Pazzo has been at home now for about 24 hours. And with a puppy, nothing is ever dull or routine.
We had a first training session this morning and will do another later this afternoon. We worked on SIT, DOWN, STAY, and HERE. These are the first four basic commands any dog should learn as soon as possible. At least beginning at 8 weeks when the puppy is weaned from the mother and the rest of the litter. I disagree with waiting until later. The commands should be given in a happy, supportive way with lots of positive interaction with no punishment at this age. The puppy should look forward to the training session and it should be a positive experience.
We did go to the vet today for introduction. I like to take the puppy in early in their residence with us to begin the vaccination regimen as well as just to introduce the puppy to the office and the staff with lots of treats and loving. However, that didn't go as planned today. As I was walking Pazzo to the scale for weigh in, another dog lunged out of an exam room and caught Pazzo by the right ear. Of course Pazzo is screaming and it is a chaotic mess for about 10 seconds. I had to grab the muzzle of the other dog and wrap his cheeks under his teeth to get him to let go. Pazzo ends up with three minor puncture wounds and one wound with a slight tear. So four in all. The vet cleaned and treated all with no charge and Pazzo got lots of treats. I don't think he will have a problem with the office but I am concerned about his acceptance of other dogs now. We will have some extra socialization work to do I believe.
Oh well, all in the day and life of a three and a half month old puppy.
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