It's amazing how fast time passes when your every waking moment is focused on a troublesome pup. To be perfectly honest Wash isn't that much of a trouble maker, and as far as puppies come, he's a bright little boy, who just wants to know the ground rules.
He now sits at the sound of a snap (unless there are mountains of distractions around) and stays when I show him my palm (like a "stop") until I slap my thigh twice signalling him to "come". He can stay comfortably for 30 seconds so far, and for a 10 week old puppy, with a small attention span I'm really impressed.
He is also letting me bush his teeth, clip his nails and even trim the long, unruly hairs around his face. Of course all of these must be done with the proper equipment- please do not give Human toothpaste to Dogs. It can be very harmful to them, and the Dog toothpaste is designed to keep cleaning even after you stop brushing.
**Please be advised IF YOU HAVE A NUT ALLERGY: Most dog toothpaste is "Peanut butter flavoured" and uses natural peanut flavour. ** But there is an alternative for pet owners who want a Peanut Free Dog with Healthy Teeth and Good Breath, there are other less popular flavours such as Poultry (Wash has the Poultry Flavoured one- and he LOVES it)
Also, please use be very careful about grooming your dog, there is a reason there are certified groomers. They are taught what different breeds need for grooming, and how to do it properly. If you choose to do some at home maintenance like me, please use proper grooming safety scissors, and be VERY careful. Puppies and Dogs squirm and twitch, you do not want to accidentally hurt your pup, so make sure he or she is calm, and has sniffed the instrument you are using. Also move the tool about, snip the air, and get the pup used to the sounds it makes. Take it slow :)
With it being winter, the ground and the air are getting wetter and the typical "Wet Dog Smell" is becoming increasingly likely. Wash and I go outside and we both get covered in mud, and salt, and sweat, but the big difference between us is that I can hop in the shower when I get home, Wash shouldn't. Because of the essential oils in their coats it is highly recommended that you don't shower your dog any more than 1 time a month. I use a wet towel (without any soap or shampoos that would dry out his skin and hair) and clean him off that way, but there is a "Dog Deodorant" which isn't as ridiculous as it sounds. It's a spray that doesn't dry out the dog's coat, and makes them smell nice. Nice and simple.
Right now Wash is a very happy puppy and I can't wait for the next 2 weeks to be over, if only because then he'll have his second set of shots and be able to be socialized with other dogs!
-Brandolyn
Wash Update:
-10 weeks old
-eyes still foggy at night
-goes on several short walks a day (no long walks yet)
-umbilical training
-sit/ stay
-getting used to generic grooming maintenance
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