New Beginnings {Part 1}: 5 Things I’ve Learned in 2 Days of Puppy Handling

Posted by Jan 21, 2014 chickens, dogs, homesteading, updates 14 Comments
I wanted to first and foremost thank everyone who offered their condolences on our recent loss. It’s comforting to know that I have the pleasure of being involved in a homesteading community that not only understands how devastating it is to lose an animal {or many at once}but also knows that something as simple as a kind word can lift a broken spirit. 
So thank-you, with all my heart 🙂
Today I thought I would share with you how we’ve been picking up and moving on, starting with the latest bright light in our lives: 
Cedar {our 3-month old Border Collie/Blue Heeler female puppy}.

It’s been 7 years since I last had a puppy, and it seems like it’s ALL coming back to me…
5 Things I’ve Learned in 2 Days of Puppy Handling
1. Puppies take a LOT of work- so make sure that the one you get suits you in every way! 
When we lost all of our chickens and I made the decision to get a dog to grow up with and watch over my animals, I nearly jumped at the first dog that came along. It was a hunting breed that my husband was really excited about, but he knew that I’d always wanted a Border Collie and started researching for me. He even contacted the sellers before he told me about it. And I must admit- though I would have been happy with the other puppy, getting what I had always wanted makes a big difference when it comes to being the primary caretaker of the new family member. There is nothing better than feeling like you made the 100% perfect decision! I could not be happier withe my mellow, smart, loyal, and beautiful little girl 🙂
2. They are like newborns.
I’m remembering what it’s like to have a baby; watching them constantly, making sure there’s nothing on the floor for them to get in their mouths, middle of the night crying and tending to. Trying to figure out which toy they might like {which inevitably ends up being 1 of the 10 you picked out}- and of course it’s always the least likely one. For Cedar, it’s her $1 tennis ball on a string.
3. They are like toddlers too…
I loathe potty training with my kids; I’ve potty trained both of our boys and our {2-year old} daughter is next. I’ve found that potty training puppies is much like potty training a young child- sending them to the potty every hour, following them around to make sure they don’t potty where it’s not appropriate, and praying they make it through the night without an accident. I must say that Cedar has done unusually well in her potty training- only one accident in the house. She even made it through the first two nights “dry”. Definitely impressed.
4. One step at a time in training.
I’ve decided to focus on one thing at a time in Cedar’s training. The first thing I wanted to teach her is her name. I use it constantly. And in less two days, she was already responding to it. The kids know it and use it. My husband does too. After learning her name, it will be much easier to teach successive commands and will be used in conjunction with them. {Ex./ Sit, Cedar. Down, Cedar. Leave it, Cedar}. 
5. Socializing with every family member- animals included- is SO important!
In the past, every horse I owned was completely attached to me but would not allow anyone else to ride them. This was due to the fact that nobody else took part in their lives. I didn’t want that with my dog. So the whole family is involved with her care and of course play. Additionally, any chance I get, I take her out with me to do chores and visit with the animals. She is very curious about our ducks and chickens, but not aggressive, which is what I want. She came right into the coop with me and stood by my side while I filled the feeder and water.
I’m looking forward to learning so much more. I love to research and have found some great articles and videos, some focused specifically on raising herding dogs with chickens. I regularly update a few of my most popular Pinterest boards which you might be interested in following:
 And I’d love to follow you too! Always looking for some good tips, tricks, and reads. If you’ve got some interesting boards, feel free to share the links with me in a comment so I can follow you 🙂
Thanks once again for your support and kindness. It’s been nearly 2 weeks since the incident and I’m still recovering. But using this experience as a learning tool and turning bad things into good has been vital in the healing process, and seeing the positives that have grown as a result is encouraging.
Give those special animals an extra hug today. 
Thanks for stopping by :).

About yellowbirchhobbyfarm

Hi! I'm Erin, a 19th-century homesteader at heart. Here at Yellow Birch Hobby Farm we practice self-sustainable living by way of organic gardening, canning & preserving, raising a variety of livestock, hunting, foraging, and cooking from scratch. And here at our blog, we share it all with you! So glad you've found us.
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14 comments on “New Beginnings {Part 1}: 5 Things I’ve Learned in 2 Days of Puppy Handling”

  1. Cedar is a beautiful puppy! I’m glad she’s doing so well for you so far, especially with the “potty” training. That is the worst part of raising dogs and kids.

  2. Awww, Cedar is so pretty! Her coloring is unique and she looks very sweet. Congrats! And lots of good tips here. I’ve noticed that our animals are very comfortable with me, but not so much with David because I am the primary animal caretaker (he handles the flora and I take the fauna). It is important to socialize your animals with every member of the family! I hope Cedar makes a good chicken guard dog for you guys. I think sometimes just the scent of a dog is enough to scare predators away.

    • My husband has definitely gotten into helping out with the animals. Although I’m the primary caretaker, he always feeds and waters them if I ask and I think he actually enjoys it 😉 The kids too. We definitely try to make it a family operation 🙂

      xErin

  3. What a beautiful puppy. We have a border collie/huntaway cross and one thing I have learnt really quick is that these dogs have a brain!! They are very quick thinking, can problem solve, know things before you do and are eager to learn and please you. All the best with Cedar and am sure she will do everything you want her to do. 🙂

  6. Your puppy is just beautiful. Potty training is what I remember most about the care of puppies and you seem to have a handle on it. I love our dog Moe, she is more part of the family than a pet. Enjoy your newest member of your family. Thanks Erin for stopping by The Messy Roost.

  7. I am the proud owner of 2 blue heelers and I enjoy each day with them. They are very smart animals and if left to their own accord will occupy themselves in ways you might not approve of!! They are looking and living each day for your approval. That is what they thrive to do. My females mom, herded foul. She could split out the geese from the ducks just for the asking. But they will take on a bramma bull if need be also. Enjoy!

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