Simba's Acceptance

As I've said before, Simba doesn't get along with a lot of dogs. He is fearful and unsure and ends up lashing out. I knew that introducing Willow wouldn't be easy but we have learned the tools of introduction into our pack when Caesar joined us. I have felt far more confident this time around and it's all thanks to Jack Egan of K-9 Korporation. When Caesar came to our home, I was a nervous wreck. I truly thought that Simba was going to hurt Caesar so we sought an expert. A lot of the training had to do with my attitude and anxieties towards Simba. I learned a lot about myself and applied those skills to introduce Willow to our park. Below you will see Simba trying to actually PLAY with Willow. It makes my heart melt because I see that they are happy together. It is all working out!

Doggy Daycare

I remember when I used to leave Simba and Buddha at doggy daycare when I had to work long hours. Buddha would always come out happy and exhausted while Simba would be exhausted but not from playing. Apparently, he never enjoyed the company of the other random dogs and he would follow around the humans instead. I didn't recognize his discomfort and kept sending him alongside his brother. Later, Simba grew fearful of other dogs. It is possible that something happened at the daycare that he took to heart. Simba doesn't forget anything. I will leave a cookie on a shelf for a few days and he will not forget. Even after it has been removed, he still goes looking for it.

Willow on the other hand is proving to be a handful at daycare. She is very high energy and has made a lot of puppy friends. The trainer gave me a raised eyebrow look today when I asked how she did. He said that he had to work with her a lot. It's true that Willow is squirmy, jumpy and full of energy but she's only five months old. Sounds normal to me! The daycare is a way to socialize her and to get the crazy energy out. She seems to be enjoying it though and even though it's pricey, it's worth it. Don't get me wrong, I don't take her every day. That would be insane! Only as necessary and as money will permit.

Pretty Girl

I had some fun dressing Willow up in different patterns of fabric. I used to make these bandanas for the dogs all the time but it's been a long while. The red one is from when Buddha and Simba were puppies. The pink is for our little princess. I am hoping to start up with the creativity again and make some fun items for the pup. She's growing FAST!

New Dog Bed

I made a new dog bed for Willow today. I bought a super cute fabric with dogs on it and used old cushions to fill it. I couldn't pass up the fabric and I think she is enjoying it. She will likely outgrow it very quickly but it does the trick for now!

She has most recently learned leave it and is practicing manners with the other dogs. Simba has gotten better with her but we still will not leave them alone together. He has an attitude and seems to be a little set in his ways. It will take time to train him to accept her while also training her to be calmer. PATIENCE is key!

Puppy Class

Willow started puppy class just a few days after she came to us. I knew that she would have to receive training right away and I am a fan of getting things started fast. Socialization is a big deal for puppies and can shape their future. This baby girl has a lot of energy and I thought it would be best to direct it at something positive. There were only two other puppies in her first day of class and she had a hard time focusing. She was just so excited to meet everyone and didn't care about learning anything new. I can completely understand since her new found freedom has been short. She wants to experience everything to the full extent. I have high hopes for her though. First week of class was a bit of a bust but I know that with practice, she is going to kick butt!

Meet Willow

We have added a fourth dog to the pack. We simply fell in love with her and she was too adorable to say no too. She's super high energy but she is only four months old so it makes perfect sense. These are the first pictures that we got of her. Her first ride home was a bit rocky. She was extremely scared of every sound and vomited in the car. Poor girl is a rescue and she just needed some loving and caresses. We plan on giving her tons of kisses and she will be adored by her older brothers.