IT’s A BOY !!! Andrea Blunden, Positive Response’s Head Trainer welcomed “Chivas”, 8.5week old Hungarian Vizsla puppy into the family on Saturday 17th January 2010 by plane from Herbertus Melbourne Kennels.
The Family: 3 guinea pigs, 1 torte shell indoor cat (Alice Springs), Pearl (5yr old Giant Schnauzer x Wolf Hound) & lets not forget the human kids: Alec (just 3) & Olivia (5.5yrs). Busy & Love it!!!
After the passing of our older dog “Cedar” in November we knew we were a 2 dog family. The SECRETS out! we have never owned a new puppy. Pearl came to us at 4 months, Cedar at 6 months.
After helping so many puppy owners bond & cope with their new K9 family member and the many teething issues they face, it is our turn and boy have our heart strings been pulled. Tears welled at the sight of our perfect pup (paws & claws hadn’t even been ruffed up & that puppy smell is addictive).
There is something nice about owning a pure, genetically sound & brand NEW animal. As a trainer we do not get to pat/ touch the pups much in class, so my heart melted when I was able to hug & pat this pup.
All our animals have a story & when Selina our vet and owner of Cleveland Vet Surgery heard our news, she put me on a promise. “No more injured, broken, money bottomless pits, unsound animals – I have done enough. The Promise: If there is anything wrong he is to be sent back”. Sounds harsh but when you pay good money for an animal it should be immaculate in body composition, temperament & health. We PASSED & seriously it is a lesson that more animal owners should learn, if there is a problem - You can send them back!!!
Balance & Harmony is important to us.
Our animals are part of our lives and introducing a new puppy to the mix can be interesting & tiring to manage all the individual relationships. Introducing a puppy to an older dog to ensure appropriate interactions can be logistically difficult & recommend ensuring they are isolated from each other with viewing through crate/ sliding doors etc with small meetings in the garden without all the kids running around as well. ONLY if all goes well. Owners with two dogs note: please don’t rouse on your dogs for growling or lunging, as it only creates more friction between animals & you.
There has been some gruffs from Pearl & a swipe from Alice the Cat but after 8 days it is coming together.
So How Have we Set Up:
ü The Confinement (Playpen ) Area:
o : Playpen (in main family area)
o Bed
o “The Pet Loo – Dog Litter Box”. Fantastic investment. Neat, clean & eco friendly.
o : Water Bowl (place it somewhere they can not stand in it. We spent some time mopping up when placed towards the front of the enclosure.)
o : 2-3 toys (change 2 daily)
Area Note: Puppy’s can still see out & my existing family can see in safely.
Things Noticed & Tricks for Us Players:
ü Puppies really DO toilet almost every hour & after they eat, sleep, drink & play.
ü When they start wining, got ants in their pants etc. That’s not necessarily because they want to see you :- THEY NEED TO GO TO THE LOO.
ü We took Chivas out for toilets downstairs also to ensure he learnt the route. I have lost 2 kgs already from running upstairs & downstairs with the dogs (on track with the New Years resolution).
ü Yes we have had some accidents. On route to our area due to us saying our toilet word “Quick Quick” too soon. It happened within 10 seconds. If that nose goes to the ground sniffing, drop everything & get them to the toilet area.
ü We play games with our kids & they are great at freezing & using the “Ouch” technique when those puppy teeth connect. If you run- puppies will chase you.
ü Came home 3 days ago to find Chivas meeting me at the back door. He ESCAPED the enclosure!! Clever boy. With reinforcement & some bricks we thought we had him.
ü NO :- last night we had a visitor in our bedroom. YES he found a way to pull the Velcro open and wiggle through the hole. At Midnight we relocated him & his belongings to our study area with 4 solid walls where Pearl sleeps. Back to sleep in 15 minutes. Should have taken Dee’s advise and invested in a Crate (it has a roof).
o PS: Pearl sleeps on the end of our son’s bed. That’s what childhood memories are made off. No boogie man when Pearl’s around.
ü Chivas has been on lots of car trips, picked the kids up from school & kindy. We have strangers who pass us giving Chivas a treat.
