Edenishy

G'day everyone... As many of you know...I got Buffy, my Beagle last week and although things are generally fantastic, I have a small hiccup im having trouble and hoping someone might be able to offer some advise. I swear shes playing head games with me!! Anyway, long story short.. One day, she has a perfect record, going to the toilet outside every single time.. Then theres the next day. I will take her out after sleeping, play, eating, drinking....and she will go to the toilet without an issue. Then she will come back inside and go to the toilet again. Im talking mins later. Never in the same spot. Once, she went to the toilet outside and came inside. In that next hour she went inside (or over me as I race her outside) 6 times. Of course, as im watching her so closely, I catch her as she is starting her squat, grab her and race her outside but by that stage she has been on carpet or she lets it go as im running out the door carrying her. I clean all "Accidents" with special cleaner made for such. She gets praised like hell when she goes outside. One day she is perfect, the next she does above, the next day she is perfect etc. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to overcome this issue? She doesnt go to the toilet all night? Could this have something to do with it? (the first few nights I would wake every 2-3 hours to take her out but she wouldnt go. Even after being out and waiting for 20 odd minutes. She would just not go and then go straight back to bed/crate. The last few nights, I wake at 6am and she still sleeps so I wake her at about 6:30 and take her out and she always goes.) She starts puppy school tonight so am going to run it past them there but thought I would also see what you knowledgeable people had to say too. Thanks in advance for any advise etc you might be able to offer.

Heres hoping this post makes some sense.... I am so tired...could make things tricky. Most likely be a novel. So, Friday morning came along and we hit the road to get "BUFFY" at 5am (woke at 4am).. It was a nice drive to the Breeders and we arrived 4 and a half hours later, at 9:30. We arrived at the beautiful property to see that the Breeder had just finished giving our puppy a bath and was drying her over....all snuggled in a towel. My heart melted right there and then... So after the Breeder put my heart in the fridge to save it from melting, we got to meet Buffy properly and she seemed to really take to us (and to me mostly I have to brag) We met her mother and the other 5 puppies, as ours was the first to leave for a new home. The breeder had set up a beautiful morning tea..cakes, biscuits, teas coffees etc...and we sat down and chatted for ages while all the puppies played around. Was adorable.. One minute the puppies would be running around like crazy, the next they would all be found sleeping, as if they had all just passed out right where they were standing at the time. Buffy though, seemed to know who we were and what might be happening. She mainly played by our feet while the others were busy exploring the fenced area/garden. After chatting for ages about everything Beagle (and then some) the breeder gave us a lesson in showing a Beagle, what she uses, how to groom etc. She had even been working with Buffy already on stacking, who seems to have it down pat already! (with a little work she will be free stacking perfectly before I know it) We sat down to do some paperwork and go thru that side of things before leaving at about 12:30ish with Buffy safe and sound in her carrier and my heart retrieved from the fridge. I really felt for the breeder at that stage, it was very clear that it's hard to send the puppies off to a new home after caring for them so intensely for so long. She whined for about 5 mins before settling and falling asleep. About an hour later she was awake and just watching us at the front of her carrier while we drove on. As the property was out in the middle of nowhere, the roads were awful (I really feel for those that live in the country and use these roads daily etc) and before we knew it, Buffy was sick. We made a rest stop (one of many along the way) so she could gather herself, go to the toilet if needed and so we could clean her bedding. We left with her falling asleep again but before long she was awake and throwing up again. Was heartbreaking to see and this continued for the rest of the way home. We made many stops which she seemed to appreciate...she would be bouncing about, tail wagging. She would happily return to her carrier herself and away we would go. At this stage, we were coming back into the city/burbs and now, with all the stops, we had hit peak hour traffic so it delayed our journey home. Finally getting home, almost 7 hours after we left the breeders, Buffy seemed happy the trip was over and started the exploration of her new home. Even though dinner was offered, she didnt eat but had a good drink...or 10. That first night, she slept all the way thru pretty much. No whining..no nothing. We would wake her every 2ish hours (when our alarm would go off) and take her out to the toilet but she never went. At 6am we were woken by her and took her out to the toilet where she released a river. After that she didnt want to go back to bed. She still didnt want to eat but otherwise seemed really happy and puppy like. She had one "accident" but as she was being supervised so closely, we caught her as she started and raced her outside leaving a trail of poops along the way. She slept most of Saturday and when she was awake, although she seemed happy she was obviously missing her litter mates. Was sorta funny while sad at the same time. She would be running around, tail wagging, playing with toys etc all while whining and sounding sad. Saturday arvo/night, she decided it was time to play mind games...I swear!! We would take her out after she would wake, she drank, she played etc...be out there for 20 odd mins and she wouldnt go. We would be in for about 2 mins, would look away for one second (like look at clock) and turn back and she would be going to toilet. One, she woke, I was taking her out to the toilet, she was on her lead, I turned to open door and yep, turn back and she would be peeing. With that said though, again, she didnt go to the toilet all night, despite us waking every few hours to take her out. Today, Sunday, she hasnt done one accident inside which is good compared to yesterday. She woke us at about 7 with some cute little puppy barks, the first time we heard her bark. We took her out to the toilet, she went, and then we hoped back into bed together where we all slept for another hour. She also got to meet the family today which involved young and old, dogs (even a Great Dane) and kids. Was a good socializing session and she loved it. Today, she has also really come out of her shell. Its been amazing and shows to us she really has settled ok now...and so quickly. She has picked out her favorite toys and takes them everywhere she goes. Shes a real joy and has been so much better than I expected. Its so cute to tell her stand and she assumes the stacking position, legs back, tail in the air. She knows sit and knows come, fairly well. Shes starting to clue on to her name too which is good to see. Im sitting here tired, not because shes been whining etc but because I wake up to take her out to the toilet when she doesnt even want to go. She just wants to go back to her crate and back to bed. Tonight im only going to wake once to take her out and see how I go. I assume if she wakes herself she will wake us anyway. Am excited to see what the first week with her will be like! She starts puppy school on Weds night which im looking forward to. Shes clearly a smart puppy (like all really) and I wanna take advantage of that while I can. Anyway, im off for now. She sleeping by my feet but can feel her starting to stir. Heres a pic to enjoy...there will be more to follow im sure.

I know this topic has been dealt with before however I am still finding this all so confusing. Basically, is there a Pet insurance plan out there, that has 100% cover (or would consider $100 excess)? If so, with what company...and if possible, do you have any feedback about such a company/plan?

I do! I do! She is everything I had hoped for...and then some. We left at 5am this morning...got home at about 6pm. What a day for us all!! More detailed update to follow soon. Puppy has just gone to sleep in her crate so that my cue to go get some sleep while I can!

Oh pics will come, you can trust that!! Leaving at 5am (waking at 4am) is the smallest sacrifice because like you said, it will be completely worth it. And I WILL sleep tonight. I plan on taking something and going to bed suppppper early. It's going to be a huge day tomorrow....for both myself, the OH and our puppy! I need at least one good long sleep before a few weeks or longer of waking up every few hours to let the puppy go toilet etc. Anyway, got an afternoon to finish off getting ready....time to set the home crate up, final check of puppy proofing home, packing car with travel crate, towels, blankets etc..

Again thanks for all the great suggestions and tips etc!! I had planned on crating her on her way home. She has her at home metal crate and one of those hard plastic travel crates. I personally believe that she would be safer in the travel crate as opposed to being nursed home in case of emergency etc. I will remember to cover her up and make it dark too! I will be sure to take lots of towels etc. I had planned on using towels as bedding in the crate in the car. I too bought a few from a cheapo store. The sheets are a great idea too...something I will have to keep in mind but sadly I wouldnt have time to buy some off ebay etc. How much are they usually in the shops? (cant say I have ever had to buy any) I am going to take one of her blankets we have for her crate here at home and let her litter mates etc play with it for a while before we leave so she can take the scent of them home with her for a little more comfort. I will try not to stress about the possibility of car sickness. Just after reading so many stories of little pups throwing up on their way home, I just wanted to try to make the long journey home as stressless as possible knowing she will already be stressed from being ripped away from her litter mates etc. She is the first out of the litter to leave for a new home. No doubt I will also be driving home like an old granny....or new parents leaving a hospital with a new born. I anticipate the journey home will be a long one....driving slower...stopping for puppy toilet breaks etc. Im sooo excited and so tired...I have not been able to sleep from excitement! Here I am trying to enjoy my last few nights of freedom to sleep (knowing all thats about to change with the puppy) and yet I cannot! I think I may need to take something this evening to help me sleep and get a really early night! We have to leave for the breeders at 5am so a 4am start. For me, this is beyond early! We hope to be home at 5pm.

I know....less than 24 hours now!! I was going to say.........you have nooooooooo idea how excited I am but then of course, you would have a good idea of how I am feeling. We have to leave at 5am to get there about 9:30-10am. I am already tired as I just couldnt sleep last night.

Fingers Crossed chi4me!!

Yeah ive booked in for Urban puppy training...starting Next Weds. Have heard alot of really good things about them.

Yeah I too cannot bring myself to watch it. I saw a still photo of it on one of the news sites....that was far too much. I suspect she will get hers. Look at what happened to the woman with the cat in the bin. Shame the cameraman/woman is likely to get away with it.

Obviously the risk is outweighed by the joys that one must get. I cannot speak from experience in breeding dogs but can in regards to other animals. I didnt breed to make money so the risk to me was low. If I had to take time off work to care for animals (which I have never needed to) it wouldnt be a problem or a loss of wage etc. It would be a little hiccup and a few sick/leave days. I love cooking for example. It's expensive so comes at a high cost but I love it so its all worth it. I have even had 2 occasions where I have had to go to hospital from cooking related accidents and had to take time off work. Again, its worth the risk to me. Everything comes at a risk.

I assume some good things about breeding are knowing you are improving the breed...Im sure there are 100's of good reasons to breed. And really, it's a hobby...just a full on one. But the risk isn't any higher really than going to play some football on the weekend, or sky diving etc. Like all good hobbies, it comes at a cost. I think to many people look at breeding to earn money and that where it crosses into breeding farms etc.

With 2 days to go, it's exciting, but its a little scary now too! In less that 48 hours, the new adventure begins. Thanks everyone for your advise and experiences. Very helpful indeed. Does anyone know anything more about how I might deal with car sickness if it comes up? Can dogs at least have ginger? If so I will make some dog biscuits up as im sure treating her right away will start the bonding process anyway and if ginger has the same affect on her as it does me in relation to car sickness, then it can only be an added bonus in hopes that it prevents or helps with any car sickness she may or may not suffer. Hmmm does that make sense? *edited to include the thank you and ginger query.

Yeah sleep has been very little....the excitement has been high. It's 2 pm and I just want to go to sleep so that I can wake up and then it will only be one more sleep hehehehe. At the same time, theres still more to do in prep for her arrival. I have bought everything I need now (and then some), just going over puppy proofing the home. Each time I think it's done, I see something else that I have missed. I am sure that when the puppy arrives, she will show me more I have missed hehehe. And just today, I have started to feel nervous too. I know I make a great companion to animals but you still cant help feel nervous. She is my first dog (apart from childhood family dog) and I just want to give her the best life I can.

2 more sleeps!! 2 more sleeps!!!

G'day all.... Finally, after years, I get to pick up our Beagle puppy this Friday morning......am so very excited as im sure you can all imagine. 3 more sleeps!! Ive never been so excited since being a kid at Xmas! Theres a few things I wonder about though and basically, I wonder what to expect on the day we pick her up. Example: Do you sign a contract or something? (on the breeders website they talk about having to sign a contract saying you agree to putting a puppy on the limited register but im getting one on main registry) Do you leave with Pedigree Papers etc or are they sent out at a later date? (The breeder did ask a couple of weeks ago for all our details and asked for all the exact details on our new QLD Dogs membership card) I assume there would be at least one piece of paperwork to walk away with....the vaccination records? Things like that really... I just want to know what to expect so I can prepare as much as possible and go into this new situation (for me) with as much knowledge as possible. Ive never dealt with a breeder of any animal before. Our only pets we have had were/are reptiles and they were bought from a pet store as we didnt really know better before then. The breeder has been fantastic though and I do know the breeder said to allow about 2 hours once we got there to allow plenty of time to go over things etc. (shes also going to give us some show tips etc, how to stack etc as shes been working on it already with our puppy). She already has supplied lots of reading materials already...like the booklet she gives all her pups new owners about the food she has been feeding, worming, photos of parents etc but obviously theres still alot to go over. Another thing I wonder about is the puppy and car sickness. After we collect her, we have another 5 hour drive home. Friends etc have all told stories of their puppies being sick all the way home after being collected and naturally this has played on my mind as I want the long journey home for the puppy to be as smooth as possible. Shes going to be stressed enough no doubt being ripped from her litter mates etc. She is the first of the 6 littler puppies to go to her new home. Is there something I can do to help avoid or help this situation if it occurs. I get a little car sick myself sometimes but find ginger helps settle things. I usually have a ginger tea or something before long drives. Can a Dog/Beagle have some ginger too? Would that help any? If so I could perhaps make some ginger dog biscuits or something. Perhaps infuse some water with ginger. Anyway, thanks for your time and any advise etc you might be able to offer!

Im surprised theres been no mention of a Beagle....or are they not as prey driven as I have been made to believe? (get first Beagle puppy this Friday so been doing ALOT of research etc over the last couple of years.)

We have decided on a name (buffy) and some back ups however want to wait until we meet the little one before we officially name her....make sure the name suits. We like Buffy though as we were big fans of Buffy the vampire slayer, back in its day and all our pets are/have been named after characters off the show. We have wanted a Beagle for years and years and always saved Buffy as a Beagles name. If it suits or not is another question but from what the Breeder tells us, about the pups personality, it sounds like it might suit. Her registered name, less the prefix is Lady Morgana. We are also thinking of keeping that as is and calling her M for short.

5 Days to go. 5 Loooooooooooong days. Already, I cannot sleep from the excitement...the nerves...the longing.. 5 more days!!

Oh your new puppy is adorable!! You must be sooo proud! I love the crate cushion too...looks very comfy indeed. I wanna see if I can find something similar for my crate now as I only have a basic sorta crate mat. The sort that pretty much fills the tray but thats it. I really like yours going up the sides, making it that little more comfy and secluded. 1 week and 3 days for me! I can't believe Im down to saying one week! I thought this thread, for me, would be a little frustrating...jealous of all the cute puppies but instead its been the opposite. Its been such a joy to share yours journeys of inviting a new member into your families. For that I must send out a lot of thanks!

Well I didnt actually follow a pattern so to speak... With the blankets, I just got two different pieces of fabric and sewed them together around the edges. One bed I cheated and found these bath mats (not rubber backed ones) I likes on special so got two of them and sewed them together and added a zip at one end. One bed I made like a rectangle box. Theres the top and the bottom and then 4 sides all sewed together. One side has a zip and on that one I got fancy and put piping on it. Pretty proud of myself really as Im new to sewing and im using one of those mini sewing machines. Am going to make another bath mat bed cause its easy, cheap and quick.. and im going to make another box type one but much thinner for her crate. It's been on hold though while Ive been busy making the curtains. 1 week and 6 days to go!! Need a valium considering I don't think they will allow a medically induced coma!

Oh I can only imagine your level of excitement!! I have 2 weeks and one day before our little one comes to her new home...but whos counting right?! Me! Thats who! I didnt think I could ever be this excited about anything. I dont even think I was this excited as a kid on Xmas morning! I don't know if my mind and body can wait another 2 weeks but then hey, it has to. I can only imagine how you feel with less than a week to go! I also have everything ready to go. I even got my CCCQ membership card today! I've spent alot more than I anticipated at petshops and online but I think I have everything... except food too. Im finding the food side of things really confusing. Shes even booked in now for her puppy school. I got bedding, and blankets, and stuffed toy (complete with heartbeat to help a puppy in a new home more comfortable) and just about every single sort of kong possible (1 for a puppy, A ball, the traditional, a dental one, a dental one with rope etc) LOTS and LOTS of other toys including a bob-a-lot thingy, her crate, all her toiletries like shampoo, a dremel for nails and ear cleaner and toothpaste etc, harnesses, collars and leads, food bowls travel bowls, travel crate...have I forgotten anything?! hehe Im sure theres plenty I still need to get.....thats my excuse anyway and im sticking to it. Im loving pet shopping atm! The way she is going, shes going to need her own bathroom and bedroom just for her belongings! I already need to new bookshelf for all the books and dvds I have been buying. Oh I know what I need to have handy..some bitter spray! I also need to get worming/tick/flea treatments too but I figured I would talk to my vet about it on our first visit. I think I know what I want to use but wanna check all the same (as I dont know if I should continue using what the breeder has etc) My lounge actually looks like a petshop/sewing factory atm as I have been making all my puppies bedding, crate cover and blankets myself.....and while had the machine out I had to make some new curtains for the guest room etc Trying to keep myself busy to help time go by quicker but it ain't working.

As a child I only had dachshunds but always wanted a Beagle. In under three weeks time, I get my very first one!

Our breeder is choosing our puppy for us and she has narrowed it down to 2. We have no issues with this at all.... We would love to show our dog (something the breeder is excited for us to be doing, and does herself) and as we have no experience with such, we trust that she will pick out the one with the best show potential and with her being a seemingly good breeder, no matter the choice, the puppy should have a fantastic temperament and we will be well suited with each other.

My breeder and I have great communication, i'm very pleased indeed. Apparently I was even the first person outside her immediate family she told when the birth took place...even after she had a night of no sleep because of such. She kept in constant touch thru the first few weeks to keep me updated on progress and has steadily since. We email and chat on the phone often (at least a couple of times a week). Lately I have been getting more and more pictures and some guides on what food she has been feeding, what worming treatments shes been using etc. Basically a guide to Beagles and a good one at that (as trust me, Ive been reading alot of them!) Once the puppy is here at its new home, I will send her thru pictures etc often and keep her upated on her progress as she grows. Plus I'm sure i will be looking towards her for some guidance in getting my puppy into the show ring as it's something I dont have any hands on experience with and something the breeder seems excited for me to be doing.