Bloodhound Diary Day 15 – Today it only rained part of the day so we got to spend time outside. We didn’t stay long because the heat was returning. The heat would be fine if not for the fact that the humidity felt like it was 99%.

Ugh! Stupid humidity. It felt like we were walking through a hot bowl of soup (that’s what daddy said).

Thinking of the soup made me hungry. After we go inside I will see if daddy will make us some. Soup that is. The other day he shared something he called ‘cream of chicken’ soup with me. Oh it was nummy. I didn’t know chickens made soup.

The rest of the day I watched mommy and daddy working around the house. Daddy was doing this and that and mommy was making a baby quilt she said was for a friend at work. It was pretty, but it didn’t really look like a baby. It was flat and babies are kinda round. I won’t tell mommy that though.

While they are busy I will finish telling you what I learned during my first 2 weeks.

Conclusion of a 2 week puppy review – Part 2 of 2

In part 1 we reviewed everything I learned during my first 7 days. This part (part 2) will be a review of the important things I have learned during the last 7 days (day 8 – 14). I hope that other puppies out there will find these lessons helpful and will share what they have learned with their mommy and daddy.

On Day 8 : I learned how good some supplements to my diet can be.

I learned what eggs were and that eggs were a yummy thing to eat for breakfast. Daddy had scrambled them (he put them in a bowl and beat them till they stopped moving), let them cool some and gave them to me. They were sooo good. Daddy said they tasted good plus they were really good for me. High in something called protein. I think they are high in yum!

Daddy says : Eggs, when given in moderation are very good for your dog. They are a natural food high in protein, low in fat and calories. They contain necessary minerals and are easy to digest. Eggs make a good supplement to the normal diet of your dog. It is even ok to give a slice or two (depending on the size of the dog) of whole grain bread (toasted) with your dogs eggs.

On Day 9 : I learned that not everything is what it seems to be.

Ok, I am only a puppy so you really can’t fault me for being a little confused when I discover something new. I scared myself. There, I said it. I feel silly about the whole ’something is following me’ thing. It was all in my imagination . . . or was it?

Daddy says : It is always great fun when you watch your puppy discover new things. Many things we take for granted are a purely magical experience for your puppy. Taking the time to play with and share these new experiences with them helps the two of you to build a strong bonding relationship.

This bond will always be special and unique to the two of you and is something you should value highly.

On Day 10 : I learned there are evil forces at work.

Today was a very sad day. I learned we may not be eating more eggs. There seemed to be a mystery about the egg shortage. After much thought I suspect that the evil cats may be behind the conspiracy theory. This is something I still need to investigate further once the weather allows us more outdoor time.

Daddy says : It is good to support your dog when they are having a crisis, real or imagined. This being said, I will play along with his delusional fantasies. A healthy imagination is a good thing, even for a dog.

On Day 11 : I learned that chewing may be fun but it is a bad thing.

Yes, I was a bad dog. I chewed this and I chewed that, I was chewing everything I could find. I didn’t think much of it at first, till daddy explained it was a ‘bad dog’ thing. I have worked on my chewing compulsion and daddy says I am a good dog now.

I still get the urge once in a while but it is something I find easier to control every day.

Daddy says : Chewing is a problem with nearly every puppy. It is not something unique to you and your dog. It is more easily corrected during the puppy stage than it is for older dogs. Patience and consistency in training will help you both overcome the problem.

An abundance of chewable toys and ample exercise can help manage the problem. Most puppies usually grow out of the chewing phase. Older dogs can start chewing if they are suffering from stress, anxiety or security issues.

This is more common in dogs that are kept isolated in sedentary conditions such as strict confinement alone in a small pen, or restricted to too much time indoors. Physical and mental exercise can help alleviate or even prevent the problem altogether.

Frequent long walks, fetch, frisbee or even something as simple as chasing a ball around can work well. Good exercise naturally relieves stress and anxiety which is usually at the root of the problem for older dogs.

On Day 12 : I learned the importance of clean fresh water.

Water from my bowl is good. Water from puddles is bad. After daddy told me about all the bug things I will never ever drink from a puddle again. Ever.

Daddy says : Never let your dog drink from puddles or questionable water sources when you are out playing or walking. The bacteria and/or parasites found in these sources can make your dog extremely ill or worse, it can lead to their death.

Teach your dog to only drink from water you give them. If you are out for extended periods of time you should carry some bottled water. In the home you should change the water in your dogs bowl at least once per day. Wash the bowl when you provide fresh water.

Never let your dog drink anything which does not come from you.

If you keep your dog outside the same rule should apply. An additional problem to dogs kept outside is insect larva and other debris which can contaminate your dogs water.

Automatic watering devices are unreliable as they can malfunction, which can be fatal in the summertime. Devices attached to a hose are bad because the hose water can become extremely hot in the summer which can scald your pet or prevent them from drinking altogether.

Drinking hot water is never good for the dog.

Hoses which supply water freeze in the winter which will leave your dog without any water at all. Another potentially deadly problem to avoid.

A large heavy plastic or stainless steel bucket or bowl is best. Be sure to place them in a stable, shaded location free from falling debris. Make sure it cant be tipped over (a common problem with dogs kept on chains or cables). Clear ice during the winter months several times a day if the water source is kept outside.

Always use common sense when feeding and watering your dog.

On Day 13 : I learned that ‘good dog’ things are good for me.

When I do good dog things I make my mommy and daddy happy, which makes me happy. Learning good dog things is something I do with daddy. They take time to learn and we both have to be patient with each other. I know when I am learning what daddy is trying to teach me, because he gives me a tasty nummy-num and a ‘Good Boy!’ petting me lots and lots.

We work on learning good dog things nearly every day. The more good dog things I learn, the less bad dog things I do. I am a Good Dog!

Daddy says : Training your new puppy or dog requires time and patience. The reward from the effort can pay you back many times over. When the dog is trained, they have a higher level if interactivity with the family. This makes for a very happy dog.

Communication is key between you and the dog. The dog must understand what it is you are wanting to teach. This can only be done when the dog is willing to provide you their complete attention. Selecting a location free from distractions, providing positive reinforcement (treats and praise), and maintaining consistent methods will yield the best results.

Use the same verbal commands as variations may only lead to confusion for the dog. Temperament, tone and body language are factors to consider. It is largely how dogs communicate. Keep your training sessions short and relaxed as stress and anxiety will yield bad results.

Training should be an enjoyable time for you and the dog.

On Day 14 : I learned how much I learned

We are back at the beginning when I shared my first 7 days with you. I have learned much from my daddy and he has learned much from me. I am a happy puppy.

Daddy says : Anubis has done well in these first weeks. I would almost say that I am surprised. Bloodhounds are known for being stubborn and difficult to train. He does have times when his head is a rock, especially when there is something interesting to be sniffing. The times when his head softens he is attentive and learns quickly.

My wife and I made a fine choice when we brought him home. We are looking forward to helping him learn and grow into a big slobbering dog. My wife and I hope you enjoy reading about Anubis and his stories can help your puppy learn as Anubis is learning.

He is a Good Dog!

We have completed a review of my first 2 weeks, let me tell you how today ended.

In the evening after dinner we played for a while then watched a movie together. I was tired from eating a big dinner so I fell asleep during the movie laying across my daddy’s lap. He let me sleep till it was over, then we went out for a potty and he put me to bed.

It was a good day.

If you enjoy reading about Anubis, he would be happy to hear from you.

A Note from my Mommy and Daddy:

We selected Anubis after much consideration. He is beautiful, healthy and seems to be very intelligent. We are looking forward to helping him reach his potential as a bloodhound and as a member of our family.

While Anubis is growing up, my wife and I (aka the human mommy and daddy) thought it would be interesting to chronicle his growth, learning and development as seen from ‘his’ perspective.

In addition to being entertaining, we also felt this may help others who desire to have their own bloodhound in understanding not only the development of a dog, but specific issues which may pertain to the bloodhound breed.

Bloodhounds are a wonderful breed. You are welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

Tags: Anubis the Bloodhound, Bloodbound Diaries, Bloodhound Health, Bloodhound Puppy Care, Bloodhound Tales, Bloodhound Wellness, Dog Behavioral Problems, Feeding a Puppy, Puppy Chewing Issues, Puppy Training