Hello! I thought it would be fun to share an update on our new puppy, Ronan. We got him one month ago — the perfect Christmas gift! Tyler and I are over the moon with him. He has brought so much joy into our lives in just one short month. We love him so much!
Adjustment
Ronan had a busy first two weeks with us when we saw our families over the holiday. Over the past few weeks, he has gotten settled in at our apartment and life in Tennessee. Luckily our apartment has ample space for him to play and run around. There is a dog park at our apartment complex, which has been really convenient for us and gives Ronan lots of space to play fetch and socialize with other dogs.
Since I work from home, taking him out during the day is no problem. I walk him every morning to get some of his energy out so I can have a little peace while I work 🙂 Tyler and I have fell into a really good schedule of taking turns taking him outside, walking him and feeding him. The whole process has been easier than I expected. I’m really grateful.
Training
Ronan has always been a great sleeper! After the first week we had him, he has slept through the night and seems to really like being in his crate. If he does wake up during the night, he chews on his favorite Giraffe toy and doesn’t bark or whine. Potty training has also been going really well. He had his fair share of accidents in the beginning, but he’s doing great now. He walks toward the door and whines when he needs to go out, and we make sure to take him out frequently.
We’ve taught him the sit, down and paw commands. Sometimes you have to repeat yourself a few times, especially if he’s excited, but he’s getting the hang of it. The hardest part of training has been leash training. Ronan wants to chew on everything, including his leash. We got a harness that has been helpful, but he still tries to chew the leash when he is overly excited. He likes to stop and smell EVERYTHING and then try to eat it, so it’s been a little challenging to maintain a walking pace with him haha. We are working on it and trying to be patient with him since he’s still a baby.
Etc.
Ronan loves toys! Over the past two weeks, he has been playing on his own with his toys. It’s really sweet to watch him have a great time entertaining himself. He loves when Tyler gets home from work and races to the door, wagging his tail like crazy. It’s adorable. He loves to chew my pony tail when I do yoga, and to lay on my yoga mat. He is my shadow during the day and sits by my side as I work.
He loves ALL people. He wants to say hi to everyone he sees. If someone walks by without acknowledging him, he stops and stares in confusion as they walk away. It’s pretty funny. He is starting to warm up more to other dogs. He’s always liked calm dogs, but has been apprehensive when energetic dogs approach him. He’s starting to come around and now likes to play with other dogs at the dog park.
Getting Ronan was the perfect way to end 2020. He has made our apartment feel like a home. I can’t believe how much love and joy he has already brought us. We are so happy!
Sending love!
Morgan