puppies…your best tips?
It has been two weeks now (I think…time is blurry these days) since we became puppy owners. Here are my thoughts on life with a puppy. First, she is a perfect little fit for our family. The kids are having so much fun with her and are learning all kinds of new aspects of responsibility. She’s pretty cute. However, a puppy is a busy little thing. She likes to chew on everything and potty training is slow going. We’ve had a few trial and error ways regarding puppy care and kids. At first everyone was expected to chip in. That didn’t work so well because evidently everyone was the ‘one who took care of her last’. So, now we are on a daily system. And…it is working so much better. Each day a different kid is in charge of Arley’s care. That means taking her out, feeding her and cleaning up any messes. If they forget to take her out, she makes a mess and they have to clean it. As a result, they are starting to remember to take her out and take more responsibility. When the kids are gone and I am in charge…not so good, I get distracted and forget. I’m looking forward to when she gets this ‘going outside’ business figured out and lets us know. Feel free to share any of your puppy potty training tips!
I can see how people say puppies are a lot of work if you aren’t home all day. Arley gets attention all day long from all 5 kids. She gets worn out. I can’t imagine trying to burn all her energy if the kids were only home a couple of hours. I would not be able to keep up with her. Thankfully, she’s got 5 kids.
She likes to help me spray paint everything.
ISO 100, 1/1000, f/3.2
When we thought about getting a dog, we had visions of this…
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I also have visions of my dog not trying to eat my chickens. I’ve done more reading up on raising puppies with chickens than I have on potty training puppies. So far things are going good. Please Arley, don’t decide you want to eat my chickens.
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And life with 5 kids means she finds sunny spots and takes lots of naps.
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So, life with a puppy has been busy and sweet. For all extra work, it has been worth it watching the sheer delight she brings the kids. Someday potty-training will not be a part of my life….it’s been 10 years, I’m a little over it!
