16 Weeks

We've fallen over a four-legged Clover! I can't imagine our lives without her. Most of the time we're all on the same page.  It's a human-animal breakthrough! That lifts a huge burden from my shoulders.

She's become a sweet V with a comical personality.  Her striking eyes are complemented daily by strangers, but you can read our girl like a book if you just watched those floppy ears all day long. The last DHPP is done with the rabies vaccine to follow in two weeks.  She's filling out well and still fairly tall for a female.  I expect her size to level out shortly.

16 weeks 25.4 lbs 19" wither

I love catching on to her attempts to train us.  She "talks" to whomever or whatever will listen to the various grunts and groans. It's incredibly entertaining.  Her sheer determination is admirable even if that means finding clever ways to deter relentless counter-cruising.  If it's backyard play she wants, you are quickly offered a pair of shoes. They won't necessarily be the right size but chances are, if you have footwear, a trip outdoors is on the horizon.  To signal a toilet break, she bats the cow bell with her paws and we leap to our feet in desperate fear of missing an elimination cue.

Keeping Clover out of the garden is another story.  One that often doesn't end well. Mulch and decorative stones have a habit of... disappearing.  She's nearly decimated a bleeding heart in the north-west garden. The hyacinths in the front aren't so happy either.

The nipping is waning. We struggle as William is less consistent with preventing the attention grabbing. Puppy teeth are needle sharp! Fortunately redirection combined with bitter apple spray has saved the destructive gnawing.  Knock-on-wood, the furniture is perfectly intact. When Clover lost her first tooth, William wanted to be a canine tooth fairy. He gently stroked her face in comfort all evening. Cotton floss rings that are water-soaked then frozen have helped ease her sore mouth.

It's wonderful to wake up peacefully each morning.  Usually a soft whimper, less often the incessant wailing.  A dogs internal clock (grumbling stomach) is more reliable than the bedside alarm. William races downstairs every day to free his beloved friend from the crate. And FYI, I am sleeping 7 hours (Yeah).

I still see a few anxious behaviours. It's improved dramatically and I am certain that as the family adjustment increases, calmness will prevail. She's is likely to be found searching or pacing when mummy is missing from the room.  Urinating in the crate under confinement protest has ceased, however, digging ensues, especially if she isn't particularly tired.  It's a delicate balance that will continue to improve with patience and consistency.

Gentle Leader Training

At the end of four weeks of futile leash work, I weighed my options and bought a gentle leader.  She took to it well using apple slices during the conditioning period. Thank goodness! I thought I may be raising a sled dog rather than a suave huntress.  Walks are far more fun and manageable.  In one week she seems to have forgotten she's wearing it, so long as we're moving.

Clover has been more than a full time job.  Fortunately being a mom entrepreneur at home lends the time and flexibility to invest.  I'm very proud I've kept a fairly level head through puppyhood challenges.

Handling experience comes highly recommended with a Vizsla. They may not be the dog for everyone due to their extreme sensitivity and energy (empathy from having a family of adhd'rs helps!), but I haven't regretted my breed choice in slightest. Head over heels in love ♡