Life with Archie So Far

Cuteness overload here. Archie is adjusting very well to living with us. His breeder is from Nevada and lives in an area where Parvo is a terrible problem, so he had been kept inside for the four months of his life until we got him. He had been trained to use a cat litter box, if you can believe it, and had never experienced so many things we take for granted. He is amazed by birds, cars going by, airplanes, plants, and open spaces.

His absolute favorite thing (outside of his new family) is experiencing grass, which was unknown to him until he came to us. He pitches himself into it with a running start, rolls around in it repeatedly, and acts like it is the best discovery ever. He also figured out that it is an excellent place to pee and poop (in the first 24 hours he was with us), which means the cat litter box and 50 pounds of cat litter we bought were a complete waste of money. My friend Sue has a cat and I am hoping she will take both off my hands. Honestly, what self-respecting puppy wants to use a litter box when he can go outside in his own backyard?

We bought a boatload of toys for him, and you know what his favorites are? Ice cubes we give him and sticks he finds on the grassy lawn.

He follows my husband and me everywhere, so we aren't too worried he will try to escape. He doesn't seem to want us out of his sight, which is fine. He is affectionate and knows "sit" and "stay" and "come" and his name. His first appointment with our veterinarian is this afternoon, so it will be interesting to see what she thinks of him.

We did purchase something called a "snuffle mat" for him. It consists of a mat with various textured objects attached to it, where you can hide dog treats or tiny bits of kibble for your pet to "snuffle" out. It is supposed to be a dog "puzzle toy" that keeps your pet mentally stimulated. He did seem to enjoy that when Eva and I put it out for him. Naturally, he found all the hidden treats in short order.

Now to teach him "leave it", "no biting", and "no". Omg, you should see my hands and arms. I look like I fell into a bramble bush from all the accidental bites, bruises, and scratches. Old skin is thin and bruises easily apparently.

We are having a blast with him although he is definitely a time commitment. Eva comes over every day and helps us by playing with him and trying to train him to have some basic manners. She has been just great to have around. He is so darn cute and their mutual attraction is apparent.

Wish me luck. During his naptime today I hope to get upstairs and work a bit on the Sunny Patches project Coriander Quilts is hosting.

Comments

[T Holzer]

It sounds like you all are having so much fun with Archie! And having Eva around is so good for him. Enjoy!!

[Jan]

Yay! Archie sounds like a quick-study! When I read about the cat litter box I imagined you having to train him to go outside to do his business! It sounds as if things are going very well despite the amount of time it takes to get a new puppy 'with the program'! It looks like Eva & Archie have bonded in the first photo! 💙🐶

[Ina]

oh, yeah. those sharp baby teeth are something else. we were buying economy size band-aids. ;p

'trade' is another good command to teach. I use it all the time if River picks up something on our walk or if he grabs a shoe...

[Debbie Williams]

I just melted when I saw these pictures. We had a couple of wire-hairs when I was a pre-teen and absolutely love that breed. Enjoy!

[Donna Murdock]

It sounds like true love to me!

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

Archie is such a handsome lad, and I know he must be lots of fun. I think I missed Ozzie's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. May Archie fill that big hole in your hear.

[Kelli]

Loved seeing Archie and hearing about his adventures! Thanks for sharing. Puppy teeth are the worst! Enjoy every minute - they grow up so fast

[Debbie R.]

Cuteness overload for sure! Enjoy every minute.

[Anita R]

He is such a cutie 🥰