Can I ask another question? Sorry, I just have so many. How do people manage who need to go out? Whilst we have tried to keep our calendars as free as possible, we have two evening events coming up this week. The first one, I can probably use my own car and join my husband for 2 hours and then leave. The other a few days later, will be 3/4 hours. Red will be 13 weeks at this point.
We've been very lucky in that our families have helped a LOT! Especially my OH's parents - without them we would not have managed. If we really couldn't get out of the event (we had weddings etc) then they used to look after him for us. Do you have someone who could pop in?
Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately no. We are out middle March and I have arranged family and friends to have both dogs then but not for these two events. I have a neighbour who may be able to help - I need to work on this tomorrow - I am getting in a bit of a tizz about it.
Now I'm going to suggest something unorthodox but don't all clutch your pearls quite yet - a kennel. Xena's kennels sometimes take wee puppies, but they're not kept in the main kennels. They stay with the owners in their home and are kept separate from the older dogs. If you're unable to find a trusted person to drop in after 2 hours for a wee and a play, then that might be an option.
If I only lived in the UK, I'd have SO MANY puppy auntie possibilities! I wish I could offer to puppy sit. Of course, you may not get him back.
Thank you so much for everyone's support last week when I felt so horribly negative and low. I have got up the last three nights (second two nights twice) and Red has had a dry and clean crate each time. This has got the start off to the day on a positive and although I am desperately tired and weary, I am feeling so much better. We had a good weekend and last night I settled Red on her bed in the sitting room (I had her leash on) and she sat/lay on it for over 10 minutes whilst our older dog lay beside us. I was giving them treats (Sky older dog has cottoned on to these treats - we have never used them with her before but hey, if it helps them be together). We also had visitors Friday and Sunday so lots of socialisation going on. This week hope to get my head around training more but happy with what has been achieved in the past few days. I am still concerned about the two evenings we have out but presumably if we come back to a soiled crate - I hope we don't - we can get back on track - am I right? I love this site and forum
You really, really want to avoid your puppy having to toilet in the crate. It can be very distressing to them. I would suggest using a pen for when you have to go out so, if she needs to, she can toilet well away from her bed or, if that's not an option, confining her to a room where she can't hurt herself or anything of yours, like the kitchen, maybe?
Progress? 4 dry and clean nights but I have got up twice as instinct has told me she needs that. Hopefully I can extend the time a bit. No accidents in the house for several days. Harness on yesterday using treats - harder the second time but got in on this morning and we went out on the drive and just walked about a bit. I kept asking her to sit and rewarded her with a minute treat each time. Managing to spend two 10 minute sessions a day with older dog just having them on their beds (Red on leash) and taking turns in giving treats. Red is still too full on if I have her off leash and Sky (older dog) backs off and looks to us for escape. However, little glimmers. Red is almost 12 weeks. Still battling with my negativity as I am so desperately tired.
You & Red are doing unbelievably well. Does Sky have a puppy-proof place she can retreat to for some rest ? When you manage catch up on your sleep you will feel so much better, you will be able to celebrate the massive steps we can all see you've made.
Be careful what you wish for! And don't think I've not already checked - you're a 13 hour drive from me, darnit. On the other hand, you do just happen to be in my drive path between here and Germany, so you're not totally safe.
Yes, Sky has plenty of places to go fortunately. Thank you for your kind words - means a lot to me whilst I am in this fragile state
Feeling sad and cross with myself. I thought I had done everything right today and Red went into her crate for a rest. She was muttering, whimpering a bit but she usually does this and then settles. Went to do a quick job and she's still whimpering when `I get back - she'd wee'd all over her bed. Feel so bad. Surely this happens to other people?
