ELBEE I think that title is redundant.
Since Henry’s arrival only two short or long (depending on how you look at it) weeks ago the whole dynamic in the house has shifted. Training a puppy, especially one that I hope will follow in some big paw prints, takes a lot of time and attention. They are clueless as to what’s expected.
Interacting with Henry and integrating him into the pack felt strangely familiar. I began looking over my blogs from Stanley’s puppyhood and sure enough it was the exact same routine from three years ago. They were both born in May so even the weather coincided.
ELBEE She considered using her old posts and just changing the name from Stanley to Henry.
Okay, in the spirit of full disclosure, he’s right. I’m a bit sleep deprived so it didn’t seem like a bad idea. Hey it worked when I did baby books for the daughters.
In The Dog Days of Summer I noted how ironic it was that these hot, miserable “dog” days may be some of the most difficult to train a puppy. Like Stanley, Henry will grudgingly go out to “potty” but then will sprint back inside. Playing in the yard is really limited to early morning and evening so we spend a lot of time hanging out in the kitchen.
Gus who was a total diva when Stanley showed up three year ago is still a diva. To his credit, he seems to have somewhat accepted Henry but will let him know when he’s bugging him.
Gus & Stanley
Gus & Henry
GUS I can’t believe this is happening again. I may be a therapy dog but I think I’m going to need therapy.
Henry is already very attached to Stanley and likes to 
follow him around. Fortunately, Stanley has the patience of a saint. Unfortunately, Henry has a puppy habit of pulling Stanley’s hair, wetting it and kind of twisting it into braids.
STANLEY If he keeps this up I’m going to need hair extensions.
I’m happy to report that, so far, Henry is doing really well. He’s mischievous like a puppy should be but also sweet and loving. When I asked my husband how he’d describe Henry, he immediately said, “He’s cool and confident with a little attitude, just like me.”
ELBEE Oy!
He’s also very smart. Not quite ready for the obedience ring, he sort of does sit and down, but yesterday he really surprised me. Henry has a crate where he sleeps and eats. Last night he walked in and just sat there staring at me.
For some reason, I glanced at the clock and realized that I’d been so involved in watching the Olympics that I’d forgotten to feed the dogs at their normal time. Henry was giving me a not so subtle reminder.
ELBEE Now that’s impressive.
