#unketybrook

Today we leashed up in our very patriotic brilliant red and blue leashes. However, at that point chaos ensued.

Silly mistakes: 1. Leashed up too many puppies. 2 is plenty on your first outing. 2. I left the front door open, so when they got down the steps they took it in turns to double back and go inside 3. Forgot to relax, breathe and laugh 4. The doorbell rung and a visitor arrived, sparking big dog barking, which caused the puppies to think a predator was in their midst.

So, after putting everyone back. Taking stock…relaxing and remembering to get tuned back in, we started again and boy! - were we triumphant!!

Two puppies at a time and everyone did a poop and a pee on leash (training leash too, not even a long one) and on the grass. I don’t think I have ever had this success, but then I also think I have never asked a puppy to do it this young. Our other property had fence all the way up to the doors, so I didn’t need to leash much. This is great…so proud of my furry crew!

Notes: 1. If a puppy freaks out on a leash (looks like a crocodile - temper tantrum) remember to stay still and don’t talk to them. Let them work it out. The 2 puppies that had an issue with being leashed resolved it in under 5 seconds and the leash never bothered them again. 2. This one is critical for kids who can sometimes get impatient - NEVER pull a puppy along by their neck on a leash. If the puppy is not doing what you’d like. Try using your high pitched fun voice and get them to follow. If nothing changes, stand still until they start moving in the direction you want and then start moving, patience is key. I use my pinky finger and thumb at all times for minimum pressure. The leash between myself and the puppy is always loose and floppy - no tension when walking together. If there is ever tension i.e. tugging please stop walking immediately. When the puppy moves and releases the tension start walking again. Critical NEVER tug back. Please remember this is attached to their neck!! 3. Important - You will not use a pinky and a thumb until your puppy is trained to you. You will have your hand through the loop on the leash for security. If you accidentally let go of the leash. Get your puppies attention - that high pitched fun voice and get them to come back to you. If you are within reach don’t wait, just pick it straight up. The leash is designed to keep your puppy safe :)

Your puppy will be walking well on the leash before they go home, but here is a article in case they “forget" when they go home or if you would like some homework :) There also lots of other great articles and tips for training puppies on his site.

We had a great time with our dog sitter (that really doesn’t explain him properly- he never actually sits, he is a special friend and caregiver to my four legged children) Bob Wittren of 4pawsandtails.org

Not only is he amazing with animals, but bravely - he is taking on our 8 (4 and a half week old) #puppies, and our big dogs, so that I can attend my Mother-in-law, Claire’s funeral.

He is in for a whole lot of very messy cuteness. If you have never met Bob, I can tell you that he will leap to the challenge and enjoy it. He does everything with a great sense of humor and a warmth that any animal senses instantly. He has a calmness that translates to each and every animal. Every puppy wanted to meet Bob :).

There isn’t anyone, except Bob, that I I would leave my baby #puppies with. If Bob weren’t here, I would be staying home and missing a really, really important and special day with family.