Puppy Adventures #1- Roma Learns Some Lessons

We have had quite the adventures with Roma and it hasn't been 1 week yet :) For 1 thing, she has already started testing Tilda to see how far she can push Tilda. With some correction it has gotten better. But it was to the point that she was actually going after Tilda. And those puppy teeth don't help, Roma got me in 2 places; the thumb and the foot. Both places aren't in good spots. It was at the top of the thumb that she got me and on the foot, it's right where my sandal strap rubs. The first time Roma tested Tilda was when they were eating their supper on Friday. Then later that night we had them outside and Roma went at Tilda over her ball. There were about 2 rounds of this and the 2nd round Tilda got Roma on her back. Saturday, Tilda was eating a carrot and Roma went at her again (that's when my thumb got cut). Later we had a friend came over to meet Roma. She said hi to both Tilda and Roma and then sat on the floor with Roma. When Tilda came back over Roma growled at Tilda. Eating time Saturday night did not go well at all, Tilda pretty much didn't even want to eat. After that I ended up emailing the breeder that night asking for help. She had said if Roma growls at Tilda over her food, just tap her on the head. Well, we were going to need more than that, it was to the point that I didn't think that would really work. Before hearing from the breeder there was another incident over Tilda's ball and Tilda just walked away. We could tell Tilda wasn't going to step in and put Roma in her place. That night I heard back from the breeder. Her tips have worked wonderfully. . .So far :) Saturday night I had the chance to correct. After bring both Tilda and Roma inside after their last potty break for the night, I was going to give Tilda a treat (as usual) and a little attention, then I was going to do the same to Roma.Well, Roma came over by Tilda and me. I pushed her away because I just wanted to give Tilda a treat and attention by herself, Roma needs to learn to wait her turn. Anyhow, Roma started to growl at Tilda. I corrected that and she seemed to get the point. After correcting I went over to Tilda, gave her some treats, and attention. Roma just stayed back. I then went over to Roma. Eating time has been going better too. What it really all comes down to is letting Roma know her place and that we will not put up with that kind of behavior.

We were at the pet store and both Tilda and Roma had their noses by the treats. There was no aggression between them. Roma met some new people, Tilda was along too and there wasn't any aggression either. 

Now, for the 2nd thing, Friday night Roma met some of the neighbors along with 2 neighbor dogs; a Black Lab and German Shepherd. Both dogs are nice and they weren't trying to do anything to Roma. But Roma growled at them. I don't know if it was out of fear as she seemed a bit fearful. We will have to see how she meets other dogs.

3. Both Friday and Saturday morning Roma was getting sick (throwing up). We are pretty sure it was the probiotic that was making her sick. The breed gives probiotics to the puppies when they leave since it is a change for them. Tilda was on these too for 7 days. When we cut it out, Roma stopped getting sick. And these were supposed to help the tummy. . .It just shows you not to count out something that is supposed to be helpful when trying to figure out what is making your dog sick. 

4. Roma was quite every night, even the first night. But for some reason she decided not to be quite Sunday night. It really wasn't too bad, it could have been a lot worse. Monday night we also had noise, I'm not sure if she just wanted to get out or if she really did have to go potty. . .Read below to find out more about that :)

5. On Monday Roma had diarrhea. So she got pumpkin on her food. I'm not really sure what it is from. It could be from anything, maybe too much canned food, or because we have started mixing Roma's puppy food with Tilda's food, or maybe from the bone she has been chewing on, or maybe new treats, or maybe just from being in a new place with new things, or maybe it just happened. Monday night she had diarrhea in her crate. . .oh well, she couldn't help it. She was making noise, but how was I to know that she really had to go out or if she just wanted to come out? 

She is a confident little puppy. Because I have been working with Tilda on running contacts I have the teeter board on the ground. Roma has already been walking on it. 

And then of course, there is potty training :) There is nothing you can do about this. I think this is something that just takes time. We have started training her to use the bell to let us know when she has to go out, as Tilda does. 

Roma's walking has gotten better, she is getting used to the collar and leash. 

She is doing pretty good with her 'sits'. She already seems to know that if we don't give her the treat right away to sit. 

Monday morning Tilda and Roma were running around outside playing. Tilda had the zoom zooms and was really running around. It was fun to actually see them running around together!

This morning (Tuesday) Roma saw Lucy outside. Lucy is one of the feral cats we have around here and Roma was barking at her. Tilda likes to chase the cats, something I don't want her to do :)