Week one of puppy training
Well, that was a little unexpected. Everyone is really just trying ot figure out why someone with low vision, and night blindness would get a black dog. I don’t really know. Because my husband wants me to write a book so he can retire?
Retirement seems so very far away. Though at our age we should really be thinking about the futre instead of just tomorrow. But ost of the time we are just thinking about today. Meanwhile, life should be somewhat enjobavle for someboday. And maybe this book will work. I mean what kind of blind fool would get a black dog?
Because the timing seemed right I saw an adorable little shih tzu litter that was local and he was ready just as harvest was coming to a close. Okay, maybe there is no real good time. Just like having children after the debts are payed off. Then suddenly another large debt ecrus. And I will have time to get him potty trained before the next grand child arrives. By then we will all fall in love him..
Maybe it’s all wrong and timing has nothing to do with it at all. What makes me think that I can’t sit on the sofa alone? I have tried for six years to get Honey to sit with me. It usually only lasts about ten minutes..
Because I’m lonely is not really a very good excuse either. I mean who really wants to go outdoors six times or more a day just to experience the weather because they need another companion? Loneliness is a beast. But at least now I have something to say to some little body more than just the occasional phone calls.
Because my Golden Doodle is too hyper and too big to sit on my lap. And she chooses not too. There are days that I honestly think about not having her “in the way” when people come. She is certainly not helpful with her exuberant greeting and jumping all over the compay with a frisbee in her mouth. And most of time for me, she is simply annoying when we have company. I guess what makes me think Kona will be any different?
Because I have missed having a “scueduled” existence? Df I really need to go my whole day not even considering the hour, or lunch time, or forgeting to drink while I listen to a book and crochet for hours at a time? It’s not good for the self=care to NOT self care. So here goes to scheduled existence. Constent walks outside, and meals at at scheduled times.
Because he was cheap, well, initial price was not in the break the bank category that’s for sure. No need for down payments and waiting for the gestational time to pick out the cutest one in the litter. This one was just right. And has the personality to match.
Because a blind lady training any kind of puppy is hilarious! I mean just the other day I used my guide dog to help me outside in the dark to take the little guy potty. If that’s not funny- I don’t know what funny is. So one of the best tools for this job is the microfiber rags. I sorted throu the stash and pulled out all of the yellow ones. A knot ot two of the corners makes for a great tug toy “rag doll” for puppy. And just in case there is an oops it cleans up the floor quickly.
Because I was not even prepared for a little dog, he came at his own time. We had to go get a harness. And one day I had my daughter pick up some smaller chew bones. Other than than I am planning to go cheap on this fella. Old cloth braid for a tug toy. Rag dolls out of the microfiber towels,, and old towels cut in half for the crate cloths. Oh, and his food was about twety dollars. So far the dollar tally is about 250 dollars of entertainment.
Because getting the supplies and puppy needs makes be resourceful when I can’t even drive to the store. Oh, all right, I am already resourceful. This just gives me a reason to use my talents. Being resourceful is “fun” for me. Other people find it frustrating or too challenging.
Because I was bringing the cat into the house way more than I should have. You know, a cat only uses the litter box two times a day maybe, but a dog has to go out six or seven times. The cat was more apt to cause allergy issues for the family. And this little fluff ball can be by more side or in my lap way more that a cat.
Because I am really quite stupid of brain and loving of heart. Yes, truth be told, my love for animals came at an early age. I an get quite attached to the wrong critter completely. Like taking care of horse for twenty years that is on my worst known allergy list! Well, my brain said don’t get a puppy for so long that that’s all that I really wanted was a puppy.
This week has been full of many first experiences for Kona. Like having to wear a leash on harness ALL the time. Dragging around a stop cord is essential for catching a puppy in trouble or about to be in trouble. It’s easer to stop the offensive behavior if you can just hold a cord and ask the puppy to “settle” on their own. It teaches them so many self= control options.
All kinds of first things like his first walk in the rain with my grand daughter. She just loves the weather. And wants to experience all of it. So thank goodness he is not white! A romp through the puddles is perfect for mud boots and a black doggie!
First reading therapy session with the same child went very well. Kona fell asleep just like he should. And the sound of a child’s voice is so good for resting. And children love to read out loud to a dog. It is so good for them both.