{"id":13667,"date":"2016-02-04T16:00:12","date_gmt":"2016-02-04T05:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppy.kreatology.com\/?p=13667"},"modified":"2024-01-17T18:08:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T07:08:23","slug":"what-ive-learnt-in-12-months-of-summer-our-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/what-ive-learnt-in-12-months-of-summer-our-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"What I\u2019ve learnt in 12 months of Summer (our dog)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Happy Gotchya Day Summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s twelve months to the day since our little gorgeous golden girl Summer arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She joined our family as a fur-sibling for Keiko and buddy for our frequently visiting Rosie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having experienced puppyhood and several incredible years with Keiko & Rosie, I thought we were reasonably knowledgeable when it comes to dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while we were better prepared and more aware of what a new puppy needed, there was still so much I\u2019ve learnt in the 12 months we\u2019ve had with Summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Some of the things I\u2019ve learn are probably really obvious, some not so much. Some may be worth considering if you are thinking of a puppy or a second dog. Some are just observations from our experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love at first sight happens with puppies!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s definitely not hard to love puppies, but there is something different and incredible when it\u2019s your own puppy that you are welcoming to the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the moment I saw her photo with the rescue group I thought this little gold & fluffy puppy was gorgeous. I just had that feeling that this puppy was supposed to be with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, I didn\u2019t allow myself to fall – as there is the adoption process, border collie puppies are very popular and sometimes it doesn\u2019t work out as you would have liked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was so incredibly super excited when we heard the news that she would be joining our family. But that DAY we picked her up from the airport it was LOVE! She was just divine and the moment we met we knew both the right name of those we\u2019d tossed around and that she was absolutely the puppy we were supposed to have. That\u2019s twice it\u2019s happened for us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first year can be tough<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course it\u2019s an incredibly tough year! Even though we\u2019d had Keiko as a puppy several years earlier, I\u2019d forgotten how much time is required to be a good pet parent and raise a puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I knew and was prepared for the first weeks. Those days of toilet training, socialisation and accustoming Keiko to his new housemate I\u2019d planned on being busy and had prepared – I even took \u2018pup-ternity\u2019 for this initial period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I had glossed over a bit was the beyond the first weeks requirement – and particularly from 6 to 12 months when the basics have been covered, but the puppy is growing in confidence and requires even more dedication as well as more individual time and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcoming a puppy in the summertime was a wise decision!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Good weather, longer daylight hours and it being warm in the middle of the night make the time during toilet training so much better. I\u2019m so grateful to have avoided getting up in 2am in the middle of winter to stand around outside in my PJ\u2019s waiting for puppy Summer to go to the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppy School and Socialisation from an early age sets you up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We started Puppy School and socialisation with Summer as early as we could – and at an earlier age than with Keiko. With Keiko we followed the vet\u2019s advice and waited until he had his third vaccination before looking to start Puppy School and take him out in public – unfortunately, the timing of the next puppy school classes in our area resulted in him being to old to attend and that meant we missed a valuable training and socialisation experience for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a risk with taking your dog out in public before they\u2019ve had their full course of vaccinations. The decision whether to or not to take your puppy out before their vaccinations, is individual – I\u2019m not advocating one course of action over another – we were nervous that Summer was at risk but decided that the risk was worth it for the sure benefits that puppy school and as much socialisation as possible would bring. We were careful in where we took her and the dogs we socialised with and it all worked out incredibly well for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every dog is different and will have different needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keiko and Summer have very different personalities. Even Rosie and Summer have differences, even though they are quite similar dogs much of the time. These differences though mean that each dog will need a different approach, different response or different things from us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Every<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Very different personalities in dogs can be wonderfully complementary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Summer is more than happy to meet and be petted by strangers. Keiko has never enjoyed the attentions of strangers so he is more than happy to hang back and let Summer be the social butterfly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But they can sometimes make things more difficult<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There have certainly been occasions where one dog is keenly pulling to get to something they find exciting and the other is going backwards to get away. That can certainly make continuing on the walk a difficult feat at the time. Also different natures means that they won\u2019t always get along and will benefit from individual time with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t stop learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keiko taught me so much but Summer has taught me as much. I had to learn what life was like being a pet parent and responsible trainer for a confident, highly excitable and exuberant dog – what she responds to, what motivates her and what helps with instilling in her the obedience she needs. To be honest, this is still a work in progress!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second dog is quicker to learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They learn from you and from the older dog! Much of what they will learn is great – toilet training, to wait for their dinner, to share but if your dog has some naughty behaviours they may also learn these!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can always learn from others<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I am fortunate to spend my days around dogs, with other dog lovers, in reading, writing and learning about dogs. I know some stuff, but there is always more that can be learnt. Sometimes a different idea or approach when you are frustrated or disappointed with progress is exactly what you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Routines are good<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re tired or the weather is not pleasant, you need to consistently make time for a dog. And that is especially true of a working breed like Summer. Keiko can miss a days walk and not get crazy. Summer on the other hand needs more stimulation and activity so that she is calm when indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, starting the day with a dog walk is perfect. We\u2019re all fresh from the previous night\u2019s sleep. For the dogs, it\u2019s great to exert that energy early on – they are then calmer for the rest of the day. I love starting the day with them – in their company and using the time to collect my thoughts for the day ahead. Starting in the morning, also means that if the weather is not suitable for going for a walk, that I will then take any opportunity that arises during the day. When I walk in the afternoons, sometimes I simply missed the chance – something would come up or if the weather wasn\u2019t suitable there\u2019s no \u2018later in the day\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firsts for any dog are still awesome!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019ve seen with other dogs, each dog\u2019s \u2018firsts\u2019 are still worthy of celebration. The first time they sit, toilet on command or shake your hand through to their first birthday – all fabulous little victories in raising a puppy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Things<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Travel with two dogs is more difficult but it is twice as much of a fabulous thing!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some accommodation will only take one dog & there\u2019s twice the food, gear and supplies to pack (we now take more on a road trip for the dogs than we do ourselves). But it\u2019s still definitely worth the effort – they each respond to something new differently, we love spending this quality time with both and they will have extra fun because they are together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m even more grateful I work from home and get to spend time with them everyday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know how many people would love to have this. I love that I get to take \u2018huggle breaks\u2019 (as I call them) throughout the day – they definitely keep me happier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trick training does not replace obedience training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trick training is FUN! Summer is so quick to learn and the results are FUN. Basic obedience can be harder – especially as it\u2019s teaching them manners in all situations. For Summer meeting new dogs is the stuff of great excitement but it\u2019s hard to deal with and hard to train better manners and behaviour when it\u2019s against her instincts. I soon learnt that more training was required on the basic obedience and that there would be more time for tricks later on. That said, using tricks has at times been great for diverting or regaining her attention when the basic obedience isn\u2019t quite there in a particular situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two dogs in the one house may not be \u2018best friends\u2019 but they will be great buddies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Summer\u2019s best friend is our family dog Rosie girl. They\u2019re similarly natured and exuberant so it\u2019s really not surprising the relationship they have. But that doesn\u2019t mean Summer and Keiko aren\u2019t great mates – they spend much of the day in one another\u2019s company – checking things out together, playing chase (poor Keiko never wins at this!) and chilling. And Keiko\u2026. his best mate is me, his nature is different and that makes him happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs and cats can be great buddies too!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Summer and our kitty Mr Magoo are the best of interspecies buddies! They will often be in the same space snoozing together, groom one another or are just happy sitting in one another\u2019s company. There are occasions when Summer can be a little bit too exuberant for Mr Magoo but he\u2019s so incredibly tolerant with her and with training Summer is getting better and better. There friendship though always makes me smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dogs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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There will be comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fair? Probably not but you just can\u2019t help but compare the stage or learning one dog has to the other at that age (or presently). I do also think though that those comparisons can help with understanding, accepting and embracing the individuality and special quirks of each dog. I love that they are both different and wouldn\u2019t want them to be the same!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will be guilt, doubt and frustration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Am I doing the best I can for my dog? Could I be doing something different? Do I need to do something more? Why are we getting this right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am still having these thoughts with a second dog. I think now, it\u2019s just part of being incredible invested and wanting the best for your dog and wanting them to be the best that they can be in different situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I might take Keiko\u2019s side!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay, I definitely take Keiko\u2019s side more often than not! Keiko is my soul dog – he was our first, I\u2019ve learnt so much from him and our connection is incredible. After five years, it only continues to grow. So when a new puppy is annoying or upsetting him, instinctively I would act to resolve it for Keiko. I do try to be balanced but there is a default response when it comes to the first dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is room in your heart for more than one dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I worried that a second dog might be to the detriment of the first. And that I may not have the same love and time for the second dog. From conversations with other sole dog parents, I wasn\u2019t alone in this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It takes some adjustment and I\u2019m still not always 100% of the time the perfect pet parent, but I now completely understand the saying \u2018dogs are like potato chips, you can\u2019t have just one!\u2019. We are a 2 (and frequently 3 dog family when Rosie comes to stay) and I wouldn\u2019t change that for anything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I still get scared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scared that something will happen to them that will shorten their already too short lives. And especially scared for that day when I am without them. I had thought that getting a second dog might make the passing of the first somehow easier – that they would be a presence through that time, aren\u2019t a \u2018replacement\u2019 or living in the shadow of the previous dog. But as I write this today, I\u2019m not so sure about that. There are times when I hug Keiko so close because I\u2019ve heard of the passing of a friend or clients dog – the fear I have for that day hasn\u2019t changed with having Summer. In fact, I am now scared for two incredible furry kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time with your dog goes way too quickly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Summer\u2019s time as a teeny puppy was way too short. And it seemed crazy that we recently celebrated her first birthday and now a year that she\u2019s been with us. A dog\u2019s life is way too short and the time flies, so\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make the most of every opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not something any of us dog lovers have to be reminded of! I love spending time with Keiko, Summer and Rosie. I\u2019m always looking for activities that we can do together or places to visit where they can be with us. And the benefit is that our experience is heightened because they are there with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"I<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Dogs are awesome!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay I didn\u2019t learn this from Summer, but she\u2019s certainly strengthened my point!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can\u2019t imagine life without Summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Summer is my angel dog – it\u2019s to do with her incredible sweetness and those gorgeous gold eyelashes! Spending time with her makes my day, every day!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Happy Gotchya Day Summer! It\u2019s twelve months to the day since our little gorgeous golden girl Summer arrived. She joined our family as a fur-sibling for Keiko and buddy for our frequently visiting Rosie. Having experienced puppyhood and several incredible years with Keiko & Rosie, I thought we were reasonably knowledgeable when it comes to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":13668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[30,226],"class_list":["post-13667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-puppy-tales-pack","tag-border-collie","tag-puppy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13667\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}