Back in the day–we’ll if I’m honest, back not so many days ago–I would’ve told you I’d NEVER be a dog owner. And now, here I am, chewing at the bit to go pick up my 9 week old German Shepherd puppy. There was a conspiracy against me and YOU know who you are. *points finger* But despite my initial 44 and half years of dog ownership reservations, I’m actually very excited that I’ve changed my mind. Obviously word of mouth is a powerful thing. I’ve been exposed to too many happy dog families lately. And I am a mom of three boys–isn’t there a manual that says a puppy is mandatory? That’s what the kids were telling me anyway. The new Sabatini pup, to be named Riley, was supposed to come home yesterday but with the weather and some other unavoidable issues, the pick-up got cancelled. Boo! Now I’m waiting to reschedule either Friday, Saturday or Monday and while we sort it out, all the Sabatini’s look a lot like this…
We’re just waiting around.
(Not the actual puppy in case you’re wondering)
We’ve never even met the little, but everyone in the house is both nuts with anticipation and a little bummed at the same time. Once you make the decision to give a home to a pup, you don’t want to wait to bring him home. But we have to. *growls like a ferocious puppy* Hopefully by my next blog post I’ll have real puppy pictures for you. In the meantime, it’s time to give me your very best piece of puppy parenting advice. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
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Aw, you’re gonna love having a puppy! We just got a new dog November 1st. Doc said she was probably around 8 weeks then. She’s a lab mix. She’s so much fun and the kids are loving her. We lost our lab in April, so it’s nice having a dog in the house again. And the kids are much more into this one, they never played with our older dog. This one they are responsible for, so it give them purpose! Enjoy! Here she is, her name is Abigail:
Opps, well, you can’t see the photo. But I’ve posted some on Facebook so you’ve probably seen her around!
I have seen her–she’s adorable. <3 And I agree, my boys are eager to be involved with this pup. And they are only getting older and more responsible. <3
Oh boy! I can’t wait to hear more about the new Sabatini family member! 🙂
What wonderful and exciting news! Dogs definitely bring so much joy into a home! They cuddle, and scratch, and shake around! They learn tricks that you might not have thought they could learn. They will do tricks, even without being asked!, in the hopes that they will get a treat! Ha ha ha. Our dog puts his chin on everyone’s lap during meal times. He definitely scores some scraps with the puppy-eyed looks we are given!
My best advice, as a new dog owner myself in my thirties (previously, I had birds and fish only!), would be patience, patience, patience, and TREATS! Treats for EVERYTHING done well. Our little turkey came knowing “sit” and one or two other commands, but he had a terrible first two weeks with potty training. It’s messy, but have a lot of towels on hand and you will do fine!
I’ve seen gorgeous views from your house that you posted on FB—I’m sure your pup will LOVE going for nice walks all around—and can even accompany you on your runs! 🙂
Enjoy this fun time, and I can’t wait to see some pictures of the little guy!
Dogs are the best therapists/friends/confidantes ever for teenage boys, trust me. Plus, another mom told me once that you have to have a dog when you have teenagers so someone in the house is happy to see you, lol! So you’re right on schedule!
Repetition repetition repetition!!!! Make sure all in the house follow the same training and you will have a housebroken pup in no time 🙂 Have fun 🙂
Puppy classes for socializing is a must. Let everyone and everyone love him up… The less afraid he’ll be of people. Take him for walks where he can see hats, umbrellas, traffic. And positive enforcement with treats is what I’ve found works best…Stuie is super food motivated