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Rikki Tikki Tavi


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Hi everyone! I have been a little tardy in posting, but here's an update on Rikki!

 

She LOVES meeting new people. This makes her so happy. She's learning how to approach without jumping up, but if she is sitting and on a leash, she gets so excited as someone approaches and she can't handle it! Overall she seems to be a very balanced puppy, which is the other trait that we were looking for. Seeing her interact with all but 1 of her litter mates (who had already gone home) was so helpful and really let us see where she fell on the spectrum of curiosity/assertiveness/independence, and we love her!

 

These first couple of weeks have gone great, with lots of tiring her out and then working on some training. She is eager to learn and quite food motivated so training is fun. The one battle I have not won yet is having her be OK with being in a run (~32"x6') at work (vet clinic) without screaming. I think the fact that she can hear everything going on but cannot participate just triggers her anxiety and she doesn't want to be left alone. I recently started leaving her kennel in the car instead, and she does very well with that arrangement. She will play with her toys and nap, and the kennel itself she doesn't have a problem with. The lack of noise to overhear out there eliminates the feeling that she's missing out on the action.

 

Environmental socialization is a huge priority for me with a puppy, so we've had to be creative with where she gets to explore until she is fully vaccinated while also trying to expose her to as much as possible.

 

I am 28 and she is my first dog. Having waited so long, I really had the time to do a huge amount of research on dog breeds, personalities, puppy raising, training, etc. (working at a vet gives you a great opportunity to know what and what NOT to look for!) So far, she has been a wonderful addition, and I am so excited to see who she'll be when she grows up!

 

Oh! A couple of these pictures are from when Rikki got to go play with Frankie! They were BFFs in about 30 seconds.

 

If any of y'all have instagram and don't already follow her, it's @hey.rikki

 

 

 

 

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What a sweetie. Those are some unbelievable blue eyes. They might change a bit as she grows. Will be interested to see how she matures. These dogs lead with their hearts. In a vet clinic there are many animals in pain or some kind of distress and she will pick up on that. My dog was very weird at the vet once and the staff said it was probably a response from the residual of having put 2 dogs down just before we came in. Sounds like the "safe space" of your car is working for her. We board our dogs at a place that will put nervous new dogs in a space at the front desk. It apparently helps the dogs ease into the kennel experience. Maybe a next step is a crate under the front desk. Also, she is probably looking for something to do and might desensitize with time. Just an idea - she might do well with a "job". Don't know what that job would be. Puppy hugs for owners going through a rough time? Day care coordinator for puppies under 4 months? Cat greeter? Elderly dog spooner?

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She has the most incredible "baby blues." You are in for the ride of your life with that little one. Have a great time with her and keep posting, we love to hear about her adventures.

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What a sweetie. Those are some unbelievable blue eyes. They might change a bit as she grows. Will be interested to see how she matures. These dogs lead with their hearts. In a vet clinic there are many animals in pain or some kind of distress and she will pick up on that. My dog was very weird at the vet once and the staff said it was probably a response from the residual of having put 2 dogs down just before we came in. Sounds like the "safe space" of your car is working for her. We board our dogs at a place that will put nervous new dogs in a space at the front desk. It apparently helps the dogs ease into the kennel experience. Maybe a next step is a crate under the front desk. Also, she is probably looking for something to do and might desensitize with time. Just an idea - she might do well with a "job". Don't know what that job would be. Puppy hugs for owners going through a rough time? Day care coordinator for puppies under 4 months? Cat greeter? Elderly dog spooner?

 

I think her right eye will end up being gold, but not quite sure yet :) She does quite well wandering around the clinic, and every time I go out to take her for a potty/play break she just wants to go inside to say hi to everyone haha. But yes she is definitely great at hugs!

 

We are going to do a puppy class soon, mostly for the socialization, and then eventually I will probably do some agility work with her. Likely not competing, but just using it for a mental challenge and something fun! she already loves to jump over things :)

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Thanks for introducing yourself and Rikki. Look forward to watching her grow up and hope to see you again next year at the Gathering, this time with your own four-legged friend. Oh, and the pictures are fabulous.

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Yeah, you got some fantastic shots! I mean, come on! Those little eyes peeking over the log, the back legs running past the front, and that first one in the snow, these are moments in all our puppy experience. Thank you so much for reminding us.

 

I am so glad that many of you are good photographers. I suck at it.

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Thank you! I love that description, moments in all our puppy experience :) she is a blast, and you'll definitely see more photos of our adventures.

 

Yeah, you got some fantastic shots! I mean, come on! Those little eyes peeking over the log, the back legs running past the front, and that first one in the snow, these are moments in all our puppy experience. Thank you so much for reminding us.

 

I am so glad that many of you are good photographers. I suck at it.

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  • 1 month later...

Here are some newer photos!

 

Rikki continues to impress. She has had 3 play dates with Frankie and they love each other lots. We went to our second puppy class today, and the trainer comments on how well she pays attention to me. Her favorite trick so far is "bang!". We met up with Misha as well and boy did they have a BLAST! Glad we have many AI owners not too far away.

 

The hardest part of her training I think will be teacher her to not overreact when a dog approaches. She LOVES other dogs but needs to learn that she can't go do whatever she wants (which would be to play with them all day). She is obviously a baby and this will take time but I have seen a couple of baby steps with some focus exercises!

 

I can't express enough though how much I prefer her to be too friendly than to be fearful. She has proven herself to be quite intrepid when I ask her to approach a new thing, and it's quite fun to watch her interact confidently with her environment.

 

While I have nothing to compare it to, I do think she's an absolutely fantastic first puppy!

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What a magical experience you are sharing with us. Thank you!

 

LUV hearing of all the adventures. You are doing great!

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  • 4 weeks later...

First word that comes to mind is WOW. Great pictures of this little girl.

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