New puppy! (Pictures)
 

My birthday is coming up and my dad got me a new puppy! :)

I absolutely love her. She is soo smart, and sweet, and perfect. She is a little nippy and barky (well.. she's a puppy so..of course), which I heard is common for American Eskimos - but we're going to do the obedience school thing when she's a little older and nip that in the bud. Anyways, I thought I'd show off some pictures of her because she's soo adorable! :)

Her name is Penelope and she's 7 weeks old.

Anyone have any tips on potty training, barking control, etc. Any good puppy tips in general :) let me know!

Also, any tips on how to make her really good with children? Because I have a nephew who is one, a little girl cousin who is 4, boy twin cousins who are 5, another 4 year old boy, and a 3 year old boy and my siblings and their spouses are going to be having more kids, so it's going to be a big family of children soon! Let me know :)

Awww, so cute!!!

Puppy training is about consistency. Whatever humane training method you choose, you must be consistent every time the bad behavior returns. If others will have interactions with her, they must use your same methods and be consistent. Therefore you may want to restrict her exposure to others for a while until she grasps how you want her to behave. Nip that nipping in the bud for safe contact with young children.

There are lot of books on the subject available at a public library, online and at bookstores. I hear Border's is going out of business - may find a deal there.

ETA: there is one tip that has been very helpful - play and tire the pup out before you attempt training. They are more likely to be compliant when they are tired.

what a cutey!

maybe you could sign up for an obedience course? the classes are really more about training the owner and they are very hands on and supportive.

if you don't have very much money the dog whisper books and movies are suppose to be very helpful.

When I saw that first picture I squealed so loud my pups came to see what was happening :lol:

She's PERFECT!! Congratulations!

What a cutie patootie :) The fourth picture looks like a glamour photo of you both! Wonderful :) Enjoy! ... and happy early birthday!

Soooooo adorable! Makes me want one! :D

PS Just read the "First" post in your blog...you are an amazing woman!

DixC- Thanks so much for the advice, I completely forgot about the tire them out then try training them - the first two days I had her all she did was sleep and today she's just been one fur ball of energy! I just took her for a walk and then came home and worked with her on sitting. She's only had one two accidents in the house in three days - peeing, not pooping. And in three days that seems pretty good!

Niafobo- I've been thinking obedience classes, definitely. I just have to find the right place for them, has anyone went through Petsmart or Petco? I'm thinking maybe going a little less well-known and opt for a more local place? I don't know, I'll have to look around.

Paradise & National - Ahh, thank you! She IS pretty darn cute! :)

Manders - Thank you, so much! I'm glad that you enjoyed the blog post. I have more after "First", but I've hidden them because I get shy! Haha! I do like blogging though, it's a good way to let out emotions, and when I look back on that and reread it as I lose more and more weight.. it reallly makes you think and gives you more incentive to continue losing weight.

I agree with niafobo try to attend regular obedience classes. I have a weimaraner and they can be quite a dominant breed but early socialisation in puppy classes and then obediance classes have made him a lovely dog to be around. The more interaction and exercise that a dog gets stops them from being bored and frustrated. Also, a well trained dog that you can take anywhere is so helpful for weight loss. I have a dog that needs a couple of hours exercise a day which means that I am getting a couple of hours every day which is great for my diet. As for children just introduce to her to lots of them but put the boundaries in immediately. No jumping up or nipping and she will soon understand how she is to behave around children and just enjoy spending time with them. Good luck and enjoy your new bundle of fun :)

Cute puppy...and I totally agree...regular obedience classes!

Nuts ! http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/715/heartwml.gif I can't tell who's cuter, the puppy or you. Looking good. :D

I worked at Petsmart and put my dog through the obedience classes while there. I really enjoyed them, and so did my Roxie.

They also have puppy classes free once in a while. Give them a call and talk to a trainer. It did my pp and I wonders!

Aww...so cute! :)

Aww, how adorable. :) I just love American Eskimo Dogs and spitz-type breeds. Good luck with the training!

You are going to have her in the socialization window! This means that you have a unique opportunity to form her into the adult dog she'll be - whether that's a dog that's shy and fearful around new things or an easygoing, relaxed dog who can handle changing circumstances (including screaming kids, etc).

http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips....alization.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-do...t/210780316635

http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonli...ialization.pdf

Socialize, socialize, socialize!

Thanks everyone! I'm thinking about looking into the Nebraska Humane Society because I've been feeling a little guilty about not adopting from there, and I'm thinking if I pay for some obedience classes there at least that money is going towards it?

Thanks so much for those links Mandalinn! I've added the socialization list to my book.

(I'm making a little training rule book for Penelope and printing one off for everyone in the family, LOL. I'm a little bit anal, but I'm determined to make Penelope the most well behaved puppy in the world!)