Routine

August 3, 2020

It was a long weekend. Yesterday involved a lot of biting. Mostly Lily was doing the biting. Both Leslie and I got frustrated. Puppies really are very hard work.

However, if I do my job and focus on a routine for her, the biting can be avoided. Unfortunately, yesterday I woke up at 4 a.m. to take her out and she went back to bed for a couple of hours and I could not go back to sleep. That is a recipe for not success. Not success is what we had.

I slept better last night and today we try again.

She is sleeping great. Last night she was in bed at 9 p.m., woke up at 4 to go to the bathroom, and then was awake at 6:30 a.m. She has had her breakfast, been outside to do her business and listen to traffic (she is NOT a fan of motorcycles), played with her doughnut and now she is asleep under my chair. 

A few things we've experienced so far:

• She doesn't mind her crate, but if she is in there to sleep instead of just to calm down, she doesn't like to be alone. We will have to work on that, but for now if I go in and sing the song "Lollipop" but change the word "Lollipop" to "Lily Pup", she usually settles down and goes to sleep. Last night she was having a hard time getting settled, so I also sang "Ex-Wives" - the opening song from "Six." That did the trick. Not sure what she might have dreamt about after that, but she went to sleep.

• She met Tippy! More about that in its own entry at some point.

• She likes to dig - especially to get out roots she can chew on.

• She actually is a good communicator - unfortunately she communicates using little bites. She is always telling us something when she does that, though. I just wish I was a better interpreter.

• I am very lucky to have a puppy. Leslie is doing great with her and is excited to have adventures with Lily when Lily grows up a bit. I think they will go on a lot of hikes and walks together. Lily has a lot to learn before that.

The morning routine is: Up, out to the bathroom, breakfast. Back outside for a little playing and more bathroom. Inside for some playing (mornings - usually with her doughnut). Then a series of naps - almost always under my chair or desk.

Makes for some pretty good mornings.

Have a good day.

Michelle.