Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

Let’s Talk Puppy Blues

Let’s talk puppy blues and why it’s normal to feel depressed, hate your puppy, or even want to return your puppy in the early days.

Puppy blues or “puppy postpartum” is extremely common.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

Let’s say you decide to get a dog. You do all your research, you buy all the toys. You imagine snuggling your little fluff-ball on the couch and taking long walks with your new best friend gliding by your side. You mentally prepare yourself for the first few sleepless nights, the vet bills, and house training.

Depression, anxiety, and feelings of deep regret are not in most people’s vision of early puppyhood. Certainly, they weren’t in mine!

I Regretted Getting a Puppy

Earlier this year, my husband and I decided to get a dog. We did everything “right”. We had good intentions. We researched what felt like every single breed, made pros and cons lists, and investigated how to choose a reputable breeder.

After weeks of deliberation, we decided on a Vizlsa. We had both admired them for a long time and felt that the breed would suit our family best. We both had dogs in the past and thought we knew what we were doing.

We got all the things we needed, got in contact with an amazing breeder, and started saving for the expenses. When we would receive pictures of our growing boy, I was felt with nothing but pride and excitement. It was a very similar feeling to seeing my daughter on an ultrasound when I was pregnant.

I was so excited to have a little toddler and a new puppy. Looking back, I’m not sure what I was thinking, ha!

We picked up Bodhi when he was 8 weeks old. He was the cutest, sweetest, droopiest little boy. He was so calm and slept on my lap the whole 8 hour drive home.

I Knew We Made a Mistake

As we pulled into the driveway he gave me a nibble on the arm. Little did I know, we had brought home a full on land-shark. He was a terror. There was literal blood, sweat, and tears. He bit with such force and determination.

“Aren’t dogs supposed to be in tune with our emotions?,” I would ask myself. He didn’t seem to care. We tried what seemed like everything.

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 8 week old vizsla male puppy

I was constantly covered in bruises, bites, and scrapes. I lost several pairs of pants to the cause. I didn’t love him. I didn’t feel bonded with him. I didn’t feel like he loved me. I didn’t feel like it would get better. I remember waking up anxious every day because I had to manage him.

I would cry all the time. I would beg my husband to bring him back. I felt like we had made a huge mistake. I would tell everyone and anyone how hard it was to have a puppy. Without doubt, having a baby was a breeze compared to him.

I didn’t know for a little while that I was suffering serious puppy blues.

What are the puppy blues?

Here is a definition from Psych Central, “Post-puppy depression, another term for puppy blues, isn’t a formal diagnosis. It’s a term used to describe feelings of regret, disappointment, and dismay that can occur after getting a new dog.”

The puppy blues can be caused by your puppy’s destructive behavior, neediness, or inability to sleep through the night.

What are the symptoms of puppy blues?

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 8 week old vizsla male puppy

According to ChoosingTherapy.com, symptoms of puppy blues include the following:

  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Feeling anxious, sad, and/or hopeless
  • Feeling helpless and/or paralyzed
  • Feeling guilty or ashamed
  • Feeling trapped
  • Feeling empty inside
  • Feeling numb
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Feeling angry or resentful towards your dog
  • Thinking you made a mistake in getting a dog, or wishing you could return them
  • More frequent crying
  • Increased tension or more frequent arguments with other members of your household
  • Increased irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased muscle tension, headaches, nausea, or stomach upset
  • Changes to appetite and weight loss or gain
  • Difficulty sleeping even if your dog is sleeping through the night

Do the puppy blues go away?

Yes, with the right amount of time and training the puppy blues do go away. Ideally, puppies are easier as they grow into themselves, learn to relieve themselves outside, and form a bond with their owner. Speaking with other dog owners or even a mental health professional can be beneficial as well.

Some situations where puppy blues may not go away is if your new dog is reactive or sick. This can lead to ongoing feelings of helplessness and loneliness. A qualified trainer or vet can aid in diagnosing these issues and potential solutions.

For awhile, I didn’t believe people when they said that he would “grow out” of certain behaviors. I really thought we had a lemon on our hands. I thought there was something wrong with him. Diligent training and age definitely helped his behavior and ability to calm down.

Now, Bodhi’s biggest issue is that he jumps on people when they come into the house. This is non big deal with a small dog, but having a 60lb mass of orange muscle jumping up to lick your face can be terrifying. It’s my most significant stressor when it comes to my dog. However, now I have some experience to show me that with the right training, discipline and time, we can get him to a place of safe and joyful greeting.

What can you do about the puppy blues?

The best thing you can do for the puppy blues is to have realistic expectations of your puppy. Puppies are messy, needy, and have no impulse control. Also, most puppies are brought home at 8 weeks old, which is still very young! Embracing the insanity definitely helped my relationship with Bodhi.

The fastest path to forming a bond with your pup is through training. Starting with small, five minute lessons is a great way to start. Sit, stay, and lie down are all basic essentials.

Let's Talk Puppy Blues - 6 month old vizsla male puppy

Something else that helped in the beginning was treating it like a new baby. We ordered takeout, used paper plates, let the laundry pile up, and just focused on survival mode.

Training as a Solution to Puppy Blues

However, one of the most helpful skills a pup can learn is how to settle. We taught Bodhi this by rewarding him anytime we saw him “chilling out”. Over time he came to jump onto his favorite chair and put his head down on his paws.

Another thing to save your sanity during the puppy blues is crate training. We chose this crate for our dog and we used it from day one! We began giving him “enforced naps” every few hours. He had a hard time sleeping outside of his crate, so it gave him time during the day to rest. Puppies need a lot of sleep.

Crate training also gives the owner some time to relax, knowing that their puppy is safe. It’s also essential so they are used to being crated in emergency situations, at the groomers, or at the vet.

Will I ever love my new puppy?

Yes! It can feel like that bond will never come, but believe me, it will over time!

I’m sure there are some dog lovers who won’t identify with this post, but puppies are hard.

Now that my dog is a year old, I notice how badly I felt towards him. I was waking up anxious every morning, not wanting to deal with his biting and whining. It really was not how I envisioned getting a dog would be.

He’s still very much a puppy in an adult-dog body. There are some days where his existence feels like more work than reward. He’s still a trouble maker, but I’m able to see my part, like when he’s under-exercised or I left food on the counter where he could reach it.

Now I have the dog that I pictured. He’s my adventure buddy and he curls up at my feet with a bone at the end of the night. He protects our house from allllll the squirrels and is so gentle and loving towards our toddler.

He’s on his way to becoming a sweet old man!

Have you ever experienced the puppy blues? Did you know that it was possible to feel this way after getting a fluffy adorable puppy?
Let me know below!

O.

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August in Review

Whew, August was a doozy. This whole summer has been…well let’s just say it’s been a summer. August had its ups and downs like any month, but there was certainly a lot of turbulence.

I am %100 solidified in my opinion that summer is the worst season. The bugs, the heat, the expectations of fun, fun, fun. It’s not for me. I think I’m just conditioned from childhood to believe that summer is a break.

Well, there are very few breaks in adulthood and there are *checks notes* zero breaks in parenthood. I know, I know, I’m complaining. This is my site, right? I’ve been complaining all month. It’s cute to quantify the gripes with a word count.

Okay, so August. Let’s start with good. Let me try to squeeze a drop of gratitude or delight out of the last 31 days.

The Good

The month started on a Monday. That’s cool, am I right? The simple pleasures.

I stopped reading a book. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. If you’ve read my other monthly recaps, you know that I love her books. I got about 100 pages in and realized they’re all the same books? They’re all so formulaic (this is not a term I would use in my everyday-life, but I would imagine people who read, like really read, would use this word). Why is this on the good section? Well, I only have so much free time and it felt kind of…empowering?…to say no. To a book.

My baby is cute-cute. She started to say “wuv yew”. She has been watching Trash Truck on Netflix and now she calls me mom (cue sobbing). Seeing a little toddler waddle into the room saying “hey mom” is absolutely adorable. She’s just the cutest and smartest and sweetest.

I got some part time work. It’s been exciting to make some more money and sit down at my computer and really did my teeth into something, other than blogging. I also got a new computer (the Air), which I love!

The Not-So-Great

Oh boy, are you ready?

Can I preface? I’m going to preface.

I don’t follow a lot of influencers on social media, but one that I continue to follow is Amber Fillerup Clark. I feel like the things she shares inspire me to be better. She’s always making these cute snacks for her kids or suggesting books or doing these sweet little doodle-dos at night. I started doing cute little doodle lists at night.

You know, like making a checklist for the week or content calendar- whatever, but using it as time to unwind at the end of the night and using pretty colored markers. I think I’m making it sound weird but it’s fun.

ANYWAYS, I want you all to know that I sat down on July 31st and I wrote the cutest damn goal list for August. I was going to read 5 books, walk the dog everyday, publish blog posts left and right, drink water. The month was starting on a Monday. What could go wrong?

mouth watering
swollen poison ivy hands
making this into a christmas ornament
healing stages
this sick boy stayed handsome

We all got Covid. The bad kind. Vaxxed, boosted, ready for anything, right? So, so wrong. My husband got it first, on August 2nd, followed by myself a day later, and then my daughter a few days after that. I won’t go into details but we all got very sick and my poor daughter got it the worst and it was all very scary. We are all healthy and take good care of ourselves, it was definitely a reality check that you never know who’s going to get a worse case. It took about a week and a half for us to feel better and two weeks before all the symptoms cleared up.

We all got poison ivy. I would like to thank my dog for this. He probably rubbed against it in the backyard and spread it to us. It has since been cleared.

I got poison ivy. The bad kind. I had to go on antibiotics and steroids for the 3rd time this summer (the other times were from bee stings). You might hear bee stings and poison ivy and think that I’m this Subaru-driving, Hydro-Flask drinking outdoor girl, but I go outside maybe twice a day and only in my backyard and I’m just convinced at this point that I’m allergic to nature in general.

The dog got sick. Yup, him too. The cat is the last one standing. He got some little bacterial infection and was coughing constantly. Luckily the meds they put him on got it cleared up within a few days.

Everything is just a very human mess. I worked during all my free time the last week and a half of August, which was great. But, since I’m home with my daughter all day it’s been a lot and I haven’t really had any time to myself. Factor in laundry, cooking, and making time for this blog and my other projects has been, well, an adjustment.

My post originally ended there.

That’s how I was going to file “August 2022” away in my brain and on this blog.

Well, after I finished writing this post I went to my phone to gather photos to add in.

I was surprised to see all that happened during the month.

I had a great month. I thought I spent it all inside, suffering (not like suffering, but you know what I mean). That couldn’t be further from the truth.

I went so many places this month. I saw my family. I got the baby and the dog out of the house. We went to the beach, the splash park, friend’s houses. I laughed, I was present, I had fun.

What an important lesson in perspective.

Some other little high points:

I got to see a cousin that I haven’t seen in years.

Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer hit the stores.

Baby M and I baked her first pie (it was delicious). We also baked her first pizza (“ew gross” were her exact words). She also had her first trip to McDonald’s which was surprisingly overwhelming, I kept telling her “this is America this is just part of it” and I think she knew what I meant.

Our local animal sanctuary opened back up. They were closed for months (?) due to avian flu. We were so happy to see “our” chickens again!

…and so, so much more.

How was your August? Have any complaints?

Did you try anything new? Are you as excited as I am for a new month and a fresh start?

Let me know below!

O.

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How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Puppy? (In the First Month)

Have you ever wondered how much owning a puppy costs in the first month? I had no idea how much we would end up paying for all my pup needed early on. I went through all my vet receipts, Amazon invoices and Chewy statements to show you how much it really costs to raise a dog in the first month.

vizsla puppy 8 weeks

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

We spent a total of $2,742.96 on our dog in one month.

We have a beautiful male Vizsla named Bodhi. You can read more on why we chose a Vizsla as our family dog here. He’s the best dog for our family. Although he nips like crazy, he’s on his way to becoming an amazing dog!

I wrote this post because this was a question I had looked up and never really found a detailed answer for. I like to know how much to set aside for big expenses. I’m a stickler for “paying the best price” and comparing costs. I did a lot of back-and-forth between Petco, Chewy, and Amazon to find the best prices.

It was no surprise that online shopping is the way to go. Chewy and Amazon had the lowest prices, especially on the crate and harnesses. Keep reading to see everything you’ll need and the lowest prices on dog gear.

Once we knew we were getting a dog, we set aside money each week in an envelope. In addition, we also looked for deals and kept a big list of everything we needed.

Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy
vizsla puppy 9 weeks old

How much does a new purebred Vizsla puppy cost?

Our 8-week-old Vizsla puppy was $1,300. The price of a puppy depends on many factors, and it’s specifically hard to gauge if you go the breeder route. Many breeders have comically outdated and simple information on their websites, so you have to contact them to find out about new litters, pricing, and if the breed you want is a good fit for your family.

How much did the first vet visit cost for our puppy?

The first vet visit was much cheaper than I thought it would be – $116.18 for an 8 week old puppy in a generally high cost of living area (north shore of Long Island). Although it was a very short visit, it was still way under what I expected.

Keep reading to see a full breakdown of the cost of each vet visit in the first month!

How many times does a puppy go to the vet?

I brought Bodhi to the vet three times. Once at 8 weeks, 10 weeks, and 13 weeks. Luckily we are done until we take him to get fixed!

Vizsla puppy 10 weeks old

Do you have to bring your puppy to the vet right away?

It’s a good idea to bring your puppy to the vet within the first few days of bringing them home.

See this explanation from Chewy:

But regardless of what the shelter or breeder has already done, it is always a good idea to schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new canine companion. This will allow the veterinarian to review your pup’s records and quickly provide any overdue care. The doctor will also perform a complete physical examination and perhaps run some laboratory tests to identify any potential health concerns. It’s best to learn about problems as soon as possible before any health guarantees the breeder provides expires.

Chewy, “Puppy’s First Vet Visit: What to Expect, Checklist and Tips“
Vizsla puppy 11 weeks old in grass

Dog Gear

Here are all the things we got for our dog!

Note that we had to upgrade to a bigger collar and harness after a few weeks. We used old towels to line the crate in the beginning.

Crating

Crate (42″ with divider) – $85.80

Dog Gate (with cat door) – $110.00 (note that the price is way cheaper on Amazon – we bought one from our local pet store our of desperation and paid so much more)

Bed/Crate Liner (42″) – $18.55

Eating

Food (Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete) – $52.84

Treats – $19.99

Food and water bowls – $8.00

Collapsable dog bowl – $5.99

Stainless steel outdoor water bowls (1.25 each at the dollar store!) – $2.50

House Training

Pooper Scooper – $16.25

Nature’s Miracle Pet Odor Remover – $8.99

Dog waste bags – $5.94

Walking

Puppy collar – $14.00

Dog collar – $8.68

Dog tag – $8.64

Puppy leash – $16.00

Leash – $8.99

Spare leash – $11.89

Puppy harness – $16.28

Dog harness – $16.28

Other

Brush – $5.99

Shampoo – $8.68

Clickers (set of 2) – $5.99

Bones – ~$30.00

Misc. Toys – ~30.00

Total = $516.28

Vet Fees

Visit 1 – $116.18

Visit 2 – $120.00

Visit 3 – $197.00

Medication – $24.50

How much vet costs for new puppy

Total = $457.68

I can’t help but think “that’s it?” as I go through all the receipts. Specifically, I had planned on spending double that on immunizations and visits. I love our vet and I’m glad we decided to take a chance and try somewhere new. The vet we used to go to for our cat would be double that and is much further away.

$457.68 seems like a fair price for a healthy puppy!

Miscellaneous

The Actual Dog – $1,300

Hotel – $149 (luckily we had a gift card)

Gas – ~$250 (Remember that week that gas hit like $5 a gallon? That was the week we had to drive 8 hours to pickup our dog.)

Misc. Travel Expenses (food, coffee, etc.) ~ $70 (also used mainly gift cards)

Total = ~ $1,769

How Much Does a Puppy Cost in the First Month?

Total = $2,742.96!

I think that if this list needed to be paired down you could find a lot of stuff secondhand, like the crate and gates, if you need them. There were a lot of crates on Craigslist, but couldn’t snag one in time. I know that not everyone picks up after their dog and or chooses to use a crate, and some people just use “human food” for treats.

Food bowls and beds are another thing that can be found around the house. Our Vizsla prefers to sit in our laps anyways.

If you’re lucky, you also won’t need to drive 16 hours with $5 gas prices to pick up your pup!

Vizsla puppy 13 weeks old

Americans are Spending More Money on Their Pets

Americans are spending more and more money on their pets. We truly treat our animals like members of our families. From medical care to bougie doggy day cares, we spare no expense when it comes to our furry friends.

That has been even more apparent amid the pandemic as people work from home and recognize their animals’ need for stimulation.

“The American Pet Products Association projects Americans will spend a record-high $99 billion this year on all things pet, ranging from food to veterinary care. Online pet food sales jumped 77% in the U.S. in March 2020 YOY. Pet merchandise is expected to be one of the top gift-giving categories, according to a survey by consulting firm Deloitte. On average, half of those surveyed plan to spend $90 on pet items.”

MSNBC

So, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking you need all the latest gear and accessories for your new puppy. When you stick to the essentials, having a dog can be very affordable!

Did you get a puppy or an older dog?

Did you have an idea of how much a new puppy would cost?

Let me know below!

O.

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If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!

March in Review

Goodbye March! You were insane.

March was a crazy month.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

I got a Vizsla puppy! I feel like I have two toddlers. He is full of energy and curiosity.

5 Reasons We Chose a Vizsla as Our Family Dog

The Not-Great:

  • This puppy is killing me. We paid for a Vizsla and got a piranha. This dog BITES. He is constantly nipping. We redirect with toys, yelp loudly, do time outs- you name it, we’ve tried it. This wackadoo just wants human flesh. Also, there’s nothing like living on a 20 minute timer to make sure he doesn’t have an accident in the house. He’s lucky he’s so cute.
  • I usually feel better this time of year. This year, I don’t. And I think sleep is the answer! This is typically the time of year when I feel “lighter” and “happier”. I think the sleep deprivation from the puppy and baby is preventing this! Hoping to feel “spring-ier” soon!

The Good:

  • I started an Instagram. I know, I know, I was all about kicking Instagram earlier in the year. I still am, for my own personal account. I did start an official Leaf and Steel account that is just centered around this blog! I had been putting it off for awhile.
  • The dog is learning a few commands. Let me tell you, “leave it” is the most underrated command. “Sit” isn’t really that helpful. “Paw” is adorable. We are working so hard at training, and I think he’s starting to get the hang of it.
  • Calendar. I finally got a calendar for my fridge. Now, coordinating child care and dinner is so much simpler! My husband and I both know what nights we need to be out or keep free. I can’t believe I’ve managed to stay married for 3+ years without a shared calendar. It even has a little notes section so I can list things we need to talk about. Not bad for under $10!

April Hopes

  • Creative writing. I desperately want to set aside some time to do more creative writing. My goal is to participate in a Reedsy prompt competition this month. I have a lot of stories in my drafts that could use some attention!
  • Build up the blog. I mean, this has been my goal for the past 5-6 years, right? I have some posts planned that I’m pretty excited about. I hope I can get back to posting a few times a week!

How was your March?

Did you check anything big off your list? Learn anything new?

What are your hopes for April?

Let me know below!

O

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Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy

I survived! I survived my first week with an 8-week-old Vizsla puppy. I’m exhausted, covered in bites, and filled with absolute love and joy for my little guy. His name is Bodhi and we got him a week ago! He is 9 weeks tomorrow and a total mush.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

Bodhi has spent the week exploring, snuggling, and learning some ground rules! He already knows his name and “sit”. He is working on “leave it”, which I must imagine is pretty difficult for a new creature in a new world.

How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Puppy? (In the First Month)

As I’m writing this, I’m proud to announce that he has had no accidents in the house today! I’m so proud of him. House training has not been as hard as I thought it would be! When he goes in the house it’s usually our fault.

I have to say that a lot of help has come from the r/puppy101 and r/dogtraining subreddits, as well as anecdotal advice from friends! I am a learn-as-I-go mom, and I’m finding I’m that way with the dog too. I think I have a good perspective on what’s really important. However, I have been more intentional about managing his behaviors due to everyone’s safety. A 12 lb puppy jumping up on you is innocuous, a 55 lb dog is not…

It’s been a very long week, friends. Here are some answers to questions I had before getting my Vizsla pup!

vizlsa puppy running - Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy

Why did we choose a vizsla as our family dog?

You can read all about why Vizslas make great family dogs here: 5 Reasons We Chose a Vizsla as Our Family Dog

Basically, we chose a Vizsla because of their activity level, loyalty, trainability, and gentle temperament. They were also the perfect size!

What’s it like having a puppy and a toddler?

I’ll be honest – it’s exhausting. I am bone tired at the end of the day.

We set up this playpen for my daughter so that she can have her own space in the kitchen away from him. It’s huge! Most importantly, it can resist our puppy’s snapping jaws and sharp claws.

It’s a lot of chewed up toys, removing choking hazards, and reheating cups of coffee.

Making sure two little creatures (who have no impulse control) don’t hurt themselves is a full time job.

I wanted to add an update as my Vizsla puppy approaches his 6 month birthday:

These pups are not for the faint of heart. My Bodhi is so naughty! He counter-surfs, eats everything in sight, and greets the world mouth-first. It has been a lot keeping a toddler and a puppy safe.

I have no problem saying that I wish I had waited until my daughter was older to get a puppy- I don’t think the breed matters. Puppies require constant supervision and dedication, which we are of course giving him. I’m sure I will feel differently in the future, once we turn this corner and he mellows out a little bit.But, from someone who is in it, let me say that having a puppy and a toddler is not the best idea.

Do Vizslas shed?

Vizslas have no undercoat, which means that they do best in warmer climates. Alternatively, they could use a coat in the winter, like our boy does. They are incredibly soft, with ears like velvet. The lack of undercoat makes them easier to clean and bathe when dirty. We have found that our Vizsla only needs a quick run down with a rubber brush once a week, and baths only when necessary.

It was my understanding that Vizlsas are low-shedding dogs. Do they shed less than a Golden or a Lab? Sure. But they are still shedding dogs, and our house is now blessed with thousands of tiny red hairs that infiltrate even the most remote corners of our space.

Here is my car after maybe 3 rides post-car wash. Needless to say, I will be getting leather seats in my next car (and more space so I can get another V!).

How much exercise does a Vizsla puppy need?

So, I was told 5 minutes for every month of age. So a two month old would need 10 minutes of exercise.

I don’t think this is true for Vizslas!

We have been doing 10 minutes of exercise per wake window (see more on puppy wake windows below).

Some examples of the exercise we have been doing is fetch, using a rope toy, or this frisbee. We have a fenced in yard that is large enough for him to romp around in. 

Today, we took him for his first walk on the road, but kept it to 5 minutes.

You can over exercise a puppy, so be sure to talk to your vet about how much your dog needs!

What is crate training?

Crate training is simply the act of using a crate to train your dog. Here is an explanation from the AKC (click for reference):

Although many dog owners may feel guilty for crate training their canine companion, enclosed spaces create a shelter for your dog to rest and relax. In fact, dogs instinctively seek small spaces to create protective shelters for themselves. Crates are useful training tools for puppies, safe havens for senior dogs, and lifesavers for emergencies.

AKC, “Crate Training Benefits: Why A Crate Is Great for You and Your Dog“

And here is the crate we use:

What’s in our 8-week-old puppy’s crate?

Right now, the only things in our 8-week-old puppy’s crate are a blanket, soft stuffed animal, and a NylaBone. We do cover the crate to add a cozy feel, as well as using the crate divider.

I always remove his collar before putting him in the crate. I want to avoid any freak accidents.

What size crate does a Vizsla need?

We went with the 42″ wire crate (with divider) for our male Vizsla.

How often does our Vizsla puppy get up in the middle of the night?

I had heard horror stories of puppy parents having to get up every 2-3 hours with their little one and let me tell you, this is the part of puppyhood I was dreading the most. I already got up with my baby multiple times a night for over a year, and I wasn’t excited to do that again.

Bodhi only wakes once a night. I don’t even want to write that, out of fear of jinxing it. We take him out for the last time at around 10, he wakes up at 2, and then is up for good at 6:30/7am.

How we got our 8-week-old Vizsla to sleep in the crate.

Bodhi sleeps in a crate in our family room. The first few days, I put a few treats in there and left the door open. I never put him in it. If he happened to hop in, I would reward him and tell him “good crate”. I also added a few of his toys and favorite bones.

I eventually ended up putting him in there while my daughter and I played in another room. He cried for a few minutes and fell asleep! 

The first 5-6 nights my husband or I would sleep with him on the couch. Now that he is sleeping in the crate, I sleep on the couch next to him. I’m hoping I’ll be able to go back to bed this week!

life with my

What are enforced naps and how do I use them in training my puppy?

This is something I saw on Reddit and it has saved me! Enforced naps are just what they sound like – you are scheduling and enforcing a nap for your pup. The golden rule is 2 hours of rest after every 1 hour of playtime.

I usually set an hour timer and once it goes off we start “winding down” with some treats, pets, gentle words. Then I lead him into the crate and reward him with a treat. He usually whines for a few minutes, but eventually plops down and is out cold soon after.

How we got our 8-week-old Vizsla to stop biting.

Bodhi would start nipping uncontrollably and it seemed like nothing was calming him down. No amount of redirection or praise would stop his chompers from clamping down on my feet. We are definitely teaching him to use a “soft mouth” by whimpering and turning away when he bites too hard. This is how they would learn to bite gently from other dogs in the wild. 

When he would go on his little frenzies, there was no soft mouth or learning involved!

Our issue was Bodhi was overtired. He just couldn’t help himself. Enforced naps are what stopped him from biting (as opposed to “mouthing”, a behavior all dogs engage in).

What I would have done differently.

If I could do this again, I would have definitely prepared more meals and planned more “me time”. It really does feel like having two toddlers right now.

If I could do it over I would have started with more toys and a stronger gate.

Have you ever raised a puppy? Did you find it challenging?

What would you have done differently if you could restart puppyhood?

Let me know below!

O.

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8 week old vizsla puppy
8 week old vizsla puppy
8 week old vizsla puppy
8 week old vizsla puppy
8 week old vizsla puppy
8 week old vizsla puppy

5 Reasons We Chose a Vizsla as Our Family Dog

….and a puppy makes 5! I am so happy to announce that we have a new little Vizsla puppy at home! He is gentle, rambunctious and playful. He comes with two settings: insane and asleep.

When we decided to add a dog to our family, our next biggest decision was what breed would fit us best. I knew that I wanted a dog that was somewhat large, athletic, and wonderful with kids. As snuggly as my cat is, I was lonely on nights when my husband was out late.

After a great deal of research we found Vizslas and were absolutely in love with their wrinkly red faces and floppy ears.

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8 week old vizsla puppy wearing orange collar wrapped in blanket

Can you get a puppy when you have a toddler?

I must admit, the decision to get a dog was made when my 16-month-old was sleeping like a champ and was NOT in a purely “mama” phase. The week before we brought home our puppy she started teething again.

To prepare for the chaos, we got a puppy gate, put any small toys into my daughter’s room, and brought out the XL pack-and-play that we never used.

We also introduced her to other dogs and have taught her to respect animals from the get-go. Right now, that looks like teaching her to put her hand out for them to sniff first and using a gentle touch.

Was it an insane decision to get a puppy when we have a toddler? Probably. Would I recommend it? I’ll get back to you on that in six months.

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What did we consider before getting a dog?

Getting a dog is a decision that should not be made quickly and without a great deal of planning. The dog needs to fit into everyone’s life, including any future pregnancies or other life changes.

Dogs have different “jobs” that they have been bred to excel at. If you don’t have the time, space, or energy to “work” with them, then a dog is not for you.

  • Do we have the time for a dog?
  • Do we have the time and energy to train and housebreak a puppy?
  • How will a dog fit into our daily routine?
  • What will our daughter do with a puppy?
  • What will we do when we go away?
  • Who will be in charge of the different responsibilities of a dog (walking, cleaning up poop, training, etc.)?
  • Are we willing to be out with this dog in all types of weather (we are in a lovely bomb cyclone right now)?

Another big part of raising a cute little puppy dog is the cost. There are so many hidden costs to raising a dog, besides vet fees and food and toys. Some of the unexpected costs we had with our puppy was 

  • ($80) lattice to secure high points in our fence where the dog could slip through
  • ($150+) gas to drive the 13 hours to pick up our pup
  • ($150) hotel room on the way to pick him up
  • ($20) jumbo pack of paper towels
  • ($50) estimated cost on “puppy items” that he’ll grow out of, like a small harness, small collar, puppy pads, etc.

…and the list goes on! Making a puppy budget and setting aside money for unexpected costs can be helpful.

Vizsla puppy 8 weeks old sitting in box with orange collar
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What is a Vizsla?

Here is a summary on Vizslas from the American Kennel Club (click for reference):

The Vizsla is a versatile, red-coated gundog built for long days in the field. For centuries these rugged but elegant athletes have been the pride of Hungarian sportsmen, and their popularity in America increases with each passing year. The Vizsla is easily recognized by his sleek golden-rust coat. They can stand between 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and are the picture of a lean, light-footed hunter’s companion. The long, silky ears frame a facial expression that is sensitive and loving around the house and intense when at work. As a hunter expected to work closely with humans, Vizslas form a tight bond with their owners and hate to be left alone. Athletes of many talents, Vizslas excel at various sports and activities. They are eager and graceful trotters of great stamina, making them ideal jogging or biking companions. An expert on the breed tells us, ‘If you don’t have the time to encourage this breed’s full use of its brain, you’re wasting a good dog.’

American Kennel Club, “About the Breed“
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Why did we choose a purebred dog?

It was our ethical responsibility to choose a breeder that was using best practices, breeding healthy dogs, and had the puppy’s best interest at heart.

Here’s why we went with a breeder rather than adopting:

  • We wanted a specific breed. There were only about 4 Vizsla mixes available in a 12 hour radius, and they were all adults.
  • We wanted a guarantee on size and temperament.
  • We wanted a puppy.
  • We wanted to know the dog’s parents and first environment.
  • We wanted a guarantee on health.

We did not want to support a puppy mill, pet store, or “backyard breeder”, which is why we went with a breeder that could give us an AKC limited registration Vizsla. 

We did a lot of research on choosing a breeder on the Vizsla subreddit, RedBirdDog blog, and the Vizsla club of America.

What breeds are similar to a Vizsla?

German Shorthair Pointers, Labrador Retrievers, English Pointers are similar in temperament, energy level, and size. We also considered the Rhodesian Ridgeback, Boxer, and Airedale Terrier.

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Are Vizslas hypoallergenic?

No, Vizslas are not hypoallergenic. They also do not have an undercoat. This makes them more susceptible to the cold. They also have less of a “dog” smell. Vizslas do not need to be bathed or groomed often and are very clean. Their coats are incredibly soft!

Something I noticed about my pup is that he dried off really quickly after coming in from the rain. It just took one or two towel rubs and he was dry!

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Vizsla Puppy 8 weeks old wearing orange collar sitting in bed

Why we chose a Vizsla as our family dog:

Temperament

Here is a summary from Hill’s Pet (click for reference):

Vizslas are active dogs, requiring a high level of physical activity, given their hunting history. They do not make good kennel dogs and prefer being with their owners. They are highly intelligent and need activities to keep them occupied to prevent destructive behavior such as chewing and digging.

Hill’s Pet, “Vizsla Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits”

Size

Vizslas are medium-large dogs that are lean and muscular. They require a 42” crate, which is huge. They need to be properly trained to avoid jumping up on humans or swiping food off of tables. Here are their size ranges.

Height Range

22-24 inches (male)

21-23 inches (female)

Weight Range

55-60 (male)

44-55 (female)

Activity Level

Vizslas are high energy! They need ample space to run around and need to be walked or run for an hour or more a day. They enjoy swimming, hiking, and agility as well. They are easy to train and need a lot of mental stimulation.

The Velcro Vizsla

Another name for the breed is a Velcro Vizsla! They want to be right on your lap and close to you at all times! They are supposedly excellent off of the leash, which was important to us.

We wanted something different.

Although I love all dogs and was drawn to doodles for their hypoallergenic qualities, we wanted something a little bit different.

So, there are the many reasons why we chose a Vizsla for our family dog!

I wanted to add an update as my Vizsla puppy approaches his 6 month birthday:

These pups are not for the faint of heart. My Bodhi is so naughty! He counter-surfs, eats everything in sight, and greets the world mouth-first. It has been a lot keeping a toddler and a puppy safe.

I have no problem saying that I wish I had waited until my daughter was older to get a puppy- I don’t think the breed matters. Puppies require constant supervision and dedication, which we are of course giving him. I’m sure I will feel differently in the future, once we turn this corner and he mellows out a little bit. But, from someone who is in it, let me say that having a puppy and a toddler is not the best idea.

Are you familiar with Vizslas?

Do you have a favorite dog breed? Did you grow up with a dog?

Let me know below!

O.

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February in Review

Can you believe that February is over? I know, I know, it’s the shortest month, of course it went by fast. Maybe it’s the whole getting older thing, but time really does seem to be flying by.

We have almost made it to spring! I can’t wait until the birds start chirping and I can bring Baby M out onto the lawn to explore. We’ve had a few 60 degree days here, so I feel like I missed out on winter. I love the promise of March. It’s never quite “spring”, but we do get a few teases here and there.

So long, February.

Here’s a wrap up of my month.

The Not-Great:

  • I fell off of the early morning train. Oh, how I’m looking for the willingness to be willing to wake up at 5:30am again. I miss my quiet mornings!
  • I didn’t write as much as I wanted to. I would love to say that this is a direct result of missing my early morning writing window, but the truth is that I have numerous pockets of free time during the day. Writing consistently was a habit. Like most habits, once I stopped for a week it was difficult to get back into it. Restarting now!

The Good:

  • I’m continuing my Instagram break. It really does feel pointless once you step away. I check now and again, but I’m not interested in posting anything or seeing what’s going on in the lives of peers I haven’t spoken to in 10 years. Pass.
  • I read a book. I stuck with my girl Liane Moriarty and read The Husband’s Secret. Highly recommend if you like mysteries stuck in suburbia.
  • I lost weight. I started using My Fitness Pal and was in shock to see how many calories I needed (like, double the amount my body needs, triple on the weekends). By simply making better choices, my pre-pregnancy pants began to fit!
  • I went into puppy prep mode. I feel like I’m having a baby! All month I’ve been getting ready for our little guy’s arrival. We have the huge crate, the harness, the Chuck It, etc. Knowing that we’re pretty much going to have another toddler running around here has given me motivation to wrap up some home projects that I may have started when I was pregnant (like, 2 years ago…).

March Hopes

  • Survival mode. Freezer meals, takeout, paper plates, babysitters, and Netflix. That’s my March plan. House training a puppy is pretty close to breastfeeding. Let me tell you, I am not looking forward to dragging myself out of bed every 3 hours to wander into the depths of my dark backyard with a puppy. At least with the baby, I never had to leave my warm room or put on pants…
  • Turn the lights off. I want to get into the habit of turning out the light when I leave a room. I also want to be more conscious of how many lights I keep on when I leave the house.

How was your February?

Did you check anything big off your list? Learn anything new?

What are your hopes for March?

Let me know below!

O.

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January in Review

What a month! January flew by. I wish I knew how to slow down time. There’s so much I want to do and so much I want to be. And so much that gets in the way.

Here’s a little wrap of the month!

The Not-Great:

  • I did NOT prioritize self-care. And it bit me in the you-know-what. By January 30th I realized that I had left my daughter a whopping 4 times that month, one of those times was just to run down the road to pick up takeout. I began to feel all the effects of burnout: I was tired but couldn’t sleep, irritability, weepiness, forgetfulness…you know the deal. Taking time away from my daughter the first week of February has renewed my spiritual peace and refreshed my patience level.
  • We all got sick. After 7 tests between the 3 of us, we apparently did not have the ‘vid. We all got some nasty virus and it took 3 months to move through the house.

The Good:

  • I took an Instagram break. I stayed off Instagram for the month of January and oh my goodness it was so hard at first, it was mind-boggling. I had no idea I was so (dare I say it) addicted to the app. After a few days I stopped reaching for my phone to check it or post a picture of my daughter. I saved hours of my time in January by not having Instagram. Now, I can only access it on my computer, and I’m considering staying off for the rest of the year.
  • I read two books. I don’t read, so this was a big deal for me. I read Nine Perfect Strangers and What Alice forgot, both by Liane Moriarty. Not exactly thought provoking stuff, but I will say that Moriarty knows how to keep the story going. I found myself staying up way past my bedtime to read.
  • We are getting a puppy! That’s the big news! We are getting a Vizsla puppy in March and I am so nervous and excited! I know it’s insane to have a toddler and a baby, so please start praying for me now.

February Hopes

  • Make time for reselling. I have a big pile of items I need to list on eBay!
  • Prioritize my health. This month, I want to stay consistent in healthy routines, including drinking more water, sticking with my yoga, and starting up intermittent fasting again.
  • Be present for my daughter. I need to put my phone away!

How was your January?

What are you goals for February?

Let me know below!

O.

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