My husband and I added Bella and Rocky to our family this past Saturday -- What a blessing they have been in our lives
It is very important to me that we are good puppy parents, so that they grow up to be happy well adjusted dogs.
That being said, I am struggling with two things (which I know are common) but I would greatly appreciate feedback:
1) We are really struggling with them using their pee pads -- they don't want to use the ones in their playpen at all and will hold it the entire time that they are in there (sometimes 4+ hours, until we can run home from work), at which time they promptly pee on the carpet directly outside of their playpen. Also, when we have them out with us, I will watch them and can usually tell when they have to go (they start sniffing out their spot and walking in circles) - then I take them to the pee pad and stand with them for 5+ minutes and nothing... then the other one will start to get into mischief or they will begin playing with one another, I will turn my back for 5 seconds and they are off of the pee pad and peeing on the carpet... I have placed pee pads in two other locations outside of their play pen, in hopes that they would use them, but it was to no avail. I know I need to have patience and continue doing what I am doing, but I want to know if anyone has any tips to get them to actually pee on the pee pads
2) Taping the ears: I have watched several videos on taping the ears and the breeder began the process... however, the one thing that is not covered in the videos I have watched and literature I have read is what to do if you have two puppies (litter mates), who love to wrestle with one another and get into mischief together... Ultimately they convince eachother to bite the tape off of one anothers ear, which does not appear to be a pleasant experience for them, but gets the tape off (Bella has one bite mark on her ear from when she was with the breeder)
Any advice is greatly appreciated!!