Puppy Play

I first met Austin, my grand-puppy, and instantly fell in love with his sweet face and piercing blue eyes!  My daughter and son-in-law adopted Austin for my grandson, Cole.  This adorable 6 week old puppy was all legs, paws, and razor sharp baby teeth.  His non-stop movement included nibbling on anything he could get a grip on.  Noses and fingers were not exempt from his antics!  Although there was no malice in his puppy play, this was something that needed to be controlled quickly.  Adults could tolerate his nips and scratches, although most were followed by cries of "ouch”….”owwee”….and “Austin...No Bite”!   Naturally, it was a concern that Austin, being a large breed mix, might have too much energy for a 16 month old little boy.   The key would be proper training.  My daughter was very good at training Jersey when she was a puppy, so there was no doubt she could handle this little guy just as well. 

Rambunctious play in puppies is normal. They need to learn that people are more fragile than other dogs and soon they will settle their level of play.  It didn’t take Austin long to learn the right and wrong way of playtime with Cole. Some puppy’s need a bit more guidance and training when it comes to biting and nibbles.  All dogs have the natural desire to chew but none more powerful than during the teething processes as a puppy.  Austin was provided toys designed specifically to be gentle on his gums, keep him entertained and stand up to vigorous chewing!  In no time at all Austin stopped nipping and his nibbles became puppy kisses!

Austin settled into the family with ease. The two boys formed an instant bond.   Austin and Cole are rarely out of the other’s sight. If ever they are, Cole’s shout of “Puppy” brings Austin running!  As active as Austin is, amazingly he has never put a scratch on his boy.  Cole and Austin are truly best friends! Austin seems to know that it is his duty to watch over Cole and protect him even from his own exuberant playfulness!    He plays gently with Cole and is mindful not to bump, scratch or nip him. Thankfully, Austin reserves his rough play for the big people who are less fragile!

 My daughter and son-in law have done a wonderful job training Austin. He is nearly 6 months old now.   He weighs almost as much as our full grown dog and stands about 5 feet tall on his hind legs! I imagine he will easily weigh in around 100 pounds by the end of the year.  Austin is going to be a big boy when fully grown, but there is no doubt that he will forever protect our dearest little boy!    

 

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