On October 15, my husband and I welcomed a 3.5lb (1.59 kg) Cavapoo Penny into our home. She was transported to us from Ohio. Before the animal activist come at me, I wanted a smaller breed so that she can travel with me on a plane. The rule for airlines is: you can bring a pet weighing 17 lbs into the cabin. I could not do this with my past dogs. It was expensive to have them cared for, and I missed having them with us.
Readers of WTH have read about our two dogs that passed this spring. It was devastating, especially when my Shuggy left us. It took six months, and we got a puppy. My family tried to discourage us and thought we were too old to handle a puppy. Penny would be our fourth canine, so what was the big deal?
Puppy Handling 2024
My daughter, who has a mini golden-doodle. She and her girlfriend are the dog version of helicopter parents. Before Penny’s arrival, they sent me instructions with a forced nap schedule. On that sheet were links to YouTube videos and a suggestion to join the Puppy 101 group on Reddit.
WTH is Forced Napping?
Puppies should sleep between 18-20 hours a day. This helps set a consistent schedule and works in tandem with crate training. Scheduled crate training was not done with my previous dogs. Honestly, I considered a crate to be a jail and couldn’t enforce it. I only had a schedule for food and drink, and potty training happened in our backyard with a doggie door.
This is Penny’s crate. I know it looks like puppy jail to us humans, however pups see it as a den and feel safe in it.
This is Penny’s play area. We limit her space, because she is not potty trained and or ready for complete freedom. Behind her is a door to the backyard and if she needs to pee, then we can take her out quickly. Small dogs have little bladders and need to go out almost every hour. However, she will not mess in her crate and as long as you carry her directly outside she will not have an accident. When she goes outside and does her business she gets a treat and a good girl every-time. Next step is to tell us she needs to go outside by either ringing a bell or pushing a button that says LET ME OUT!
Evening
At four, we take her out, potty break she either lays on our laps with her bully stick and an oral comforting agent for her teeth. Plan B a pet pen with her toys in it. This is her longest period awake. After dinner and another trip outback, she goes to bed at 7:00 pm. She gets taken out at 11:30 pm before we go to bed.
Clarification of the Routine
Puppies have small bladders, so eliminating once an hour is typical. When she is taken out of the crate, Penny gets carried until we get outside. She will not go while she’s in your arms. Two hours in the crate the tank is full and should be emptied as swiftly as you can. She has never soiled her crate. Generally not always dogs don’t go where they sleep or eat. How will we determine when she is potty trained? She will indicate her need by using a bell or going to the door. I am working on an alternative to push a button that says LET ME OUT!
Training
Earlier in my story, I told you about the instructions I received from my daughter. The YouTubes were all about teaching the pup. This is an excellent means of information. I practiced many tips and found them helpful. Two trainers I follow are Zak George and Happy Hound. To train your puppy, you lure them with treats. The treats considered special are of high value. Luring is still essential to get Penny motivated. with practice, the lures will not need to be used.
I came across an online program K–9. This 10 week program teaches you to train your dog like a service dog. You use hand signals and once they pick it up, name them, ex: sit, watch. The reason for this is dogs don’t speak human. I’m moving along at our own pace. I am working toward making Penny well–behaved.
Zak George has many dog topic specific videos. This is a good resource to get started.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ahjvqnDuw
The link provided above is for another trainer Michelle Lennon, she is very calm and gives you instructions that are easy to follow. There are many dog training videos on You tube which, is a great resource to enlighten you to dog training.
Loose Leash Walking
Everyone wants to walk their dog calmly, but the dog pulls, a loud noise startles, another dog comes by or a random squirrel pops out. Regarding pulling, even my 7 pounder can pull me. Loose leash walking is precisely what it sounds like. If the leash can maintain slack, then the dog is not dragging you. The way to do this is if you take a few steps backwards, it creates slack. Another strategy is to lead your dog in a circle. This prevents them from going where they intended. When the dog realizes this, it will stop tugging. My favorite tip is when your pup lays down and refuses to move, lower the leash straight to the ground.
The trend in walking your dog is not the old fashioned heel.. A loose leash prevents the annoying pulling. The pup parent learns techniques to help their dog enjoy their walk and to not make it an unwanted chore. It takes a while and some intestinal fortitude, however once your dog gets it, walking will be a better experience for both of you.
Puppy Entertainment
Puppies have a lot of energy and little focus. Any unplanned time needs some busy possibilities. Young pups are teething, so if they are not engaged they are like a land shark. One item I found helpful is an oral gel for canines called Skout’s Honor sold from Chewy. I place it on the end of a bully stick and it can occupy Penny for at least 10 minutes. Fetching with a ball is a favorite. A lick mat with pumpkin puree put in the freezer also helps with her mouth discomfort. Plenty of stuffed animals and rope toys on.
Puppy Essentials
Before you home your dog, here are some suggestions of items that you will need and a few that you may just want.
Essentials
Leash, collar, crate, Snuggle Puppy, blanket for crate, two dog bowls, dog food, toys tug and pull, dog hairbrush & shampoo, oral gel, poop bags, or wee, wee pads, puppy car seat, jacket, book a vet, You tube training videos.
Extras
Pet pen, sling carrier and puppy kindergarten
Picking a Veterinarian
There is a considerable shortage of Vets and assisting personnel. Get references and check their reviews. You want someone who is empathetic and will do anything, including a referral, if your pet has a health crisis. This is an important step in making certain your fur baby has a lengthy, healthy life.
The responsibility of caring for a pet is a serious commitment. It is difficult, but also enjoyable. On Reddit, Puppy 101, there are many owners that have the puppy blues or end up re–homing their pup. Penny and I are excited for a long journey. Is Getting a Puppy as a Gift a Good Idea? If you still think so after reading this article, then go for it. WTH!
