Those 70ish Girls

Just Get a Puppy – Part 2 – I Kinda Lied

Maybe you recall a post I wrote about how if you just get a puppy, all your anxiety and stress will be relieved. I’m here today typing this after having my puppy, Ellie, for three months, today being the anniversary of adopting her from the SPCA. Honestly it’s been a blast but not all licks, slobbers, tail wagging and puppy kisses

It’s truly been a challenge for me because I am 70ish and my patience isn’t what it was. I was also used to my 14 year old sweetheart of a dog, Ninny, being fully trained. Everyone who knew her or met Ninny loved her. She was white fluff on a dream cloud sort of dog. People I met asked to take pictures of her. I knew her personality and routines and she knew mine. She had separation anxiety really bad but we dealt with it. It was hell putting her down that day in April. I really miss her but the love for dogs doesn’t die. We go on honoring our past canine friends with adopting and rescuing new dogs.

Ellie on the other hand at 10 weeks was a clean slate. I had to learn again what a puppy needs and at the top of the list is Discipline, yup. With a capital D.

Ellie has settled down a bit at 6 months old but don’t be deceived. She’s super shy and nervous probably because of the Chihuahua in her. She’s scared of birds and some insects and she’s definitely frightened of all humans except me.

So she won’t let me put a harness and leash on her directly. I have to trick her by grabbing her when she’s napping or go outside and when she cries seeing me leave I pop back inside and she jumps all over me so I pick her up and then put the harness and leash on her. It ain’t easy when she’s wiggling and doing puppy kisses on my hands and face.

Sometimes I leave the harness and leash on her in the house most of the day so I can train her, control her and keep an eye on her. House breaking her is another story. I’m still trying to get her to pee and poop outside. I have been pretty successful at that but just when I think we have her house trained, she will go on the pads I have in a few places.

With House training a puppy, you are training yourself.

I’m lucky to have had six Saturdays of Puppy training Level 1 classes at the Monterey SPCA. I barely passed but Ellie was a big hit with the six other pup owners since she was the smallest puppy there. Now I’m taking her to another type of puppy class called Play and Learn. It’s more personal and gives me one on one training with a few other pups

I asked the class trainer why we cannot go onto Puppy training Level 2. She replied politely, “Because you’re not ready and Ellie’s not there yet.”

Maybe if I mature, train more intensely and learn more they will let me graduate or at least go up one level. I will let you know. The good news is – I am house broken and I can sit. And heel. Now I just need to train my pup to do that. She’s learning despite my faults. Wish me luck. I have lots of treats, believe me.