Jeannie found a class for me to take Rocky to teach him some manners! Tonight's session is for owners only, so Rocky is going to soccer practice with Donald and the girls while Jeannie takes me to school!
I just hope some good comes out of it because I'm at my wits end. If I was a married woman the law would probably be wondering if I'm being abused, bruised, bitten, scratched, etc. by a husband. I look like a walking disaster.
Also, I think I've been giving him too many "good boy" treats as he is feeling a bit listless today and has done some naughty things in the house. Did anyone besides my son Steve think I was too old to deal with a puppy? Well, don't tell Steve because I'm not admitting defeat, but I really hope the puppy lessons work. After this evening there will be a series of 6 with the dog. I hope I get something out of my class, thereby proving that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
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I think I can understand your son 😉 there is no way I would want to deal with a puppy. I wish you good luck though.
ReplyDeleteYup, I'm too old for a puppy and I'm younger than you. Plus having to do it all alone is tough. It's okay if it doesn't work, don't beat yourself up over it.
ReplyDeleteI told you I'd never have a puppy again. But hang in there. He will grow out of this stage and then it will all be worth it.
ReplyDeleteTry not to get frantic. Stay calm for this too shall pass. When? Don't ask me; I only know my experience training dogs is still going on after years of work, begging and pleading. Ha, yes I think we are both beyond this kind of venture. I'm exhausted for certain. Hang on Gypsy! Happy days soon to be.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a crate to put him in when you can't keep a close eye on him? An hour or two here-n-there isn't going to hurt him and at bed time. If you think you can, you probably can, you just need to work smarter at it, which is where the training classes come in.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you looked into a regular harness or a head harness (https://www.amazon.com/head-harness-dogs-Pet-Supplies/s?page=1&rh=n%3A2975312011%2Ck%3Ahead%20harness%20for%20dogs) to help control him while on a leash, since none of us are as spry as we once were. I has to do that with the last basset hound we had, as Gracie was so interested in smells I was the annoyance(too slow) at the other end of the leash.
Sounds like a good idea. I admire your spunk. I know I wouldn't want a puppy. I'd be inclined to get a middle aged dog who needs a home from the local shelter. But I bet you can do it.
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Deletesorry, for the double comment. Puppies are adorable but need so much exercise like running and playing. Lots of exercise for him will be important. I hope you can handle it .
ReplyDeleteKelly
Hope the classes work. My dad had a black lab but I think my dad's voice made the pup know who the boss was. He turned out to be a wonderful dog and super smart.
ReplyDeleteOh Gypsy, It breaks my heart to read your blog. I fear you are going to break your puppy's SPIRIT. This is the time in his life when he needs vigorous exercise - lots of running, playing, jumping, swimming, wrestling. All I hear about is CONTROL, cages, harnesses, constant watching, accidents, quick outside to bathroom, waiting to go to dog park. It is all so sad - he is bored to death and living the life of an old dog. I apologize for my comment and if you hate me. But someone has to speak up for the puppy. If you love something set it free.
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DeleteI'm going to make one general comment in response to all the above. I think maybe my biggest mistake is being honest with my feelings. I love this puppy, and I read the comments with a ball of fur snuggled in my lap. Is it easy, and are there times when I ask myself what in the world have I let myself in for, but in the long run I knew it all along and went into it willingly. I don't keep my dog in a cage, ever. I have a wire crate and the door is always open - he comes and goes freely and at his own pleasure. He loves to take a toy into it and try to see how it works and how much effort it will be to dismantle it!
ReplyDeleteHe hasn't yet come to grips with the concept of walking on a leash, but maybe I should never have mentioned it. If I'm even going to write about having a puppy in the first place I have to be honest, and honestly it is a lot of work, cleaning up after accidents, having him chew the furniture, or the biting/nipping that all puppies go through. I learned a lot in the "puppy parents' class" last night and know I'm going to be fine in the long run.
I hope I have written the last about this puppy, and I'm taking a break from blogging while I am enjoying him at the same time as being frustrated by him.
Take care, and I may be back once in a while, but I'm finished with daily blogging.
Don’t leave us Gypsy. I for one like to hear about your daily adventures, just carry on with the doggie you love.
ReplyDeleteI, too, hope you don't leave us out....That one commenter who thinks she has all the answers DOES NOT KNOW ALL! Dogs are like children. They have to fit in if they are to share our world. Maybe wild dogs can exist with no barriers---(of course they would have to find their own food!) but dogs who share our homes must be taught some rules.
ReplyDeleteI was almost 70 when we got our younger Yorkie. He just turned six, He STILL loves to play. I bought several pairs of tube socks---nice thick ones. Cut off the toe part. They make wonderful arm guards to shield my thin skin from his teeth and claws. Also have thick lined gloves that I wear over another pair. These are to shield from accidental wounds caused by excitement.
All I have to do is sit down on the floor. He heads for the toy box for his favorite squeaky chicken. I hope the classes help. I have great confidence that you will come through Rocky's puppyhood. And one thing is for sure. His spirit will NOT be broken. Nor will his heart! He is one lucky dog to have YOU for a mom!!
Have you tried getting him a ball? One of the best things about a retriever is that most of them are ball-obsessed and it is a great way to get their exercise needs met. Really very few people have enough energy to match a puppy, but with a ball you can play fetch for 20 minutes, then he'll sleep for 2 hours, then you can have another ball session. Especially good are rubber "Chuck-it" balls. You don't need the actual Chuck it thrower at this age but the balls are made of orange rubber and are indestructible. Highly recommended!
ReplyDeleteYou will not break his Spirit he will love you for being there for him. That is so ridiculous to think the dog should have the run of the house. Is that how anyone would raise a child to run amuck all over the place, I would hope not so why raise a pet that way. Gypsy enjoy your fur baby you waited a long time for him
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