night. Spence and I went for a nice, long walk in the park, and an old Jack Russell Terrier came barreling at him. He tried to run, so I sat on my knees to hold him close to me. I just wanted him to see that the JRT wasn't going to hurt him. Yeah, it didn't work to well. He started crying, and when I let him go he climbed up to hug at my shoulders, and whimper in my ear. I scooped him up and stood. Then, I realized that the JRT didn't have so much as a collar on.
And that the owner didn't have a collar or leash on her. How can you subdue your over active dog, without any of those things? I mean...It's illegal to have them off the leash. I wouldn't have cared if it was a dog park, because then it would have been my fault for his freak out, taking him to a dog park and not knowing how he would react. But this is a public park, that is frequented by children and other always-leashed dogs. To say I was annoyed, would be a major understatement. My eye twitched.
When we came home, Spencer had a treat for doing his business outside. He got a few more walks that night when they incident happened...Yesterday, I had put out a plastic pad with some papers on it. Well, we had a walk outside, and he did a small pee, then wanted in. We came back inside and I guess he wanted to have another one! But instead of going on the floor he ran right to the pad, had a pee, then gave me a deep whine, and apologetic look. I told him he was good for going on the pad, but he didn't get a reward for that, because I only want to really encourage going outside.
Spencer didn't sleep with me last night. I couldn't handle him. As soon as he was in my room, he was crying. I even tried putting his plastic bad, and a dog bed on my floor, so he could sleep there instead. Nope. Cried at my door. He went to bed with mom, because I was so tired I was almost falling over. She brought the little bed into her room and he slept there all night, without a peep. I think Bella scares him, and the size of my room - it's so small, there's a foot of space on either side of my bed, so you can walk to it - bothers him, cause he likes to pounce.
This morning when I got up, S wasn't watching the pup, and he got ahold of my shoes. Then he ate some cat food. Of course, as soon as I came out, my 'you're a bad boy Spencer' voice got him behaving again. He's so funny, when I come out, he wants to play, then sleep where he can have a clear view of me if he opens his eyes.
Oh, also: we have a crate now. He's not going to be in it a lot, and the cage is big enough that he can do jumps. We've just got it for when I need to go to the store during the day and stuff like that. Bed time, he's sleeping in moms room.
He doesn't listen to everyone elses commands like he does to mine. As soon as I tell him to sit or come, he listens. He's at my feet in an instant - when I tell him to sit, he comes to me and flops his furry little hiney on the ground - and it's great. With everyone else? He hops around, runs in cirlcles, and then comes to me instead.
Also, I'm the only one disciplining him. My Ma, sister S, and cousin KE coddle him when he does bad things, or use the baby voice to scold him. I on the other hand, use a deep voice and tell him that he's bad.
However, some interesting stuff happened last night. Spence and I went for a nice, long walk in the park, and an old Jack Russell Terrier came barreling at him. He tried to run, so I sat on my knees to hold him close to me. I just wanted him to see that the JRT wasn't going to hurt him. Yeah, it didn't work to well. He started crying, and when I let him go he climbed up to hug at my shoulders, and whimper in my ear. I scooped him up and stood. Then, I realized that the JRT didn't have so much as a collar on.
And that the owner didn't have a collar or leash on her. How can you subdue your over active dog, without any of those things? I mean...It's illegal to have them off the leash. I wouldn't have cared if it was a dog park, because then it would have been my fault for his freak out, taking him to a dog park and not knowing how he would react. But this is a public park, that is frequented by children and other always-leashed dogs. To say I was annoyed, would be a major understatement. My eye twitched.
When we came home, Spencer had a treat for doing his business outside. He got a few more walks that night when they incident happened...Yesterday, I had put out a plastic pad with some papers on it. Well, we had a walk outside, and he did a small pee, then wanted in. We came back inside and I guess he wanted to have another one! But instead of going on the floor he ran right to the pad, had a pee, then gave me a deep whine, and apologetic look. I told him he was good for going on the pad, but he didn't get a reward for that, because I only want to really encourage going outside.
Spencer didn't sleep with me last night. I couldn't handle him. As soon as he was in my room, he was crying. I even tried putting his plastic bad, and a dog bed on my floor, so he could sleep there instead. Nope. Cried at my door. He went to bed with mom, because I was so tired I was almost falling over. She brought the little bed into her room and he slept there all night, without a peep. I think Bella scares him, and the size of my room - it's so small, there's a foot of space on either side of my bed, so you can walk to it - bothers him, cause he likes to pounce.
This morning when I got up, S wasn't watching the pup, and he got ahold of my shoes. Then he ate some cat food. Of course, as soon as I came out, my 'you're a bad boy Spencer' voice got him behaving again. He's so funny, when I come out, he wants to play, then sleep where he can have a clear view of me if he opens his eyes.
Oh, also: we have a crate now. He's not going to be in it a lot, and the cage is big enough that he can do jumps. We've just got it for when I need to go to the store during the day and stuff like that. Bed time, he's sleeping in moms room.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Puppy!
The above is Spencer sitting at my feet, waiting for me to give him his BunBun.
Aaah,Spencer in Ma`s bed. He had started chewing on her silver bracelet, and I scolded him for it, so he started sulking.
More of Spencer being a sulker.
Spencer here, Chillin`like a Villain.
Muahaha. This was before our walk. He saw the leash and flopped himself infront of the door, waiting for me to clip him up and take him out.
Spence and I had a nice long walk. I took him back over to Pet Valu to get some puppy food, as well as cat food, and a rubber chew toy. The guy at the store today was uber helpful, and he gave us samples of this organic food that`s supposed to be super good for the dogs, as well as a whole bag of treats for free :)
He asked me to keep bringing Spencer by so he can see how he grows up. When I mentioned obedience school, he said that with how Spencer is behaving, and his breed of dog - well, the Husky side - that training may just be a waste of time. He told me Spence will respond better to the people he lives with, than strangers. He was super impressed with how Spencer already knows how to sit, and walk on a leash. He also liked how Spencer walks out the door after me, showing me that I`m Alpha. All in all, a good walk!
Precious Puppy
Spencer, on his second day here, laying in his dog bed. The gift bags are from Ma's birthday. Isn't he a handsome boy?
Day One and Day Two
I didn't have any time to post last night, so today I'm doing day one and two in this post :)
The family and I sat down to look on kijiji. It was just out of boredom. My super best friend, K, was over and doing her homework. Ma mentioned a dog, and I grabbed the laptop so I could show her some pictures.
The first dogs we saw were Shar Pei/Boston Terrier mixes. They were cute, and we called. Unfortunately, the dogs were almost two hours away.
K.L, my cousin, stumbled upon English Bulldog/Boston Terrier puppies. He wanted one of those, and he called. Seeing as he doesn't live with us, him getting a dog won't effect us too much. That was the thing though: his dog, not ours. I got upset - after already being in a bad mood - and sulked, while scrolling through more puppies.
We had been talking about getting a small dog, and then I found something that made me insanely happy. They were such adorable puppies. I turned the computer to my mom, and let her have a look. After fourty five minutes of talking, I called the guy up, gave him our address, and he was delivering the puppy.
We got a shorthaired boy dog. The man we bought him from said he was half Husky, half Golden Retriever. We've since named the little boy Spencer. He's a gorgeous blond dog, with 'racoon tail'. It has dark rings, and white stripes on it. It's cute.
Spencer. When he came, we were fairly disgusted. The guy had the dogs in the bed of his pickup truck, with the cover over top. They were covered in urine and feces, from having accidents and being tossed around the bed of the truck. Instantly, I took him to the bath. He had to be bathed twice, and the water that came off of him was almost black.
He cried a lot during the bath, and it began clear that he wasn't an indoor dog. He was fascinated with everything inside, but also scared. Despite him being a bit bigger, I had to pick him up and craddle him to my chest in order for him to relax. It was...bad. He was pretty scared. He kept whimpering, and nuzzling his nose into my throat. I sat for an hour with him in my lap, arms wrapped around him.
After he dried off, Spencer decided to do some exploring. I watched him as he ran around the house. It didn't take too long for him to take a giant poop on the floor. He got it everywhere! Of course, we just cleaned it up and told him no. We then took him outside, and I decided he had to have a leash, right then. So, I scooped him up into my arms and carried him to the store.
The Pet Valu near my house apparently has a horrible selection of dog collars. It was either Chihuahua sized, or big enough to fit a Mastiff. I had to go with the Mastiff one, and tightened it to as small as it will go. It's still a bit loose on him, but I figure after a few weeks - especially with the way he's eating - it'll fit a little better. And at least with the larger collar, he'll be able to make it last.
After putting the collar and leash on him, it was really obvious that he'd never been walked before. He had no idea what to do. My sister, S, went ahead of us and crouched down, calling to him. He wouldn't walk, so I lifted his hind end and walked him forward, like a wheelbarrow (although, with my arms under his hind end, not pulling his legs straight out) and voila! He walks like a pro now, sticking right to my side. He hasn't pulled at all, which is great for me. If he gets to the end of his lead, he slows down or runs back to sit at my feet.
We brought Spencer back home, and with the use of a solid voice and - once or twice, not everytime - a treat, we've taught him to sit. It took us less than two hours, and he does it on command now, without having to be bribed with treats. When he sits like he's told, he gets praise, which makes his tail go crazy! It's lovely to see him responding so well to us, even after only a few hours.
He had two more accidents, which were pee-pee incidents. Again, we didn't yell, just told him he was bad, then took him to the yard. Shockingly...he hasn't had an incident since then. Instead, he goes and sits at the door and whines. To be honest with everyone, I'm amazed.
He had a few chewing incidents as well, but when told no and that he was bad, he backed off of whatever he was doing, and settled at my feet instead. Just for an extra measure, I got an empty can and tossed a few pennies inside. Afterwards, I taped the lid on again. I heard about this on a dog show once, and it's working wonders. When he goes to eat the cat food, or chew something, or any no-no behaviour, I give the can a shake and he stops. Instantly. He returns to my feet, lowers his ears, bows his head, and is good. It's turning out to be an amazing training tool.
Last night Spence slept in my bed. Being his first night away from home, he was pretty worked up. Having my Hedgehog, Bella, in the same room probably didn't help much. He could hear her wheel and it kept making his head jump up. He was whiney for most of the night, and we didn't get to bed until after three. He got me up at six thirty, but it's fine for now. I know it's going to be difficult the first few days, with him just having left home and all.
It's funny actually. He was bought to be a family dog, and my mom kept jokingly calling him "Erika's dog" (that would be me) because my birthday is in two weeks, but he's really turning out to be my dog. He doesn't like it when I leave him alone, and he readily climbs into my lap for cuddles.
When we woke up this morning, I thought for sure that we'd have an accident in my room. I took his water dish back into the kitchen - I had brought it in last night, because he was panting like crazy - and then grabbed him off the bed. He was crying for me, of course. I put him on the ground and clipped him to his leash and bam! He went outside, had a big pee, and got a treat for it. I'm using the treats as rewards for doing his business outside, because really...I don't see anything wrong with giving him little snacks for doing such a good thing.
A few hours later, we had a nice long walk in the park. He did a pee and a poop, and got his reward for it. He seems so happy here, that it makes me happy. We are getting a crate for when we're not here, but it's only going to be until he's fully trained. Considering as I'm job hunting right now, and don't have a job, I'm only going to need to be gone a few hours every few days. Plus, he's catching on so well, that I'm sure he'll be potty trained within a few weeks. Since we got his leash, he hasn't had any accidents inside. So proud!
That's all for today folks, sorry it's such a boring post. Hopefully tomorrow's entry will be more exciting!
The family and I sat down to look on kijiji. It was just out of boredom. My super best friend, K, was over and doing her homework. Ma mentioned a dog, and I grabbed the laptop so I could show her some pictures.
The first dogs we saw were Shar Pei/Boston Terrier mixes. They were cute, and we called. Unfortunately, the dogs were almost two hours away.
K.L, my cousin, stumbled upon English Bulldog/Boston Terrier puppies. He wanted one of those, and he called. Seeing as he doesn't live with us, him getting a dog won't effect us too much. That was the thing though: his dog, not ours. I got upset - after already being in a bad mood - and sulked, while scrolling through more puppies.
We had been talking about getting a small dog, and then I found something that made me insanely happy. They were such adorable puppies. I turned the computer to my mom, and let her have a look. After fourty five minutes of talking, I called the guy up, gave him our address, and he was delivering the puppy.
We got a shorthaired boy dog. The man we bought him from said he was half Husky, half Golden Retriever. We've since named the little boy Spencer. He's a gorgeous blond dog, with 'racoon tail'. It has dark rings, and white stripes on it. It's cute.
Spencer. When he came, we were fairly disgusted. The guy had the dogs in the bed of his pickup truck, with the cover over top. They were covered in urine and feces, from having accidents and being tossed around the bed of the truck. Instantly, I took him to the bath. He had to be bathed twice, and the water that came off of him was almost black.
He cried a lot during the bath, and it began clear that he wasn't an indoor dog. He was fascinated with everything inside, but also scared. Despite him being a bit bigger, I had to pick him up and craddle him to my chest in order for him to relax. It was...bad. He was pretty scared. He kept whimpering, and nuzzling his nose into my throat. I sat for an hour with him in my lap, arms wrapped around him.
After he dried off, Spencer decided to do some exploring. I watched him as he ran around the house. It didn't take too long for him to take a giant poop on the floor. He got it everywhere! Of course, we just cleaned it up and told him no. We then took him outside, and I decided he had to have a leash, right then. So, I scooped him up into my arms and carried him to the store.
The Pet Valu near my house apparently has a horrible selection of dog collars. It was either Chihuahua sized, or big enough to fit a Mastiff. I had to go with the Mastiff one, and tightened it to as small as it will go. It's still a bit loose on him, but I figure after a few weeks - especially with the way he's eating - it'll fit a little better. And at least with the larger collar, he'll be able to make it last.
After putting the collar and leash on him, it was really obvious that he'd never been walked before. He had no idea what to do. My sister, S, went ahead of us and crouched down, calling to him. He wouldn't walk, so I lifted his hind end and walked him forward, like a wheelbarrow (although, with my arms under his hind end, not pulling his legs straight out) and voila! He walks like a pro now, sticking right to my side. He hasn't pulled at all, which is great for me. If he gets to the end of his lead, he slows down or runs back to sit at my feet.
We brought Spencer back home, and with the use of a solid voice and - once or twice, not everytime - a treat, we've taught him to sit. It took us less than two hours, and he does it on command now, without having to be bribed with treats. When he sits like he's told, he gets praise, which makes his tail go crazy! It's lovely to see him responding so well to us, even after only a few hours.
He had two more accidents, which were pee-pee incidents. Again, we didn't yell, just told him he was bad, then took him to the yard. Shockingly...he hasn't had an incident since then. Instead, he goes and sits at the door and whines. To be honest with everyone, I'm amazed.
He had a few chewing incidents as well, but when told no and that he was bad, he backed off of whatever he was doing, and settled at my feet instead. Just for an extra measure, I got an empty can and tossed a few pennies inside. Afterwards, I taped the lid on again. I heard about this on a dog show once, and it's working wonders. When he goes to eat the cat food, or chew something, or any no-no behaviour, I give the can a shake and he stops. Instantly. He returns to my feet, lowers his ears, bows his head, and is good. It's turning out to be an amazing training tool.
Last night Spence slept in my bed. Being his first night away from home, he was pretty worked up. Having my Hedgehog, Bella, in the same room probably didn't help much. He could hear her wheel and it kept making his head jump up. He was whiney for most of the night, and we didn't get to bed until after three. He got me up at six thirty, but it's fine for now. I know it's going to be difficult the first few days, with him just having left home and all.
It's funny actually. He was bought to be a family dog, and my mom kept jokingly calling him "Erika's dog" (that would be me) because my birthday is in two weeks, but he's really turning out to be my dog. He doesn't like it when I leave him alone, and he readily climbs into my lap for cuddles.
When we woke up this morning, I thought for sure that we'd have an accident in my room. I took his water dish back into the kitchen - I had brought it in last night, because he was panting like crazy - and then grabbed him off the bed. He was crying for me, of course. I put him on the ground and clipped him to his leash and bam! He went outside, had a big pee, and got a treat for it. I'm using the treats as rewards for doing his business outside, because really...I don't see anything wrong with giving him little snacks for doing such a good thing.
A few hours later, we had a nice long walk in the park. He did a pee and a poop, and got his reward for it. He seems so happy here, that it makes me happy. We are getting a crate for when we're not here, but it's only going to be until he's fully trained. Considering as I'm job hunting right now, and don't have a job, I'm only going to need to be gone a few hours every few days. Plus, he's catching on so well, that I'm sure he'll be potty trained within a few weeks. Since we got his leash, he hasn't had any accidents inside. So proud!
That's all for today folks, sorry it's such a boring post. Hopefully tomorrow's entry will be more exciting!
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