has puppy arrived?

[Sabeine]

Carolyn,

Have you two received your bundle of fur yet?

[Carolyn]

Next Wednesday, the 26th, is the big puppy homecoming day. We will spend the week-end trying to puppy-proof the balcony and apartment. At least she's a little girl, so we don't worry too much about the books at low levels, since females squat, not lift the leg.

[Brandy]

Some dogs like chewing on wood and books, are they protected enough?

[Carolyn]

Well, they are at floor level, but all in the living room and we're riggnig a little gate so that she's not left in the living room on her own until we can get her properly trained. Same thing with the balcony, she's not out there without supervision either.

[Natooke]

I remember our dog chewing on a bed sheet during his teething period.

I'm sure you both have been to the Pet store already & started thinking about toy's. Our vet suggested two kinds ... one the boll that you can put dry kibble in ... so the dog is distracted & has somthing to do! another is a behive/honeycone rubber shape toy ... this can be stuffed/coated with dog treats (cooked sticky rice) ... this will keep her so busy she'll forget time has passed etc. Keeping a low radio on while you both are gone is soothing for some dogs.

Home made Treats ... > www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/1011/dog.htm

[Carolyn]

Thanks for those tips. I've seen that honeycomb type toy, it also bounces in weird directions, which can be fun for the dog. We don't plan on leaving her alone, at least not for the first several months anyway. We have to work on the barking most of all, so she won't be an annoyance to our neighbors. It's fortunate that I work at home and that Anders is home all day as well. We have plenty of time to be with her.

[Natooke]

Of course small steps are needed for your new baby ;D Just by leaving her for 5 mins. alone to empty the trash will help her too. Oh yes barking !! I almost forgot that is a must to work on.

[Natooke]

You two must be really anticipating Sophie's arrival ;D

I just thought of another dog proof idea ... when she is going though teething. You can put old thick socks on the legs of the tables ... to prevent markings on the wood.... only if she's extreem & you can't be with her every waking moment.

[Carolyn]

That's a clever idea. I have a small trellis kind of thing that will go between the rest of the apartment and the living room, so that she can't get to the good stuff or out on the balcony without supervision. I've worried more about electrical cords trying to keep them behind furniture and out of the way. I've also gotten one of those large "bones" and one of those beehine looking things, to stuff treats into. I hope she's going to be happy here. Young puppies are a totally new experience for me.

[Brandy]

Carolyn,

I don't know how to copy this in so I hope it works. I thought of you, it's too cute.

www.funnyfortune.com/photos/0504/laptop.jpg

[Carolyn]

Lord, I HOPE that little puppy is not doing what it looks like that little puppy is doing on that keyboard!

[Debbie]

Looking for the spacebar?

[Carolyn]

But of course, what did YOU think I meant?

[lisa]

Sophie looks adorable Carolyn, where are you getting her from, a breeder? I´d love a dog and think we´ll perhaps get one either later this year or next year. I´d be looking for a small dog preferably but have no idea where to start looking. It´s always good to hear from someone who has had a dog from a particular breeder so you know the temperment of the puppies/dogs.

Good luck for Wednesday

[Sandy]

Oh, it's coming up soon! How fun! Let us know how things are going. And, of course, we expect lots of photos! ;D