Well it has been a little over a month now since we've had Wilby around. I have to say that things are going really well. A lot of people really freaked me out about how crazy puppies are & told me some horror stories! I really don't think having a puppy around is that difficult actually. Wilby seems to just fit really well into our family. He's much easier than having a baby!
He is sleeping great through the night now in his crate downstairs, so we don't have to take him outside during the night anymore. He hardly ever barks and is so playful & friendly. He is really smart and easy to train so far. We used to tap his crate to get him in, but now he just runs right in. He can now go up all the stairs which is nice since we don't have to carry him up to the house from the backyard. He's still scared to go down more than a step or two. We've left him for about 5 hours at the most & he has been fine, just sleeping in his crate. He really isn't destructive at all with things around the house. He's not too hyper & crazy either. He loves to be chased & has been great with the kids.
The only thing is, he nips at everybody, but that is to be expected with puppies, since they are teething. We just have to give him a chew toy instead and he is fine. He does like to chew my hair & loves Barbies, so we have to keep them up high. And he still has accidents every now & then, but hey're pretty easy to clean up.
All in all though, I am really pleased & my fears have been put to rest about having a puppy around. I love having a dog around and didn't realize how much I've missed it. I am definitely a dog person, I realize. If you are ever lonely or depressed, you should totally get a dog, they really are the best companions.
I think a lot of it is that we picked a really good, reputable breeder whose only goal is to improve the breed. He was expensive, but everything I've read says that it will be worth it in the long run because he will have an excellent temperment & health.
P.S. If you're a dog lover or have ever owned a dog, you
have to see "Marley & Me"! I was crying my eyes out, thinking about my childhood dog, Duff (we didn't pick his name btw!). I was here in Utah during his late years & when he had to be put to sleep, so it made me picture what my parents had to go through.
