Canine Connection

Sorry for the long absence, but the newest addition to our family has inspired me to get back to writing here. A week ago, we adopted Toby, a 9-week-old mixed breed puppy. We adopted him from North Shore Animal League America when we were down in New York for a visit.

I had forgotten how much hard work having a puppy can be. It’s like bringing home a new baby that’s already mobile. So far it’s challenging, but fun. We’re working on house training at the moment. To me the key to house training is confinement. I would normally recommend a crate, but in Toby’s case, he’s spent so much time in small enclosures that he’s gotten into the habit of soiling in his crate. So when we have to leave him alone for more than a short period, he’s confined to the kitchen. He’s pretty good about going on newspaper, and I’m hoping to work him up to being able to hold it longer.

As much work as he is, he’s proving well worth it. Today in the northeast we have about a foot of snow on the ground, and Toby got to gallop his way through it. It was so much fun to watch him sink into it and try to pull himself out. He would stick his nose down to sniff the ground, and come back with his face coated with white.

I’ll be sure to post some updates soon, with some pictures of our new puppy. I’ll also be continuing to post about dog news, training tips, canine health, and more!