New neighbors

Strange things going on.....

Token here ~

There are some stranges going on around here. The little skin kids have been home all day, no leaving for hours. I like them being here cause that means I get more play time with them.

There are these strange things called boxes and they are all over the place. Mom said I can't chew on them but I try now and then to get ahold of them cause they are good for chewing!

Mom and Dad keep talking about the "new" house, packing, moving and some other stuff I don't understand ..... wonder what is going on?

first day home to last night

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

He's getting so big.

Just wanted to add his collar is not to tight although it appears so in the pictures. I can fit two fingers between the collar and his neck :)

introducing other animals to puppy

We have 5 ferrets also known as The Fab 5 :)

Introducing (and any play time whether a pup or adult) any other pets to the puppy is always done with pup on a leash and well supervised with at least two adults. One to wrangle the dog and one to wrangle, in this case the ferrets!

Puppies use their mouths to investagate. I do not allow biting but I do allow a soft mouth. To be honest the ferrets nip more than the puppy does. We have already introduced and worked the "no bite" and "no teeth" with Token and as with any training it takes time for him to understand but he is doing really well.

He really liked the ferrets and could not figure out how to "get them to play" with him. He bowed, he pounced, he mouthed, he barked all to no avail, however playing hide n seek and chasing them worked well. By the end of the first intro he had it "mostly" figured out and so did the ferrets.

All in all it was a good experience for Token and one we plan to do again on a regular basis.

Pumpkin

Token here ~

Mom had family over. They had these huge balls that smelled funny but I wouldn't have minded chewing on them.

I had to stay in my crate most of the time because I love to surf the floor to find nummy's and mom said chocolate is not good for me and I'd find the pieces that the kids dropped all over the floor!

I didn't mind though I have a new toy and I chewed it into submission and then fell asleep!

the dreaded crate

A crate is a puppy owners bestfriend. The crate is a puppy's worst enemy, at first. The first time a puppy is put in the crate it usually is accompanied by howling, crying, and barking. There is however the odd puppy that likes there crate from the very first time they are placed in it.

Token was convinced when he first was placed in his crate that his little heart was breaking and no amount of toys or treats could convince him otherwise. He proceeded to howl for an hour. Not giving us a chance to take him out of the crate.

So how do I crate train? Below is how I crate train a puppy.
Crate is set up with toys and nummy treats. The puppy is placed in the crate, without shutting the door. The entire family gathers around to praise puppy for being in the crate. When the puppy comes out of the crate he is not forced back into the crate. Everytime puppy explores the crate he is praised for that.

I know that you are thinking how did the above get to howling. The free range for the puppy ends and the door is shut. Now puppy cannot leave the crate when he chooses to and that my dear readers is where the howling, crying and barking comes in. Anytime puppy barks, howls or cries he is IGNORED! Eventually puppy learns that being quite is how he gets out of his crate.

I know there are those who have a new puppy who are thinking well I cannot deal with all of the crying, howling and barking. Do not be faint of heart dear readers the puppy will stop this. There will come a time where puppy will learn to love his crate and will willing go into his crate. It is a rough road getting there but puppy will get there.