What to do?

Where shall i begin this? The last couple days have been filled with mixed emotions...Hub got me a puppy for our anniversary. Well that dog turned out to be pit bull. So we declined and somehow managed to get an 8 week old lab. While I love the dog, I love my children more. So far the kids are terrified of him, only because he jumps, lunges and nips at their faces. And that scares the bajeezs out of me. I know its typical puppy behavior. But the kids BEG for us to put him in the cage. And its not fair to the dog to be left there. So Im torn. I just dont know what to do. Hub says give it a couple months, and the kids will adjust. But at what cost? Will they forever fear dogs? Will he actually nip to the point of hurting? I just dont know.

I go to the weight dr on Friday now. I am excited. For all nosy purposes, I have stepped on scales and it says I am 4-5 lbs away from 200. I hope I reach 200 by Friday. I am so stinkin excited. I am still excited for what I have lost.

I hope you have a great week.

Gail

WOW!!

You are knocking on the door of Onederland!! I would be thrilled to death!!

Good luck

Good luck at WI.  Here's hoping for Onederland.  But if not, next time.  I just know it!  :-)

Result

Thank you for your support on my blog. I'm sure you will get the results you want when you go to the doctor. Keep going!

Puppy School!

I highly recommend puppy school. I had a blast with my dog. We went through four levels (beg, inter, advanced (twice). Everyone raves about how well behaved my dog is. Labs are extremely trainable and what you are describing is very typical puppy behavior. If you want to email me I can rec. some books, training tips, and such. I was a RVT for 10 years before I became a teacher.

puppy help

Puppy school is very important -- highly recommended!

In the meantime, you can probably get a dog trainer to recommend how you can train the puppy not to jump on the kids, or anyone else. SPCA here in my town has good support like that. Or places where they offer puppy classes. Jumping is totally normal puppy behavior but still not fun for the kids. Definitely needs to learn not to nip!

One thing that occurs to me is that the natural human response is to lean back and away when the puppy does that, but that just encourages them more. When he jumps, if the kids might take a step toward the puppy and lean down over him while making a sort of growling sound, puppy might get it. Then praise the puppy when he backs off. If it works, kids feel empowered and puppy learns courtesy. (disclaimer -- I'm not a dog trainer! I do have a dog and have taken classes to learn about how to teach him stuff but I'm pulling this outta my hat here.)

W0ohoo!

You look amazing girl!  I am so proud of you.  I have been so busy I barely have enough time to blog, let alone check out other blogs, but I'm glad I stopped by today.

Read up on Cesar Milan and watch his show, the Dog Whisperer.  He's amazing, but my opinion is get rid of the puppy and if you want a dog while the kids are little, get a dog that's a year old and is mellow.

good luck at the doc!!  I know you'll do well.

You deserve Onederland

You have been working so hard for it.  I hope it happens for you this week.  I can understand your concern about the new puppy.  You have a tough decision to make.  I wish you good luck and God's blessings.  Chargail

good luck

I hope you get the news you want!  You're doing so well so far.

Puppies

I would also recommend puppy school. Im confused though...you didn't get the first puppy BECAUSE it was pitbull???

You have to watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdY9Z5ub9xw

Amazing! Good luck with the new puppy

Great job!

Wow, you're still doing great! I can't believe you're almost to onederland. I look forward to see you hitting 199.0. How exciting!

Awesome

Congratulations on getting closer to being in your 100's instead of 200's.  You are doing awesome! You'll get there in no time. Keep up the good work.        Shawn