Puppy Potty Training

Bringing home a new puppy is undoubtedly an exciting time in life. They are cute, silly, cuddly, and loads of fun– until you have to clean up an accident.

Fortunately, puppies are quick learners and can be potty-trained within a matter of days with the help of a consistent schedule and an open-minded owner!

Housetraining a puppy takes a bit of patience and puppies need to be taught the correct and incorrect places to eliminate. By following these steps, you’ll be on the right track to a fully potty-trained puppy.

Step 1: Go out frequently

Puppies have small bladders and should be given regular, frequent opportunities to go outside for a potty break. As they grow older, they will be able to hold it for longer periods of time, but new puppies should be taken out about every two hours. Keep watch on your puppy just in case he begins to pace or is seemingly sniffing around for a spot to “go” so that you can hurry him outside.

Take your puppy outside to a preferred spot and tell him to “go potty.” It may take some time, but as soon as he goes (even if it’s just a little) be sure to praise!

Tip: Take your puppy out immediately after he wakes up, after each time he eats/drinks, and after play sessions.

Step 2: Reward for a job well done

By praising your puppy every time he successfully goes potty outside, you are positively reinforcing desired behavior which means he is more likely to continue going potty in the correct place. Give verbal praise or a treat immediately after your puppy has finished his ‘business’.

Tip: Wait until your puppy has finished eliminating before offering praise. If you praise your puppy while he is going, it may cause a distraction and prevent him from finishing.

Step 3: Get into a routine

By introducing your puppy to a regular eating, sleeping, potty schedule, he will quickly learn to expect certain activities at certain times of the day. Your puppy should be receiving meals 3-4 times per day, so make sure that these occur at the same time every day, followed by a potty break after each meal.

Putting your puppy on a consistent schedule will help him learn more quickly, and he may even alert you when it’s time to go out.

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New Years Eve 2013

I have been spending the last several New Years Eve’s in Portland, Oregon pet sitting two adorable Italian Greyhounds, Luna and Reilly.

Cuddling with Luna and Reilly

I love these two little ones so much and enjoy each and every minute I spend with them.  Luna has had a bit of a decline this year and is now blind and deaf.  Along with her having prosthetics on her two front legs, you might think she would be having such a hard time.  But not Luna!  She has managed to learn how to navigate around the house and yard, and she even still enjoys playing with her treat toys with Reilly.

Luna and Reilly playing with their treat toys

This year my sister Kathy came down from Washington state to spend a few days with me and the pups.  She immediately bonded with Reilly and they were pretty much inseparable during her stay.

Reilly with his new friend Kathy

Reilly is just the sweetest little boy.  He loves to cuddle with me, but he also loves to cuddle with and groom Luna.  Is this the sweetest picture ever?

Reilly comforting Luna

On New Years Eve Kathy and I went out to see the Christmas lights on Peacock Lane.  This is a tradition for Kathy and I.  We’ve gone out to look at lights for many years.  Some years with the kids, then with the grandkids, some years just the two of us.  We even went out one year in our PJ’s!  Peacock Lane is an entire block with every house adorned with lights and decorations for Christmas.  It was really beautiful!

One of the many decorated homes on Peacock Lane

Then we went out to dinner at a local family restaurant.  The waiter was a nice young man looking forward to finishing his shift and going out with his friends.  When we were ready to leave, Kathy decided to leave him a $50 tip!  She put the tip on the table and we left.  From the parking lot we were able to see him pick up the tip and all excitedly show it to the hostess.  What a fun, unexpected treat for him.  That’s my sister for you.  You just never know when she is going to do something crazy and wonderful!

A couple of days later we took a drive to Stevenson, WA and to the Scamania Lodge for lunch.  A friend of ours had told us about it so we decided to take advantage of being in the area.

What an absolutely beautiful place!  We sat in the lobby and enjoyed the fireplace and mountain atmosphere.

Kathy enjoying the beautiful lobby

What a warm and comforting fireplace for a cold winters day!

We had a delicious lunch while enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains and the Columbia Gorge.

Lunch at Scamania Lodge

Next we crossed the Bridge of the Gods back into Cascade Locks.

Kathy had read the book ‘Wild’, the story of Cheryl Strayeds’ journey of walking the Pacific Crest Trail and was really touched by it.   She was thrilled that we were right at the trailhead so she had to get a picture next to the trailhead sign.

Kathy by the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead

A movie is being made of her incredible story and it was actually being filmed here in November.  Reese Witherspoon is playing Cheryl in the movie.

Reese Witherspoon playing Cheryl Strayed in the movie ‘Wild’

Cheryl ended her hike at the Bridge of the Gods, walked down to the East Wind Drive-In to get an ice cream cone and reflect on her journey.

So of course Kathy wanted to experience having one of the huge, delicious chocolate and vanilla ice cream swirl cones to finalize her bonding with this amazing story.  Well, needless to say, she didn’t get quite the serene experience that Cheryl did.  As soon as Kathy was handed the huge cone, it ended up on her lap!

Swirl cone disaster

She rescued the cone and dumped it in a cup.  As we drove away in laughter she ate her cone with a spoon and decided this was probably as close as she would ever get to experiencing the life of Cheryl Strayed.

Rainbow bridge

I’m sad to say that one of my special pets that I have had the pleasure of taking care of during my wonderful job of pet sitting has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Alex getting ready for Christmas 2013

Little Alex was a sweet little girl and had the fortune of living with some awesome, loving people.  A couple of years ago Alex became almost entirely blind from an illness but she forged on and was able to adapt and live very comfortably.  It was amazing.

Beautiful little Alex

Alex had a wonderful life and just recently, at the ripe old age of 17, it was time to make the difficult decision to let her go.  I will miss you Alex.  Rest in peace my friend.

Home for Christmas

This year I went home for Christmas.  By home I mean Wenatchee, Washington where I was born and raised, raised my children, worked most of my life, and where most of my friends and family live.  I rented out my home several years ago, so now when I come home I stay with my sister Kathy.  She is my best friend in the whole wide world.  She’s crazy, funny, and has a heart the size of Texas!

My crazy, wonderful sister Kathy and me

I arrived in Wenatchee a week before Christmas and immediately started the holiday festivities by meeting with my former co-workers from Stemilt Growers for drinks and a chance to catch up at one of our favorite local restaurant & bar’s, Bob’s Classic.

The next afternoon my sisters and I met a couple of our other friends for lunch.  I try to make a point of seeing as many of my friends as I can when I’m in town because I miss them and their friendship means so much to me.  We always have a great time talking and laughing with these crazy women!

Having lunch with my sisters Kathy & Bonnie and our good friends Pat and Barb

On Saturday the girls and I went to a local theater to watch a play.  It was fun to do something different.  I love the theater and don’t seem to go very often.  A big “Thank you” to my gal pals for agreeing to go with me!

And later that day my daughter and her family arrived from Lynnwood to spend Christmas with us.  It’s their baby boys first Christmas and their toddlers first Christmas that he kind of understands the concept of Santa.  What a fun age!

My niece Christi is getting married next summer so on Sunday she had planned a “Try on your wedding/bridesmaid dress” party.  One of her friends’ mother owns a bridal shop in town and was so generous to allow us to the private party at her shop Bella Sera.

The girls had so much fun trying on several beautiful and fun dresses.  And what girl doesn’t love to try on a wedding gown?  It was like a kids dress up party for 30 to 40 year olds!  Then we all got a peek at Christi’s wedding gown.  Beautiful!  We Grandmas sat and enjoyed mimosas and hors d’oeuvres while watching the girls have their fun!

Watching the style show

A toast to the bride-to-be

One of the beautiful wedding gowns Christi tried on

On Monday it was time for my grandson LJ to make cookies to leave for Santa on Christmas eve.  Oh my!  Did he ever have a super fun time!  He’s quite the chef and LOVES to help Grandma in the kitchen.  He always says “I’m the best helper ever!”.  Yes LJ, you certainly are!

LJ rolling out the cookie dough

All cut out and ready for the oven

Are they ready yet?

Decorating them ‘just right’!

The cookies & milk for Santa, and of course carrots for the reindeer that LJ left out on Christmas eve.

On Christmas Eve my niece Christi and her fiancé Brent hosted a party.  We gathered for snacks, conversation & a fun gift exchange.

Our host Christi is the one in grey in the middle with my sister (Christi’s mom) on the right

The guys waiting for the gift exchange to begin

Friends enjoying the evening

Fun times! Fun gifts!

My great-grandson & grandson showing me their gifts

Christmas morning finally arrived and LJ saw what Santa brought him.  LOTS of cars from his favorite movie!

Oh my! Look what Santa brought LJ!

Daddy, LJ & Jackson opening gifts

Ava watching the action all snuggled up and cozy

My gorgeous daughter Heather and baby Declan enjoying the morning

And me in my PJ’s watching the fun

Next we were off to my sons home for a delicious breakfast and another gift exchange.  As soon as we got out of the car we were met by my grandson Christian and my great-grandson Mason horsing around.

Hurry Mason, that crazy Santa is going to get you!

My son Ben, daughter Heather, and the babies

My beautiful daughter-in-law Wendy with her adorable grandson Braxton

Someone once said “It’s all about the babies, isn’t it?”  Well yes, it’s all about the babies <3!

Are they adorable or what?

Christian is off to work before I got a chance to take the family photo.  Love that boy!

Our family photo. Me with my children & their spouses, my grandchildren and great grandchildren. A room full of love!

The last of our Christmas activities was to go to my cousin Bruce’s house for Christmas dinner.

Bruce’s son Dustin with his lovely wife Christina and their children Ava & Oliver

Bruce giving the blessing before dinner

I have so much to be thankful for this Christmas.  Bruce was severely burned during the summer and has recovered extremely well.  He still has a lot of mending to do, but with his positive attitude and help from his loving wife, friends and family I know he will heal completely.  I love my cousin so much and am so thankful that he was spared in that terrible accident.

My amazing cousin Bruce with his darling wife Grace

It was a fantabulous week at home!  And one that I will cherish.

Merry Christmas to one and all!  I hope you had as wonderful a Christmas as I did!