Day four

It’s been a whirlwind few days. I’m exhausted! A friend came over for about an hour yesterday, early afternoon. It seemed to get Lila over-stimulated, and her chewing and biting needs increased. She almost seemed frantic. I didn’t want to create negativity by scolding her (after all, puppies do chew and she wouldn’t understand), so I finally started pulling her away sharply by the scruff of the neck or squealing like a hurt puppy. One book said at this age to use “Ep, ep!” and it seems to work. All of it. Today, so far, she is much better.

And so far, she still goes to the door when she needs to eliminate. I had read the night before last that somehow puppies think concrete floors (I have polished concrete on the main floor) are a great place to pee, so I had started playing with her more on the rug. Maybe that’s what did it. I thought I might be in for the long haul, but it doesn’t seem so (fingers crossed!).

I had an errand this morning and had to leave her for the first time. She was asleep in her crate when I left and awake but quiet when I returned a couple of hours later. I give thanks to crates, to crates and treats! This afternoon I’m going to take her visiting. That will, no doubt, be interesting. Then tonight I sleep at Inge’s in Halifax because I have to teach in the early morning. I am hoping it all goes smoothly. But this is my life. The treadmill starts again tomorrow.

Posted by leya at January 8, 2006 01:34 PM