I am Learning (Slowly)

Tonight we went to the pet store, to look for a “potty training” book, and maybe find a better treat. I was hoping to find a “Potty Training for Dummies”…

We also looked into the classes they offer, in hopes they were the same thing offered at another from the same chain (Petsmart), but without having to drive that far away! I liked the fact that classes are only $15 each, and that they are trained professionals. I signed Cooper up for actual puppy classes (which include potty training), scheduled for after his second set of shots.

I learned a lot, love how they are attentive to the pet, and I gathered a few tips before the class starts. I was asked how I handle when he has a “mistake” (potty inside), and I am on the right track! But my biggest tip actually came from the cashier, and when he nips me to yelp (she did one as an example), and why they do it.

I can thank Petsmart for my first “kiss” since he’s been home! Once when he was about three weeks old, and we went up to check on the litter, I got a kiss (which is when I fell in love, kisses and puppy breath). I almost wanted to cry, because all I’ve gotten are teeth, and I was at my ropes end. I GOT KISSES… I got kisses… I got kisses…

Only now I have to hope when the neighbors hear us (family with five humans) “yelping”, they don’t think the puppy is the one doing it (we don’t hit him). And while in public, I don’t look like too big of a fool… but when they bite each other while still in the litter, they yelp, which lets them know the biting hurts. Which has made a much bigger difference than me trying to swap out a toy for my flesh. With as much help as they’ve been I can’t wait until his classes start. I’ll be there with a note pad to take notes, hubby is doing them with me!

And we were advised to stop using potty treats... which is exactly what the breeder told us. I'm slowly learning and grateful to be getting help!!! I just hope that Cooper is smarter than I am in this process and picks it all up as we progress.