Kristel's Blog

Joanna’s kids came over Wednesday and were suprised by a few things, so thought I’d clear the air:

• On the first picture I posted, I zoomed in a lot. Pepper is small. Very small. Think 4.5 pounds. When she’s an adult, she’ll be around 15 lbs. still small.
• She isn’t housebroken.
• The nipping when she’s playing (or even not playing) is a habit I’m working on getting her to stop, not encourage.
• She is the most tired when she is the most wound up.
• We’re not good about walking on the leash.
• Her pen is by no means inhumane. She has access to water (and food if she hasn’t eaten it all) and plenty of toys, and her bed (kennel) is in there. I do not lock the door on her kennel, in fact, I took it off. (the pen door is locked though) The pen is just to keep her someplace safe when I can’t watch her, or at least give her the majority of my attention. I let her out to play many many times a day, and many more times down the elevator to do her business.

So does that clear everything up?

We’ve enrolled her in obedience school. I’m happy about it. The first class is on the 9th, but she can’t come. It’s just an information night, of course filled with tons of tips to get me started. We go for 6 weeks (including info night) and if we’re lucky, she’s trained by the end of it. Or at the very least: housebroken!, walking on the leash, & no nipping at people’s hands, feet, hems, etc.

We’re bringing Pepper along to see Great Grandma on Sunday for her birthday. Not sure how well it’s going to go, but Dad said he needed an excuse to leave the room, plus he needs his ever-more-important “puppy fix” so she’s coming. I’m going to pack the cleaner… Hopefully her over-cuteness (her jumping up, licking, slight nipping, and ecstatic tail wagging) when she meets new people doesn’t throw Great Grandma off. It’s scared a few people, and a few more dogs.

On another note, Scouting registration is next week. Haven’t heard from Tina for our leader’s meeting, but maybe she’ll talk about a time after/during reg night. (Note to self: find sitter for reg night. find sitter for scouting night. find sitter for hair appt. find sitter for groceries! Her separation anxiety isn’t what I’m worried about, it’s my carpet.)

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