Many times, visitors are overlapping (one is late or the other early) and I am fine with that. I just hope that when this happens, you don't refrain from asking questions. Never hesitate to ask questions, it is what I am here for. Just be patient and I will always get to you.
It also never fails that more than one family will fall in love with one particular pup because THAT pup, THAT day is 'just what they are looking for'. Please know that EVERY pup given the right day and right time, will act the very same way! Puppies are like a two year old and anyone that has children remembers that time - every day was different because both bodies and minds are growing rapidly and all children grow at different rates just like puppies.
Yes, some pups seem to have a more complacent temperament than another but don't be mislead by this - that pup WILL have bouts of crazy behavior full of excess energy. That is a good sign that you need to play/train with your pup more because he is not tired enough. A tired pup/dog is a well behaved dog. Without enough play, training or attention - I can guarantee you that your pup will drive you nuts with whining, barking and mischievous antics.
Lastly, active families with small/multiple children that have lots of sport schedules, numerous house guests/kids and full lifestyles cannot have the softest, calmest puppy in a litter. You need the exact opposite - a pup that is active, confident, has a quick recovery and loves action. A 'calm' puppy will suffer in this environment - it is overwhelming for them and they could quickly turn into an anxious, biting pup as a form of defense. So, be sure that you are truly ready for a pup; and be truthful to yourself about how this pup will interfere with your typical day(s) at least initially. It is a lot of work - and I don't mean cleaning up after the pup, that is the easy part. I speak of the added stress, impact on the family schedule, sleepless nights, screaming kids when the pup bites in play and the hours in training classes.
It is DEFINITELY worth all the effort - especially if you do it right. :+)
It is DEFINITELY worth all the effort - especially if you do it right. :+)
What an excellent post! We tend to "freeze frame" our memories, parsing out for our favorite ones (the calm puppy, the playful puppy, the one who looked right into my eyes!), and then, when that puppy turns out to be oh, so much more than that, reality hits.
ReplyDeleteAnd amen to the tired pup/dog is a good pup/dog. That means you are doing a lot of things right!
Also, amen to the part about being honest with yourself about how a new pup will impact your life. The more honest you are, the sooner you'll see the need for adjustments in how you approach things, and the sooner your new pup will fit well into your lives.
Also, it is all so worth it!! Few things make me happier than how happy our dogs are to be with us. "Be worthy of your dogs love" is a saying I once heard. I think its true. A dogs unconditional love, along with the way they reflect how we care for them back to us through their behavior, is a good indicator of how we are doing with our lives.
Annabelle doodle pups have such a strong foundation from which to build, it is most definitely worth putting the proper time in. Plus, its just a heck of a lot of fun, mostly ;-)
Meant to say "makes them good indicators of how we are doing with our lives." Currently, I am moving much too quickly through mine, apparently lol!
DeleteThanks Kelly! You made excellent points and I hope others that read this blog understand that 'being real' equates with 'being ready' to bring a pup into your life!
ReplyDeleteWe got our Quechee from Joyce last November and she is the light of our lives. I'm not a crier as a general rule but I cried three times in the first two weeks we had her. Joyce is right - the floor piddles are nothing. It's like saying diaper changes are the most challenging part of having a baby.
ReplyDeleteAnd with your dedication, love (and tears) Emily, Quechee is now the mascot of the dogie day care facility she attends - playing with puppies and being a good buddy to all her furry friends. There is no limit to what great training and patience will bring. :+) Kudos to you for sticking with it! :+)
ReplyDelete