October

This month has seemingly gone much more smoothly. Snicki turned 5 months old. We've officially had her well over 3 months. She listens when I say no. She stops her activity (chewing) and looks at me, and she won't continue until I look away or redirect her. She now knows that bathroom rugs are much nicer to lay on than to chew up. She no longer tries to grab my clothes while I get dressed. She no longer tries to get in the shower with me. She has very few potty accidents and those are because I am not paying attention. She has a lot of pretty white teeth, much bigger than Skittle's teeth! She can do "sit", "shake" and "turn around" as long as there is a treat in my hand. She is getting better with sitting for pics, but continues to do her best when mommy is holding her.

Yes, she is still chewing. But I continue to pick my battles. It is difficult to attend to her 24/7. Especially when I have paperwork to do, or laundry, or cleaning, etc. She has started to like a few toys, but for the most part would rather chew up things that she shouldn't.

On the fun side, we have participated now in *2* television appearances. Both Snickerdoodle and Skittle Doo performed beautifully. They did well with other dogs, did well with each other, and behaved like little champs! And we also participated in Growl-o-ween at Foxy Paws. Both dogs entered costume contests, and lasted through bad weather (tornados) which shut the mall down and shuttled all of us into a dark and dirty back hallway for about 20 minutes. I was so proud of how well my girls did with the day! It was a very long day, about 4 hours at the mall in total. And we had a great time!

Overall, I see a lot of little progress. I pray it continues, and I end up with two well rounded, happy, and adjusted dogs!

11 weeks

that's how long I have had Snickerdoodle as a part of this family. It seems like longer, and when I get frustrated, I need to remember how young she is, and how little time she truly has had to learn everything. In all honesty, we have had a good couple of weeks (KNOCK ON WOOD QUICK!). While she is still teething, which translates into chewing everything, she is also slowly learning the ropes.

The weather is finally giving us a break. We've stayed out of the hundreds for a few weeks, and have actually hovered in the high 80s. This week we even have some 70s for daytime highs. Rain comes with those cooler temps, so we have to work around that for our walks. But the walks have been a success ALL WEEK! They are on separate leashes, Skittle on a normal 4' leash, and Snicki on the short extender. Snicki is doing SO much better. Less jumping, less criss crossing, and not constantly trying to get to Skittle. And for Skittle's part, I have given her the full 4' to work with, so she is just that much ahead of Snicki when she needs to be. Today we walked for about an hour and 15 to 20 minutes :) I currently have two tired pups on the floor by my feet!

Snicki also had her surgery last weekend. I was out of town, so they got to keep her for 4 days. She has purple stitches AND has left them alone! She did very well, and came home as if nothing had happened. It certainly didn't dampen her energy level LOL!

Our future concentration will be on consistency of walking - to wear out the pup in order to get some training in. She has been difficult to train for one, because she is so hyper, she can't calm down enough to follow a command. And for two, Skittle wants the treats as well, so I have to attend to both. Snicki is smart tho, and I know she will pick up on the commands when it is time. I am giving all of us until about 6 months or so (which is mid November) to see how we are doing. If I feel like some formal training is in order, we will get in a class :)

Hope to post more good news in the upcoming weeks!

Not feeling up to pet momma of the year

Its been an interesting couple of months, to say the least. Lately I have felt like we have made more steps backwards than forwards. The day to day happenings in puppyhood are tedious with Snickerdoodle. She is definitely my second child, who is so much different in her first year than Skittle was. It certainly does not make me feel like I am doing things the right way.

Here are all of the things Snicki has "learned" lately. How to jump on the couches. How to run up the stairs. How to poop upstairs. How to run laps inside the house. How to chew up molding. How to chew up rugs. How to chew up dead crickets. How to chew up dead worms. How to throw up said crickets and worms. How to annoy Skittle on walks. How to quickly end a walk. How to make momma sit on the sidewalk and almost cry during a walk.

The good things? Snicki has lost at least 4 teeth, meaning there might be a light at the end of the chewing tunnel. Snicki has started to crawl into momma's lap for a kiss or occasional snuggle. She adores Skittle, and does know how to be passive around her - although Skittle hasn't quite figured her out yet. She stops for "NO", even if only for a second. She has become a very good eater, and is eating productively and quickly. And mostly, she is a sweet baby when she is tired.

I adore my girls, and try to find fun things to do every day, to help burn off the puppy energy. And to remember why I love them so much.

Working the deltoid

Ever heard the phrase one step forward, two steps back? That is what raising a puppy amounts to. You count your small successes as huge triumphs, and try not to get bogged down in the setbacks. Today has been a great day - at least I am telling myself that! The girls and I had some early success with walking on a double lead leash, the first few weeks. Not perfect mind you, but better than I had expected early on. But the past few days have been a nightmare. Snicki has decided that she needs to continually be on the grass. This essentially ends the walk, because she cuts off Skittle in the process, and Skittle comes to a screeching halt. Momma gets completely frustrated, and the rest of the walk is much the same. Tonight I came upon a solution.

Two normal leashes just don't work right now. Snicki manages to zigzag no matter what I do with her leash. So, at the end of our midday walk today, I got frustrated and took the double lead extension off, put Skittle on the normal leash, and Snicki on just the extension. As it turns out, the extension is the perfect length for teaching Snicki! Tonight I was able to keep her on my left side, although about 60% of the time she was pulling one way or the other. But it worked! Skittle was a happy camper, walking along on my right side, and Snicki was chugging along on my left. The double lead extension is basically the length of a leash, folded in half, and the two ends have the clips. I was able to attach those two ends together, and just hold the loop in the fold. Presto! Now Snicki can learn to walk close to me, and on my left side :)

The one drawback? I need to come home and get the weights out to work my right arm. Otherwise my left delt will be much more defined from holding Snicki in place, and away from the zigzagging :)

Making their television debut!

Looks like my pups will be in the limelight! Both girls will be on Good Morning Texas on Thurs August 19th, to feature doggie couture from Foxy Paws. Michelle Lamont, owner of Foxy Paws, selected my girls to be her models for Michelle's newest line of doggie clothing :) I get to be the proud backstage momma hahahaha! Now I can only hope they both cooperate and that Snicki doesn't chew up the clothing!



I'm taking them for a quick bath at my groomer's house tomorrow. I can bathe them both, but I cannot get anything but masses of curls afterwards. My fabulous groomer, Sherri Boyd, makes them both look beautiful. So, for a special occasion, it's worth it. I can't wait!

The Little Things

Slowly but surely, we are making progress. So far, today is a good day. I currently have a 13 week old pup laying in my lap, just chillin. Now, I have her on my lap because she couldn't seem to stop chewing up strands from the carpet, but she has relaxed enough to not want to get down anymore. THAT's progress. Her chewing has not improved, but we probably have until she is 6 months before that will really change.


She is also having less accidents, especially when momma is consistent in taking her out often, or just keeping her busy. At this point, I will take what I can get.


She is also turning into quite the sweetie pie. She gives kisses when she is tired, or just wants to snuggle. And also when she really doesn't want to go to bed, but knows that is where she is headed!


Her little noises crack me up too. She is a quiet complainer when she doesn't want to be picked up or redirected. She just lets out a little groan of dissatisfaction, and will continue these noises to try to get her way. Barking gets her nothing. I pay as little attention as possible to her barking in the kennel. She is great at night. but if she thinks people are home and having fun without her, she barks continually. Other than that, she might bark once to try to get Skittle's attention :)

The Potty Princess

I know she is only 13 weeks old, but come on! LOL!! This pup is able to hold it while in the kennel, and we have even had a few nights of no pottying all night! Woo hoo! But daytime? She is just too much. We could have JUST gone outside, and if she is in hyper mode, she will squat several times in the house. She is just a bit of a brat from time to time :) She just looks at me like "So what? Yeah, I pottied there! Whatcha got for me to chew up now?"


Chewing.... also improving, but not when she is hyper. It takes all I have mentally to restrain myself with her attacks. She loves skin. Got me good last weekend too. If she were a big dog, I would have considered it a bite. But I know her teeth hurt and she is looking for relief wherever she can get it. The attacks are awful tho. It's like she is sooooo angry that her teeth hurt, that she goes after me or Skittle like it's our fault. I can hand her toy after toy, or chewy after chewy, and she still comes after our skin or my clothes.


Growth.... I really think she is going to look more like Winni. The big sad eyes, the longer yet shorter body, and the silky wavy fur. When she is tired, and more still, she is adorable when she looks at you with those big eyes! When she is hyper, all I get to see are the teeth coming at me. Big ole alligator snapping mouth. Oh well, this too shall pass :)

First haircut

Tomorrow both of my girls get to go to the groomer!! YEA! This means, mommy will get a chance to clean rugs, carpets, and floors!! Okay, so that isn't exciting, but it does give me a chance to do a few things without fear of stepping on a small black fluffball. And if I'm lucky, I'll get a complete, uninterrupted, unbarkable, NAP in :)


I love my groomer. She and her daughters are the main groomers at this place, and they are fabulous! This will be the 4th cockapoo in the family she will be grooming! And I know I won't even have to ask.... she will likely come out with a small baggie of Snicki's hair, so her mommy can scrapbook the first clip! I am planning family portraits tomorrow afternoon/evening. I only have one picture me and the girls together, and it is just a snapshot. We'll see if I can swing it on a tripod, or if I need help. And of course, if there is cooperation and non biting from the puppy...

Status Update for the girls

The following is a list of where we stand with the continual training, and loving, or Snickerdoodle!

Still Needs Serious Help:

"stay"
"come here!"
"Snicki NO!"
Drinking without putting feet in the water bowl
Not biting or chewing hands, toes, backs of mommy's legs, collars, leashes, clothes, carpet, couches, molding, Skittle's appendages, doors, outdoor cement steps, rocks, leaves, sprinkler heads, Malibu lights, cabinet hardware, rugs, chair legs, pillows, bedsheets, comforters, her bed, Skittle's blankets, towels, rags, bottoms of garbage sacks, etc
Not stealing shoes
Allowing mommy to make the bed


In progress

Leaving the bath mat in place while I'm showering
Using the GRASS as a toilet. Still using the patio, but that's better than inside
Walking with Skittle on a leash
Walking alone on a leash
Getting along well with Skittle
"Down!"
"Speak!"
Sitting still for photo sessions


Doing Fabulously!

Eating
Sleeping
Making mommy happy
Loving Skittle
"Sit!"
Playing in the swimming pool
Playing by herself
Pooping
Watching Skittle
Getting under mommys feet
Running!


And only ONE item to mention for Ms Doo (of the Skittle persuasion):

Doing Fabulously!

Being the BEST example for Snicki to follow in every way, shape and form. Despite some early trepidation at being given the job :)

Snicki resembling Skittle

Okay so Snicki has a white streak down her front, and perhaps Skittle is getting a little grey. But the puppy-isms are starting to look familiar. Snicki has started to settle in a bit. Not always running from toy to toy or room to room. She is settling in on toys to really chew. Right now she is getting quit comfortable with small stuffed animals. Particularly those with ears, arms, or other small appendages to quietly chew on. The little dragon has a soggy little ear. The Pet Smart hotdog dog is missing an ear. And she is learning to love tennis balls and "swimming" as much as Skittle!

I have high hopes that my two girls will turn into BFFs :)

More than a week later...

I think Skittle and I will survive puppyhood with Snicker. I wasn't so sure those first two or three days. But I think so now. We have all gotten into more of a routine. I now know a few tricks to keeping the pup busy, and I am okay with using the kennel for "nap time" while I get things done.

The girls are very much enjoying the baby pool on hot nights. It kills at least an hour, and tires both dogs out. It also gives me a chance to breathe and not have to make sure the puppy isn't chewing something she shouldn't, and a chance for Skittle to do something she absolutely loves. PLAY IN THE WATER!!!

Snicki is still chewing everything in site. I had not really expected that to change in 9 or 10 days. But it is a bit more tolerable. It is just the repetitiveness of "NO SNICKI!" and/or snatching her away from what she shouldn't be chewing. After about the 1000th time, perhaps she will get it? And the potty training continues on. We go outside often and use the words "go potty" or "go poop" over and over, and over.... I know she will have accidents for a while, but she is getting to go outside all the time. Hopefully her bladder will continue to grow too! And on our weekend shopping trip to the puppy stores, I purchased a door hanging set of bells (Pavlov's dog anyone?) for her to hit when she needs to go out. For now, it is me making her paw or nose hit it every time we go out. :)

Trips to the doggy boutiques and bakeries are going to be a weekly thing too. I found out that one of the local places has Puppy Play Dates every Saturday morning at 9am. Guess where we will be from now on? Then a trip to Foxy Paws to visit our friend Michelle, and see what fun things she has that week!!

30 Minutes

This is my new time frame for everything. Thirty extra minutes to let dogs potty, eat separately, and potty again. Thirty minutes before the pup quits barking once put in the kennel. Thirty minutes for Skittle and I to chill together in the evenings by ourselves before WE go to bed. Thity minutes between potty training attempts outside. And 30 minutes of redirecting the pup to chew toys and both the furniture, my fingers, my shoes, or Skittle, is just about the limit of my frustration level.

Every day gets better and better. Look for a list of positives in the next post!

Day 3 - The Chew Zone

It's Monday, my first day back to work since getting the new puppy. I feel like I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions learning to deal with my first "baby" as she adjusts to life with my second "baby". I have found myself way more concerned about Skittle than is probably necessary, and not fully enjoying puppyhood with Snicki like I did with Skittle.

Today was a bit more rough tho, because Skittle is not showing her alpha side much at all today. Instead, when the puppy starts annoying, jumping on, or chewing at her, Skittle leaves the room. I know she needs a break, but it breaks my heart in the meantime knowing I have disrupted her life.

Snicki is adorable. She is cute, she is sweet as can be when she is sleepy, and she is FULL of life. But right now, we seem to be right in the middle of "the chew zone". It goes from fleeting moments chewing on toy to toy, to almost obsessively trying to chew the rugs, the sprinkler heads, the couches, or Skittle. Now I can handle her chewing on me. And I have NO problem correcting her and saying "no" all day long. I know for a fact that Skittle went through this same stage. She chewed on her sister/littermate Winni! But it seems so much harder to deal with this time. Trying to keep Snicki from annoying Skittle, and in the meantime loving on Skittle whenever I can, is so hard!

I know I was able to raise Skittle from a 7 week old crazy pup to a wonderful 7 year old dog. I know I can do the same with Snicki. Now if I can quit obsessing over Skittle's reactions to everything, and enjoy the fun moments as they come.....

Snicki adores Skittle, looks up to her, follows her, and is DYING for Skittle to play with her. Skittle is not 100% on Snicki yet. Hopefully each week will get better and better. Shoot, we are skipping the potty pads and going straight for the outdoors! Snicki is doing fantastic with that! So there is my good thought for the day.