Breakthrough!

She gets it! She understands that you go outside to potty!

When I came downstairs this morning, I was playing with her and Gummi, when she trots off to the door to go outside. I go to see what she's doing, and she starts pawing at the door. I open up the door, and she trots right down the stairs, to the grass, and goes potty!

Oh my goodness, such a good girl! See what I mean by she learns quickly? It's been two weeks on the day. It took Gummi quite a bit to learn that (granted, Gummi was older, and from a shelter...). I think I'll start the bell trick. My friend has her dog trained to that, and when we took her to the vet on Wednesday, she started talking to us about bell training her. When she told me that she wanted to go out, I started thinking about how hitting a string of bells would be much better than scratching at a door for a potential guide dog. I'm gonna try to get that set up as soon as possible.

I didn't get to blog about her first vet trip - when we got home it was late, and I still had some homework to do.

Lila was very good during her first vet visit. She didn't act scared, was very curious, and didn't make shots or anything into a big dramatic fuss. Vet had us start her on her heart worm medication, which she chewed down on like it was treat (though it was awfully chewy, and took a bit to get down). I felt kinda bad the next day though. I got up early Thursday morning in order to finish some of the previously mentioned homework. Dad got Lila out just as I was coming downstairs and took her out and everything. I got my breakfast and coffee, and went back up to my room. She came running up a few minutes later, and started hoping up on my bed. I told her to get off and sit (I'm not letting her up on any furniture on her own will - only when I allow it), and then went to pick her up by her scruff. I completely forgot that she had her shot there, and it was still a little sore. She started crying, of course, but she quickly forgives. Thank goodness.

I believe we are taking her to visit my Grandmother today, also. She's already getting used to car rides and many visits to new people.

-Kaylyn

ETA:
I found a string of bells and hung them on the door. Throughout the day, I've been ringing them whenever I took Lila out. When I was sitting at dinner just a short while ago, I noticed Lila scamper off to the door. She looks at the bell, a little unsure, and then kinda scratches at the door. She gets a little more confident, sticks her paws on the door (she can't quite reach the bell just yet), and RINGS THE BELL. LESS than a DAY, and she already knows it. Little miss is so darn smart, and I absolutely love her to death.