Wyatt West (“Dutch”) has melted our hearts. AA was wonderful – they had his crate at baggage claim before the bags were even unloaded! We expected to go to Baggage Service, but heard him yelping for us near the conveyer. He slept in my arms during most of the car ride home. At home, he loved meeting our old Lab, Beaumont, and we all played together until Dutch seemed exhausted and ready for bed. Since he had already been fed in his kitchen crate, and had been running in and out for toys, he transitioned really well to his bedtime crate next to our bed (after a few minutes of tired whining). He woke up once last night to go out, but quickly fell asleep when he returned to his crate.
This morning he woke up at 6, and I used his hunger to “charge” the clicker. He quickly expected a freshly cooked chicken liver bit with each click. He loved it so much, he already tried to figure out what to do to earn treats. Initially, he thought it was just for sitting, and planted there. Then, he realized he could come to me, too, for click/treat. He is so much fun to train, it’s more like playtime.
I really think that tethering him to me is making the housebreaking so much easier. Initially, I was taking him outside every 15 minutes yesterday, along with Beaumont, so he could learn where the door was. Today, he knows where the door is. and leads me there. He’s decided that the click/treat for piddles and “tootsie rolls” done outside are worth “going” for!
Isn’t it awesome to have a pup that has had the start in life that he has had from conception right on through. It sounds like your gonna have a ball with him. Pictures please.
I will never look at tootsie rolls the same again. 😀
I am so glad he made it home safe and sound! I love this stage, you could still cuddle them and that puppy breath!!
Beverly, thank you so much for the puppy report. You are doing a terrific job, a gold star for you! Doing some good training, teaching him to be an “operant” dog as dog trainers call it. Out of curiosity what time did he wake you up last night to go outside?
That’s funny Julie, I almost asked her the same thing. LOL
I know he woke me up in the middle of the night, but we don’t keep a clock in the bedroom. If I know what time it is, it sometimes makes it harder to fall back to sleep, especially if you find out you only have another hour before you have to get up!
Now that is smart thinking. If your alarm in another room?
Congratulations Beverly… what fun!
I’ve only had U-Rock for 2.5 months so I am only just a few steps ahead of you.
Do share some pictures so can see how much fun you are having with Wyatt,
@josiem We call the things our cats leave in the litter box (sometimes uncovered, unfortunately) tootsies. Cat tootsies, to be exact. The dialogue goes something like this: “Isa! Get out of the litterbox! No cat tootsies!” Little puppies leave cat-sized tootsies, but not for long–before you know it, they’re Payday-sized!
We will look forward to many updates on Dutch. Congratulations! We’ll definitely need pictures 🙂
So that’s what they’re called! My Lab is always trying to get into Chipper’s box of goodies, too – it’s so disgusting! Nothing smells worse than cat tootsies! I know Dutch’s will soon dwarf a tootsie roll, but cleaning up the yard is Scott’s job! I just have to make sure he’s trained to use that location, which seems to be going Ok. It’s amazing how few accidents he’s had – I’ve only had to hit myself on the head with the rolled newspaper a couple of times. The snow is covered with yellow spots, and I’m loving it!
Nice work Bev, you are already continuing in the groundwork that Julie has begun. We are not able to pick up Oso until Sunday, so expect pictures then.
You are so much ahead of the game by starting training immediately! Great job, Beverly!!!