Thanks to everyone who commented and voted on the last poll. I’m afraid I have to run another poll though. Kile is unhappy with the turn the online voting has taken. Apparently, he vastly prefers the name “Cora” and has threatened to make an executive decision should the Internets choose “Poptart” as the name. I told him its not his dog to name, it’s Harry’s and Harry wants the Internets to choose. So we’ll see how this all turns out. The pup might be named “Cora” anyhow, but I’m running one last poll, to narrow down the votes to the top three choices.
[poll=3]
We’re pretty excited about the puppy, but I’m a little nervous too. It’s been a while since I’ve had a puppy around and I’m sure I don’t remember how to housetrain a puppy. Beetoe is at the stage where I just open the door and tell her to go out. Which she does, and then she returns to the door a minute later and I let her back in. Easy as pie. But now? I’m going to have to take this dog out in the middle of the night, on a leash, probably. Unless we’re talking the backyard, which we probably aren’t because it STILL isn’t landscaped and with the rain we’re supposed to be getting, will be a muddy pit of hopelessness. So chances are, we’ll be using the (landscaped) front yard for while at least. Also, I’ll be cleaning up after the multitude of accidents that are sure to happen. And dealing with a jealous older dog. And trying to find a good way to segregate the food dishes. Even though my son will be spending next week with my in-laws in Elko, we’re bringing the dog home on Saturday when we meet them. This way, we can get the pup used to the house, and Beetoe, and Liam before Harry comes home and takes her under his wing. We don’t want to overwhelm the poor thing.
Purchased: collar and leash, appropriate chew toy. Need to purchase: kennel, puppy food, bacon flavored chew bone, ID tag, pad/pillow/bed to go inside kennel.
Again I’ll ask: What the hell are we thinking???
{ 2 comments }
J 02.08.07 at 4:11 pm
awww… can’t wait for more pics! I don’t know, cora just isn’t my fave. I say it should be harry’s choice. what happened to chunk? at least w/ poptart she could be poppy. but whatever the name, she sure looks cute. and yes, puppydom is h*ll, but that’s why they’re cute, so you forgive them the 3am potty runs.
Lawfrog (18 comments.) 02.09.07 at 11:26 pm
I’ve had my new puppy for one week now and if I may offer some advice:
Get some old towels to put in the kennel/crate instead of the bed. The towels are easier to toss in the wash when the puppy soils them and believe me, the puppy will do that,
Also, be sure to get the dog some rawhides in addition to the chew bone. Prepare Harry for the fact that the dog will want to chew and bite on him and it will hurt. Tell him not to hit the dog or yell at it when it does that (because that was certainly my inclination when my little one took a bite out of my hand).
A good site for training: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html
Good luck and congrats on your new family member!
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