We celebrated Mavis’s four-month birthday May 19th. She’s had all of her shots and doesn’t need to return to the vet until this time next year. According to her DNA results, she’s 27.2% pit bull, 24.7% Australian shepherd, 22% super mutt, 20.6% Labrador retriever, and 5% boxer. My 20-pound puppy is likely to weigh 40 pounds or more when she’s full grown.
She’s already the biggest dog I’ve ever had. Training matters. Shortly after the cone-of-shame came off, Mavis started kindergarten. We go twice a week and, with one exception, have been the only students. The one-on-one training has been very helpful.
At our first session, the trainer said Mavis needed more sleep. Like small children, puppies get cranky without enough sleep. She gets bite-y when she’s tired and grabs me or whatever I’m wearing: shoes, socks, pants leg, shirt sleeves, shirt tails, and drawstrings. When we get past this stage, I’m going to need a new wardrobe.
I get Mavis to lay down after 30 minutes or so of playtime and whenever she gets bite-y. Getting her to settle down is easier than expected. The difference was immediately apparent. She seems more cheerful and is far less bite-y.
Mavis loves kindergarten. The program is about lots of different experiences around short training exercises. She gets tons of treats and loves playing with the trainer’s Salukis. We’ve both learned a lot and have signed up for classes for 4- to 6-month puppies.
In training and at home, Mavis is a fast learner. I give her treats too, but she responds even if I don’t. She rarely pisses me off and, when she does, rarely repeats the triggering behavior. I guess making me happy is treat enough.
Walks are a special treat. Mavis wants to meet everyone we encounter, especially if they’re walking a dog. She’s made lots of friends–people and dogs–and is better about accepting when someone doesn’t want to be her friend. I’ve met more of my neighbors in the past two months than in the previous 13 years.
We walk at least twice a day. I vary the route and have slowly increased the distance for our morning walks. Late afternoons are prime time for socializing, but too hot go be our for long. I’m looking forward to taking her with me for two- and three-mile walks.
I could go on–and likely will at a later date. She has eight more months of puppyhood and I’m already head over heels.
As always, thanks for stopping by.