Pupdate
By Kim Campbell Thornton
February 26, 2008
Taking a quick break from writing an article on puppy socialization (apt indeed) to note how fascinating it is to watch behaviors emerge. Harper has learned to jump on the sofa today and just in the past hour or so she’s begun to play with her toys with a vengeance. A few hours ago, she ignored them when I squeaked or threw them; now she’s attacking them on her own. And it’s entertaining to see her look at that other puppy in the mirror. She’s getting clicked for coming when called, sitting, standing on her hind legs and using the litter box. I’m really impressed by how well trained she is when it comes to using it. She’s becoming more assertive about inviting play from Bella and Twyla, although she’s still not getting much response.
Being limited to a hotel suite has its advantages. It’s easy to block off certain areas and I have full view of the room so I can keep an eye on her as I work. Daily housekeeping doesn’t hurt. The kind lady who came to clean today spoke to the girls in Spanish while she cleaned. Maybe they’ll become trilingual.
I’m making an A to Z list of socialization experiences. All suggestions welcome for the letters I, Q, X and Z. X-Box game sounds? We’re planning dinner with friends while we’re here so Harper can have one of the C experiences: children.




My husband is working in Pleasanton this week, so we loaded up the Outback with dogs, dog paraphernalia, and everything the two of us needed for work and headed north. Our plan was to pick up our new puppy on Sunday and then all of us would stay in a hotel for the week. That would be neutral territory where the dogs could get to know each other.
First stop was Amsterdam. We’ve been to the
I know, I know: It’s not even Thanksgiving yet. But I went into the hardware store last weekend and the aisles were already filled with holiday decorations. So if you think about it, we may already be late in asking.