Life at 2 Months...

17lbs, 9 inches

Don't let anyone tell you different---raising a puppy is alot of work!

Kris and I looked to many different blogs and and websites for tips and answers. That's one of the main reasons why I started this one. I'll try to list some pointers on a month-by- month timeline. If you have any further question or comments, then I will happily continue the conversation!

What we noticed at two months:

1. Big spurts of energy (15 mins)and then lonnnng naps (1/2 hour to an hour)
2. Looks like Mingus' (M)attention span is about 4 minutes per month old he is (good to know for training purposes)
3. Puppies in general, can only hold their bladder 1 hour longer than how many months they are---so M can hold his bladder for about 3 hours
4. Sniffs when he needs to pee
5. Circles when he needs to poop

Housebreaking at two months:

1. Use a crate: He needs his own personal space--- a place where no one can bother him. Eventually he'll learn that its not fun to lay in his own potty-mess and he'll learn to hold it until he can get your attention.
2. Look for sniffs and circles for potty clues. The second you catch him doing it---TAKE HIM OUT! Take him out to the SAME spot and use vocabulary (we use "go potty" for pee and "go deuce" for number 2) It helps to say the vocab and then to look away. Praise him like crazy( with or without treats) once and ONLY WHEN he has emptied completely. Being premature with praise means he'll have to go out again in 30 seconds.
3. Pick that puppy up! Unfortunately, at night, we had a long distance to travel from the first warning signs to the outdoors. A puppy can't hold it....he will pee with the quickness. But its not his fault, pick him up and run him out. Mingus would kiss us for doing this. Its like he knew he couldn't control it and was so grateful that we saved him. The minute we put him on the spot, he would relieve himself.
4. We give M a treat when he comes back in from potty. He's adorable. He expects it and knows that he won't get a treat if he didn't go potty.
5. Use something to get rid of the pee smell in the house. We liked this stuff called Kids and Pets or you can just use vinegar. Dogs can smell a drop of urine in a bowl of water. And then he'll go back and pee in the same spot. Now if your dog messes in the house---DON'T YELL AT HIM! Yelling evokes fear and then they'll keep doing what they were doing except now they'll hide it from you. Don't say bad dog, hit them or yell. If they're doing anything wrong---it's because of you! Watch them alot and watch them carefully. And remember to praise them when they're behaving correctly.
6. This is gonna be hard to believe but...it's normal for puppies to eat their own poo. I had such a hard time believing this. Only because M would do it so well...I mean no traces of evidence besides his poo breath. Put chopped up pineapples or frozen brocooli in his food. The trick is to make his poo seem less appetizing. eating his own poo, might also mean that you need to feed him more.
7. Take him out to potty religiously after he wakes up, after he plays and after you train him. These are three times that puppy isn't thinking about peeing. So as soon as the activity stops...say, "go potty", pick him up and take him out. He will pee every time.

Bedtime at two months...

1. Make sure any nap or bedtime is in the crate. We say, "Crate" and lead him in with a treat. Once the door closes he gets another treat. Just until he realizes the crate is a good thing.
2. He doesn't sleep more than 3 hours.
3. He's not a whiner or a crier so he throws his body against the crate when he needs to go potty.
4. We keep the crate in our bedrooom for now and will move him when either his bladder gets stronger or when he starts to be vocal.
5. Sometime I lay right next to the crate when I want him to sleep. He seems to be reassured that I'm right there and generally passes out within one minute.
6. Get ready for at least 2 months of sleepless nights.

Training at 2 months...

1. We call his name in a happy high pitched voice while clapping. When he comes to us, he gets a treat. He understood his name within 10 minutes. We also say his name before any other command.
2. Training has to involve everyone and it has to be consistent. Kris calls Mingus and gives him treats for the same reasons I would....the same way I would....at the same time I would. At this age, everything has to be routine and consistent. Afterall dogs are the ultimate creatures of habit!
3. Don't stress. M's attention span is about 4 mins. I like to train right as he's getting tired or before he eats. This way his hunger and energy don't distract him. I do 5 minutes and then I give him a break.
4. Keep each other filled in. Kris tells me what he likes or what works for him and I do the same. Then everybody is on the same page and the puppy is never confused!
5. Use real, natural treats. Remeber that soft is good for teething pups. You can also freeze them.

Within the first week, Mingus had mastered Sit, Paw, Go Potty and Crate. Please post a comment for any how-to instructions ;-)