The Eddie Report 6.0
We’ve reached the 6 month milestone with our little boy! 
Some say this is the beginning of his teenage rebellious stage – yikes! 
Oh the testing of his (and my) limits have started. 
But I am so happy to say that Eddie continues to sleep through the night and it’s usually me that is first to rise but it’s at a very reasonable time, yippee.
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And another bonus, no more leash and harness (in the backyard) and I think he totally feels a sense of freedom and that makes me happy. But that of course brings on a whole new set of challenges …… for me. 
So last night I put on his collar that lights up and he didn’t take to it right away because I think the lights startled him but this morning I put it on him since it was still dark when we got up and he didn’t seem to notice. Bonus! 
He is definitely exploring and getting in to everything. The eating of small branches, pebbles and the likes continues and I realize there is only so much I can control so I don’t sweat it. Of course monitoring what he gets into is important because what he eats could affect his health and cause vomiting. So far this hasn’t happened but I know it could so keeping a watchful eye on him is crucial. But he has started his ‘digging’ phase (ugh) so for this reason, I am outside with him or monitoring him, from the doors and windows. When he is out of sight and there is no noise …… that’s my cue! 
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And speaking about noises;  Eddie is getting use to the sounds that are all around. Some more than others. The squirrels love to tease him but he is no longer afraid to chase them away! Yay!
Of course voices or loud unusual noises will cause him to bark …… but he is a dog – dogs bark! 
Just like any neighborhood, when one dog is barking they all start. It’s how they communicate. When it gets excessive, that’s when I ask him to stop. And no, he doesn’t always obey. So then it’s time to go inside. 
And isn’t it funny while he is inside the command to ‘come here’ works, outside not so much! 
The training is non-stop. 
Does it get any easier …… not yet, but it will! 
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We continue to play fetch daily and sometimes several times a day. And he does entertain himself quite a bit with his toys. I’ve noticed that he doesn’t sleep quite as much but when he does I can move around more freely without disturbing him. 
And guess what, I can actually drop something like a sock, a dryer sheet etc and I can say no and he will leave it. A month ago he was like a stealth creature with gazelle speed and underneath a bed or chair chewing on his prize before I even realized I had dropped anything! 
I recently have taught him to stay out from under the bed and it’s working. He can still fit under some chairs in the family room but those days are numbered! 
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I think he is definitely learning that we will have boundaries. Although he doesn’t always want to abide by them …… I know that patience, consistency and lots of positive reinforcement is required on my part. 
Do I sometimes forget the patience part – yes, and then I remember how far he has come. 
Fully potty trained between 4-5 months old. 
Sleeps all night at 5 months. 
Understands the basic commands between 3-4 months. 
Such a good little boy. 
Could there still be an accidental occurrence inside. Yes, he is only 6 months old. 
And yet, I know that my constant, like in ‘constant’ …… behavior and reinforcement is key. Yes, my behavior matters too. 
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Eddie had a play date with Brewster this past week. He was his happy-go-lucky self and I was very happy for him. 
He enjoys being outside and running around. After a couple of hours, we were back home and he was soon taking his afternoon nap in the nice cool house! 
I know that Eddie will continue to test boundaries. I know there are times when he appears like he just did 4 lines of coke and runs through the house just when I thought it was chill time! 
I know that his nipping and willfulness is what puppies do. 
I know that despite all the progress we have achieved, there is still a lot more to work on. 
Puppies will test and test and test you. They will try to establish their own set of rules. They will think the command ‘come here’ is optional. Oh yeah, they will look right into your eyes as if the tiny gears in their cute little heads are turning and saying ‘ Nah’ not now!
And then run fast in the opposite direction. 
Grrrrrrrrrr …… 
Yep, that’s my response! 
And the gears in my head are saying, yep more work is definitely needed. 
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I believe Eddie has learned so much and I also know that Now is not the time to ‘dial’ it down.
I want him to enjoy the freedom of our backyard but I also want him to continue to learn positive and constructive behaviors. 
The past few months have been very productive. The next will as well. But, I am dealing with a teenager not a baby. Teenagers are more independent. They are so easily distracted as they are exploring new sights and sounds. They have not learned impulse control. (I think we can all relate!)  Can it be exhausting and downright hard Yes Yes Yes.
But there is nothing sweeter than seeing a happy puppy growing and becoming more and more comfortable in their home.
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Did you know …… 
That ‘in general’ at 6 months: a puppy has grown to 66% of their adult weight. They have eaten approximately 200 lbs of dog food. (Let’s not forget the sticks and pebbles too) They have lost their baby teeth but their adult teeth are not fully in and can take several more months until they are fully grown in.
They should know the basic commands, sleep through the night and be fully vaccinated. 
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So as we celebrate 6 months with this beautiful furry boy , it’s okay to feel exhausted at times. It’s okay to think you are starting all over. 
Bad behaviors will happen, my role is to stop it before they become habit. He is not intentionally being a ‘brat’. He has not forgotten everything I have taught him. (It just feels that way) He is just growing up. Mental stimulation and physical activity during this stage is so important to raising a confident and obedient dog. And right now, reinforcing positive and good behavior is key. 
Because this little bundle of joy has become a member of our family and with each passing day it becomes more evident that he is home! 
(unfortunately this is the age/stage when so many puppies end up in shelters in the US).
So I remind myself (quite often) of all the progress and growth Eddie has achieved. He continues to bring joy and enrich our days with love and laughter.
Puppies grow so fast and Eddie is no exception. So I will continue to love him while teaching him about boundaries and behavior.
Here’s to the next 6 months of showing Eddie the world! 
The Eddie Report 6.0
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