Puppy Instructions

I'll write down some things about Buddy, too--gosh it's like leaving a list with a babysitter for a child isn't it?? The crate you have is perfect for Buddy. How lucky for Bella to have her own doggy door! Buddy's signal is he either cries (a very faint soft cry that you might even miss, which I apparently usually do when he is in his crate!) or he gets real pesty where he's bugging you (sitting in front of you, staring at you, etc.). Ask him if he wants to go outside or go potty outside and walk toward the door, he will usually follow.

I'll feed him early today (usually eats about 6:30-7:30 PM, too) so that he should either potty #2 either late tonight or very early tomorrow AM so that he should be all done with that before the wrestling meet aside from potty #1 breaks from time to time. Your biggest problem may be keeping Buddy away from Stormy's food--if he finds food he will eat until he explodes and he is also very sensitive to new food, so I would not want that to happen to you. Buddy is usually excellent in public, but likes to lick people, which we are trying to deter him from doing because some people just don't care for dog slobber all over themselves (can't imagine why! ha).

Buddy's commands are probably the same as Bella's (Sit, Stay, Down, No, Leave it, Come, etc), but in case you are really desperate to get his attention, our secret word is "Food". He will stop dead in his tracks no matter what he is doing. He likes to be out ahead of you no walks, we try to to make sure he's not pulling and tell him to "heel" and give him a pop with the pinch collar if he does not slow down, but he never walks right by your side.

It sounds like he eats about the same time Bella does and we'll bring his bowl, we usually just fill it up and that is about 3 cups. I know, the once a day thing is hard for me, too. I feel the same way you do, he just seems hungry all the time. If you have a bowl that's big enough, to stop her from gulping, put a tennis ball or golf balls in with her food. It sounds strange, but it works really well. They end up eating around it, so they have to go slower.

Buddy is really good in public and loves people, especially kids. When we're walking and he sees another dog, we make him sit (he will cry, bark, fidget) until the other dog has passed by but that is his real weakness is other dogs--poor Stormy. If he gets to bothering her too much though, just really lay down the law with him. He's not supposed to get crazy wild in the house but being away from home, no doubt he'll try to push the boundaries.

Anyway, hope that helps. If I think of something more, we'll let you know. If you run into any problems or he's really driving you nuts we can always come and get him! We're looking forward to having a little girl around the house for a while! Have fun.