Apropos of nothing, I give you...

[dsdrane]

...a puppy!

[dsdrane]

...Leopold-Sebastian, or "Poldi" for short. He's a Miniature Schnauzer, about 12-14 weeks old [we're trying to nail down is actual birthdate; it appears to be in question] and, as you might imagine, a complete handful.

I have the scars to prove it.

[Daniel]

Your feller is cute!

I once trained a dog. A Rhodesian ridgeback. A big dog. Went to class. And the first thing that we had to do was put the dog on it's back and hold it there for 15-20 minutes for about a week. The whole top dog thing. I didn't have to use them, but others had to use gloves in case the dog wanted to bite. Mine didn't. He went into something of a catatonic state, with paws upwards and not moving. And if he did, I was instructed to say in a very firm voice: NO! I was also instructed to not talk to the dog while he was on his back. No conversation per se. Just No! when he moved. Then, when it was time to let him up after 15 minutes, I was to say "Ok!".

It worked.

Those who were able to train their dogs got past this first stage, and those who didn't...well...didn't.

After I did it (it was called downward dog), I was told that my partner needed to do it also.

Made me realize that dogs just want to know who is boss.

[dsdrane]

Daniel, how old was your Hund when you took him to training?

I ask because I'm getting some mixed signals about how and when. For instance, I understand that I shouldn't attempt something like this just yet, because he simply doesn't yet know the meaning of "no".

Considering the chart I saw at the vet's, which said he'll be the equivalent of 18 human years at his first birthday, I know his first year will pass through many "human" stages. Quickly. If I read it right, he's in the "terrible twos" at the moment.

Oy.

But, then, we walked into this, wide-eyed (if not wide-brained).

[scott snedeker]

rates about 9.87 on the cute scale!

[Daniel]

Originally Posted by dsdrane

Daniel, how old was your Hund when you took him to training?

He was old enough to pay attention. I think about 5-6 months or so. Bet your vet would know more than anyone when to start.

[dsdrane]

Originally Posted by scott snedeker

rates about 9.87 on the cute scale!

I've been told by other puppy-people, that puppies are adorable to make sure they survive puppyhood.

I totally get that.

[dsdrane]

Originally Posted by Daniel

He was old enough to pay attention. I think about 5-6 months or so. Bet your vet would know more than anyone when to start.

We will ask tomorrow! But, yes, 6 months-ish is what I've been hearing/reading, too.

[tymejumper]

Originally Posted by dsdrane

I've been told by other puppy-people, that puppies are adorable to make sure they survive puppyhood.

I totally get that.

I think that it goes for kids also. They start as really cute babies that coo and gurgle, to ensure they survive to teenagehood. However, I think at that point, you don't return them simply because you have spent so much stinkin money on them, it's cheaper to keep them!

[tdogg]

Cute! Maybe a visit by Cesar the Dog Whisperer would do the trick? If not, watch the videos. He's pretty good.

I took my Yorkie-Poo to obedience class at around 8 months. She was one of the tops dogs, but always acted with an air of superiority and condescendence. However, over the years she has pretended to 'forget' her lessons for the most part. The cuteness definitely allows her to get away with this.

Yes, Poldi is at least a 9.87 on the scale of cuteness! What a boy!

[dsdrane]

Our boy sailed through his second vet visit (plied with treats) and we were pleased to learn he had grown from 3 lbs. 8 oz. to 4 lbs. 10 oz.

For better or for worse, he has also found his voice.

Jay and I are very tired people right now. We know it's par for the course, but, seriously...oy.

Attached are some fun pix from the last day or so.

[dsdrane]

Turns out our boy is 2.5 weeks younger than we thought. The vaccination sheet we had gave his birthdate as 28 May, but the AKC application forwarded to us gave 14 June. The Breeder finally confirmed the latter as the true date.

So, instead of 15 weeks tomorrow, he's actually 12.5 weeks.

Considering his development so far, our puppy is clearly some sort of genius.