[PersistantPuppy]

Hello,

I'm so glad to find something like this online. It seems sensible and straightforward, as well as fun, so let me introduce the newest addition to our family.

Molly is a 7 week old Border Terrier puppy (female). This is her first full day with us, and she remained quiet and clean most of last night. Up until about 5am, when she cried and yelped a bit. Throughout today, she is still quite terrified, but improving a bit. She is eating bits and bobs, and has toileted a couple of times. She is friendly when you go and play with her and cuddle, but she will not emerge from her crate - even when the door is open.

Its the first time in many years that we have had a tiny puppy, so we are pretty new to it all, but together we will do all the right things.....I am determined to "do it all properly" but already have fallen at the first hurdle by free feeding her, lol. I was so worried that her stressful day had put her off eating/drinking that I am leaving it out for her for a few hours.

Anyway, I wanted to begin by saying hello - not asking advice! We are off to the vets tomorrow for check up and first vaccination, so I will return then with an update.

Would love to share a picture, but it will need to wait until I post more (But she is gorgeous!)

[Yogi]

You do not need to post more in order to post a pic.
If you reply to my post, when the "reply to thread" box opens all you need to do is scroll down to the next box. Additional Options, there you can click manage attachments and download pics from your computer. When done, scroll to the bottom of the box and click submit.

[cigwyllt]

Hi there - good to meet another Brit and a terrier lover to boot! I am in West Wales and I have two terriorists and an older mutt as well. Hope you enjoy it here.

[PersistantPuppy]

Hey Guys, thanks for the welcome (and advice about pics! I thought I read on here that you need to post 50 times before getting to show off) We are from Scotland and right now, its freezing! lol

Ok, here we go with a picture.....meet Molly

[cigwyllt]

She's so sweet - she looks ever so young. Are you sure she is actually 7 weeks?

[PersistantPuppy]

Yes, she is quite small, but Borders aren't big anyway. Her owner/breeder is an SSPCA Inspector, and bred Molly from her own bitch, so I have no reason to disbelieve her. Its probably not a very good picture to be honest. Molly is still quite nervous and tends to curl up a lot, lol We are off to the vets for a wee check up now, so I will try and post a better picture when I get back.:wink:

[cigwyllt]

It wasn't the size so much as the round puppy shape, I am surprised though that she left the litter so young. Eight weeks is generally thought to be the earliest a pup should leave and many breeders hold out to 10 or even 12 weeks. It's odd that she isn't more inquisitive. When Manny came home with me he was very clingy but not at all nervous - very interested in everything around him. He did sleep a lot but as soon as I moved he was there at my side. Hope everything is ok with her and you enjoy your vet visit. It's always fun taking a pup out for the first time!

[PersistantPuppy]

I have to admit, I was surprised too at the 7 weeks, especially as it was 7 weeks to the DAY. I would have preferred to wait (as agonising though the waiting was, lol) until 8 or 9 weeks, and give her more time for socialising. However, she seems to be gaining a bit more confidence as the day goes on, and the vets visit went very well. Not even a whimper when she got her first vaccination. (But then, I have read that terriers have a high pain threshold) Vet said she was healthy in all respects, so its just a case now of trying to boost her confidence a bit with some gentle training. I'll also need to learn to ignore when she cries which is soooo hard to do!

[lange]

Welcome to the forums! I think with her being taken away from mom & siblings too early & with her being extra shy, socialization will be key for her. I would enroll her as soon as she is cleared w/immunizations into a puppy class. Just try to pick a well experienced instructor. Ask the potential trainers if they've worked with shy puppies & how they have helped them overcome it.

Here are some refreshers for you on stages of puppy development:
Puppy Development: Stage 3 | www.cesarsway.com
Puppy Development And Growth

[PersistantPuppy]

Hi, Thanks very much for the two links. I have been looking for these stages all over Google, lol and haven't until now, come up with very much. I do like Ceaser Millan, although seeing him always exert dominance over dogs makes me feel that he doesn't see dogs as much fun....sorry Ceaser:roll:

Molly (on her 3rd Full day here) is getting a little better in terms of her confidence. She emerges from her crate and invites me to play by dragging over her favourite toy. But as soon as I begin to play, she shrinks back and watches from a distance, lol. She also wiggles her tail & bum and pees with excitement when she sees us first thing in the morning.

She has a puppy party arranged in the New Year, and I intend to introduce her to many things in the next week or two prior to her 10 week Vaccination. Thereafter, of course, it will be off to the park (if the weather isn't too freezing by then)