Vardy's Diary

[EmmaLouise87]

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Hello all.

First time dog owner. Always grew up with dogs and had lovely memories of them. Had been going through a very sad and stressful time in my life so thought was the right time to get a dog of my own.

I decided to get a puppy as I live with my mum who has a 8 year old shih-tzu so thought a puppy would be better.

I chose a Jack-tzu (shih-tzu/Jack Russell) he was around 8 weeks when I brought him home.

I decided to call him Vardy. I am a football fan and my favourite footballer is Jamie Vardy. For sure I feel I have chosen the right name as he seems scrappy and completely fearless.

He has been in my home for just over a week now. Had good days and bad but overall doing well. It is more difficult as he hasnt has his full jabs yet so trying to find creative ways to keep him amused. I cant wait to take him for long walks as I need the exercise just as much as him.

I really do believe dogs are good therapy. Lately I have felt I have no reason to get up or no purpose in my life so I am excited to go on this journey. Know wont be easy at first and will take time but will be worth it. Hope to update soon

 

[Rinkydinkydo]

I love his eyes,there looks to be something behind them so to speak. Looking forward to seeing him grow and flourish in to a nice dog.

 

[EmmaLouise87]

I love his eyes,there looks to be something behind them so to speak. Looking forward to seeing him grow and flourish in to a nice dog.

Awww thanks. Me too

 

[JudyN]

Lately I have felt I have no reason to get up

That reminds me of a meme I saw the other day: 'My dog is the reason I wake up early. At 5am. Every. Single. Morning.'

He is going to be so much fun. Remember, the puppy stage can be difficult, but we're always here for you to have a moan or a rant

 

[lurcherman]

Got to say I love the name! Not as I’m a Leicester fan but as I’m a vardy fan, who wouldn’t be, speed, goals, and came up the ranks , these Xs need to be controlled, if you smoother them you got a weak super soft , scared of everything but after the puppy stage let the terrier in the dog breath, best of luck .

 

[EmmaLouise87]

Got to say I love the name! Not as I’m a Leicester fan but as I’m a vardy fan, who wouldn’t be, speed, goals, and came up the ranks , these Xs need to be controlled, if you smoother them you got a weak super soft , scared of everything but after the puppy stage let the terrier in the dog breath, best of luck .

Haha I like your style!

Got to admit was gutted when he quit the England team lol.

yeah I understand. Hes very hard work but today has been much better and will make a huge difference when can talk him out for walks

 

[EmmaLouise87]

Hello all!

Well another busy day for little Vardy. Kept him busy this morning with plenty of play and attention. Treats for when good and teaching him when hes done wrong. As not had his jabs, took him out for a 'carry' walk. Help him get used to outside noises and smells.

He does get a lot of attention and seems to be friendly with people.

Got him booked in with a dog trainer.

He does love to show off

 

[Hemlock]

Damn, but he's cute!

 

[Finsky]

Hello all!

Well another busy day for little Vardy. Kept him busy this morning with plenty of play and attention. Treats for when good and teaching him when hes done wrong. As not had his jabs, took him out for a 'carry' walk. Help him get used to outside noises and smells.

He does get a lot of attention and seems to be friendly with people.

Got him booked in with a dog trainer.

View attachment 111979191

He does love to show off

Look like very well trained dog to me... You want to blow raspberries onto that little tummy!

 

[EmmaLouise87]

Look like very well trained dog to me... You want to blow raspberries onto that little tummy!

haha aww thanks. Do worry im not doing the right thing but hopefully will be ok. His belly is crazy soft

 

[EmmaLouise87]

It seems like Little Vardy is taking Bailey (my mums older shih-tzu) for a walk. Bonding time perhaps?

Bailey is a rescue dog so was worried how they would get along. Things are going not bad but could be better. Hopefully the dog trainer will help

 

[EmmaLouise87]

Hello all. Well the last few days have been very challenging. Will be honest really struggling. Feels like Vardy hates me. Never likes cuddles, always bites in play and he seems more excited to see my mum than me. Maybe im being silly but does hurt. I am trying so hard but feel like all I do is wrong. Counting down the hours till I can take him out for a proper walk and first visit from puppy trainer (both on Friday) Really hope it will help.

I am sorry I am probably worrying over nothing but really feel like im failing at the moment.

pic of him, finally settled on the sofa.......

Butter wouldnt melt eh? Please please....any Jack Russell/terrier owners....it gets better over time right? lol

 

[JoanneF]

Please please....any Jack Russell/terrier owners....it gets better over time right?

I have a Jack Russell crossed with a toilet brush.

Yes, it does get better, my dog is still a PITA sometimes but he is the best little dog ever. I found that it really helped to remember he is NOT the same as my other dogs and that he is a little, erm, unique. I had to stop thinking about what I used to do with my last dogs, and instead start thinking about what pushed his buttons.

 

[JudyN]

Absolutely it gets better. Some dogs just aren't cuddly, and biting in play is normal, even though it hurts! Puppies can be relentless, and exhausting, and infuriating...Assuming you're not hitting him, screaming at him, whatever, I'm sure you're not doing anything wrong at all. And like human children, puppies can take their main carers for granted and show more affection to others. In fact sometimes when my lad had a tantrum as a pup, I had the feeling that he would direct it at me because I was the 'safe' option - I wouldn't reject him for it.

Hang on in there...

 

[JoanneF]

sometimes when my lad had a tantrum as a pup, I had the feeling that he would direct it at me because I was the 'safe' option - I wouldn't reject him for it.

Yes! This, exactly - good point @JudyN.

 

[EmmaLouise87]

Absolutely it gets better. Some dogs just aren't cuddly, and biting in play is normal, even though it hurts! Puppies can be relentless, and exhausting, and infuriating...Assuming you're not hitting him, screaming at him, whatever, I'm sure you're not doing anything wrong at all. And like human children, puppies can take their main carers for granted and show more affection to others. In fact sometimes when my lad had a tantrum as a pup, I had the feeling that he would direct it at me because I was the 'safe' option - I wouldn't reject him for it.

Hang on in there...

Thanks for your reply. Yes for sure dont hit or scream at him. I try to say a firm no and stop play when he bites but its hard. Overall he is a sweet affectionate pup who loves attention from people. My favourite part of the day is when hes half asleep in his crate and he wags his tail as I say good morning but sometimes, he just suddenly gets a look on his face, like he wants to attack me and makes a horrible wailing sound, more so when hes frustrated (as in cant have his own way) it actually scares me and he also does this when I give a firm no.

Really hoping the puppy trainer can help as it needs to stop, me being scared of him when hes in that mood.

 

[Tinytom]

He is a terrier ...they are hardcore pups ....

 

[JoanneF]

Do you have a flirt pole toy? Terriers love them, just don't ask for sudden turns of direction until his joints have formed.

If he is biting on that, he isn't biting you. And of course don't let him get overexcited.

 

[EmmaLouise87]

Do you have a flirt pole toy? Terriers love them, just don't ask for sudden turns of direction until his joints have formed.

Never heard of them. Will look into it. Thanks
If he is biting on that, he isn't biting you. And of course don't let him get overexcited.

 

[Finsky]

Hello all. Well the last few days have been very challenging. Will be honest really struggling. Feels like Vardy hates me. Never likes cuddles, always bites in play and he seems more excited to see my mum than me. Maybe im being silly but does hurt. I am trying so hard but feel like all I do is wrong. Counting down the hours till I can take him out for a proper walk and first visit from puppy trainer (both on Friday) Really hope it will help.

I am sorry I am probably worrying over nothing but really feel like im failing at the moment.

pic of him, finally settled on the sofa.......

View attachment 111979239

Butter wouldnt melt eh? Please please....any Jack Russell/terrier owners....it gets better over time right? lol

My reply is for sure is not much to reassure you....but...
When pups grow up....during the first 18 months...they go through varying different phases in their mental development that affect their behaviour. Some is because of their hormones...some is general part of learning curve to become adults.
This much easier to understand in human terms. Think of babies...they put everything in their mouths and giggle of anything and everything...then they turn into toddlers that can throw their toys about and start stomping and wanting to do things themselves and pushing their parents away until they have different turn where they cling and want cuddles. Then then they reaching puberty...starting be more independent and pretending they are older and wiser than they are....then being teenager, do not know which way to lean, being older and yet still have bouts of selfdoubt and uncertainty and lots lots being embarrassed about their parents And then the blessed (hopefully) the early adulthood...they brains start to find steady motion and they handle their fluctuating hormones better and understand their actions.
Puppies go through many very similar stages but it all happens in short period of time in their first 18 months...and it can be quite rollercoaster ride. Some are easier and others less so...no different to us humans.
You just have to take the ride...try to work your through this time and enjoy some of it! It ain't easy for sure...but understanding and accepting it is a good start. Your job is find the golden 'middle way' to be the teacher/human mum that is firm with your guidance and same time loving but doing it in their terms. Respect the pup when it is not in mood for cuddles and steal them for your enjoyment when they are too busy of doing something else (chewing) or they are accepting it.
Oh there is plenty of distracting issues to list here...but I hope this have given some food for thought. I have not noticed anything unusual in your pup's behaviour so far..and that is a GOOD NEWS!