Short post/update

Just wanted to let everyone know, We started crate training our 8 week old Oona the night we got her (Saturday 1-15-11), and tonight is the second night in a row she has "gone to bed" with zero crying/whining!

I don't think 4-5 nights is bad at all! I am proud of my little girl, proud of Nate and Myself for being strong in the face of puppy tears (the most heartwrenching sound I have ever had to endure), and proud of Roslyn for being such a supportive "Momma Bear".

Today was also the first day Oona went to her crate and took a nap inside with no prompting, she even drug the small blanket I made for her into it.

A few tricks we started using the last couple days are:

1. All feeding and treats are given in the kennel

2. She has her blanket, an old workout shirt of mine, and a small clock that makes a ticking sound in her crate at night. (the clock is supposed to mimic the heartbeat of littermates)

3. Roslyn's kennel and Oona's kennel are side by side. They started sleeping smushed up against the bars so they are touching. During the day Roslyn seeks Oona out so she can nap beside her.

4. Crate is never a "time out" spot. Oona takes discipline very well. Foster mom Cheryl Lyons taught her to sit very early in life, so when she is doing something "wrong" she gets a correction noise, and firm "no", and the order to "sit"... mostly because the only thing she really is doing currently is jumping too much and nipping at faces (I swear puppies are all tongue, teeth, and tails!)

Oona is also learning the stay command fairly well, and recall is excellent! Having a hard time with "down", but then again I had the same road block with Roz, I think I just can't teach it correctly.

Puppy exams are going great! She is fine with her feet being touched, but still doesn't like the sound of the nail clippers. I am trying every night to mock trim her nails and giving her lots of encouragement and treats when she sits still. She is getting better.

She had her first visit to my vet today. All good! Second puppy shots given, fecal came back clear, and the next 3 months worth of shots/spaying are scheduled. My vet fell in love with her (as did all the techs and people in the waiting room). Lots of cooing about her half blue /half brown eye, short legs, big front feet, and ridiculously long body! I love to hear people ask "what kind of dog is the speckly one over there?" not too many merles in Saginaw I guess.

We couldn't have asked for a more friendly pup. Always greeting the world (cats and bunnies included) with a happy tail, licks, and a sweet disposition.

I'm in puppy love. <3