34 Comments
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Hey Babe! Musings in Flux's avatar

Finn is so adorable! I’m glad you’re keeping us updated on his progress. Crate training is the best! We crate trained our dog, Scout, when we adopted her and eventually got to the point where she did great without it. However, she’s now 14, and we have to use the crate again to stop her from roaming and having accidents when we’re not here. No problem—she crates herself when she even “thinks” we are leaving or going to bed. She knows she’s about to get a treat—Clever girl!

Lian Dolan's avatar

That’s smart. Bringing back the crate! That saves carpets and wood floors!

Meg Lauber's avatar

Finn is adorable. What a brilliant combination! A Golden and a Cavalier. The needle-like teeth of a puppy are not fun. And neither is potty training. I’m guessing you thought your puppy days were a thing of the past! Just keep thinking this will all be behind you a year from now (maybe sooner?) Btw, I love the name of your grandson, it’s unique, but I’ll bet he is, too.

Lian Dolan's avatar

I think a year is a good guess. He’s so non reactive. It’s been a shocker. No barking at anything. Didn’t mind the fireworks. Enjoyed a parade on the 4th. All new to us! But having things in his mouth is all retriever

Meg Lauber's avatar

Amazing, a dog who doesn’t go bonkers about fireworks. That would be a new experience for me. My guess is that’s the Golden in him as I understand they tend to be more copacetic. We had a Springer Spaniel who always went to hide from loud storms and fireworks. And of course, my last beloved boy was a wire haired dachshund and he barked at anything, everything, and nothing!

Jeanne Clarke's avatar

Finn is a delight! I used a dog trainer 25 years ago when we got a Lab puppy. The trainer told me to think of him as an 18 month old for the rest of his life.

There is nothing better than a well trained dog and you are doing a wonderful job!! The crate is a must!

Lian Dolan's avatar

That is so funny! And so true. Although, I think the old dogs go from 18 months to 85 pretty quickly!

Diana Maetzold's avatar

Yes, get the paw print necklace! It would be a great conversation starter to talk about. your adorable Finn.

Lian Dolan's avatar

Thank you, Diana! xo

Pamela Hamilton's avatar

Welcome to Finn! We also have a Finn who is 22 and just graduated college. I meet way more dog Finns that human Finns.

Lian Dolan's avatar

Cheers to you Finn I n his graduation

Lian Dolan's avatar

I have heard of a lot of humans Finns lately. Most of them are under 2! Gaining in popularity

Shary Folkmann's avatar

Puppies are so fun and also exhausting! But the effort that goes into to positive reinforcement training is so worth it! Our “puppy” is now 4 1/2 and has made great progress with her training and behaviors. She had some really weird fears but is now a more confident and relaxed dog. Keep the puppy stories coming and yes, get the necklace! So sweet!

Arlene Germain's avatar

Ah, the joys of “motherhood “ the third time around!

Natalie's avatar

Finn is adorable. When we got our puppy, she was 8 weeks old and we were advised to keep things calm around her, and not be around too many people since she didn’t have all her shots. However, we had the holidays, with all the accompanying festivities. Then the fires, so evacuation, 5 different hotels/Airbnbs/friends’ homes. Consequently, she has become a completely adaptable dog! She goes with the flow and it’s the greatest thing. She is crate trained, and once those puppy teeth came out life was much easier!! Also, there’s an awesome puppy pre-school in Pasadena you might want to check out when you get back.

Lian Dolan's avatar

She’s the perfect dog for you! With other dogs, I took the ‘doesn’t have shots’ rule too seriously. So one dog was just not socialized enough. We loved her, but she wasn’t adaptable. Finn has enjoyed trips out, light socializing, road trips. He’s benefited from it. But nothing like what you went through

TERI ESPERANCE's avatar

Finn is adorable, and getting bigger! Yes, those velociraptor teeth are no joke! My last puppy is 7, the puppy from our first litter is 12 and I’m seriously thinking about another. But at my age (69) do I have the energy? Stay tuned!

Lian Dolan's avatar

You have the energy for the puppy…but not anything else for the first few weeks.

Katherine Dolan's avatar

He is SOSOSOOOOOOOO cute!!!!!!!

Lian Dolan's avatar

With a sweet personality to match.

Mary's avatar

Crate training is vital

CG's avatar

What a cute pup he is!! Truly a dreamboat.

Lian Dolan's avatar

He's the Robert Redford of dogs

Diane's avatar

Finn is growing so fast! I loved the post and laughed, just like with your books.

Yes, by all means, get the necklace- it’s too cute! 🥰

Lian Dolan's avatar

it is cute

Alecia's avatar

Finn is adorable! I mean, those big brown eyes! 😍. Another good resource is Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols. https://www.kerrynichols.com

Lian Dolan's avatar

thanks, Alecia. Will check it out.

Gretchen's avatar

Couldn’t have described my first months with Sully any better! Enjoy every minute! I would like a crate and to be treat-trained as well…🩵

Lian Dolan's avatar

Sully is also your weight training program. Haha

Gretchen's avatar

Haha!

Michael Matese's avatar

That pup is cuteness overload! He’s gorgeous!

Lian Dolan's avatar

He’s a nugget.