Dog Gone Puppy Training (Maternity Leave)

Have you seen our newest family member, yet? Little Neko has only been with us for a week, now, and he's already grown by a few pounds. If he keeps going at this rate, he'll be the size of a school bus by Christmas. You know how you can tell a dog is going to be big by the size of its feet? Well, he's all belly, and his body's got some catching up to do!

Look at that belly!

Last week I asked you all for some healthy treat ideas for him, and some of you suggested apples or carrots. Well, I introduced him to his first carrot a few days ago, and he practically lost his mind over it. He immediately figured out that it had come from the fridge, and now sits in the kitchen, waiting for me to open the door. He thinks with his stomach, that's for sure!



When he's not thinking about food, he is constantly on the move. It's like having a child, only with teeth and claws, and seriously hyped up on caffeine. He has a penchant for chewing on things he's not supposed to, and hasn't quite figured out the concept of not peeing in the house yet.

Of course, that's to be expected with a pup his age, but it means we have some work to do in the training department... which is why I'm taking a little hiatus over the next week or so to work with him. Think of it as a very brief maternity leave. I have a trip coming up, and my hope is to have him potty trained before I go. (Fingers crossed!)

Don't worry, though... I'll still be cooking up a storm, and should have some awesome recipes to share when I get back!

In the meantime, I'm off to brush up on my dog training skills. Patience, consistency, firmness... and trying not to get too distracted by how freakin' cute he is.



I didn't say it would be easy.

(Recipe posts should return to their normal schedule starting Friday the 18th, or Tuesday the 22nd -- wish me luck!)