House breaking puppies in the winter is NOT easy. Especially when they think that the corner behind the Christmas tree is the best place in the whole house to poo. Much better than braving the winter chill outside and much sneakier than leaving their "gifts" to me in an easy to get to place. So, I found some old wire fencing in my shed and wrapped it around the tree a few times.
They sure look sweet and innocent, don't they? Its shocking just how much poop two puppies can produce. Normally, they use the pads I have laying around the house (yes, its not very attractive, but better than them using the floor), but they are drawn to the white cloth that I used as a tree skirt too.
The little puppesh still like to climb into the bowl that Twinkle slept in while she was pregnant and that all nine used to sleep together in. I guess its home to them. There are pillows and other softer spots for them to lay down, but they love that bowl.
Someone needs to tell these guys that they might be getting too big to pile in together.
I've had winter puppies before and always told myself, never again. They are slow to learn how to go outside and not on the pads because I am too cold to take them out as much as I should. Just shoving them out the door doesn't do the job, they need to be told that they are good dogs at the moment they squat, not when they come in.
I need to be strong and face the cold, or that Albie will soon be lifting his leg and hitting the furniture, not the pee pads!
But why am I even talking about all of this? Does anyone peruse blogs to hear about dog pee?
But you never know what you'll be hearing about here.















Karla, you are probably right, no one unless they are searching for 'Potty Training Pups' wants to click on a blog and read about it, but... you share about it so sweetly and real... I think it's rather cute. Besides, that story almost gets lost amongst your beautiful Christmas photos. Your home is so warm & inviting. Merry Christmas to you and your love ones, Tami
Posted by: Tami Hacker | December 23, 2012 at 09:09 AM
we do love to see photos of those cute babies..
Posted by: Janet Ghio | December 23, 2012 at 09:19 AM
Karla, love all your pics...and I had to laugh about your puppy issues because I've been there, done that. And even though I said never again, like you, I know I will! Big hugs to you and the pups....and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Kim | December 23, 2012 at 10:02 AM
You are sharing your life as you know it. From parties and travels and dogs and grand fairies and crafting and more, I am grateful you share so much of your days, both the bright ones and the challenging ones. Thank you, Karla! And Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Soarenth | December 23, 2012 at 10:31 AM
Karla, you could write about the dictionary, and in your sweet tone with pictures of your art, your lovely family and your pups, we would all LOVE it! Warm hugs and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Posted by: Cathy Kizerian | December 23, 2012 at 11:40 AM
Love how you keep it real! Still laughing.... Merry Christmas to your and your family.
Posted by: Sheila R | December 23, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Oh Karla! I love how you keep things real! I haven't put my Christmas Tree skirt nor my gifts under the tree because I'm afraid my dogs will mark their spot. So, on Christmas morning, before everyone gets here, I'll put the skirt and presents in place and keep my eyes constantly on the dogs.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Lisa | December 23, 2012 at 06:42 PM
When I saw the picture of the beautiful tree, no I did not expect to her about puppy poop. I agree potting training and winter is not a good combination. Love the pictures of the Christmas decorations!
Posted by: Linda McMillin | December 23, 2012 at 07:55 PM
We dog lovers can sympathize entirely, and a good laugh out of it ~
Thanks for sharing the beautiful pix ~~~
Posted by: bobbie | December 23, 2012 at 08:31 PM
I love the pretty pictures, but I always like a good puppy tale. They are absolutely adorable all snuggled up together. (And I think your fence is pretty, despite its real reason for existing.) Merry Christmas, Karla!
Posted by: barbara | December 23, 2012 at 11:27 PM
thanks for sharing all year round. and i love puppy stories of any kind. lol...it is a yorkie thing not to want to go out in the cold and wet lol...you home looks lovely and i love how the dogs love that bowl. i had cats that did that but never seen dogs in a bowl. cute. you are blessed. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. and thank you for the many smiles of the heart all year long
Posted by: jeanine mayden | December 24, 2012 at 06:08 AM
Been there,done that! Lol and now we are getting a kitten for Christmas. I'm not sure what kind of adventures THAT will bring with our two Dorky Yorkies.
Merr y Christmas and thank you for all the bloggie goodness this year!
Debra Ganas
Posted by: Debra Ganas | December 24, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Drop deaf Christmas decorations,
I don't mind you talking about dog pee. One of the great thing about reading the blogs of my internet friends is reading about mormal life. It shows that most of us have the same problem/delights/happenings.
Posted by: Louise Oakes | December 24, 2012 at 05:17 PM
That should have read drop dead decorations!
Posted by: Louise Oakes | December 24, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Babble away, as long as you keep sharing those beautiful photos!
Posted by: jeanie | December 26, 2012 at 03:07 PM
Karla, part of your charm is that you combine the gorgeous with the "this is life"! It is what makes us love you and able to relate to you all the more. Besides, If you combine a post on the woes of puppy potty training with beautiful photos of pups and Christmas charm, I hardly even notice that I'm reading about such. ; )
Love the overflowing bowl-o-pups and the Christmas tree "fencing"!
Posted by: Linda P. | December 27, 2012 at 08:06 AM
Hi Karla,
I am so happy to be getting caught up with you blog. I am currently in the hospital and have had two surgeries due to complications of my ovarian cancer. I have been home three days in the last month. I will hopefully go home, next week.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. The puppies are precious.
HUGS, ~elaine
Posted by: Elaine LaMonk | December 28, 2012 at 12:24 AM