How to Raise a Puppy
September 27, 2010
[The Tilda Bear]
Well, I’ve got it ~ the topic for my next book, as I’m now clearly an expert who is enjoying nothing but smooth sailing with my perfect little puppy Tilda. Cesar Milan better watch his back, because as I’ll demonstrate here, I have got this whole thing down.
How to Raise a Puppy ~ Part One
1. Invest in Petco stock and have a shot of tequila before you go there for the first time. The number of leashes on display alone can send the most stable, grounded person into a fit of paralyzing confusion, especially with other dog owners and their yippy, yappy dogs trotting all around you.
2. Take the rest of your savings and invest it in Johnson & Johnson, as you’ll use up boxes of Band-Aids faster than I can type “razor sharp puppy teeth.”
3. Always take the time to appreciate how wonderful it is to be able to sleep in as late as you want once your puppy comes home with you.
Oh wait ~ my bad, I was caught up in one of my latest obsessive fantasies…
4. Get ready to experience a new level of gratitude and appreciation from people like your dry cleaners. They’re going to make a little extra income thanks to all the torn pants you’ll be bringing in for repairs.
5. Make sure all of the following are above your puppy’s reach at all times: Food, newspapers, toilet paper, shoes, clothes, books, cell phones, suitcases, blankets, pillows, plates, rolls of masking tape, art supplies, laptops, cups, rugs, bowls, folders…
I could try to list every item in our household here, but I think you get the picture.
6. Be prepared: The poops only get bigger.
7. Remember: A puppy that runs! and runs! and runs! and runs! will soon be sound asleep, and then, for a few brief hours, you’ll have your life back.
8. Buy your puppy dozens of toys, because you can’t imagine the joy you’ll experience knowing you spent all that money so she could romp with your plastic watering can more than anything else.
The Tilda Bear from Christine Mason Miller on Vimeo.
Aww, what a sweet, wild, and crazy pup!
I met an 11 week old labradoodle (who thought my hand was a magnificent treat) on my walk today. Puppies are the best kind of medicine I think. Always good for a giggle.
Hey.. thanks for the smile, this video is so cute.
I met you briefly at Squam while visiting your vendor table.
I love playing with my pup (who is now a 7 year old) but she is a Jack Russell so she will always be like a puppy.
Enjoy
Oh my gosh this is great! Ok…I need to book a ticket out to visit her before she gets too big!
YES PLEASE!
oh yeah!!! love it…well done…the poops are also getting more frequent…and it is a hot day…
We went through all of this a year ago! I was working from home at the time and basically could never wear anything nice because it would end up with a hole in it. We still lose the occasional shoe to the yard, and as expensive as toys are I’ll keep buying them if there’s a slightly lesser chance that something good won’t get destroyed as a result.
Love this! We got our baby Logan when he was only 6.5 weeks old, and so much of what you are describing is what we went through. He is just over a year old now and all I can say is while I am sure my brain has glossed over the details, I would do it all over again! I think we will only get puppies from now on, nutty as it sounds!! it will all be worth it!! Enjoy!
She is just so sweet!
Love the video.
Aw, precious girl Tilda! She is going to be big…look at those paws! Christine, puppies are a handful…however, there is no love or loyalty like what your Tilda will give you over the years, none…so worth it! Thanks for Tilda updates…love them.
too cute!
I am feeling all broody… mine are 11 and 8, *sigh*!
Yes all of the above sounds very familiar. She finally got to the point where she actually minded better than the kids at times. When we told them it was bed time, she was the first to hit her bed each night! I wish you and Tilda as many wonderful memories as we had with our Nissan for 17 yrs.
loved hearing your giggles
been WAITING for this video!!! love her .. . ahh puppydom!
Oh my gosh, this video is so cute and hilarious. I love watching her romp around. And your giggle that became bigger and bigger as the video went on was also a huge treat.
xoxo
I can relate to your post. My black Lab puppy, Juno, is now 14 months old. We’re now dealing with puppy adolescence which has moments of insanity (70 pound puppy galloping around the house) and moments of brilliant obedience (when she responds to whispered commands). Enjoy Tilda!