Velcro Vizsla

Ralphie woke me up out of a sound sleep last night around 2am to go potty.  He'll snoot me all excited wagging his tail, kissing me until I wake up.  Truly I'm really proud of him to wake me up when he needs to go potty.  Most puppies would probably just pee and poo the bed.  So I get up take him out, he does his business and goes back to sleep.  Then the alarm goes off at 5am and I hit snooze.  Ralphie just curls up even closer to me...well let's say he took over my pillow until I finally got up.

Ralphie went to Erica's today.  When he spends the day there he comes home quite exhausted, always a fun-filled, busy day for him.   So now he is laying on the sofa with his head on my shoulder, out cold.  Love.

Erica cycles in the early, early morning, up at 4:30am to do a group ride. Then she comes home and takes a nap. Erica wakes up and who does she find sleeping on her head, exactly what happened to me this morning.  LOL  That's right, there he is... Ralphie, the Velcro Vizsla.  Love.

Just Go With The Flow

I realized today that I adapt to change quite well.  Thank goodness I'm still able to go with the flow at this stage in my life.  Most middle-agers aren't so flexible.  I noticed today how I get things accomplished with my little rambunctious Ralphie.  Just a simple task like folding laundry, well it's not so simple anymore. But I can say it's more fun now!  Ralphie was crazy playful at the same time I decided to fold laundry.  I needed to get this laundry done! So what do I do?  Well I guess I have to fold the baskets of laundry and play with Ralphie all at the same time.  I fold a couple towels, then toss the ball, Ralphie runs back with the ball, I throw it again, fold a bed sheet, throw, fold, throw, fold.  Ralphie gets bored with the ball, he brings me his birdie.  I fold another piece of laundry, then play tug o' war, fold, let Ralphie chew his birdie, then fold another piece, play tug o'war, fold, throw birdie, fold, tug o'war, fold...you get the gist.  This goes on and on.  Maybe my sheets aren't folded as perfect as they used to be, but does it really matter?  ...just go with the flow.

I was really impressed with Ralphie today when I decided to finally do some kind of workout after three weeks of absolutely no running, no cycling, no exercising.  I'm still nursing my heel stress fracture, but I had to do something to get my heart thumping again.  So I set up my road bike on the trainer in the living room.  How was my curious little puppy going to handle the whirling tires of my bike?  I hopped on the bike, started peddling, Ralphie was a little scared at the beginning by the action and sound of the bike.  I never thought I would be able to accomplish 45 minutes on the bike, but I did!  Ralphie sat in his bed, staring and staring as I'm peddling.  He was totally mesmerized.  His head nodding, fighting to stay awake.  Then zonk...he curled up in his bed and began snoring away.  Yay!!  I got a workout in and feel so much better!  ...just go with the flow.

Can This Be Love?

I'm finally beginning to see some type of love, closeness between Ralphie and Ollie.  This was one of my biggest concerns when I was deciding to get Ralphie.  Ollie is a crotchety old man with a zero tolerance for puppy play.  I don't believe he'll never tolerate Ralphie's shenanigans at this stage in his life.  He's still snarling at Ralphie...but now it's only when Ralphie is being too playful and rough.  Most of the time there is calmness between Ralphie and Ollie.  They are getting closer slowly but surely...

OMG...is that Ollie cuddled up against Ralphie??!!  It sure is!!!  Love.

Playtime Video...who gets the bone?

Ralphie the Bird Dog

 Okay, okay it's not a real bird. But Ralphie thinks it is!!

Ralphie in action...going after that 'bird'!  LOL

Ralphie just loves this toy...oh, I mean bird to Ralphie!   :-)

Crate Training Milestone

Today was a big day with Ralphie's crate training.  Of course I would prefer to have Ralphie free and roaming the house; eventually that will happen once he becomes a big boy.   But for now it's not feasible...well unless I want my house trashed.  I know the crate is a safe and comfortable home/bed for a puppy.  Ralphie isn't in the crate often, but there are times he needs to be crated because I'm leaving the house.  I'm proud to say he's been doing pretty well.  Today Ralphie claimed his territory on his own.  After cleaning and putting down the crate's bedding, Ralphie simply walked in the crate on his own and was just standing in it as if to say, "this is my place".  He didn't do it just once, not twice, but three times today!!  It makes me happy he's starting to like his little home...his cave...his domain. 

Ralphie and Ellie

Ralphie had a busy, fun day today.  He went to Erica's place and spent the day with the pugs, Diva and Leroy.  But the most excitement was visiting Ellie for playtime.  Ellie is a 7 month old German-Shorthaired Pointer puppy who belongs to Erica's friend.  All I can say is that Ralphie played and played and played and played today...and played some more!!

Video of Ralphie and Ellie playing...got a little too frisky near the end...squeal!!

 Ralphie and Ellie in action

Ralphie and Ellie in the midst of a fun game of tug o' war

Growing and Funny

My Ralphie is growing fast...18 pounds now.  In two weeks he gained 5 pounds.  His face is even maturing.  But the best of all his personality is developing and he is so comical.  He makes me laugh all the time.  The other night he was extremely frisky.  He was attacking every toy that he has, just being silly and obnoxious as ever.  Then all of a sudden he discovered his reflection in the glass sliding door.  He stopped in his tracks backing away slowly.  His tail is curled under between his legs.  He's glaring at his reflection growling, barking, pouncing his paws at this "other" puppy, so he seems to think. He carried on for awhile then gradually he backs away. Finally Ralphie's little brain decided it's time to slow down and end his friskiness and geesh this rude "other" puppy interrupted his playtime .  Ralphie's night of play ended.  He then tucks himself next to me on the sofa for safety and security.  That evening was a comedy show in itself.  Ralphie is just so darn cute and great entertainment!!  Love.

Ralphie Picks a Flower

Here's a video of Ralphie playing in the dirt.  Ralphie was determined to pick the one and only flower from my rose plant.  He just loves to play in the dirt!!

Me Time...

How true this quote is!!  The past two weeks has been quite a whirlwind of change!  As I expected Ralphie has made my life quite different, a little off-track.  This week was the first week taking Ralphie to Erica's place before work or should I say doggie daycare.  Then Ralphie had his first visit to the vet or should I say doggie pediatrician.  Ralphie had some naughty times this week but of course it's expected after all he is just a baby.
THAT'S IT!...a baby...a toddler!  That's what I tell the girls at work...I feel like I have a child again!  LOL

I certainly do enjoy Ralphie thoroughly...but I need to find my 'mommy' time again.  I haven't worked out in two weeks!  I have to admit it's not all of Ralphie's fault, I do have a heel injury I'm nurturing.  So running is out of the question for about 8 weeks.  But I need to get on my bike and start with my weights again.  I wouldn't mind adding some yoga and meditation in between.  My goal for next week is to try to work this in my new 'mommy' schedule.

Lastly, Ralphie has been a real joy in my life.  He makes me laugh.  He loves to snuggle.  He loves to play. He creates excitement.   He makes me see life more simply.  What more can you ask for?

Crate Training

Crate training has been a slow process.  Erica had to work today and she wasn't able to be with Ralphie throughout the day, so crate training was more intense for him today.  He was in the crate from 10:30am to 1:00pm.   Then during my lunch break I stopped by for an hour to let him out, walk him and let him play with Diva and Leroy. He was crying when I got there. (sigh) Then back in the crate from 2:00pm - 5:00pm.  When I arrived after work I heard him crying. (sigh)  Then I walked the 3 dogs, which was a real challenge coordinating the leashes so they didn't get all tangled and twisted.  I'm hoping Ralphie wasn't crying the whole time in the crate, but I hardly doubt it.  His energy level is high this evening as if he had some sleep during the day.   He's been very frisky this evening, digging the indoor plant, making a mess, tracking the dirt throughout the house.  He's been wrestling with his ducky. Bothering grumpy 'ol Ollie.  Playing fetch with the ball. Then as the day ends, Ralphie so exhausted, ends up stretched out on the top of the sofa, his head on my shoulder, snuggled, breathing heavy in a deep sleep...so innocent.  Yes, puppies will be puppies.

Just One Question!!!

I fill Ollie's bowl with dog food and fill his other bowl with water.

I fill Ralphie's bowl with the same dog food and fill his other bowl with water.

WHY OH WHY DOES OLLIE EAT AND DRINKS  FROM RALPHIE'S BOWLS AND RALPHIE EATS AND DRINKS FROM OLLIE'S BOWLS??

I just don't get it.

Silly dogs!!  LOL

Ralphie Meets Pugs + More Friends

Today was a big day for Ralphie.  I dropped him off at Erica's place around 7:45 in the morning before going into work.  Wow, did he have a FUN play day!!  Ralphie met Diva and Leroy, Erica's two pugs.  They all got along and played all day.  Erica's friend brought over her two German Short-Haired Pointers...Mason is older and Ellie is a 7 month old pup.  So all five dogs were in Erica's small apartment just playing and romping around.  Gosh, I give Erica so much credit to be able to handle such chaos!!  LOL 

Ralphie was FANTASTIC in the car going to Erica's and back home again.  He stayed in the back seat and sat calmly.  I was very happy about that!

Oh boy, they were having way too much fun!!  Look at that expression on Ralphie's face.  LOL

10 Weeks Old

Ralphie is 10 weeks old today.  He growing fast.  He's gained 3 pounds this past week, currently weighing in at 16 pounds.  I've learned a lot about Ralphie this week from his sleep schedule to potty schedule to playtime schedule to eating schedule.  He's living up to the Vizsla reputation as a Velcro dog.  He definitely needs human contact; he loves to snuggle; loves when I pet him.

My week vacation ends today and I return to work tomorrow.  I will be taking Ralphie to Erica's place so he doesn't have to be crated all day.  He is definitely going to be in for a big surprise...the two pugs!  I'm sure I'll have many stories and photos to share.

UPDATE...Ollie is still mad at Ralphie today after falling into the pool yesterday.  He doesn't want to be bothered.  Hopefully, they will become best friends soon.

Bad Day In Progress

I knew every day wouldn't be a perfect day with a puppy.  Today is one of those days.  When I was making the decision to get a Vizsla puppy all I had on my mind is Ollie's well-being.  Ollie is old and I was concerned if a puppy would be too much for him.  Up until today it seemed like Ollie and Ralphie's friendship was growing and Ralphie inspired Ollie to do things that he hasn't done in a long time, like chewing a bone and tugging on a rope toy.  But it's different today.

Ollie woke up a little cranky this morning.  I believe his arthritis in his front right leg is bothering him today.  He had no desire to be around Ralphie...zero tolerance.  As I was washing the outside windows in the back of the house this morning, Ollie and Ralphie were romping around.  Ralphie was getting way too playful for Ollie.  Ollie was snarling and snarling, but refused to go in the house.  He wanted to stay outside.  I'm up on the ladder and I was facing the window, listening to Ralphie antagonizing grumpy 'ol Ollie.  I heard a BIG splash...poor Ollie fell into the pool!!  Ralphie must of backed him into the pool when playing.  I freaked out and jumped off the ladder to help him out of the pool...I was upset...Ollie was SO upset!  With Ollie in hand, I hurried in the house to get a towel and wrap him up.  In the meantime, Ralphie is still frisky as ever, thinking this is all fun and games. After this ordeal, Ollie spent the rest of the morning in his secluded bed in my closet.  All day, Ollie does NOT want anything to do with Ralphie.  Happy-go-lucky Ralphie has no idea why he can't snuggle with Ollie today.  I'm wondering...Is Ralphie going to be too much for Ollie??

Hoping tomorrow will be a better day.

Friends

Today is a week since Ralphie became a member of our home (mine & Ollie's).  I worried most about Ollie with a new member of our family, knowing how high-energy a Vizsla puppy is.  I worried if Ollie would accept and get along with Ralphie.  My dream was to see them as best friends, snuggling together.   But I knew in all reality that wouldn't happen overnight.  I've Googled many articles on older dog-puppy relationships.  Ollie definitely makes it known he is King of the House.  He snarls at Ralphie when he's too playful.  He snarls when he wants to be left alone.  Ollie never nipped Ralphie or never really mean. But he does a great job showing who is boss.  The first few days were upsetting to see Ollie snarling, panting, anxious, and not rested.  However each day this week I've seen progress.  Today, day 7, was the best!  As Ollie was relaxing he let Ralphie nuzzle up to his ear and Ralphie was just kissing and kissing him and Ollie was loving it!  Then this afternoon Ralphie was sleeping on the couch and Ollie laid next to him.  Ralphie scooted closer the nuzzled his head on Ollie and they slept together, although for a short time.   I LOVED seeing my two boys like this!!  This definitely made my day!

Puppy Signs

I walk through my house and it makes me laugh my once orderly, neat home has become puppy-ized!!  There are signs everywhere that a little, frisky, playful puppy is a part of my home now...and I LOVE it!

 Bones, balls, toys everywhere...signs there's a playful little thing in the house!!

 Dinnertime can be messy...signs of an uncoordinated puppy trying his best to mind his dinner manners.

Books and magazines just are not the way they used to be.

Furniture protection...I'm beginning to forget what my furniture looks like under the coverings.  LOL

Yep, all prepared for those quick, hurry "let's go outside" times before having an accident inside.

Puppy's home has become a part of my home decor! The leopard bedding adds a special touch to 'our' home!

Now what is my flip-flop doing there?

The Hunter

It's so amazing to see the natural instincts of a dog's breed come out.  Ralphie's hunter instincts are showing already but the only bad thing he's using these hunter instincts on Ollie!  Ollie is minding his own business and from behind I see Ralphie become real quiet, then gets in his pointing posture with his tail straight out. He starts stepping slowing, quietly, low to the ground towards Ollie.  Now keep in mind Ollie's back is turned and doesn't see Ralphie.  Step, step, step then Ralphie just pounces on poor Ollie's back.  Of course, Ollie starts snarling at Ralphie to tell him to leave him alone.  Poor Ollie has taken a lot in these past few days with Ralphie here.  Ralphie is really rough between his pouncing and nibbling with those sharp baby teeth.  I'm waiting for the day Ollie will give Ralphie a real spanking (snip) to tell him enough is enough.  I honestly think Ollie would be fine with Ralphie if it weren't for his roughness.  Ollie doesn't get it ... Ralphie is a puppy full of mischief.  I'm hoping one day they will be best friends...SOON!

Digger

This morning I cycled 24 miles which means I had to crate Ralphie.  I figured small increments of time in the crate will get him used to it.  I was out for about 1.5 hours and I think he cried the whole time.  :-(  I heard him crying when I got to the door when I finished my ride.  I'm hoping he didn't cry that whole time.
Then Erica came over and spent the day with me, Ollie, and Ralphie.  We took Ralphie in the backyard to explore.   He's definitely a digger...look at this face...LOL

KER-PLUNK!

I had good, solid sleep last night.  I didn't even try to put Ralphie in his crate for the night.  However, I am training him slowly but surely to get used to the crate.  I put Ralphie in his crate yesterday when I spent about an hour cutting the lawn yesterday.  He cried the whole time.  :-(  Then later I ran up to the grocery store for about an hour and I crated him then as well.  I think in time he'll be just fine with the crate.

Ralphie slept pretty much through the whole night except for one incident.  I heard a KER-PLUNK around 4am.  The sound woke me up and I see Ralphie sitting on the floor next to the bed with a startled look.  I have no idea if he fell off the bed or jumped off the bed.  But I lifted him back up and he went right back to sleep.  We woke up at 6:30am, I took him out, immediately he did his business both ways.

After breakfast Ralphie and I played fetch with the ball and tugged on the rope toy.  After our playtime, Ralphie made himself comfortable on the couch...

I sent this picture to my sister who has a Great Dane, jokingly she writes back, "are you sure you don't have a Great Dane there...look at those big paws!"

Night #1

The first night with Ralphie went well because HE got his way!!  I put him in his crate which is located in my kitchen.  He cried and cried and he was LOUD!  I tried to ignore it, but he wouldn't stop.  Then his cries were beginning to work on my emotions.  I was thinking that poor little puppy's life has changed drastically in one day.  He was taken from his mama and siblings, he's in a new home with a hairy little Yorkie who hasn't completely accepted him yet, his diet is different, his owner is different, his WHOLE world changed!  After about 20 minutes of crying I went in the kitchen to check on him...well he pooped in his crate...stinky, smelly.  I cleaned it up and started the washer (this was at 11:30pm).  This is when I caved in and brought Ralphie into my bed and he was real good and slept well.  I was in a light sleep all night just to be sure Ralphie was safe and sound.  I woke up around 4:30am to take him outside to pee.  He peed quickly and back to bed we went.  We woke up at 6:30am for a day of getting to know each other.  I'm looking forward to this day of new experiences with my new little boy!

Today Is The Day

Sir Red Ryder Ralphie is HOME!!

Rusty and I picked up Ralphie today!  It was a nice ride out to Lakeland, FL.  We stopped at Cracker Barrel for lunch on our way there.  We got Ralphie around 2pm.  Ralphie slept some of the way coming home.  He cuddled in a blanket on the car floor after enjoying his teething ring.  Everything went well until about the last 10 minutes of our drive.  Rusty was rubbing/scratching Ralphie's sides and back and then poor Ralphie threw up on Rusty's lap.  I'm not sure if it was the teething ring that upset his stomach or Rusty rubbing his sides which shook up his stomach.  Ralphie seemed relieved afterwards and okay.  I couldn't stop laughing at Rusty...his expression with the glob of throw-up in his lap.  But he took it well, went with the flow, and wasn't mad.  Things happen.

I was really concerned about Ollie and Ralphie getting along...well it's going to be a work in progress.  Ralphie is just too playful for Ollie to handle.  Ollie is almost 13 and hasn't had this much excitement in a long time.  He's barking and barking a lot at Ralphie.  Of course he growled at Ralphie a few times to tell him to settle down and quit bugging him.  Hopefully Ollie will get used to Ralphie and begin to love each other.

Fun with Ralphie and Ollie...

Run Ralphie Run

Check out the chart below.   Based on this information I read in Runners World, Ralphie is going to be a great running partner.  I'm afraid I'm not going to live up to his expectations though...LOL  I will never run a 7 minute mile where the Vizsla excels in according to this chart.  But I may be able to satisfy Ralphie with a long, steady run...my longest run so far has been 12 miles, long, slow, and steady.

5 more days before Ralphie comes home!!!  
I can't wait!!!

BEST FOR		BREED		KEY TRAITS
Long, Steady Runs (More Than 10 Miles)	• Weimaraners • Goldendoodles • German shorthaired pointers • Vizslas • Jack Russell terriers	A medium build, well-muscled hind quarters, not too heavy
Brisk Shorter Runs (Less Than 10-K)	• Greyhounds • Pit bulls • English setters • Beagles • Golden and Labrador retrievers	A muscular and lean build, and a mind for sprinting rather than slogging
Going Fast (7-Minute Miles or Faster)	• Vizslas • German shorthaired pointers • Weimaraners • Greyhounds • Whippets	A medium-size, lean build, and a mental aptitude for running
Long, Slow Runs	• Catahoulas • Labrador retrievers • Standard poodles • Dalmatians	A bigger body that can handle the distance—if you go slow
Running in the Heat	• Rhodesian ridgebacks • Vizslas • Airedale terriers • Fox terriers	A long nose, a short, sleek coat, and a svelte body
Running in the Cold	• Malamutes • German shepherds • Swiss mountain dogs • Siberian huskies	A thick coat and a stockier body type
Running on Trails with Obstacles	• German shorthaired pointers • Vizslas • Weimaraners • Border collies • Belgian sheepdogs	Sure-footed and quick to react (such as herding and hunting dogs)
Most Obedient on Heavily Used Trails	• Golden and Labrador retrievers • Standard poodles • Labradoodles • Border collies	Nonaggressive, people-oriented, and obedient; has a calm personality