Meet Gus!
Gus was born July 5, 2010. He is an Australian Cattle Dog, also called a Blue Heeler. These photos were taken the day we brought him home, August 26 and he weighed 5#. The car ride home was a real treat, he cried most of the way and pooped on Larry's lap (it was over an hour and we didn't realize some of his crying was because he REALLY had to GO). 1st Lesson learned.
When we lost Duke (which I have been unable to write about so far, but will eventually), the house became too quiet and empty, so to add some excitement, we brought Gus home. Looks innocent and sweet doesn't he? Wellllllllllllll......not so much!
The sweetness lasted about 2 days, then Satan arrived....along with a very small bladder. Yep every 15 minutes, Gus had better go outside and to give him credit he does his business every trip out, just don't forget. #2 lesson learned.
As for your shoes, they better be put away, in a closed closet . #3 lesson learned.***
Puppies need lots of water, but don't give them unlimited access . #4 lesson learned (should have learned this along with #2 lesson).
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Puppies need LOTS of chew toys available, scattered throughout the house, to distract them from wood, metal, fabric or even stone items that they should not chew on. #5 lesson learned.
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When the breeder tells you your puppy needs wormed again in two weeks, WORM YOUR PUPPY IN TWO WEEKS and not a day longer. #6 lesson learned.
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Innocent and sweet looking puppies have extremely sharp, wicked little teeth, that can do much damage, have triple antibiotic ointment and band aides available at all times. #7 lesson learned.
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When going outside, all new puppies should be on a leash until they learn the "come" command (not doing so can result in playing an unscheduled game of chase and/or hide and seek). #8 lesson learned.
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Not all new puppies are timid and playful when meeting new dogs, some can actually be quite aggressive and vicious, so be ready to protect your new little one with your life when meeting new dogs that don't appreciate this type of behavior. #9 lesson learned.
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And #10 lesson learned (though certainly not the last), Books titled "How to Properly Train Your New Puppy" are best purchased BEFORE you bring a new puppy home.
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