As almost empty nesters with our son readying himself to go off to college, my wife and I recognized our new life potential. Evenings dining alone, planning trips to travel around the world. We would plan to work double occupations for the next ten years while we enjoyed life yet worked hard so we could put away money.
Our daily routine was relatively simple, I’d make coffee and breakfast, get ready for work and walk our few year old Yorkiepoo Muttley. He is well trained and only required a quick walk down the block and back. He loves to mark his turf so shorter walks are perfect for him.
One morning I came in from walking the dog as my wife asked me “do you think I’m crazy if we adopt another dog?”
My response was a “yes” as I clarified “yes your crazy and certainly if you want to adopt another dog”. Our lives were absolutely perfect so why change things?
Seems a relative had a adorable 9 month old purebred black pug they were struggling to train and care for. I always wanted a pug however already having an adopted dog who had difficulties living in a two dog house, I was leery.
With challenging life situations at the pug puppies home had made it a touchy situation for him. He was never properly potty trained, was often left alone in a cage for long periods of time and was extremely needy of personal attention.
Not wanting the dog to go off to strangers and so he could maintain a relationship with his existing family, we decided to give it a try.
Bringing him home on the two hour trip he cried and chewed on his cage. We brought him into the house and cautiously introduced him to Muttley who was curious yet cautious.
The pug loved the idea of another dog and like a typical puppy ran up to the Yorkiepoo to play and wrestle. Ironically our Yorkiepoo entertained the Pug as they growled and patted at each other.
Our Yorkiepoo, seemed to have about enough and walked away to lie down but the Pug… he wanted to keep playing. Muttley looked at us with a look of “help me” as the Pug ran around in circles swatting at Muttley and then running away.
We decided it was best to keep the little Pug as the boys seems to get along. Hating his existing name and seeing what a spazz he was we renamed him Scrappy.
Pugs are a breed of dog that known to be intelligent yet stubborn. They are set in their ways and best of luck to change them.
Scrappy have no potty training and suffered from anxiety and therefore required a massive amount of time and attention to break him. My normal daily routine was quickly modified as I could not for the life of me get this Pug to go to the potty outside. I’d walk him for over 1/2 hour reciting crazy phrases to encourage him to go outside. Eventually I’d give up, take him inside and he’d go within seconds in the kitchen. I’d take him right back outside as I’d recite “no Scrappy bad.” He’d look at me with a confused yet confident face certain I was the crazy one.
After his morning walk we would finish getting ready for work and then chase Scrappy around the house to get him into his crate. His accommodations are like the Waldorf Astoria with his cozy bed, toys, bones and snacks. We would hear him cry as we left him. He’d cuddle up in a little ball and sadly wait for our return.
Upon his release for his daytime cell, he’d run around in circles forcing us to try to catch him. Once we got him, off for another 30–45 minute walk to relieve himself from being crated all day. Often he would soiled his bedding, as he struggled to be trained. He was stubborn but was willing to try.
My wife and I wouldn’t give up on him. We did long walks, put his soiled pee pads outside to help him get the hint, sing him songs and give him treats when he began to figure it out.
After months and months we finally started to make headway. Every morning, the dogs wait until I return from the kitchen with breakfast. The dogs patiently wait while I shower and dress and once I get my shoes on the boys jump to the floor, head to the bedroom door and await for me to open the door, as they race to the leases.
The morning half hour walk yields 2–3 urinations and maybe a poop. I still need to report his status as it’ll help us determine if we are on schedule or not.
The return from the walk, the dogs run in to check on my wife. Once she’s done getting ready, Scrappy runs to his cage and jumps right in, awaiting his treat.
Once my wife or I return home, Scrappy jumps around in his pen, and once released runs around the house to see who’s home. He gets another 1/2 hour walk before he runs back into the kitchen and plays hockey with his dinner bowl, protesting to be fed. Once he’s eaten and knows we are getting ready to sit down, he has to come snuggle with someone.
Finally he calms done, surrounded by his loved ones and with a full belly. 10–10:30 is Scrappy’s pre-bedtime walk. He will generally only pee and drag you back to the house, as he’s ready for bed.
I’ll unleash him and head into the bedroom, as Scrappy will stand at the end of the hallway. You can’t chase him or call him to bed as he won’t come. Nope not until I lie down, and only then he runs full speed across the house and jumps onto my chest. His face inches from mine he will lick my face, professing his love. I need to open my legs slightly to create a nest for him to snuggle into.
For the first year some nights he’d awaken and want a 2am walk however we have him on a routine now that is hardly necessary anymore.
Every morning the routine starts again and we do our best to keep our little man on his schedule. I use my time walking the boys in a mindful state enjoying our time together. It has taken me months to get there however now the routine is just a part of what we do.
We have never been happier than having our two pups here with us, only issue is when we travel, Scrappy struggles with anxiety and losing his schedule, but give him a few days and he’s right back on track.