Puppy proofed!

Well, yesterday evening we got the about-to-be-returned puppy pen out of the box. It fits together as an octagon, and so it has eight pieces one metre wide. I strung it out along the grass edge, then back along to almost the house. Perfect. With a few additions, this would puppy proof the shared back garden, and the neighbour’s flower bed will be saved. And no more poo-ing right outside the neighbour’s bedroom window - which had become his smelly spot of choice.

After pondering all night how best to fix the fence and what I needed to buy again from B&Q, I was first in the queue this morning at 9am and bought the required bits and pieces. I have now made a sturdy fence, with an opening gate to the grass. Heath Robinson would be proud of me - bits of wire and hooks and tie backs to the windowsill - but it’ll do. I have also fenced over the wood shed - too many temptations there as well.

Archie wasn’t best pleased when he realised that now the grass is out of bounds for toileting (we’ll still use it for training), but he’s happily using the paving stones, which are easily cleaned and there’s a handy drain to swish the water down. This also means I won’t need to follow him round the wet grass in the morning whispering, ’Busy, Archie, Busy!’

Leo came to visit today. Funny how both he and Archie are at the same toileting stage. Leo’s mum kept asking him (Leo) if he needed the toilet, but he said no (when he did actually need). Eventually he asked to go. Z was delighted - I think it was the first time he'd asked to go in another person’s house, and he hadn't left it too late - quite a landmark. I know the feeling!

Archie was a bit over-awed with this small person who was impossible to get away from. Leo could follow him under the table and even the chairs, so I loved this shot of Archie making a break for it. Archie was so good in his crate, even when Leo was rattling it and being noisy, he just sat and looked. I think puppies might be easier than kids.

Then we had more visitors, this time with a big lovely grown up schnauzer, Ralphie, who of course ignore Archie completely, even though Archie followed him around all afternoon and gazed longingly at him. At least Ralphie didn’t knock him spinning like the other doggie visitor did.

I think I’ll go and sit outside with a wine this evening and admire my fencing handiwork - this will make life with a puppy and a shared garden much much better. Cheers!