Words of encouragement for Magenta

Dear Magenta -

You are having an emotionally and physically trying time trying to train the new man in your life. It will be okay. Training takes time.

You have a puppy who is just like you - he loves leopard print, shoes and he eats everything in sight. He followed you around at your ankles when you brought him home. He nestles in your boobs. He prefers beef to chicken. He loves you. You are his world. You are the leader of his new pack. Even after 6 years, I go through the "he doesn't love me" thing with my Thor. He is into you.

He knows all about the potty paper. He understands it most of the time. He doesn't go outside. He doesn't know that's what he's supposed to do yet. There are so many more interesting things outside for him to explore (see eating everything in sight). He will learn. It will get better.

He barks at night because he is lonely. And because he wants you to know he went potty. It is against canine instincts to sleep alone. He wants to be with you. You are his pack. So he tells you. It's what dogs do. He will eventually learn that he can sleep on his own and being quiet makes his mommy happy. You will sleep again.

Chewie is sick, has a bug in his tummy. It makes him unhappy and tired. It's making training him harder because he is not really himself. Once he is better, it will be easier. You are not a failure.

Just remember that every dog is different. Every dog has a different personality and takes different lengths of time to train. Chewie has been sick, which makes things so much harder. Lack of understanding from Chewie is not failure. Remember, he doesn't understand English yet. Keep to your plan. You are doing great. He will learn.

I am here. Just a phone call away.

Always with love,
Dr. K