Two months ago, I was curled up in the fetal position at the end of most days, wondering how a 9 pound ball of fur could bring so much chaos to my life. I was distraught more often than not and my arms/hands were covered in bite marks. I wondered what in the world I had done! Once we hit the 16 week mark, things really started turning around. It has really been great watching Rue mature over the last few weeks. The biggest changes: 1. The biting has ceased, and we can finally cuddle and love on her without blood being shed! Do you know what torture it was not being able to pet on her?! 2. She goes to the door every single time she needs to go out. Accidents in the house are very rare (the last one was almost 2 weeks ago), and she hasn't peed in her crate in over a month. 3. She sleeps through the night completely now. And when she wakes up before us in the mornings, there's no whining or barking. She'll just play quietly in her crate. 4. She listens so much better now. A good majority of the time, she listens to our commands. Unless it involves paper. There's no stopping her once she has paper in her mouth. Just wanted to post this as encouragement to others with young puppies. HANG IN THERE! I was convinced I had a little devil for a dog, and it's amazing to me how far she has come and how much she has matured in the past month. Be persistent, it really does pay off. I know there will be trying times ahead with her, and who knows, she may even go through periods of regression. But I feel like if you can make it through those first couple of months, you can make it through anything!
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Ah I'm glad you are past those tricky puppy antics....the rose tinted glasses will help your reminisces about your little puppy in the future. So kind of you to post to help other members going through the crocopup stage x
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. So glad things are looking up for you both
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Fantastic to hear - and very heartening for others still in the 'fetal position' stages
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Fabulous - the bit between "stopped biting" and "arghhhh....teenager". Enjoy! ;D ;D ;D
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. [quote author=JulieT link=topic=8450.msg119516#msg119516 date=1414174836] Fabulous - the bit between "stopped biting" and "arghhhh....teenager". Enjoy! ;D ;D ;D [/quote] We're coasting into this glorious period. Definitely going to make the most of it! ;D
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Good news! The bitey stage seems to last forever when you're going through it doesn't it? And then suddenly it's over and you realise it was no time at all.
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Glad to here you made it through, and can give hope to those who feel like it's never going to end!
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Thanks for that Last night I was definitely ready to curl into the foetal position with Gibson biting my daughter making her cry and my daughter waking him up every time he started to settle down. It's so nice to think that it'll end. And no, don't go telling me about all this teenage dog stuff either, leave me my illusions.
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. Great news, gives us bite'ies some hope.
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. I don't know, tom. We've both got a week to go. I'm not seeing much change here, unless there's a secret switch somewhere. I donated blood last week. They usually check quickly for drug abuse, but he was checking my hands and arms pretty carefully until I pulled out my cell phone and showed him a picture of Sara. ;D
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. [quote author=Joy link=topic=8450.msg119524#msg119524 date=1414175668] Good news! The bitey stage seems to last forever when you're going through it doesn't it? And then suddenly it's over and you realise it was no time at all. [/quote] Yes! The biting phase is all-consuming when it's happening but quickly becomes a distant memory.
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. [quote author=JulieT link=topic=8450.msg119516#msg119516 date=1414174836] Fabulous - the bit between "stopped biting" and "arghhhh....teenager". Enjoy! ;D ;D ;D [/quote] Agree with Paul below ... let us believe the worst is over :
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. [quote author=chrism link=topic=8450.msg119767#msg119767 date=1414273231] I donated blood last week. They usually check quickly for drug abuse, but he was checking my hands and arms pretty carefully until I pulled out my cell phone and showed him a picture of Sara. ;D [/quote] lol, did you explain your Labrador addiction?
Re: The 4 month mark has really been a turning point for us. After reading this I now have hope. My arms constantly stay scratched up! I don't remember this happening with my last Labradors - at least not this long.
