Our Puppy Maple turned 14 weeks on Friday. After her puppy class last weekend, which my husband said went really well, he brought her to my son’s soccer game. Maple did fantastic! She didn’t bark at the ball, people, or another dog that was on the sidelines. It was great because she was very tired out from the class, so was calm and wanted to just sit. It’s a relief that she is able to be around others and behave.
Maple’s first soccer game
Maple, 14 weeks old, fox red, female Labrador Retriever.
Maple’s first family party
Later that day we also had a family party at our house. She didn’t bark when people came in at all. She did jump up a bit, and actually peed on the floor a couple times because she got really excited. But I’ve heard that is very typical of puppies. We’ve been using Nature’s Miracle to spray and wipe up with a paper towel. But she was still pretty tired out from the day already and generally just laid and was fairly calm.
Fair Game
Like I mentioned above, we’re a soccer family. My husband is a Minnesota United fan and watches international soccer a lot too. Both of our boys are in soccer, and he’s even coached a bit too. Sometimes the boys’ games are “away” games, and require 30-40 minutes or more of driving on either end. It’s a lot. This means my husband and I need to divide and conquer much of the time to manage our busy schedule. With Maple now, this adds another element. When she was able to come to the game this first time it was a “home” game. There was always an out to take her home, and we had come in separate cars anyway. But last weekend there were also two “away” games, plus grocery shopping, plus an afternoon Lego Robotics League meet up, plus laundry, plus… well you get the picture. We had to divide up to get everything done and be able to show up to our commitments and activities.
We made a plan for my husband to take the boys to their soccer games while I stayed with Maple. While we were quick touching base about things, and trying to talk quick, Maple began licking my husband’s legs that had just had sunblock put on them. Earlier she had done this to me after a run. The salt from sweat must taste good? We didn’t want her to lick the sunblock but she wouldn’t stop. If she was in the pen she would bark and we couldn’t talk, so I suggested my husband get in the pen. It worked! Hilarious, I know. My husband stood in the pen, free from Maple licking his legs while we quick talked. I had to share, because picturing this moment about sums up our life right now.
Once they left, she was actually still quite tired from the day before when we had the family gathering. She was generally easier to manage. I was thankful. She did bark in her pen while I was writing and wouldn’t settle at one point, so I let her out to see what she’d do. She immediately stopped barking and didn’t go to the door, so I let her be. Back to writing I went, and I just kind of kept an eye on her. Occasionally I looked back to see what trouble she might be getting into. She grabbed a soccer sock from upstairs at one point, a soccer shoe another time, and both times I redirected her to her toy bin. Yes, she has a toy bin. (pictured below) It’s an open top, turquoise fabric bin with sturdy sides. It’s old, and I don’t care if she occasionally climbs in it or bites the edges. Either way, she knows if something is in there it’s “fair game.” (pun intended)
Maple’s toy bin
She got the toy duck (pictured above) from the breeder we got her from. It was a going away gift, so sweet and generous. It’s absolutely fantastic and she loves it! (If anyone knows where it’s from, leave a comment below.) I did have to sew it once so far, but that was super easy and worth it because it’s Maple’s favorite.
“Settle”
She eventually settled by the patio door and laid down to close her eyes. It was amazing. She was calm, content and fell asleep. When we want her to do this we’ve used the command “settle” with her. I’ll admit I did not tell her to do this, but here’s what the “goal” looks like below. (pun not intended, but within soccer theme. You’re welcome.)
Maple’s first ride in my car
When it was time to take my youngest to Lego Robotics League I brought Maple along. I hadn’t had her in my car yet, but thought what better time to try it. We were only going a couple of miles and I have a rubber mat on the front passenger side floor she could sit on. (Plus, if she had an accident and peed it would be easy to hose off.) She fit perfectly and, after I told her to “stay,” really did quite well. She did lick the plastic at one point. That was very cute. I wouldn’t do this for a longer distance, but in a pinch or to take her just to a vet appointment close by, now I know I can.
I felt a new sense of freedom and accomplishment in our little adventure, and we repeated the same thing a couple hours later for pick up.
Watch a short video of Maple waiting for her brother.
(click on the video below)
*I was fully parked while taking both the photos and video.*
If you missed any of my previous posts, they’re listed below.
Catch up here:
Puppy Go Bag: Preparing for a puppy after losing our family dog
Puppy First Days Home: Meet Maple!
Puppy Adventures: weeks 8-9
Puppy Adventures: weeks 9-10
Puppy Adventures: weeks 10-11
Puppy Adventures: weeks 11-12
Puppy Adventures: weeks 12-13
Until next time… Make it an adventure!
