Stilton the Mighty

[HAH]

You are sooo right!

really isn’t so bad when you look back over the years

Especially when you consider all the things that may or may not lie ahead for our grown dogs, this is a fabulous, predictable, developmental stage that leads to even greater pups. It’s definitely worth stepping back and looking at the bigger picture.

Frozen kongs helped me keep some of my sanity

Bless you and your wisdom! A few days ago I made up some frozen toppls (sp?) and had completely forgotten about them! We’ll be rolling them out today

One day you both will think back at Stilton’s large and expensive favourite chew toy (kitchen table) and giggle

This is so very true too! We’ve got an IKEA poang chair which was in puppy Kipper’s reach during his teething days and we treasure those tiny little teef marks

 

[Candy]

I do feel for you, Harriet, the ups and downs of this stage of puppy hood are exhausting and draining and can at times lead to fractiousness amongst the most calm and reasonable of hoomans! You are just about two weeks ahead of where we were six years ago with Joy and it seemed to be going on for ever, although looking back it wasn't for so very long at all . I now of course have the Best Dog in the World and so will you before long (alongside Kipper of course).
You're doing a grand job with the little chap and are wonderful puppy parents, so hang on in there, keep the faith, and Yes, This Too Shall Pass!

 

[HAH]

We’ve made a big step forward today with Kipper and Stilton. I’ve mentioned that Kipper was initially worried by Stilton’s arrival, mainly shown in avoidance behaviours and generally less relaxed at home. With some gentle encouragement and taking it slow, this has shifted from worried, to curious, to increasingly keen. We spoke to a trainer last week to check we weren’t missing anything and get some reassurance, and she was so helpful in reminding us that taking time is fine, and helping to clarify how we get from here to a comfortable free cohabiting.

So we’ve been doing daily garden sessions, with Stilton originally in his garden pen with one of us and some lovely distracting treats, and Kipper moving freely with the other of us giving reassurance and rewarding him for interest.
We’ve progressed to Stilton in his harness on lead with snuffle games in the grass,
and today Kipper was looking keen to invite play so I dropped the lead and stood back.
Here’s a little snippet of video - I particularly loved Kipper’s lowered body position, his spins to reset the game and Stilton choosing to take a break. I’m so proud of the boys and feel quite emotional to have got to this stage!

 

[Atemas]

That’s wonderful @HAH. You may/may not remember the problem we had getting Sky to accept Red - it took us until Red was 6 months old to get there. It’s what led to my massive puppy blues as I had not expected Sky to react the way she did - I felt so guilty at getting a puppy and I was so tired and weary. We had to take it mega slow…..but we did get there and it turned out to be all good. The thing that worked the best for us ultimately was them being side by side on their own mats having their KONGs. Red would be always on a lead and I’d initially sit between them. I think I’m telling you all this as it was very emotional when they started to interact with each other.

You have achieved so much in such a short time. They are going to be great buddies, I know it

 

[HAH]

That’s wonderful @HAH. You may/may not remember the problem we had getting Sky to accept Red - it took us until Red was 6 months old to get there. It’s what led to my massive puppy blues as I had not expected Sky to react the way she did - I felt so guilty at getting a puppy and I was so tired and weary. We had to take it mega slow…..but we did get there and it turned out to be all good. The thing that worked the best for us ultimately was them being side by side on their own mats having their KONGs. Red would be always on a lead and I’d initially sit between them. I think I’m telling you all this as it was very emotional when they started to interact with each other.

You have achieved so much in such a short time. They are going to be great buddies, I know it

I do remember your experiences with Sky and Red, and your excellent post that started the Puppy Blues thread which has been a source of comfort and reassurance for us and I'm certain many others. Reading it back I'd forgotten you were also dealing with Sky's new arthritis diagnosis as well; it must have been tough. It's so helpful to hear your experiences. As much as you can think things through rationally, there are always moments when you think 'I'm doing it all wrong!' and sharing experiences tends to help cushion the impact of that self-doubt a bit. Thank you x

 

[Candy]

Oh, Kipper's being so gentle with Stilton and both of them are clearly enjoying the game! Well done! A truly lovely video.

 

[kateincornwall]

Oh dearie me , broody thoughts entering my head now after watching this darling video x I wont/cant ever have another dog , so I will just watch and look at your photos and that will have to do

 

[Kelsey]

Bless you and your wisdom! A few days ago I made up some frozen toppls (sp?) and had completely forgotten about them! We’ll be rolling them out today

I’m glad I was able to help some! Other things I relied heavily on, and actually starting using with my cat as without Axel he has become quite bored and I’ve had to resort to finding ways to stimulate him Didn’t see myself ever having to do that but that’s ok!

Anyways a few ideas- hiding kibble or treats in a rolled up/scrunched up towel or blanket, hiding kibble or treats around the house and playing find it, putting treats into empty paper towel rolls and poking holes in it just big enough for treats to fall out and scrunching up the ends, wobble kong toy for a meal for Axel was amazing and would keep him busy for at least a half hour or more as a puppy trying to get his dinner out! Other kong toys that they have to work to get treats out of also were great. Anyways, I’m sure you have probably thought of most of these but just mentioning just incase

So nice to see that video of Kipper and Stilton playing! I loved your enthusiastic ’YES!’ at the end.

 

[Loraseal]

I loved the yes too. It was very @Beanwood esque!

 

[Lab_adore]

It is so lovely to see them playing so nicely and having heaps of fun together l

 

[Granca]

It’s a lovely video! Kipper and Stilton look very similar - I’d particularly noticed Stilton’s pale ‘angel wings’ in an earlier photo and had forgotten until watching the video that Kipper’s are obvious too.

 

[MrChew]

We’ve got an IKEA poang chair which was in puppy Kipper’s reach during his teething days and we treasure those tiny little teef marks

Us too! And Chewie still loves to lie in that particular chair. The bottom is a little damaged from his teefs and it sags a bit more than the others. He loves all Poangs but that one is his special chair. Lol.

 

[HAH]

Been remiss on the photos! Morning all

 

[Jacqui-S]

Crazy boy

 

[kateincornwall]

Oh I so love the goofy faces , bless him xx

 

[Stacia]

Look at that mischievous face

 

[Loraseal]

Good Morning Big Cheese!

 

[HAH]

Little frown lines…

 

[Kelsey]

Ohh I love squishy frown line faces

 

[Stacia]

Such concentration, the magic of discovering the joys of life