Puppy Dreams...

Originally posted on my old blog, on May 10 of 2013...

Fletcher's first week here at home is almost complete and I have to say, it's been quite an adjustment for everyone, but everyone is getting a long just fine.  This first week has been simply time for him to adjust to his surroundings, his new owners and our miniature daschund, Abby.  Fletcher enjoys playing with Abby quite a bit and for the most part Abby enjoys playing with him.  However, like most older dogs being chased non stop by a pup, she eventually tires of the game and jumps up on the couch where he can't reach...yet.

There has been very little training this first week other than a few basics.  Tossing a puppy bumper for him in order to encourage his retrieving instinct is a game that he and I both enjoy, and it will pay off as he grows older.  Here in the next couple of days we'll introduce the wing of a chukar or quail, in order to foster his love of hunting birds.  I've started gently working him on "sit", but am not pushing it too much at his young age.  We'll get more into "sit", "come" and other commands soon enough.  Like most puppies, he is a tireless chewing machine and we're also working to correct that.  When outside, he feels the need to chew on every dandelion, pinecone, rock and blade of grass that he can get his teeth on.  We are getting quite familiar with the inside of his mouth as we work to get over this issue.  He has adjusted to his crate just fine and already realizes that's his space.  He no longer whines when put in his crate for the night.  He is also adjusting to going outside to do his business rather well.  I can count the number of times I've had to clean up a mess inside the house on one hand.  My getting up in the middle of the night to let him outside shouldn't have to last too much longer before he'll be sleeping all night without any accidents.

Fletcher has many puppy habits that are tiring, but he also has many that are absolutely wonderful.  The way a puppy plays and explores his world is filled with an innocence and zest that I think most adults miss about their own childhood.  Of all his habits and traits, there is one that has become my favorite in the short week he's been here.  At times when I'm sitting in my recliner and Fletcher suddenly decides he needs a nap he will run over to my chair, put his front feet up on it and want me to pick him up in my lap like a young grandchild would.  Once up in my lap, he will curl up into a ball and within minutes he's snoring.  I think my lap is his favorite place to sleep thus far, and I have to admit, it's my favorite place for him to sleep as well.  When he's curled up dreaming dreams that only puppies can dream, I'll gently stroke his soft fur and talk softly to him of the adventures we'll have in the future.  I tell him of future duck blinds, grouse coverts, hunting camps, places we'll explore and of course I tell him stories of times spent with my last lab, Kody.  Oh, I know he doesn't hear me or probably even care, but it comforts this old man to think that maybe, just maybe, the reason his tail wags in his sleep is because he too looks forward to those future adventures and days afield.

God bless puppy breath.