Happy Thursday

**Edit** I thought this was published last week, but it wasn't so here you go! The information is old, but still valid. When I post the next update, please remember it wasn't an overnight change, it was transitional over the course of a week. 

Happy Thursday from my Doodlepup!

His little blue "Washburn" tag is courtesy of my cousin and aunt!

This was taken during the brief time he was relaxed today. He has had his little puppy terror moments lately, testing boundaries and rules. Inside the house he goes rug to rug biting them to see if I'll let him chew on one. "How about this one?" "How about this one now?"
Outside he does the same thing. Running around the yard going shrub to shrub to see if he's allowed to chew on one.

As repetitive and annoying these exercises are I'm actually seeing improvement. Outside today he was running shrub to shrub chomping on low branches, but after a minute of "No" (then he'd go on to the next bush) "No" he started going up to the shrubs and just smelling them to see if that was okay. I didn't say anything until he'd chomp a branch, then he'd run to the next plant and smell it.

It was amazing to see. I'm so glad I'm patient enough to deal with this stage of the training process. I can definitely understand that some owners have a hard time sticking through this. You have to have a lot of time, and a lot of patience. Puppies learn quickly, but they needs clear boundaries and rules to follow. Keep enforcing them, don't give in just because you are exhausted. You can do it!

-Brandolyn

Helpful hint:

Wash is at a very heavy chewing stage. I think he's getting ready for his adult teeth to come in, but that means his puppy teeth are sharp, strong and looking for things to gnaw. His gums are also sore.

To help him, and to save my furniture and my hands, I bought him a Nylabone, which he can chew on and helps digestion. It is a toy, not a treat. (Treats are edible, and create more poop, toys are chewable. The Nylabone has tiny little pieces that come off and can be ingested but doesn't amount to any added weight or room in his stomach)

And I've also go the cheapest toy ever (and Wash's personal favourite) ice cubes! They keep him cool, entertained, they're crunchy, and they numb and soothe his gums, and they're FREE! Win, win, win.