If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours!

Have you ever tried bartering with your dog? You know...you tell her that if she does something for you, you'll do something for her? And then you get so frustrated when she doesn't cooperate, and you have no idea why she's not cooperating, because, come on, that deal you made with her is a really good one? Because that treat is mighty tasty and that belly rub is nothing to sneeze at, especially because you give excellent belly rubs (just ask your cat)?  Come on...admit it! We've all done it! Especially when you're exhausted. Like me.

According to the book that I'm reading, puppies like routine. If you wake them up, take them out and feed them at the same time every day, they'll learn that everything happens on a schedule. Because I'm mold able and believe everything I read, I started a routine. Monday through Friday I get up at 6:30, put her out, clean up any mess she's made throughout the night (which is sometimes a big one), bring her back in, feed her, play with her, put her back in her den, take a shower and get dressed, take her for a walk, clean up any mess she's made between the time I bring her back in and take her for a walk (which usually consists of a chewed up wee-wee pad), and finally put her back in her den so I can go to work. Sheesh. I'm tired just thinking about it!

This book has been helpful, though. It's good to read something specifically dedicated to your dog. They might as well have titled it, "To Monkeerulz, With Love, Elphie <3" At least I'm able to understand a little bit about what goes on in that puppy head of hers!

It's not such an awful thing, getting up early, but it does hurt a bit when I see hubby sleeping soundly when the alarm goes off. But I just remember that setting a routine will (hopefully) make the whole house-breaking bit easier and quicker. Operative word here being 'hopefully'. I've also decided to make the hubby stick to the same routine I've created. Partly because I don't want to confuse the pup with a different schedule, but mostly because misery loves company and I want him to be exhausted, too :)