Hi from Jill and (Ringo) formerly known as Blackie

[Blackie65]

is there any way that I could carry the puppy around and still get things done or is that setting myself up for trouble? Maybe now that he is asleep, I can sneak off!!!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Jill, I am quite sure Kian would say to NOT carry the puppy around (unless you meant in his crate, i.e., moving the crate from room to room as you go)!!! I also don't think sneaking off is a good idea as then he will never learn to trust you.

Throwing up from crying is a bit unusual in my experience, but he is very young. I would take him to the Vet as soon as possible, and I would also make sure you are feeding him the proper food. What are you feeding him right now? In our Health Section, there are many discussions about nutrition and the various stages of feeding a puppy needs. For example, when Oliver came home, his breakfast was baby pablum (rice formula) made with GOAT'S milk....Cow's milk is very hard on a puppy's tummy. He was nearly 9 weeks old! He also had a lunch, and a dinner, and two snacks per day. His dinner included 1/4 of a teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil, and bit of cooked meat. He was on this diet until 16 weeks, it then changed until he was 6 months old, which then changed again once he attained the age of 1.

Ringo (cute name and for a cute reason) needs to be thoroughly vetted for parasites, and if your daughter can't provide proof., i.e., a signed document indicating the vaccines he supposedly had, then Ringo will probably need to be vaccinated. I can't remember where you live, or if you even said. I know that there are certain parasites that live in the grass especially in the summer, that can make your puppy quite sick.

Kudos to you for waiting until he was settled to let him out of the crate!!! That was perfect. This may take a few weeks, so be prepared to not being able to do everything you wish to do. I think I would leave the dishes for your daughter!!!! Perhaps she can pick up the slack since you are busier than ever, as well as pay for his Vet visit!!!

I'm sure Kian will be along to offer some sound advice.

[Blackie65]

Thank you so much, we actually have two vet appointments, im trying to decide which to stay with.

The cheaper is at the vets office on Friday, first visit plus shots and stool check is $75 OR the Doorbell vet who comes very highly recommended, will come to the house and spend an hour with us for the same, check up, stool check and 1st shots, but $125...I kinda like the idea of the doorbell vet as she would be our personal vet should we keep this little guy...her appointment is with us saturday am at 10. This was the earliest I could get from either. We are located in Rochester, NY

He is eating softened puppy chow, he hasnt had any issues, has regular stools and they look good.

Seemed to me he vomited from stress...he does not like to be away from me.

Look forward to hearing from Kian! And thank you so much for your thoughtful kindness in replying to me.

[Blackie65]

awwww when I say NO for biting, he gets all cute and whiny and cuddly...and appears to feel bad, ill take this as a good sign! lol

[Blackie65]

7 weeks tomorrow!

[virgilsmama]

God bless little Ringo Starr! What an adorable puppy. Isn't it comforting to have the likes of Kian and Deb to really care about you and your puppy. Your daughter deserves a good sitdown and talking to and a payment plan to assist in the care, feeding and training of this baby who sounds like he loves you already. You have done the right thing by asking the DP people and by the sounds of what is going on in your home....hang in there with the little guy, you are doing a great job. One day at a time! Walk your baby on the leash in a dog-free area, one without other dog germs until he gets all of his vaccines. Not for hours but for short trips, he only wants to do things that will please you at this time. Keep it simple and keep it consistent! I followed Kian's anti-biting advice, it takes a while, but it works.

Have faith in yourself, looks like you are going to have an important lifetime friend, how lucky can you be? Ringo Starr is lucky too!

I have a 4 1/2 month old puppy, Levon, he looks alot like your pup and the things that the DPers have suggested to assist me with this also 6 week old adoptee have helped me so very much. As we get older and the time between little pups grows, we forget some of what came easily in previous years. I also have two other rescues, a 6 yr. old coonhound girl, Daisy and another rescue from the road, a Beagle, Buddy, he is 1yr. 4 mos. old. It has been an action packed year or so for all of us. I would not change a thing(except for some Levon health problems)! You can do it!!!

Good luck and take care, Liz

[kian]

Hi Jill!

It is so refreshing to meet a new member with a sense of humor! Remember when I said he will attach to you as if you were his mom, that is what is happening. Normally he would be happy to play with his littermates while the mom isn't around. Don't carry him around, he does need something to feel secure in his crate or pen. All pups go through some that, usually can be deflected with something like a chew, toy or sometimes just watching thier human. Allie was 9 weeks when I brought her home, I did have to do a little behaviour modification which was age appropriate. She didn't like being left.

How to appease little Ringo (I like the new name) is tricky, put a old t-shirt you have slept in the crate or pen for your scent. Chews at this age don't always work, it's the play and contact he needs. A exercise pen would give him a little more freedom to roam in a contained setting. Ice was my "spider pup", he liked to climb it. Again I had to teach him not to. Hope you don't mind here is a picture of him doing just that! You can see what I mean about climbing the pen in case you get one and Ringo does that.




I like the pen, it gives pups some roaming without getting into much trouble. He needs toys that move, toys he can pounce on, toys he can chase. Make sure they are safe for his age and always watch for wear and tears. Time to go shopping and rotate the toys. I personally do that as well, it's always something new to play with.


Officially welcome to DP! I'm the Southwest U.S.

[virgilsmama]

Jill, something I just remembered was that all those too young puppies at the shelter had stuffed animals to hug and sleep with. When we brought Levon home, I made sure he had a couple soft puppies to sleep with and that worked well for him.
Liz

[kian]

Great suggestion Liz!

[Blackie65]

oh hi Gang! Your love and support over these past few days has meant so very much to me!

Im sad to report that my daughter has someone coming to look at the puppy today. I told her I would take til Friday to decide if I were to keep him.

yesterday, she didnt come right home from work and I had a class...I didnt want to just leave him as he isnt comfortable yet so I took him with me and told her id meet her in the college parking lot, she was furious that I made her drive all the way over there and didnt just leave him home. After my class, I found him penned in the bathroom with his toys and his favorite towel (he wasnt crying)....she never came home.

She has decided to be furious with me, she knows I am upset with her..she hasnt slept here in the past few days...I feel resentful and used having this puppy put on me but have grown to become attached and really love him.

such mixed feelings...

I have a friend looking to see if Ringo can stay with her friends litter of pups today, she has hesitated as she didnt know if I were keeping him... im doing the best I can right now..

I really appreciate all the support xoxoxox

[Blackie65]

Kian, I really appreciate the photo and all the tips! Ringo was up on the kids step stool going after the toilet paper roll when I was in there, haha, my daughter put a baby gate across the door, he was attacking that furiously as well... how did you gently teach your baby? Im finding that barking at him makes him stop biting me, would it work with the gate as well? I must look silly when I do that!

I really enjoy all of you here!!!

[Blackie65]

Thank you, Liz! we have lots of stuffed animals around here, seeing as I do daycare!

[Blackie65]

Finally got him to sleep (TWICE) in confinement!

Daycare kids came today, they all got along great, the kids loved him and he loved the kids...

[Deerie me]

Jill, Ringo is adorable and it sounds like you are doing a great job. It can't be easy being landed with this helpless little creature when you are least expecting it but it does sound as if the two of you have bonded. You've come to the right place for dog advice. Most of our regular members are experienced dog owners who have picked up tips along the way. Your sence of humour is crucial. Don't lose that at any cost. Good luck to you and welcome to the DP.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Jill, I love the new photos! Ringo is a little cutie pie. ♥

I have one teen son age 16, and another son age 20...I know all about this stage. Imagine the audacity you had to ask your daughter to drive "all that way" to help YOU with the Puppy SHE purchased (and dumped on you). She must be indignant! Stay strong when it comes to your daughter as this is one of those "teachable moments" in life, (and I dislike that expression!).

I like the idea of having a Vet actually come to your home, as I'm sure he/she will be able to offer suggestions and tips (hopefully...mine are very good when it comes to nutrition and behaviour, but they are also dog owners/lovers). You are doing extremely well.

Liz gave you an excellent tip about one or two stuffed toys. Remember though to keep a close eye and make sure that Ringo does not rip it open and ingest any of its contents. An old tshirt that has your scent is also a terrific idea. While your situation with Ringo is not ideal, it can be done.