I have written loads on this forum about how i have found it hard at times to cope with puppy madness. I feel i need to come back here after a wee while away from posting my feelings and write some possitive stuff. Penny is now 7 and a half months old and has changed in so many ways. I know that the experts on this forum have advised me so many times to stick out the crazy months of puppy hood and at times i thought it was never going to happen. I am not going to say that Penny is a perfect lap dog that just obeys every command but she is such a sweet heart and has proved her worth a thousand times over. She has had to deal with a serious wound on her paw and 6 wks recouperation then straight into her first season. I felt she would go stir crazy and forget all she had learned. She has been off lead for the first time today and she was still a dream with recall. I also took her to my work in the car and although it was a bit daunting she got in the car and sat fairly well with my daughter. I am a nurse manager in a unit for elderly people with dementia and Penny was brilliant. She was a bit excited when we arrived but she was as good as gold with my residents and it brought a tear to my eye when she sat beside one gentleman and let him stroke her head. I know i still have a dog that loves attention and i need to put all specs and remotes up as high away from her as she demolishes them and my slippers dont stand a chance..she also still needs some more training on lead. But i couldn't have been prouder today as everyone loved her and commented on how well she behaved. I just feel that everyone who is trying to get through the crazy crocopup whirling dervish stage should take heart that it all of a sudden starts to come together. I am not a dog expert and this is my first lab pup but they are so intelligent that if you love them they give it back a thousand fold.
So lovely to read threads like this. It helps new members enormously to read such inspirational little soundbites. It really does get better, and when it does it is just an awesome feeling!
That's lovely to read! If this is the case with my dog, I've just got two more weeks till he calms down! Looking forward to it!
Such a nice post to read. Well done for sticking in there. Dogs are a roller coaster, but the love you get from them and proud moments like in the care home are to be treasured.
Oh, this is great to hear!!! Well done for sticking with it. Penny sounds like an absolute delight, you must be very proud!!!
How wonderful! It is very true that puppyhood can be so very challenging but it is amazing how soon you forget all the hardships once your pooch matures.
It's great to be able to share when something goes right or you have a proud moment. Well done Penny, maybe she could have a day with you at work every now and again - I am sure the residents would look forward to it.
What a great read this morning...it put a big smile on my face. Aren’t labs the most amazing pups? Good on both of you!