THE STORM BEFORE THE DAWN

Its overwhelming!

We are now in the thick of it all.  DeeAnn has had poor sleep for the last 5 days.  She is either waking to take Dean out to relieve, cleaning his crate, or half sleeping listening for signs that he needs to go out.  

There are so many things that sound simple and great on paper but muddle our brains once we try to them into practice.  The guideline is that pups should be taken out after they, sleep, play, drink, and eat.  The reality is that means he would be going out all the time.  Then add the other training which is that if he does not do his business in 5 minutes then he needs to go into the crate for 5.  Repeat, but add more crate time, unless he falls asleep, then wait.  I figured that a simple flow chart would help.  I should add that at some point your faith in prayer and God will be tested as well as constantly fighting the urge to call your club leader for magic advice and understanding.

Dean has also introduced new behaviors that we of course are unsure are normal or should be corrected.  Scratching an ear or neck, resistance to the leash, whimpering and spinning before doing his business, chasing his tail or licking things.  

DeeAnn always says that little kids have little problems and big kids have big problems.  This of course means that little issues we see today will only become worse in the future if unmanaged.  Dean of course also has a specific purpose in life and so we are striving to give him every opportunity to full-fill that destiny.  

Other things such as growling while playing with a puppy jumping up on you or taking a nap on the couch are also not allowed.

And don't forget we are also suppose to be training commands such as "come" "sit" and "stay" and the daily touching in between his toes, ears, and mouth so as to keep him compliant during vet care, and maintenance for teeth brushing and toe trimming.

Our club leader Lynn has been wonderful throughout this process and takes our calls and texts everytime as we attempt to find the rythum and schedule for little Dean.   This weekend Lynn will swing by our home to give us some hands on training and advice.