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Potty Training

Willow is becoming more comfortably with her new surroundings and fitting in well. She is such a sweet, smart puppy and we have begun her training – working on some commands ….. sit, stay, down etc.

Potty training has also begun. Willow was “Kennel Raised” and did not begin potty training with her breeders. Even though she is three months old, she didn’t have a clue about the rules of going potty. Willow has now developed a habit which has to be broken, making potting training harder. I have begun trying to teach her there is a place to go potty – outside (not anywhere in the house whenever she feels the urge).

Even though it takes a lot of time and effort on my part, this is why I have chosen to raise our puppy litters in my home. At around 3-1/2 weeks of age we move our puppies out of the whelping box and into our puppy enclosure area. This is when potty training begins. I spend most of my time durning the next 3 days, putting each puppy in the potty area each time they wake and after they eat. This teaches them there is a “place” to go potty. It is amazing how quickly they figure it out and so satisfying to see them run to the potty area by themselves when they wake up or while they are playing! I believe it makes it easier for their forever family to house train when they go home.

Today is a beautiful sunny day and so welcomed after many days of rain! Hopefully it will help dry up our yard because, rain or shine, our dogs like to spend most of their day outside.

The countdown is on……I am looking forward with excitement to the arrival of Ruska’s and Tulo’s puppies. Tomorrow will mark one week until the due date. We can now feel her puppies moving when we put our hands on her tummy! She is getting extra attention and all the cuddles she wants. The whelping box is now set up beside my bed and I have noticed Ruska napping in it a few times. Hopefully she will start whelping in her box and not in my bed.

I have been trying to keep the dogs in the air-conditioned house and limit the time outside during these hot humid days. Ruska is slowing down some as her tummy is expanding but she still likes to patrol the yard and chase the squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and birds. Then she jumps into the pond at the end of our waterfall to cool off LOL

Look for our Birth Announcement. I will post it on our website when the puppies arrive.

I wanted to replace my wooden whelping box we used for our previous litter of puppies so, my search began. Living in Canada makes it more challenging when searching for things but am happy to say I found a web site (http://www.puppybox4u.com) selling “Canadian Made” whelping boxes. They are designed and made to order by a breeder. The reviews were positive so I placed my order about two weeks ago.

The dogs and I were excited today because our new whelping box arrived. It is made of corrugated plastic making it light weight., durable and easy to clean and sanitize. I am pleased with the quality and how easy it is to set up. It folds flat and fits back into the delivery box for easy storage. There are two additional door inserts which raise the enterance to contain the pups as they grow and become more active. I ordered the “pig rails” as well.

When I finished setting it up, Ruska was eager to go in to explore and Ellie thought she would check things out as well. I believe it gets a “paw’s up” from Ruska. After exploring she laid down in it. I wonder if it brings back memories of raising her last litter.

Ruska was breed to Tulo at the end of May. Pregnancy will not be confirmed until the end of June. If positive, we expect puppies to be born around August 2nd.

Check back soon for confirmation of pregnancy

Oh how I look forward to the arrival of spring. The time when new life begins to sprout from the ground and the trees begin to show signs of life as the buds get ready to burst. But with it, in-between the promise of warmer days with beautiful blue sky and sunshine, we get the rain.

I know the old saying stands true “April showers bring May 🌼 🌺 💐Flowers”💐 🌺 🌼 but those of us who are blessed to have a dog know it also brings mud. My dogs don’t seem to care that it sticks to their paws like glue as they run in the yard and the clean floor I long for are again spotted with Paw Prints.

I have tried it all…… wiped their paws with old towels, large bowl with warm water to wash the dirt off their paws, invested in “Dirty Dog” mats, runners and drying mitts. Last year while browsing at the pet section at Ross’, I thought I found my solution – Leather dog boots. So against my husband’s advice, I included these booties in my purchase. I couldn’t wait for our dog to try them out. What a great invention I thought. She can run in the mud all she wants and when she wants to come in, just like the rest of the family does, I’ll remove her boots. Her paws will be nice and clean and my floors will stay clean as well. With great excitement I put these boots on my dog, tightened the velcro straps around her ankles and let her practice walking in the house. It took her a little bit to get use to them but, after a few awkward steps she seemed to master walking in her dog boots. I knew she would; after all she’s a smart goldendoodle. Now the true test – the backyard. I opened the door and my husband and I watched as our dog took off gaining speed to do her usual run. She made it to the back with lightening speed slowing only slightly as she navigated the turn with such grace. They didn’t slow her down in the least. It was only when she was heading back my heart sank… I could only see three boots. She had lost one, another was dragging off her back paw and the other two were somewhat intact. I looked at my husband and knew what was coming….”I told you so”. Perhaps they might work on dogs that like to take a nice leisurely walks but my Ruska knows only one speed….full throttle!

Next idea….we installed a dog wash in the lower lever of our house. Needless to say it has been well used thus far this spring.