dancing horses

dancing horses

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Bringing Up Baby

There's a reason women my age can't bear children- oh my god it's tiring.

Guinness has hit our house like a little cyclone. He's adorable.

a new collar that fits 'but it itches Ma!'
The first night was not one of rest. Guinness was not impressed with his crate with the soft cushion, chew toys and kong stuffed with peanut butter. He spent a lot of time howling. We took him out to go to the bathroom twice but the rest of the time stayed firm that he must learn to be in his crate.

The theme of yesterday was introducing him to my routine and ensuring that he learned to pee outside and not on the floor.


I made sure that he was in his crate a few times during the day and ignored the ruckus. Each time he settled down. I find him to be smart and he's learning that when he goes out he's to pee. Hopefully soon he'll learn to let us know. 

d'Arcy is being good with him. He won't let him snuggle in though and it's causing some distress for Guinness. d'Arcy says that it's because the little bugger is looking for a place to nurse and that's unnerving. 
d'Arcy checking to make sure Guinness peed correctly

We went for a few walks around the property during the day. I love watching him walk- he's shoulders are so big that he walks like a bull dog right now. Cynthia suggested that I get him a piece of old leather to chew on and I found an old bet up brow band for him. He loves it. He has also taken over this old throw blanket so that's now his bed.  It used to belong to my mother so I'm sure that she would love that the puppy loves to snuggle on it. Guinness is very people oriented which is good.


Last night in his crate he threw a major fit when we put him in. I made sure that he was walked and had gone to the bathroom. I had frozen a kong with peanut butter and put in his 'blankie'. That lasted about 5 minutes and he began to kick up a fuss. About 30 minutes in, Ed left and went to the loft over the garage to sleep (there's a pull out couch) muttering about having to work. I was fine with that. I just ignored it and fell asleep with him howling. Yay me- I do love my sleep. Periodically he would wake up and cry but I only got up twice to let him out- at 1 and at 4 a.m. 

The cats are less than impressed. Poor Chester is looking as nervous as a nine tailed cat in a room full rocking chairs. Martin is curious but disapproving. Yesterday he would follow us around outside but when I looked at him would ignore me completely and act all nonchalant. 
I can neither see you nor hear you human. I am
engaged in cat business
Last night every time Guinness whined or barked Martin would tap me on the face. 
Guinness: I'm lonely and not tired. I shall sing until you come to rescue me
Martin: that creature is interfering with my sleep
Me: he's learning to be in the crate. We have to ignore him
Guinness: *howling* All by myself, don't wanna be all by myself anymore....
Martin: he stops when you get up- so get up and deal with this. 
Me: no. leave me alone and stop tapping my face. 
Marin: You brought him home you deal with him

I am sure that he will figure this out. It will just take persistence. These days will go fast. And then there will be something else. 

I'm sure he misses his litter mates to snuggle with. 






44 comments:

  1. This is why puppies are cute - otherwise nobody would put up with them!

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  2. He's adorable! It will take some time but he will get used to his crate. Those are some very big paws I think he will be a huge dog. Hope you all get some sleep soon.

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    1. Yes- I think he's going to be big too. He was better today. We'll see what happens tonight!

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  3. Are you covering his crate at all? Sometimes that helps make them feel more secure - like covering a bird cage, etc.

    He'll get the hang of it! Right now I swear up and down that my next dog will -not- be a puppy, primarily because I hate the work that has to go into them (which is primarily why I don't want children), but who knows what will happen when the time comes ><

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    1. I could try covering it. I guess I thought that since it's night it's dark anyway but I will try that tonight and see.

      This is why the last time I didn't want a puppy. But with 2 cats, an older dog and horses I wanted to be sure that the new dog would fit in.

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    2. After several sleepless nights I tried covering Q's crate on the sides and back - leaving the front open. That did the trick for us. Good luck - he's a cute little guy.

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    3. Ooh - I forgot to mention that I put a ticking travel clock in the crate under the blankets. Apparently it reminds them of heartbeats of their litter mates. :D

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  4. While I miss puppy antics and cuteness, I don't miss the training. I'm sure he'll settle in to his routine in no time!

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  5. He is such a cutie!!! Consistency and a little time and he will figure it out :)

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    1. I am a believer in consistency. right now the cuteness is saving his life.

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  6. He's beautiful. Sables are so wild looking. Can you tell me why you picked that name for him?

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    1. Yes- they look like wolves to me!

      There was a lot of thinking about the name. My heritage is Irish and I like the names. I kinda liked 'Fergus' but Ed wasn't keen. We tossed around a lot of names. I was going to name Irish 'Guinness' but changed my mind (it didn't fit). But when I thought of it in terms of a GSD it seemed like it would be good. It's easy to call and it carries. It's not a person name so I won't offend anyone. Plus I love Guinness beer. :)

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    2. I think you found a unique name, I've never known anyone called by that. I tried to get my mare to drink my favorite beer, Guinness, and she refused. Astoundingly, she drank a Heinekin. (sp). Ugh. I cannot admit that to my step dad, he scorns me for Guinness.

      I've never wanted a foal. I've never wanted a puppy. I've never NOT wanted kittens. Just....impossible here, we live near a street. I love your puppy photos and can't wait to see how his coat develops.

      I thank you for you advice when I keep asking. : ) You really should visit us (ohne welpe) cuz you'd like it here.

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  7. Awwwwww, so sweet. A few more nights of howling and hubs should be able to return lol. I've always mixed kibble in wiry the peanut butter pre freeze. Peanut butter cost to much to waste! Be sure to play with his paws in preparation for nail trims. I'm full of little puppy tips, hope it's helpful, rather than annoying.

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    1. Keep the tips coming- it is helpful. And definitely not annoying.

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  8. You could try a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Hey, I have an idea! Do you think you could fit inside the crate and sleep with him? I think that is a great idea!

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    1. I thought about it last night but I don't think it would work!

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  9. He is so adorable but yes a lot of work but it will pay off in the long run :)

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  10. OMG he's ADORABLE. Thanks for reminding me that I don't have time or energy for a puppy. I've had puppy fever really bad these last few weeks. Haha.

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    1. YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY GET A PUPPY. You have enough energy for puppies too!

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  11. I've been in the process of moving and then took vacation in the middle, but I'm finally getting caught up with blogs! Guinness is adorable and your anecdotes about his first days are preparing me for what I'll be in for later this summer. Puppies sure are lucky they are cute because holy work, Batman! Congratulations on getting him home and on the snow melting away a bit so your arena clears up.

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    1. Are you getting a puppy? What kind? Details woman!
      The snow is out of the ring. I just need it to firm up a bit

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    2. Another siberian of course ;-) I've got a thing for the breed. A little girl this time. Due Date in May, so home by August!

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  12. Ha what a sweet cute puppy tho! I'm sure he will settle into your routine in no time!

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    1. He's getting there! Plus I'm quite smitten!

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  13. For me, at my age, puppies are like grandchildren. I'd be happy to play with them as long as they go home with someone else as the end of the day. Ha ha.

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    1. Ed is agreeing with you! He's decided that this is the last puppy ever. We shall see...

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  14. Love those big paws and his ears too. He will be just fine, but you know that.

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    1. Oh I do. Early signs are that he's quite smart. I want the cuteness - just not the howling (or peeing)

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  15. What a sweetie! Crate training sucks, but he'll get it.

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    1. I am sure that you are right. Soon would be nice.

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  16. He is adorable. I can sleep through most things but don't think I could do it with a puppy howling. I love the name by the way. Perfect (but all your animals have perfect names so I shouldn't be surprised)

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    1. It's not easy. :) Thank you for the comment about the names. I probably spend far too much time thinking about them but to me they matter.

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  17. Replies
    1. I think the word you are looking for is 'crazy'. :)

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  18. Yep, not easy raising a pup, but he'll settle in soon. Although it's exhausting, I do think raising young ones is good for us!

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    1. I really hope so. It's made my heart lighter anyway!

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  19. Does he have that irresistible puppy smell? I bet he has that irresistible puppy smell.


    My dog came crate trained when I got him at 10 months. I've forever been thankful to the person who crate trained him! He loves his crate and I can barely get him out of it in the morning to go pee. He much prefers to sleep inside in his crate than outside.p

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  20. I love your cats. Black & white cats are the best.

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