This week has been a pivotal week for us, as he is now allowed out into the wider world, vaccinations having been completed. He loves his short walks but has to become accustomed to the constraints of a lead as he tears headlong through the village, snuffling and sniffing, stopping in wonder and terror for every car that goes by (no pavements for us to shelter on).
He has to learn to travel in the back of the car, behind the dog guard, and not to be afraid as the world whizzes by, and he has started puppy school - a safe place to meet other puppies and learn a few basic skills. He is also becoming a favourite in the village pub, where he has to learn to stay close to us and not to make a noise, yelping and barking. Today he met his first horse walking up the hill near our home, followed by a bike. So much to see and do and absorb.
His life is a social whirl and he is welcome everywhere he goes. Children exclaim and stop and pet him, parents and grandparents rush over to say hello and other dogs sniff him curiously. The party is definitely wherever he is! Our older dog looks on with a rather jaundiced eye, the centre of attention no longer and nose temporarily out of joint, but she graciously puppy-sits him every night for us which is a great relief.
Life has changed in the four weeks since we brought him home, our world has shrunk to the village with short trips further afield limited by his nap times. He is a very lively puppy and we are on puppy duty from 7am to 10pm with nap breaks, and it is wearing but rewarding too. Putting in time and hard work with him now will pay dividends in the future, but I am looking forward to having two dogs quietly settled in front of the wood burning stove one day, and running free on our rambles, enjoying the country walks that are such an important part of our lives here in Suffolk.
I can't stop looking at him. That beautiful face makes me smile. They are so-o-o-o much work but worth every minute of it. Enjoy his baby years, you know that they grow so quickly.
ReplyDeletePuppies, kittens and babies melt most hearts, don't they. It's full on, but fun times too.
DeleteOh, he's just lovely! I remember how very big a commitment those first months with a new puppy are . . . first year or so, really. . . but I'm still more than a bit envious. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete(and can you explain "boot of the car" -- I thought it translated as what we call the trunk, but I can't quite imagine you shutting him in the dark.)
It is rather like having a young baby in the house (plus a toddler - dogs never really grow up), so we are constantly busy. A clean kitchen floor is a real achievement and I have to knock back my expectations of what I can do in one day but February is a good time to kick back anyway and there is all of Spring and Summer to look forward to.
DeleteI suppose the boot of the car is a trunk, but no we don't shut him in the dark - we have a hatchback, so he is in the back, separated from the rest of the car by a dog guard and perfectly comfortable, if rather startled!
He is so gorgeous! It is lovely watching them at that puppy age, when everything fascinates them.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating to watch him, and the interaction with our older dog too, although that can get a bit too enthusiastic!
DeleteWho can resist him! I love his dark, silky coat.
ReplyDeleteWho indeed? And his coat is so soft too. Puppy class tonight - can't wait...
DeleteWhat a little beauty he is!
ReplyDeleteYou have the right attitude - a little inconvenience today for years of good behavior ahead.
He is rather beautiful and so bright too. We know from experience that what you put in now reaps rewards for years to come, so happy to be there for him now. I think the end of winter is actually quite a good time to have a puppy as there is all of spring and summer to come, although I have spent rather more time than planned in a cold, wet February garden this year!
DeleteOh Marianne, he is a true charmer. May we know his name? There is something about a young puppy's enthusiasm for every moment that is infectious. They seem to invite us to join their joy.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you do have the opportunity to get him off to a good start with training and acclimation to people, places, scents, vehicles and other animals. What a wonderful world! xo
Hello Frances - may I introduce Oskar? We had to cast around for a male name as I had intended to have another bitch, but events overtook us with this one, but it seems to suit him. Puppies are great fun and hard work in equal measure, but I really believe that unless you have the time to devote to them, it's better not to go there, so yes we are lucky that we can!
DeleteIt is amazing how soon you forgot how hard those first few weeks having a puppy can be. He does look so cute and I'm glad your other dog has accepted him. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteIt's only 5 years since we did this with our labrador, but had forgotten just how hard we have worked with her over the years to get her to be the settled dog she is now. At least we know that with time and patience, most problems resolve. At least the weather is improving...
DeleteAn immature 7 month old welsh terrier bitch called Mary is causing a riot at my home..........at the moment
ReplyDeleteNice blog
Riots help to keep us young - what else would we do? Have fun and chaos in equal measure John and thanks for visiting.
DeleteWell, isn't he just a gorgeous little guy! I imagine you will have some fun stories to tell. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHe is! Fun and hard work but mostly just adorable.
DeleteThat is a big commitment you have taken on there! He is very beautiful though. I wonder if this commitment will help you at all with your decision on where to live? Either way you will have not much time on your hands for a few months!
ReplyDeleteThe decision on where and how to live has not yet been resolved, although a bigger garden is now on the priority list. And yes, we are extremely busy!
DeleteHe's such a cutie. One day, when we don't both have a daytime job, I would love to have a dog. Reading this only convince me more that you really got to have the time. Anita xx
ReplyDeleteDogs need almost as much time, love and attention as small children, but very rewarding when you do have the time. Something to look forward to Anita x
DeleteHe is absolutely adorable. I love the look in his eyes in the first photo. Enjoy! :)
ReplyDeleteHe is, and a real character too! Wish me luck x
DeleteWhat a sweet puppy you have Marianne! I wanted to thank you for your comment on my blog and wish you a lovely time in Amsterdam. You will like it!
ReplyDeleteMadelief x
He is so cute and so naughty! Thank you Madelief - we are looking forward to our trip.
Delete