Lessons Learned from a Labrador Puppy’s First Year
We thought we were ready for a new puppy. We were not. There is a reason you haven’t seen much of my house this year, everything is tucked away out of reach. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to raise a Labrador puppy, imagine living with a todler with fur who has the energy of a squirrel on steroids, the appetite of an elephant, and the chewing instincts of a beaver . Our first year with Scouty has taught us the importance of baby gates, frequent long walks, the value of the dog park, the wisdom of storing everything above eye level, and that his preferred daily snacks include cashmere sweaters, hats, and prescription glasses. Let’s chat about lessons learned from a labrador puppy’s firt year.
Lessons Learned from a Labrador Puppy’s First Year
Potty Training=Piece of Cake
Our breeder, Chateau St. John Labradors, assured us that Scouty would be potty trained when he came home. I chuckled quietly, preparing myself for weeks of mop duty. Turns out, she was almost right—he’d been trained to go on wood chips. So we bought a tray, filled it with chips , and hovered over him like nervous first-time parents. Shockingly, it worked. Compared to everything else he put us through, potty training was a walk in the (wood chips)
Crate Training=Piece of Mind
I’ve become a full-on fan of crate training—though, to be honest, we never really stuck with it for our other labs. Not sure why… selective amnesia, maybe? This time, we actually followed through, and Scouty happily slept in his crate for over a year. Of course, that all unraveled when he wasn’t sleeping that well and we invited him into our bed (We swore we would never let a dog sleep there again)…These days, he still loves his crate when we leave the house—especially if there’s a bully stick involved.
Chewing isn’t a Phase it’s a Lifestyle
We forgot about the puppy teeth and chewing (well at least Steve did).. He worked out of the house when we raised every other puppy. Inside tip: anything you love they will love to “destroy”. The breed loves to chew let’s face it!
Here is a List of Scouts Favorite Chew Toys:
Empty water bottles, prescription sunglasses, baseball caps (especially my faves), cashmere sweaters (they are really easy to get your teeth into) anything wicker, fencing, and furniture legs.
Toys Scout Loves but not Quite as Much as those Above
If you get a puppy Chewy is your new best friend. They are a great company. If you purchase something that doesn’t work out, they suggest you donate it to a local shelter ( love that) instead of mailing it back.
Baby Gates = the Wall of Sanity
I don’t remember ever having baby gates for our other dogs when they were pups, probably because we had kids that played with them all the time when they were younger. The gates were installed to keep Scouty out, but somehow we were the ones trapped. Make sure they are “locked” or trouble ensues. These gates were strategically placed throughout the house. This pen kept him out of trouble for a short period of time and kept our Christmas tree out of firing range. We gladly put the last gate away when our cat passed away. Let’s just say Scouty and Furrie never bonded.
Food: Yours, Mine, and Definitely His
Labradors believe food is a universal right—and they’re the universe. Counter-surfing is a way of life. Never leave a morsel of food unattended unless you are into dissappointment. We are now feeding Scouty Orijen Simple Grains. We fed our last lab the grain free version but current thought is some grain is a good thing. He loves bully sticks (good to keep him occupied when we leave him in the kennel at home). He loves these low calorie treats, and these chicken strips and beef strips, Hot dogs and string cheese worked for more serious training.
Puppy Training & The Art of Selective Hearing
“Sit” and “stay” are helpful suggestions—definitely not legally binding. Will ignore all commands unless holding a treat the size of a roast chicken, but can hear the dog food can being opened 6 miles away.
We were lucky to have an amazing trainer, Liz Sevin—highly recommend her, by the way—but let’s just say Scouty could probably use a refresher course. It might be time for him to head back to obedience training for a little tune-up… and maybe a reminder that “come” isn’t optional. We love our local vet John LaBonte at Las Tablas Veterinary Hospital. We like every veterinarian in the practice (I think we have seen them all in the last year).
Labradors & Socializing
Liz encouraged us to socialize Scout as soon as he had all of his vaccinations (distemper etc.) Steve takes him regularly to the local dog park for playtime (their socialization period). We take him to the beach, wine tasting, out to lunch, anywhere dogs are welcome to reinforce his social skills.
Labrador Retrievers Love Swimming
Most do. Our labrador Beau loved swimming in the lake, and wouldn’t stay out of the pool. Scouty not so much. He loves to run in the shallow water at the beach but won’t venture off the first step of the pool. Floating with his pal on a hot day yes please. Update Scouty had a swim lesson with one of his pals from the dogpark. Mission unsuccessful.
Scouts Favorite Pack & Gear
Atlas Pet Company has lifetime products that are made for labradors. I highly recommend their leash, treat bags, and poop bags. They literally are indestructable. If you have a dog that is a chewer they are worth the price.
Loveable & Loyal
A puppy’s first year can be challenging! Scouty is now 15 months young.He and Steve have a strong bond. He rarely let’s out a bark, and greets every day and everyone like it’s the best thing that has ever happened to him. He is loveable and loyal, and wildly enthusiastic about lif e in general. He is great on a leash, likes to travel and we can take him almost anywhere. There is no sleeping past 6 am (five or before is his usual routine). He still likes to chew, drip irrigation is his current favorite. Would we trade him in never, would I get another puppy never! I hope you enjoyed a little break from fashion and decor.
For fun you might also enjoy this post Along the Garden Path with Beau.
Thanks for reading Lessons Learned from a Labrador Puppy’s First Year. I am hoping Scout will graduate from toddler to an adult dog at????? Beau was an adolescent until age 7, so I am not too hopeful. I would love to hear about your puppy’s development, behaviors, schedule, etc.
I decided a Lab puppy would be a great addition to our home and a companion for our older lab–she will tell you he is a large thorn in her side. Oh my, I forgot what havoc a puppy can bring into your life.
We have lost to tiny– and now not so tiny teeth–all the items you listed, plus Desi particularly loves flip flops. He now has me trained to put them out of his reach.
While a great “fetcher”, swimming is not his thing either. He much prefers the top step of the pool and a good float. We have all survived the first year and things are looking up. As with all labs he is loving, snuggly, wants to please and always happy to see me. I would not trade him for anything.
This is hilarious Cindy! Scout is quite the character. Isn’t it amazing how they worm their way into our hearts? We said no more pets – ever. Well, after retirement and Covid I was a tad bored and that led to Buddy, the ‘mini’ cockapoo. He’ll be 4 this summer and has brought so much joy to us, although I wondered about my choices this past winter with windchills, ice, and darkness that lasted for days. Looking forward to hearing more about Scouts adventures (perhaps Scout will get his own Instagram and become famous with his antics!)
Hi Barb
It is hard to imagine a house without a dog isn’t it?
Appreciate your time with Scouty. It is never long enough as you know. He is a typical Lab pup.
You may find he matures at age 2 ! Our Trippy, ❤️ dog, was a holy terror as a puppy. Chewed up the remotes, cell phone, prescription glasses, carpet, etc. Ate frozen chicken wings off the cookie sheet. He threw up bones for 3 days. Anything on the countertop was too tempting. He has been gone for 8 years now but we still put food out of reach. We foster sporting breeds for Texas Sporting Breed Rescue. Now in our 70’s we generally only foster older dogs . I believe I was sent these dogs as a lesson to treat others ( especially the voiceless) as I would want to be treated. Just because they can’t talk does not mean they can’t understand. Some dogs understand as many as 250 words , Enjoy Scout’s antics. He is precious .
Great post ! I laughed so hard!
Hi Marcia
That is so wonderful that you foster older dogs. Lucky dogs they are! Scouty is our 5th lab I believe. Our blacks grew up quicker for some reason. Scout is our third yellow. Our first chewed but matured around 2. Beau maybe matured at about 7….who knows with Scouty!!
Oh, I laughed my way through this post! We are considering one more puppy – we must be nuts as I’m 72 and hubs is a young 80. But I do think they keep you young and up early and out walking! Scout is adorable – I don’t think I could ever get mad at him for chewing or counter-surfing!
I love labs, too, and currently have my 3rd and 4th labs. My first lab was Sidney, a yellow, and a horrible counter surfer. He lived to be nearly 15 and gave up counter surfing only after arthritis prevented him from standing on two legs. I just had to keep my counters cleared off as much as possible, but that didn’t keep Sidney from checking them out, hoping he would find something.
Oh, Cindy … as soon as I saw your post title I smiled that knowing smile. Of, course I found myself nodding and laughing the rest of the way through. Our lab, Sasha, never graduated from her puppy phase, it continued until she was at least ten. But we loved and adored her and her us. Twelve years since her passing and we still talk about her antics and how much we continue to miss her. She was our personal trainer who woke us at 7am, knew when every meal was due (and started reminding us 30 minutes before), and never let us off the 10k step a day standard. Thanks for bringing the humor this Sunday morning. xo
All of the mischief is why puppies are so darn cute! They look so innocent when they get into trouble. My Berne doodle is going to be three years old in December. I confess, I thought he was fairly good regarding chewing things once I got the idea that it was up to me to make anything chewable out of reach. That said, Bentely ate three harnesses and at least ten pairs of reader glasses. Haha.
It’s all worth it, isn’t it?
Karen B.
What a gorgeous dog Cindy! Brings so much joy to all of you!
Loved this! Written with humor and love (and maybe the loss of several great baseball caps!).
Having had a Brittany/Springer, Lab, Aussie and a Maine Coon cat, all well behaved, here’s what I would give a try to stop the counter surfing. It also works to stop barking.
Stand next to Scout when he’s on the counter and watching you while you hold a throw pillow about his size. Throw the pillow to the floor, as he watches and you say very forcefully, “NO!”
Good luck!
I love this post! We have a 6-month old black male labrador puppy, along with/ a female yellow who is 6. We will never get another puppy either. He is sweet, crazy, a chewing fiend and also up with the dawn. We had forgotten the trials and tribulations of having a puppy, for sure, but do love him and we’ve bonded. Thanks so much for all of these tips and links!
Snap! So much to nod my head and laugh over here, as we negotiate the 6th month mark with our 9th Jack Russell. (Utterly exhausting at the age of 73!)
Scout is very handsome, Cindy. Perfect styling for a neutral interior/exterior. He looks like such a lovely, happy boy. Like you we use a crate and have done for the last 3 dogs. If you ever find a way to style a room with a crate at centre stage, can you share with how-to pics please?
I was interested in the comment somebody made that you only have one top dog in a lifetime. After having dogs the whole of my life, I would say every one of those dogs was an absolute top dog. All for different reasons. I think the way dogs approach life with the ‘new dawn new day’ attitude, so we have to take each dog as ‘new dog new day’. I was worried I would compare as I adored my late dog, but our pup and the late dog are nothing like each other and that’s for the absolute best.
Thanks for such an engaging post!
Hi Prue
Of course you know exactly what I am speaking of!! I agree each dog is special and we love them all equally. Beau our last lab was full of it but maybe the most loveable. Bridger was loved by all and inspired many friends to try a yellow lab. Scouty the jury is still out on his grown up personality. he is much better on a leash than any other dog we have had, the worst counter surfer…happy as a little clam (like all labs). Who knows!! One doesn’t love one child over the other. I totally understand what you are saying…
You need a dachshund!
And a dachshund might be a perfect companion dog for your Lab and make life easier.
☺️
Hi
I was raised with dachsunds! They are darling!
That’s why the puppies are so cute so we can put up with all the fun things they do. Scout is so cute. I have2 Golden’s and would not trade them for anything.
Hi Sandra
I think Golden’s and labs are very similar. We always opted for labradors because we lived in the country where foxtails and long hair an issue!
We had Mocha, Snickers, and then Keeper, who came to us at 2. He was the “keeper” of the litter but not quite able to show. Lucky us! Until the day at about 3 when he went into the bathroom to eat trash, I presume. Pushed open the bi-fold doors which effectively blocked his exit. He consumed his own toothbrush, his toothpaste tube, the cat toothbrushes, Q-tips, cotton balls, AND the Sonicare handle. After 2 days in the vet office, we were presented with 3 ziplock bags labeled “vomited”, “defecated”, and “retrieved with an endoscope & grasping forceps.” And a bill for $1600. I think we got off easy. We lost Keeper at only 8 and I cannot ever glance at a yellow Lab without thinking for a second that it’s him. Thanks for a great story. 3 cheers for dogs!
Hi Liz
That was Beau…he ate socks, and underwear on a regular basis..He was so adept at it, we never once took him to the vet for removal…I don’t know how he did it!! Bridger loved garbage…Scout is better about that, because he doesn’t have the opportunities!!
We also had a Labrador. She was my favorite dog we’ve ever owned. I hope to get another one someday. I know about everything you shared. When we had her both our daughters were young. And so were we. She never met a stranger. And jumped on everyone until she was at least two years old. No matter what we did. She loved her crate. If there were too many people at our house she would run into her crate and stay there. She lived to be eighteen. But she was such a good dog once she got a little older. Lab’s do stay in the puppy stage a long time. But I know Scout I’ll be your best friend now. And until the day he’s gone. But they are a very trying breed when they are young. I’m probably too old to get another Lab now. I have three small dogs who keep me very busy now. We just took the last one to the vet today. So they’re protected for another year. And we are broke.
Hi Pam
You are so right about labradors. They are a pain while young but the best dogs ever once they get past that. Dogs are so darn expensive now aren’t they?
You are a brave soul. I’m so glad to hear, it all worked out. I am 70 years young and have 3 aging rescues. My Bishon mix is 21 years old and going strong. Once my pups pass on to to heaven, I plan to rescue a dog over 6 years. Although, I love puppies, ( who doesn’t) I just don’t think I want to go though the puppyhood stage. I know I can’t live without a pup in my life. Thanks for sharing your adventures with Scouty. He is adorable. It’s so refreshing to hear about responsible pet owners. I wish there were more out there. Keep us updated. Love the photos.
What a great article! Scout is such a beautiful boy. During forty years of marriage we’ve always had retrievers. Alex, our Lab, chewed chunks of siding off our freshly painted first home. Kid and then Sam, both Goldens, were less destructive. But all were wonderful dogs who taught us as much as we taught them. When Sam passed at fifteen and we entered our seventies, we decided he would be our last and managed to stay dogless for six months. Two months ago we rescued Bear, a young Bernese Mountain Dog who is already schooling us on how to navigate a stubborn streak. Aren’t dogs just the best?
Scout looks so handsome. We’ve raised 4 puppies in the last 5 years, yes it’s a hands full project but I truly enjoy . It’s harder to bond with adult dogs. The puppyhood lasts about 15 months until slowly starts fading away. One thing I’ve learned is that puppies need nap times just as much young children do. And sun downing influences them just like it does for the elderly. I keep mine in a strict nap time routine and brain stimulation during sun downing.
Hi Liana
You are absolutely right..We try to be pretty regular with Scout during the week. He usually goes to the dog park three days. Steve takes him on a long walk the other two. We walk him before bed and basically do the two walks and drag him around with us on the weekend. As long as we stick to that routine he is pretty good. In the am after 6 and before walking or dog park is when he looks for trouble…
Well Cindy
This was a very relatable post. And if you get tired of blogging, you could be a stand up comedian. So funny!! Such a cute read. Thanks for making the tough things seem lighter. My dog was 6 months when I got her from rescue.
Potty training wasn’t terrible and chewing was the arm of a wing back chair, a hole in the carpet and several books including her favorite…
“When Good Dogs Do Bad Things”
I loved her so. Mixed breed Collie kind of dog who loved barking. Had her for 18 years!!!… but there will never be another like her, not for me.
Now with our traveling for months after leaving work… I just could not have another dog. God bless all the dogs. And thanks for the fun read!
Hi Judy
Traveling was my plan as well. I wanted to wait a couple years before getting a dog…but Steve is the one retired and wanted the challenge! He has taken it on for the most part!
I loved this article.
Having seen you months ago at Farmers’ Market , you shopping and Steve socializing Scout in the park, I have enjoyed your Scouty posts.
We have always had one or two labs in our family since we were in college. We have two to keep each other company when we leave town…Less guilt. We try to have the same color labs so we don’t have to deal with different color shedding. Currently we have two black labs, Poppy and Sobi. They are the best company and pretty spoiled…though they do not sleep on our bed.
Raising a puppy is exhausting and you are almost there! Congratulations!
We will always have a lab as we depend on their unconditional love and company. Maybe our next one will be an adult rescue…
Thanks for your sweet post and photos….
Hi Liz
I remember you! You are Elizabeth’s friend. Do your labs swim? We are really wanting him to learn to swim in the pool before the long hot summer!!
Yes!!! They love to swim! The pool is really theirs and they use it the more than we do.
Does Scout need some buddies to encourage him to swim?
Help is here!
Hi Liz
Please email me at cynthiahattersley@gmail. com. I would love to have you and your dogs to dinner!! Scouty needs help swimming!!
I could have written your post 8 years ago! Our Blaze is now 9 years old and a wonderful middle-aged lady. She’s a Labrador-Basenji mix but unfortunately her behavior has been more Basenji. She was a beast to train and hard to socialize, but we love her to death! What is it with men and puppies? I also lost that argument and we got our little rescue at 2 months. When we have to get our next one, they will be 2-3 years old!
Hi Diana
Nice to know we are on the same team! I will not lose the next time that is if we outlive Scouty!!
The sweetness of a puppy….I referred to our puppy “as a crazy toddler with no diaper”!! Love the pic in the “customized” AMAZON box!!
Hi Maria
I love that description. Scout was very easy to potty train…if only we can keep him from counter surfing…any suggestions?
Have you taught him the its yer choice game? That is the beginning of teaching self control. (https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/06/why-choice-is-the-critical-key-to-a-great-dog) You can build that into leaving things on the counter alone. It takes time, but is very worth it and a smart dog catches on very quickly. That said, labs do love their snacks!
What a delightful post!
Our first dog was a lab, Brandy, and I echo your experience with Beau. She began to settle down at six!
After Brandy, we’ve shared our lives with two Brittany Spaniels, raised from puppies. When we lost our Annie a year ago, I said yes to another dog, but no to any more puppies. Brittany puppies are Tasmanian Devils in adorable form!
At 74 and 80, we are fortunate to have rescued 5 year old Callie, a tri-color Brittany Spaniel, all settled down, but still in her prime. Long dog walks are again a part of our lives.
Scout will bring so much joy to you for years to come. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Emily
I did not want a puppy…my husband insisted. We will always have a dog but when something happens to Scout (provided we outlive him ha ha) no more puppies!! My husband had a brittany growing up and they adored that dog.
Love labs! And loved hearing about Scout! We adopted a rescue during Covid- half hound and half lab. He was two when we got him. He was house trained, no chewing but does have separation anxiety. As all labs, he loves food or anything edible! He does a cute howl when he hears a siren. Of course, he is part of our family! Dogs are the best companions!
Hi Catherine
Your pup sounds adorable! That is what I would have done, had it been my choice. We are through the worst of it now…if we could stop the counter surfing…
So enjoyed your post today about raising a lab puppy. We are almost on the other side with our chocolate lab Finley turning 3 next month. Chewing not so much but stronger than you think as we are older now and has pulled us both over. Forgot the puppy stage also since our other lab grew up with our kids. Be careful with the bully sticks our lab swallowed one at 4 months old and had to have it removed surgically. Overall she brings companionship and so much unconditional love to our lives.
Hi Julie
I love that name! We almost chose that for Scout! We used those holders for the bully sticks when he was smaller. Now he has the sense to completely chew them up. Scout is big and strong too…I always wonder about that!!
Loved your post. Your Scout is such a beauty and I have enjoyed seeing him grow up. We always had Labs when our kids were at home. They loved each other (and the cats which was mutual) beyond words. My husband and I also enjoyed them but they sure could test you with great joy. Especially all their prizes of sticks, stones, shoes, and whatever else they gathered in the back yard! But those beautiful eyes. My son has continued the Lab tradition with his kids. I no longer have a dog since I do not have a yard but I get to visit with my son’s dog.
Hi Claudette
We have always had labs as well. I believe this is our 5th. My daughter has a lab too. I am so glad you get to visit your sons dog!
This was such a fun post! I have always had dogs and have now graduated to rescues and rescuing young adults which is a story in itself. How could we live without our fury friends ❤️❤️
Hi Pam
You sound like a trouper! Would love to hear more about rescuing young adults. You are a saint!
When we lost our beloved Boxer in March 2020 (who went everywhere with us), we lasted 4 months during the Covid shutdown and proceeded to completely lose our minds and got not only another Boxer puppy but a French Bulldog puppy as well. This has been mind boggling expensive to say the least and we’ve learned the hard way that you can’t really replace that once in a lifetime dog.
Loved the post.
Peace and love from Ojai.
Hi Dani
My neighbor was a dog trainer and she always said you have one great dog in your lifetime. Our first yellow lab Bridger was the one. He had his own fan club. He walked with every neighbor and every kid within miles knew him.
Omg! We can relate! We adopted a 6 mth old German Shepard, husky mix when he was 5 mths old. He was born in the humane society! Turned out LOTS of medical issues, lots of medical bills kept us exhausted along with crazy behaviors. I use to lay awake at nite exhausted and trying to figure out how to get thru the next day ! Now he’s 15mths also and we’ve never left him alone! More later!
We are Lab Lovers at our house. We’ve had Black Labs for 45 out of our 50 years of marriage. We had to put down our last one, at 5 years of age, from cancer. It broke our hearts. At 71 , we have decided that we are done with dogs. I still expect to see a big black dog come around the corner with something in his mouth!
Yes, there are pros and cons but when you look into that sweet face, how can you not be in love with him? Even when I got a little bite from his baby teeth, I couldn’t be mad because he didn’t know what he was doing….maybe it was his way of giving me a kiss? He’s a beautiful boy and I’m glad I get to see him sometimes because I haven’t had a dog for decades. Thanks for a fun post!
Scout is one handsome dude!
I have a CKC named Nelson.
I can’t imagine life without him.
Enjoyed your post.
Pat & Nelson ❤️🐶
Scout is one handsome dude!
I have a CKC named Nelson.
I can’t imagine life without him.
Enjoyed your post.
Pat & Nelson ❤️🐶
I can relate: We have a half Aussie and half German wired haired hunter. She was a little over one year old when the dogs at the dog park taught her to swim and it was our saving grace for the next 10 years! Enjoy Scout with his crazy energy as one day he will slow down and become old like my girl. The fun of it is more enjoyable than the perfect house. One other thing for everyone else: My friend adopted a 5 year old Golden Lab that was trained as a hunter, but is afraid of the sound of gun shot so was not ever used for hunting. She is the perfect pet who came already trained!
PS – I went to the breeder’s site. Good lord, how could you not bring one home? ❤️
Hi Gray
I know!! We waited for several months and got last choice ha ha…
I might have one more puppy in me. Chip, not so much. Scout is adorable, and labs are can be so destructive! But well worth it in the end. 🐾
MIni Schnauzers are easier in many of those areas, and don’t shed. But the barking……
Hi Gray
I wanted to get a two year old or something like that. Our neighbors who are our age got a dog that they no longer wished to breed. That was what I hoped for but I lost the battle!
Cindy, you and Steve are amazing parents to Scouty. You have so much patience. As adorable as he is what a huge challenge you have been through. I know you are love him dearly. I get it, never again.
Oh Cindy, I can so relate to this.
I cannot believe our “Chocolate” Reese will be five in September. Like her predecessors, she lived her best puppy mischief life until she was nearly three.
Her very last chew offense was her worst. She fringed the bottoms of two of our Pottery Barn linen drapes.
The attributes of cuteness, comic relief, faithfulness and affection always seem to diminish the downside of puppydom.
Scout is a beautiful boy.
I love him from here!
Oh Lynne! I thought of you while writing this post! I can’t believe your pup is almost five…Labs are the best…Our first yellow Bridger was a pup for a year only…Scout 7 years!!
Awesome post. I have had 2 black labs. I miss them soooo much. They really have a lot of energy!
Hi Rory
I am so sorry your labs are no longer with you…they are energetic but the best aren’t they?
This was a lovely post and so funny. We have not had labs, but many of the things you mention also relate to 3 Aussies we have had over the years. Thanks for sharing this. We totally get it!
Hi Linda
We have friends with Aussies I know they are busy too…but soooo smart!
This was such a fun post!
He is so adorable! Chewing would be my biggest nightmare.
Chewing can be a nightmare…trust me!!
Scouty is adorable for sure… reminds me of the book and movie Marley & Me. We have a Havanese “puppy” who is now 5 and still chews the lamb toy beyond recognition in one sitting! However when she cuddles up with us you can’t help but smile. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Tamara
We love them, don’t we?
Cindy…….I can identify with everything in this post….and, let me say this: Size doesn’t matter! We just had Chloe’s first birthday….Chloe being a long-haired mini Dachshund! All misbehavior is forgiven when we look into her sweet puppy eyes!
Hi Cherie
Now you are making me laugh!!
But he is SO cute! We had a lab many years ago. I remember all the adjustments we had to make! ha
And your granddaughter – precious!
Hi TJ
I am hoping next year our house will be back to normal. We still have some rugs in the closet.
I so enjoyed reading your journey with Scouty!
Thank you Sharon…he keeps us on our toes!!
Thanks for the reality check! Scotty is adorable and I’m sure well worth the effort. As much as I miss the 24/7 furry cuddles, we’ve decided that borrowing our granddog for a few days at a time is a better solution for us. 🥰
Hi JANET
That sounds like a plan!!
That sounds like a good plan to me Sharon!!
Our youngest adoptee was 14 months. Some of the corners of furniture have been chewed, as were my favorite sandals and the electrical cord of my sewing machine. I’m thinking we’re going to stick to 3-5 year olds from now on.
I completely agree with you Anne!!
I’m right there with you on labs – the best dogs ever! We’re on number three, but I can’t imagine starting over now with a puppy. Like yours, our first two absolutely loved water, but our current one won’t go in any further than chest deep. Our home still shows signs of past dogs including chewed carpet edges and coffee table corners, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
Cindy,
Really enjoyed your article today. It looks like Scouty is a very happy boy in his new home. Love the picture of him in the chewed- up box. It brought a smile to my face. Have a wonderful weekend!