Doggie Hack #1

Hello everybody!

Here’s the deal-io. Puppies. Adorable, right? Until they’re not.

A puppy picture, cute as it is…

Doesn’t exactly tell of the puke-pickups, accidents, and rough-and-tumble sassy moments. I know that I–somehow–forgot about those in the excitement of bringing Cor home. Yeah, that ‘honeymoon period’ lasted a few hours until his first accident at which point I kind of went, ‘oh, right… that’s… a thing.’

So. Who knows the term ‘life hacks’? If so, feel free to skip this next paragraph unless you want my take on it. 

For those who don’t know, they’re basically just little tips and tricks to make your life easier–things you may not have known previously. For example, did you know that falling air pressure hurts a bird’s ears, so if you see a bird flying close to the ground [while not landing or taking off] it’s almost always a sign of a thunderstorm? Or that, when camping, you can strap a headlamp against a gallon jug of water for the light to spread farther? As I understand, it’s because the light bounces off the water molecules, sending it in more directions than the headlamp would. I could be wrong about that, but thinking back to science class, that sounds about right.

Well, I figure, I’ve had a few minor revelations when it comes to Cor specifically and puppies in general. As some wise guy once said: knowledge not shared remains unknown. (Yes, that was actually said. In a fun-to-read fictional book, but the point is still made.) That said, I figured I’d be a decent human being and share some of what I learned.🙂

Let’s start with this one: 

Doggie Hack #0001

Some of the best toys aren’t store-bought.

Both Yaha and Cor have been happiest and most occupied with DIY toys. Heavens, some of Cor’s favorite toys are straight-up recycles!

I love them! Sometimes she puts my moose inside the bucket and I try to get it out!

Sort of.

Other times I just squeak its butt!

…yes. If anyone needs/wants more ideas like this, the facebook group Canine Enrichment is, legitimately, a Godsend.

Here are a few ideas to start you out, though.

CAVEAT: Take your dog into consideration before you try these. They have worked with Cor, but, with Yaha, some of these would’ve been a very bad idea due to the difference in jaw strength.

• A cardboard box. 

Take the packing tape off, put it in the middle of the floor, and just let them rip into it. I don’t know how many of you know just how much work I have going on, right now, but, in addition to bookkeeping, Dressed Lilies, and (once civilization starts up again) dog/house and (some) baby/child sitting and, I have also been helping teach my sisters. There was one day, recently, Cor wasn’t really a huge fan of ‘settling down’ to ‘let the hoomans work’ and–no kidding–this got us through. I was able to keep an eye on the ‘fur-o-shus puppy’ while reading about NASA, astronauts, and, in particular, Challenger. We also had fun sound effects from said ‘fur-o-shus puppy’.

• Plastic water bottle

Very simple. We finish with a heavier-plastic bottle, take the cap off, and let Cor crunch and crinkle it to his heart’s desire. Just remember to keep an eye on them so they don’t swallow any plastic!

• Plastic bucket

We use one from collagen supplements, but I’ve also seen people give their dog empty Folger’s buckets. Just be sure to wash well!

• Toilet paper tubes

I fold the ends flat with some treats inside and let him rip them to get the treats. You could also just give them as-is.

• Hose/watering can

Cor is certainly a water dog, which might be why he enjoys it, but…

In the same vein…

• Plastic kiddie pool

We picked ours up curbside shopping. Yaha loved it. Cor hasn’t quite figured it out, but we’re working on it. (Quick tip: I do NOT suggest an inflatable.)

• Car rides

Yaha couldn’t get enough! Cor is much more easily carsick, but he still enjoys the ‘venture!

💜 You were not born to fail 💜

Lauryn

And Cor! Woof! 🐩