Introducing,... Bonny! (This is for you Jay!)

[Shea]

I finally have my very first dog! I've never owned one of my own before, and so we decided that now was finally the time. We went down to the shelter yesterday thinking we wanted something like a Jack Russel, but I fell in love instead. :nod: :D She's a shepherd mix and I couldn't take her until today because she was just spayed. She's nine weeks old and what made me fall in love with her were those ears! I love how they flop forward! :lol:

I wanted to give her an Elvish name because of how her ears attracted me to her. Tolkien doesn't name many female elves in LoTR, so I wanted to name her after myself (since I'm the one training her anyway!). My name in Elvish is Arne (pronounce the 'e' like an 'a'). Leo thought it too odd, so we agreed on Bonny Blue because of her color.

It was hard to take her picture because she never stops moving! We'll get to that eventually. Right now I just want her to potty outside.

[Idril]

I wanted to give her an Elvish name because of how her ears attracted me to her. Tolkien doesn't name many female elves in LoTR,...

He named dozens of them in The Silmarillion, Idril is one of them (She's Elrond's paternal grandmother). Some of the names are quite beautiful and some are quite odd but Bonny Blue sounds like a perfect name for your adorable little puppy. Congratulations...and good luck with the potty training. ;) :lol:

[Shea]

Yeah, I haven't gotten to that one yet. But even looking through the Appendices of LoTR, there really wasn't anything to really fit her. Leo was still set on giving her a "sensible" doggy name anyway.

She's had a couple of "accidents" (puppies have to go a lot!), but she's getting the hang of it. I also have to get her one of those Kong chew toys and treats so she'll be happier in her crate.

[Virgil]

She's great Shea!!! She should make a great dog. If you haven't noticed, dogs are one of my loves.

Some words of advice, since you say this is your first dog. There are three important things in raising a pup: discipline, exercise, and love, in that order of importance. I think the last two are self-explanatory. By discipline, I mean two things: (a) setting boundaries and getting her to understand "no", which will be difficult, but keep drilling it in and when she grows up she'll understand, and (b) regularity of schedule, meaning feedings at the same time and walks at the same time every day. That routine and order provies a sense of assurance to a dog and will make them less skittish.

I hope you've got a puppy book that will help you with certain things. You can always ask me if you wish.

[Shea]

Actually, can you advise me on her biting? I've got her plenty of toys for now. She loves them, especially the Kong toy. I try to redirect her biting to something like the rope bone, but still (most of the time) when I go to pet her she takes it as an invite to start gnawing on my hand. I try to stop giving attention and ignore her for a few seconds (the way the training video taught), but she doesn't seem to get the message. Maybe I'm too impatient, after all she is only a puppy.

[Virgil]

Actually, can you advise me on her biting? I've got her plenty of toys for now. She loves them, especially the Kong toy. I try to redirect her biting to something like the rope bone, but still (most of the time) when I go to pet her she takes it as an invite to start gnawing on my hand. I try to stop giving attention and ignore her for a few seconds (the way the training video taught), but she doesn't seem to get the message. Maybe I'm too impatient, after all she is only a puppy.
I know, it takes a lot for pups to stop mouthing and chewing. First, they don't have hands, so their mouths are how they explore the world. Absolutely do not tolereate her biting. Get very stern with her when that happens. Another trick for mild mouthing is to make believe she's hurting you by high pitch whining like a dog being hurt. She doesn't know how hard a bite is painful yet, so she's testing, and it's best to let her think that a soft pinch is more painful than it really is.

It sounds like you're doing the right things in redirecting her. Best overall thing is to tire her out with organized play. I don't know if you have a closed up back yard, but if you do get her to run around as much as possible she'll be less naughty. A tired pup is a good pup. Bad news is, she'll probably get worst when she starts teethng. I think that's in a couple of months.

[Nightshade]

Oh wow cute dog....you make me almost forget that IM terrified of them and want to go out and get one myself *sigh*.

On a random if( i find amusing note) do you know which type of books come back to the library the most chewed up? Dog training books.

:D

Good luck shea!
:D

[Pendragon]

Ach, a Bonny doggie frae a bonnie lassie! Verra cute, Shea, just camera shy!http://1000smilies.com/dogbone.gif

[Idril]

That chewing problem is one of the most annoying things about having a puppy, by the time my dog was done teething, I had lost 7 pairs of shoes and my kids had lost pretty much all their beanie babies. :rolleyes: I really don't know what's worse though, the chewing, the 'accidents', the general lack of sleep you seem to get with a puppy in the house or their constant need of attention...it's a good thing puppies are so dang cute or no one would want one. ;)

[Virgil]

That chewing problem is one of the most annoying things about having a puppy, by the time my dog was done teething, I had lost 7 pairs of shoes and my kids had lost pretty much all their beanie babies. :rolleyes: I really don't know what's worse though, the chewing, the 'accidents', the general lack of sleep you seem to get with a puppy in the house or their constant need of attention...it's a good thing puppies are so dang cute or no one would want one. ;)
Puppies should not have roam of the entire house. Their space should be controlled.

[Logos]

Aw what a cutie Shea :) Virgil's got some good advice, good luck with training!

[Idril]

Puppies should not have roam of the entire house. Their space should be controlled.

You sound like my dad. ;) I know they should have controlled access and our puppy was in a kennel when we weren't with him but all he did was whine and cry whether he was in there for the night or just for a short time while we ate or did our daily chores. He was in the kennel until he was about 4 or 5 months old and then we grew weary of the seemingly constant high pitched cries and relented a bit. I think I could've possibly managed it had it been only me, I work with infants and toddlers so I'm used to an inordinate amount of screaming and crying but he drove my husband and kids nuts and therefore, he drove me nuts. He was still put in a kennel when we left the house or when there was a lot of activity and he might get underfoot but if we were lazing around the house watching tv or just generally hanging out, he was roamin' and my shoes and the beanie babies paid the price.

[kathycf]

Bonny looks absolutely adorable, Shea. She will outgrow the chewing thing...eventually. ;)

[Virgil]

You sound like my dad. ;) I know they should have controlled access and our puppy was in a kennel when we weren't with him but all he did was whine and cry whether he was in there for the night or just for a short time while we ate or did our daily chores. He was in the kennel until he was about 4 or 5 months old and then we grew weary of the seemingly constant high pitched cries and relented a bit. I think I could've possibly managed it had it been only me, I work with infants and toddlers so I'm used to an inordinate amount of screaming and crying but he drove my husband and kids nuts and therefore, he drove me nuts. He was still put in a kennel when we left the house or when there was a lot of activity and he might get underfoot but if we were lazing around the house watching tv or just generally hanging out, he was roamin' and my shoes and the beanie babies paid the price.
By kennel do you mean dog crate? Crating pups is a great way to train them and control bad behavior. There is nothing wrong with it, if done properly. Yes they will whine and cry, but if you let them out after whining they will learn that whining gets rewarded. Pups will test you more than you know, and you've always got to keep in mind, what did they just learn by how I rewarded them. Rewards should only go toward behavior you approve of.

[Shea]

She's been doing rather well with her crate actually. She got through half the day before having any accidents. I'm rather worried about her right now though. She's very lethargic and hasn't eaten all afternoon (it's almost 5 now). I was on hold with the vet while typing this and now I'm off.

[Idril]

They may not eat much those first few days, a new home is pretty stressful, it's good to contact the vet, but I wouldn't get too worried yet. :)

Oh Virgil, if you could've heard that dog whine :rolleyes:...and we were actually pretty good about keeping him in there at first, he went through 3 months of crying all night long in his kennel (and yes, I mean crate) before I finally broke down and I was careful not to let him out of the crate until he was quiet but that dog did not handle being alone very well. He's 2 now and as a general rule, a well behaved dog, he no longer chews but...I do regret letting him sleep with us once we did break down and let him out of the crate, it's one thing when he's a cute little puppy, it's another thing altogether when he's a full grown dog. :rolleyes: So that my big advice for you, Shea, don't ever let him sleep with you. :p

[Shea]

She's okay. Just got diarrhea (I don't like to talk about that part 'cause it's gross.) He gave us some medicine to clear it up and told us to feed her some rice with her food and chicken broth. She gobbled it right down. She's just a little stressed being in a new home.

We absolutely won't let her in bed with us. Being a shepherd mix, she'll definately get bigger. Leo, however loves to lie on the floor and play tug of war with her and let her sniff his hair. She seems herself now that she's eaten.

There's so much more to know about actually owning a puppy than from working with the dachshund breeder for two years. I bought her four different types of treats because after about 5 or 6 treats she'd start ignoring them. The vet said that she's just waiting to see what new thing I'll bring her. Same with the food. When her tummy feels better, and she gets hungry enough, it's either her food or nothing. It's a bit frustrating though because I can't reward her for good behavior other that to pet her and tell her what a good girl she is.

[Idril]

Owning a puppy is a lot of work! I didn't realize how much either when we got Smeagol, it was just like having another baby, a very fussy and demanding baby. :rolleyes: I don't think I'll ever do the puppy thing again, when we got our last dog, we got an adult dog at the Humane Society and that was much more managable.

I'm glad Bonny is feeling better, it's tough getting used to a new home and new people but soon enough you'll get used to each other and things will go a little more smoothly. :nod:

[Nightshade]

I dont know about dogs but with our cats ( well these ones having learned from bitter experiance) we rotate differant brands and flavours of food. we once had a cat who would eat nothing but c Whiskers and another who would eat nothing but dried gocat biscuits, and the problem is if the shop runs out on the day you go shopping your stuck with a cat that wont eat.

[Virgil]

I dont know about dogs but with our cats ( well these ones having learned from bitter experiance) we rotate differant brands and flavours of food. we once had a cat who would eat nothing but c Whiskers and another who would eat nothing but dried gocat biscuits, and the problem is if the shop runs out on the day you go shopping your stuck with a cat that wont eat.
Dogs are not finicky about dog food. You should just stick to one brand. Switching brands can give them diarrhea. If you intend to switch brands, you should blend the two so there is a gradual transition. Also over feeding is a problem. It's hard to judge with a puppy, but I find that the recommended amounts on the bags are way too much.

[Shea]

I never really thought about how much to give her, probably because she wasn't eating at first. She's doing just fine now, and I even caught her going into her crate on her own to eat (that's where we keep her food). I just give her a couple of handfuls. I guess I should read up on that part.

By the way, Idril, I meant to say that I love the name Smeagol for your Beagel. Very cute! :thumbs_up :lol:

I managed to get a couple of better shots of her.

[papayahed]

oh what a cutie pie!!!!!!!!!

HaHa I made the same mistake of letting my dog sleep with me, I'll tell you I don't miss waking up in the morning with a dog's butt in my face!!!!

[Virgil]

I managed to get a couple of better shots of her.
Now I can tell she is a cutie!

[Idril]

She's adorable, Shea! I love her ears! They won't stay like that though, will they?


By the way, Idril, I meant to say that I love the name Smeagol for your Beagel. Very cute!

Thank you, I think it's rather cute myself and quite fitting. He has kind of split personality, he can be a very sweet, well behaved dog but instead of being enslaved by a ring, he's enslaved by his nose. His quest for food he's not suppose to have is all consuming and never ending. :rolleyes: I can't say I wasn't prepared though, we had a beagle when I was a kid and he was the same way and from what I understand, it's quite typical of the breed.


HaHa I made the same mistake of letting my dog sleep with me, I'll tell you I don't miss waking up in the morning with a dog's butt in my face!!!!

Smeagol and I have nightly territory struggles. His place is at the foot of the bed but he's a cuddler, he loves to snuggle up against me so he manages to creep up and I can't stand anything touching me when I'm sleeping, I get postively claustrophobic so I shove and push him down to the foot of the bed, usually while cursing, then we have a staring contest and eventually, he lays down where he's suppose to, giving me a look that would melt a woman with more heart than I have. :lol: What happened that you aren't waking up to your dog's butt in your face anymore, Papaya?

[Virgil]

For those who are new and have not seen a picture of my dog, Brandi, go to this thread (post #7) on animal lovers. There is another photo of Brandi by herself somewhere on lit net, but I don't remember where i posted it.
http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17774&page=1&pp=15

And some more on Cute Things thread (post #31):

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16627&page=3&pp=15&highlight=brandi

[Shea]

Brandi's a beautiful dog Virgil! A cute puppy too! I can't wait till Bonny's out of the biting phase and will just give kisses like that. Right now, we have to be careful, she gives us kisses, but she also tries to bite our noses!

[Virgil]

Found the other photo of a mature Brandi. It was in the All About Animals thread.

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14894&page=6&pp=15&highlight=brandi

Thanks Shea.

[Shea]

She definately looks like she's queen of her domain ;)

I forgot to answer your question Idril. I've been here when she's crated between potty and playtimes. I can't just sit here for hours anymore, (until she's housebroken).

I was told yesterday that a shepherds ears are cut to stand up like that? The person who told me wasn't sure. Maybe I'll do some research on shepherds to find out. I'd love it if her ears stayed the way they are.

[Shea]

Couldn't find anything, so I just called my vet. They said that Shepherds ears stand on their own, but as puppies they flop forward like Bonny's then stand up as they get older. Some Shepherd's ears never fully stand. I hope hers don't. I love how they flop. (Can you tell I'm not breed prejudiced? :D )

[Jay]

So Shea finally has a dog! What a cutie :p, the last two pics of her are adorable! :D

[papayahed]

What happened that you aren't waking up to your dog's butt in your face anymore, Papaya?

I had to put my pooper to sleep. Don't be sad or anything, she was 17 years old and had a good spoiled life.

[Idril]

Couldn't find anything, so I just called my vet. They said that Shepherds ears stand on their own, but as puppies they flop forward like Bonny's then stand up as they get older. Some Shepherd's ears never fully stand. I hope hers don't. I love how they flop. (Can you tell I'm not breed prejudiced? :D )

I didn't know if they did it on their own or if the ears had to be clipped. I'm glad they do it on their own because clipping has always seemed kind of silly to me. I think the turned down ears are stinkin' adorable, I'm with you, Shea, in hoping they never completely stand up. They look pretty big, so I think there's a good chance they'll stay floppy. ;)

Virgil, Brandi is such a beautiful color! And there's just something about the lab face that is so friendly and loveable.

Papayahed, it's a little bit sad, even if her time had come. We had to put our beagle, Mashooka, down when he was 15 and I was 18 and even though I knew he was sick and old, it still broke my heart.

[penelopea]

Hurrah,hurrah,hurrah my lads hurrah
Hurrah for the Bonny Blue Flag that bears a single star.