Puppy Daze

It's been a whirlwind trying to keep up with our furry pal, Sid. So many people told us puppies were a lot of work, and we just nodded and smiled and thought, "Well, we've had puppies before." Like childbirth, I guess we just forgot what the experience was fully about. It's been almost non-stop!

We enrolled Sid in doggy school the first week and it's been awesome for us and Sidney. Lori and Sara, the women who conduct the Good Canine Citizen Program at Dream Dogs are incredible. Sidney enjoys going every week and especially loves all the other dogs in the class. He is the youngest (and most exuberant) in the class, but catches on quickly. Jerry and I go together and thoroughly enjoy the experience of working with Sid in a totally positive way. The emphasis is based on the notion of what you want the dog to do (as opposed to not focusing on the negative behaviour). An important difference.

And Puppy Makes Three!

Well, it's a little over a week since we picked up Sidney at the Palm Springs Airport and our lives haven't been the same since. Several (short) walks a day, puppy massages, play times, treat times, and both of us trying to be as consistent as possible. It's been a lot of fun, but it's exhausting! When people say puppies are a lot of work, they aren't kidding.

On Saturday we started puppy obedience classes and are working at reinforcing good puppy manners and basic commands, such as sit and stay (good luck). Sidney has the "sit" command down pat and to date, has had only one accident in the house, which was not his fault. We both are vigilant about taking Sid out several times a day and that has certainly helped. We also have to be on puppy watch for his constant love of, and need for, chewing everything in sight. We substitute appropriate chew options such as Kong toys made for this purpose and have taken to puppy proofing our house (e.g., no slippers or shoes left on the floor).

Sidney loves the two older labs named Lucy and Murphy (the best trained dogs we have ever seen) who live a few houses away. When we take Sid for walks he always lingers by their house hoping to catch a glimpse of them. Sid was over the moon this morning when he saw them. Lucy and Murphy wagged their tails politely, and like the elder statesdogs that they are, they tolerate his very enthusiastic tail wagging and licking for a little while before they wander back to their home.

Mr. Sidney M. Doodle Enjoying Puppy Boot Camp!

Welcome, Sidney!

Dog Days!

In early February, Jerry and I will be picking up Sidney at the Palm Springs Airport. He'll be travelling all the way from Washington and we are very excited. Sidney is our new furry companion. He is a labradoodle, a cross between a labrador and a poodle. Right now, he's in a three-week training course that covers some of the basics in (a dog's) life such as bathroom routines and walking on a leash. We can't wait! Above are some pictures of Sidney.