Recently my Scottie puppy, Glenfiddich “Whiskey”, turned six months old. Since we brought him home from the breeder four months ago, it’s been a whirlwind of activity!
First, there was potty training in the midst of frigid temperatures and deep snow. Then there was adapting to new “traffic patterns” in the house, with gates and barriers to confine Whiskey. We also worked with him to understand and learn household manners and rules; particularly regarding biting, nipping and chewing. Trips to the vet for vaccines and checkups, entailed me waiting outside in the car. Once my battery went dead!
After he was safely inoculated, Whiskey and I began kinder puppy classes. Important sessions not only for early obedience training, but also socialization with other humans and dogs.
During the last few months, there’s been a few bumps in the road; including car sickness, switching puppy food, and Whiskey’s aversion to grooming and nail clipping. But mostly, he’s been a bundle of energy, playfulness and affection.
Having a Scottie Dog again, has filled our home with activity, laughter and love.
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Pandemic Puppy
Our first peek of Whiskey (top left) and his three brothers. Of the four, the brindle pair were much more low key. Another female Scottie puppy had already gone to her new home. They were a little over eight weeks old.
The first time we met Whiskey was the same blustery February day we picked him up from the breeder, Jacqueline Wise. Originally, I had hoped to decide between two Scotty puppy brindle males in the litter — based on personality. Or, to have the puppy choose me, so to speak.
But, with the pandemic still raging, we were only in the breeder’s home for about 30 minutes. A health care professional, Jacqueline had received her first vaccine. But, we and her teenage daughters were months away from even being eligible.
In the picture above, you can see where the vet had to shave hair around an injury near the other pup’s eye — likely incurred during some rough sibling play. That, coupled with the fact one of his testicles had not yet descended (and might require surgery), made the choice easy.
Quick Turnaround
So, I got down on the floor and the breeder put Whiskey in my lap. Mr. Buzz was in charge of photography and it’s not exactly a Hallmark moment.
You can just see the tip of my N95 mask at the top of the frame. But, I am dressed for the occasion — note the mad for plaid blouse and Scottie puppy print turtleneck lol!
Whiskey was very calm and quiet while I held him. He also didn’t seem distressed to be separated from his siblings.
Bringing Home Baby
A few minutes earlier, we had met both Whiskey’s parents and an aunt. The entire visit was pretty quick out of necessity; including finalizing paperwork.
As explained in, Preparing for a Puppy: Favorite Dog Supplies & Toys, I had already readied a travel carrier for the two and a half hour car ride home from Ohio to Pittsburgh. And, Jacqueline provided a small toy that had the soothing scent of Whiskey and his siblings.
She also sent us home with a Scottie puppy gift basket. It was full of practical and fun goodies, including; collar, harness, sweater, blanket, collapsible bowl, treats, poop bags, and assorted toys.
There were human treats too; like a Scottish Terrier calendar, cookies, and candies.
While Mr. Buzz drove, I sat in the back seat with the travel carrier positioned so that Whiskey could see me the entire time. He was calm and quiet nearly the entire trip — until getting car sick only half an hour from home. Poor guy!
Fortunately, I had packed a plastic bag, paper towels, wipes and an extra bath towel.
Settling In
Once home, however, Whiskey was playful, happy and inquisitive.
Although hubby had shoveled an area in the yard, going to potty was a rude awakening for the little Scottie puppy. After all, Whiskey had never been outside before; let alone in the snow and freezing wind. I suspect that’s what led him to later have an accident in his crate. He cried on and off for hours. It was a long, rough first night for all three of us.
But ever since then, he’s slept through the night and happily settles into his crate at bedtime. For the first month or so, I tucked Whiskey in with a large Snuggle Puppy. It simulates being with a littermate with a battery operating beating heart and heat pack tucked inside.
Whiskey as a nearly three month old Scottie puppy, with argyle blanket and Wubba squeaker toy. One of his ears was fully standing and the other was almost upright.
Now he’s content to cuddle up with his special blanket and favorite dinosaur toy.
Life with a Scottie Puppy
Over the next few months, we’ve expanded the living areas where Whiskey can freely roam.
Whiskey on the carpet side of the fence, while the kitchen’s tile floor was being mopped.
Once housebroken — and we were confident he wasn’t going to chew on electrical wires or furnishings — the fencing came down between the family room and open kitchen. There’s still a gate and crate separating him from the formal living and dining rooms, but he’s also allowed in the front hall.
Short of stature, with a elongated body, Whiskey is still somewhat leery about using the stairs.
Whiskey playing with a Kong ball stuffed with kibble. His hair is very long, as the picture was taken right before his first Scottie puppy silhouette haircut. But, it makes it easier to see the handsome brindle coat with blond, brown, silver and gray shades.
Whiskey’s actually been really good about only chewing on his own toys. He loves his stuff! As I mentioned in, Preparing for a Puppy, it’s an excellent investment to purchase a wide variety of toys, and rotate them often. That helps to alleviate boredom and keeps a dog — young or old — productively and happily occupied.
Going to School: STAR Student
As a pandemic puppy born in the winter, I wanted to insure Whiskey was well socialized by attending dog training. At the time, pandemic restrictions meant reduced class sizes and wearing masks.
Whiskey wearing his Martingale training collar and identification tag. He won’t be microchipped and neutered until later this summer, after his current six-week obedience course ends.
Honestly, I overextended myself; signing Whiskey up for three different kinder puppy classes. They were staggered over several months, so that some weeks we had one or two sessions, but others three. It felt hectic — particularly keeping up with class homework (practice) and my own physical therapy.
It wouldn’t have been so bad if Whiskey hadn’t suffered from car sickness. Too young for meds, the vet suggested zero food two to three hours before a car ride. That worked okay for 15-30 minute trips.
But, Animal Friends (where I volunteer) is normally 40 minutes. Construction on a major bridge added another quarter hour; each way.
He’d manage okay on in the car carrier on the trip to class. But, after all the excitement and filling up with rich training treats during class, he’d get sick nearly home. It made for a mess, and was distressing for both of us.
However, Whiskey actually loved attending training classes and began to relate the ride to having fun at our destination. He particularly excelled in being fearless, and was willing to take on any challenge.
Although much larger breeds or mixes, several puppies were rather timid. Not Whiskey! He’d race with glee around a puppy agility course; no treat luring necessary! A person in a wheelchair or using a walker; no problem.
We even earned the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy designation and medal. Through basic training and socialization, the program is designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start.
Braveheart or Bonaparte?
A favorite part of each class was the final 15 minutes. That’s when puppies were allowed off-lease for supervised play. Problem was, there were seldom little dogs to pair Whiskey with. Almost all the other puppies were considerably larger. Even though some would lay on top of him or get really rough, Whiskey kept coming back for more!
Here’s the little rascal, tuckered out after chasing his Babble Ball and playing “shake and kill” with a large stuffed duck. Whiskey is such a perpetual motion machine, I’ve had trouble getting good pictures — unless he’s ready for a nap.
That earned him the nickname, “Braveheart”; for the legendary Scottish hero. I swear, every Scottie dog’s middle name should be, “Bonaparte” — short in stature but full of themselves lol!
Two weeks ago (after Whiskey turned six months), we started regular puppy obedience classes. After that, I hope to evidently earn Canine Good Citizen, or possibly Therapy Dog. But, only taking one course at a time going forward!
On the Road
As Whiskey has matured, his car sickness has abated somewhat. It certainly helped that he learned to associate car rides with positive things like going to “school.” My vet had advised me to make sure his brain didn’t hardwire to think, car = bad consequences.
First, I spent a lot of time acclimating him to car travel. In the beginning, I’d just have him sit in the travel carrier with a toy and treat for a few minutes. Next, we’d take short rides around the neighborhood.
But, I think graduating him from the enclosed travel carrier to Fibber’s old dog seat is what has helped most. While riding in the backseat booster with a harness, he can look out the window, see me, lie or stand up. Now, rather than shying away from the car, he puts his front paws up in the doorway and waits to be lifted into place.
At five months of age he was also old enough for medication — $18 per pill two hours before each ride! But it was worth the investment for the six hour trip to and from Philadelphia; to ensure it was a positive experience for all of us. We also stopped every couple of hours for a potty break, water, and a little exercise. Still though, no food in his belly for the entire ride.
Puppy Playtime Pandemonium
We spent a wonderful 10 days visiting family and friends, including hubby’s oldest brother and his wife. Whiskey and I even overnighted at my college bestie’s with her sweet doodle Joey. Later, our older son and his girl came down from Manhattan for an extended weekend.
While there, we stayed at younger son’s 100-year old, city row house. It’s got three floors of living space, a finished basement, fenced back yard/patio, and a rooftop deck where he grows herbs and veggies.
Oh, and did I mention my son’s then nine-month, lab mix puppy named, Bentley! He’s many times bigger than Whiskey. It got a little crazy at times because — unchecked — the two puppies would play rough non-stop. They never seemed to tire of the game or run out of energy.
Inside the house, we kept them separated most of the time. Often, we’d used Bentley’s flexible playpen for Whiskey.
For the July 4th holiday, everyone — including both puppies — will be here. They’ll have a lot more space, but I anticipate we’re still going to have to keep Bentley and Whiskey on leashes much of the time.
Dog Whisperer Arrives
On day six of our visit, we picked my mom up at the Philadelphia airport. Sistah B and I arranged to fly her direct from Charleston, SC. She was absolutely thrilled to see both her grandsons, the row house, and meet both puppies. Me too, lol!
We all had a fabulous time being together, barbequing, gardening and playing games.
Afterwards, mom rode home to Pittsburgh with us, bonding with Whiskey in the back seat. They became really good buddies over the course of her nearly three-week visit.
You see, my mom has raised many dogs — including Dobermans — and is a dog whisper of sorts. During the time she was in Pittsburgh, mom worked daily with my Scottie puppy on obedience skills and loose lease walking.
At six months old, Whiskey is a 15 pound Scottie puppy, and should grow to between 18-21 pounds as an adult.
Whiskey would anxiously wait for her to come downstairs every morning. After she flew back home, he noticeably moped around, missing her.
Before summer’s end, I’ll have to share details and photos from our visit and trip to Philadelphia, as well as both our adult sons’ urban, rooftop gardens. But, right now I’ve got to prepare for a full house to celebrate July 4th! If I don’t talk to you before then, have a wonderful holiday!
P.S. Check in on Whiskey at one year old at, Scottie Dog Christmas Ornament Tree.
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It sounds like you picked out a wonderful dog! Glad to hear you are all doing so well together.
He was certainly wait the long wait to find an available Scottie puppy Joanne. The timing worked out well (other than housebreaking in Feb-Mar lol!). I was pretty low after my extensive foot surgery, the pandemic, and thinking there would not be a puppy for another year. But, right before Christmas, I got the news Whiskey had been born and was mine for the asking. And, by the time he was ready to come home, my PT was finished. He’s a little rascal at times (like his predecessor), but so full of affection, personality and fun.
Congratulations!! I am 3rd generation Scottie-aholic. There are a lot of wonderful dogs in the world, but there is nothing like a Scottie, and Scottie love! Once you have one, you know…everything else is just a dog.
Suzi, so happy you stopped by for a visit! After my first Scottie boy, Fibber MacGee passed unexpectantly Christmastime 2019, it was near impossible to find a breeder who would sell me a pet companion. They explained there was a shortage of Scotties and I’d have to agree to learn to groom, show and breed any puppy. My family and friends gently suggested I get a different breed, but I persisted. Meet Fibber in, Sweet Scottie Dog: My Fuzzy Funny Valentine, and see my Scottie Dog Christmas Ornament Tree. I’m sure you have a lot of Scottie stuff too!
I took 2 obedience classes with one of my cockers. It was great and I learned how to walk her and different commands. Whiskey is cute and sounds like he’s full of life! That was sweet that he took to your mom and missed her. They definitely bonded! By Christmas time you’ll be all set with him!
Oh Liz, I love cockers! Even after going through numerous classes previously with Fibber, they were a good refresher for me as well. And, I’ve learned a few new helpful things. Having class also disciplines me to keep up with the week’s homework; practice. Whiskey has quickly become a member of the family. He’s a lot like Fibber (why I wanted a Scottie), but is also a distinct personality. My mom adored Fibber, but took to Whiskey right away — and he to her. I’ve been putting him on lap to say hi to mom during FaceTime lol!
Welcome to the fam Whiskey!
Can’t wait for you and V to be here for an entire week. You’ll be the best of buddies by the time you head back home!
He is soooo precious! Scottie puppies are the best! Miss Lily says hi!
Thanks so much Kay! Scotties are the best, and are what brought us together across the miles. Wish we, Miss Lily and Whiskey could all get together.
❤️❤️
Oh my gosh, Debbee, devoured every bit of this post. Your Whiskey is precious. I love best how your mom and he bonded! Really great training investment of your time. Hope all is well with you and your own physical state of being now too. Happy summer!
You’re such a sweetie Rita! My parents had been crazy about Fibber, and mom has a framed picture of them. It’s similar to the one I shared in the post. She confided about being worried that it would be hard to see Whiskey and not compare him with Fibber. It helps that his coloring is so very different. But, he’s a unique, wonderful character in his own right.
I’m doing much better, thanks for asking. Although, I did have a rough 6 weeks that severely impacted my mobility, required a cortisone shot and physical therapy —again. But it wasn’t my left foot that had surgery; it was the right hip! I was really, really depressed and felt old and fragile. Did too much too fast, staining muscles, etc. that had so little use for months on end. It’s like I needed a realignment lol! Just had to take things more slowly. Finally on the right track, am back to riding my bike, and am planning to head back to the gym in late July.
I really enjoyed this post. Whiskey is a cutie, that’s for sure. Never having raised a puppy, I don’t think I ever realized how MUCH work was involved! Cats are so much easier, but not always the companion you WANT! My daughter took her Anatolian shepherd to puppy classes–Muffin’s head clears the kitchen table and is a great dog! Whiskey could run circles UNDER her! The photos of him are really great; I imagine you have some framed already!
Thanks so much Kathy. I forgot how time consuming it could be too — it’s been about 12 years since I’ve had a Scottie puppy. But, housebreaking during the winter months and car sickness definitely made things tougher. We had brought home Fibber in July, and it was only a 30 minute drive. He never once in his life got car sick. I do need to have prints made so I can frame them — thanks for the reminder!
He is so adorable. I have always loved Scottie dogs. 🙂 It sounds like everything is going well. Have a wonderful 4th.
Thanks Lynda! Have you ever had a Scottie? They are so hard to find anymore. I adore all that personality and feistiness in such a little package. My youngest son and his large lab mix arrived last night. We are trying to settle the puppies down with lots of long walks and playtime in the yard. Whiskey is ecstatic Bentley and my sons are here. I expect him to collapse with exhaustion any minute lol!
Whisky is a trooper! Love this update, Debbee, and thanks for sharing at the FWF party.
He is that Rachelle — and at times non-stop annoying lol! Part of the process though with a puppy; especially a terrier. My son arrived last night with giant lab mix puppy Bentley. So today is a bit of pandemonium, as they to down. But, how wonderful to have a full house again.
What a sweetie and you’ve worked really hard to make him the well-mannered pup he is! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
Ahh thanks Ann. He’s indeed sweet and snuggly at times, but stubborn and silly crazy at others! I swear sometimes I can see him roll his eyes under those bushy eyebrows — just like my teenage sons use to do lol!
Debbee, OMG, Whiskey is so adorable. I just want to cuddle him. I love it when they are puppies (big ones too).They are so much work, but so worth it. Congratulations, you are being featured on TFT. Hugs,Bev
He is most of the time! Except when he goes crazy, zooming around the house lol! I’m so happy to have a feisty, fun Scottie companion again. Appreciate the feature Bev!
Such a fun story and I know Whiskey will be happy for the rest of his life visiting with everyone in the family!! He has many good times to look forward to, including your 4th of July! Hope you all had fun. <3 Glad you enjoyed the feature this week at Share Your Style #309. <3 Big hugs to you all,
Barb 🙂
p.s. Can't wait to see the Row House and rooftop gardens!!!
Oh what a sweetheart!! This makes me want a puppy so badly! Someday, when we’re not at work all the time! 😉 Thanks for the update, it’s so fun following along with you and Whiskey! Hope you had a great 4th!
Puppies take up a lot of time, energy and patience that’s for sure Barbara! We didn’t get our first Sweet Scottie until the boys were both in college and I was consulting only part time. I didn’t want a dog that was in a crate or alone all day long — not fair to the animal. Both Fibber and now Whiskey are constant little shadows who fill a void left with the empty nest.
Puppies are so wonderful! Seeing the world through their eyes is such fun. Whiskey is growing up cuter than ever. I had to chuckle at his weight though — at 5 months Finn weighs in at 40 lbs!
And I thought I had my hands full Sandra! Whiskey is more like a cannonball lol! Hope you are having lots of fun with Finn. I just used bubbles in the yard for Whiskey to play and he loved it, although with his short stature they float over his head in seconds!
My precious scottie Bensor passed at 14 years in May so I am healing by watching Whiskey. Thanks for sharing. Bensor was the best, always made me smile every day with all his antics and his hugs and kisses. Please keep sharing pictures of Whiskey.
Gail, I am so very sorry for your loss. I understand how hard it is, losing my first Sweet Scottie Dog: My Fuzzy Funny Valentine suddenly at just 10 1/2 — at Christmastime. So touched to hear pix of Whiskey make you smile! Do you see the first ones in Preparing for a Puppy? I plan to incorporate more pictures of Whiskey into regular posts, including one next week.
Did you take the pup with shaved eye area and indescended testical? I would have.
No, but he went home with one of his wheaten female sisters the next day. My vet advised me to take Whiskey as surgery to fix the issue could be $500. Plus, vets offices made you wait in the car then because people were only starting to get vaccinated for Covid. Times were challenging enough that February. I’m sure I would have been head over heels about either one.