February 08, 2003
I swear she's doubled in size!
8:00 p.m.
Dusty is 12 weeks old today. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed! I still have the 8-week photos on my desktop wallpaper.
Three times today, she went to the door and sat there until I took her out to go potty. The third time, I asked her "Do you really need to go outside?" and her tail wagged wildly, as if she was grateful I was finally clueing in. Her accidents are fewer and far between.
She sits on command, lays down on command fairly regularly and can do a short duration 'down-stay.' Today, we started target training (the dog touches a hand, or a target stick on the 'touch' command - this is a useful technique for teaching more advanced skills). A month from now, she will be starting puppy kindergarten (that wasn't a joke - there are actually obedience classes for puppies!).
Dusty also fetches a ball and brings it back, dropping it in my lap on command! She adores her chew toys and is slowly learning not to use my hand as a chew toy. She loves getting into trouble and is outgoing at home. She's a bit shy with strangers, but is becoming friendlier as I socialize her.
We've had some funny moments - like the day she discovered my toes. It's so cold that I rarely go without socks, but one morning after my shower I hadn't even put my slippers on yet. I felt a warm puppy tongue licking the very tips of my toes. She couldn't get over my feet - followed me around everywhere, trying to get at those toes!
A few days last week, it finally warmed up a bit and Dusty was able to spend more time outside. It didn't take her long to discover leaves and twigs. Generally, anything that's on the ground is something she wants to put in her mouth!
I can't wait until the weather is warmer. Spring will be fun! This is a winter puppy and she's never seen green grass or felt warm sunshine.