Update 1
Hi Sarah,
Before we turn in for the night, I thought I'd give you a quick synopsis of today's "Whit" events! We figured you probably have been on pins and needles today!
The ride home went very well -- he settled into the crate with no problems. We stopped at McDonald's in Centerville for a quick lunch and he thought it was time to get out of the car -- pawed at the crate door, but as soon as I said "that's enough" he stopped, just like you said he would.
He seems to be doing well here. Paul has taken him for two walks and he has done pretty well considering that he doesn't appear to have had any formal training. I went along for part of the way on the first walk, and it seemed to distract Whit so we've decided that only one of us should walk with him.
He's had several treats, which he gobbled down, and about a cup and a quarter of food for supper. He ate that with no problems and has drunk about a gallon of water today! He's been panting and pacing quite a lot -- don't know if it's heat or anxiety -- and can't seem to settle down unless he's in the crate. Although he won't go into the crate without a bribe, once inside, however, he calms down almost immediately. In fact, he's in the crate right now. I am going to sleep on the couch in the sunroom/kitchen tonight where his crate is to help him feel more secure.
As I said, he's been a little ball of energy today! He clearly adores Paul and has warmed up to me as well. I even got a face full of kisses! We've played quite a bit with a leather tug toy and he's already learned to sit and wait for us to pitch it to him! And, believe it or not, he's attcked two Nylabones we already had!
Our only initial concern is whether or not we will be able to provide the outlets he needs to expend his energy. He's such a dear, sweet little dog and we desperately hope we can give him what he needs and deserves. He's already stolen our hearts and we hope to spend many happy years with him.
If you have any suggestions for helping him to settle down while he's inside, we welcome them! We want to do everything we can to make this "pack" a success! Thanks.
We'll keep you posted!
Monlen
Before we turn in for the night, I thought I'd give you a quick synopsis of today's "Whit" events! We figured you probably have been on pins and needles today!
The ride home went very well -- he settled into the crate with no problems. We stopped at McDonald's in Centerville for a quick lunch and he thought it was time to get out of the car -- pawed at the crate door, but as soon as I said "that's enough" he stopped, just like you said he would.
He seems to be doing well here. Paul has taken him for two walks and he has done pretty well considering that he doesn't appear to have had any formal training. I went along for part of the way on the first walk, and it seemed to distract Whit so we've decided that only one of us should walk with him.
He's had several treats, which he gobbled down, and about a cup and a quarter of food for supper. He ate that with no problems and has drunk about a gallon of water today! He's been panting and pacing quite a lot -- don't know if it's heat or anxiety -- and can't seem to settle down unless he's in the crate. Although he won't go into the crate without a bribe, once inside, however, he calms down almost immediately. In fact, he's in the crate right now. I am going to sleep on the couch in the sunroom/kitchen tonight where his crate is to help him feel more secure.
As I said, he's been a little ball of energy today! He clearly adores Paul and has warmed up to me as well. I even got a face full of kisses! We've played quite a bit with a leather tug toy and he's already learned to sit and wait for us to pitch it to him! And, believe it or not, he's attcked two Nylabones we already had!
Our only initial concern is whether or not we will be able to provide the outlets he needs to expend his energy. He's such a dear, sweet little dog and we desperately hope we can give him what he needs and deserves. He's already stolen our hearts and we hope to spend many happy years with him.
If you have any suggestions for helping him to settle down while he's inside, we welcome them! We want to do everything we can to make this "pack" a success! Thanks.
We'll keep you posted!
Monlen
Update 2
I know you have plenty of other pups to concern you now and I won't continue to take your time, but we thought you'd like to know that "Mr. Whit" is blossoming more with each day! "Dad" actually has become the walk giver, at least for the time being, and he and Whit are going twice a day. Whit doesn't completely have the hang of it, but he's beginning to catch on! Also, we've discovered that he does well with a few short "time outs" in his crate during the day. Seems to calm him down when he starts to get worried about everyone not being in the same room!
It's wonderful to see him change in a positive way with each passing day and we feel confident that he's going to continue to make great progress! After he's mastered a few more basic commands, we're going to enroll him in Good Citizenship and/or Obedience classes. He's such a smart little guy and we know he'll do well in school!
By the way, thanks for your humorous advice! Actually, we've discovered that ignoring him sometimes seems to be what he needs!
Monlen
It's wonderful to see him change in a positive way with each passing day and we feel confident that he's going to continue to make great progress! After he's mastered a few more basic commands, we're going to enroll him in Good Citizenship and/or Obedience classes. He's such a smart little guy and we know he'll do well in school!
By the way, thanks for your humorous advice! Actually, we've discovered that ignoring him sometimes seems to be what he needs!
Monlen
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