Well Rudy has been here for 17 days now and it feels like he has been here much longer, which is a good thing. 
However sometimes he seems really settled and relaxed and then other times we are right back to square one.  It can happen so fast and be so unfathomable.  Today Rudy has been rather unsettled and licking his lips an awful lot,  so presumably nervous or anxious but it can be a sign of other things too.  His poos are rather dry so he has had some pumpkin with his dinner in case he is uncomfortable  as this is great at loosening things up.

He had only really been licking his lips when the lead or harness came out and after the trip out a week ago he had no exposure to the lead or harness at all.  I brought a lead out a couple of days ago and he has been much more lip licky since then.  He has also been licking his lips while running up to us and wagging his tail so I am quite confused.  We never shout at him or anything at all punitive.  The worst would be a firm NO.  He is so responsive to his name that this is rarely necessary.

We haven't been able to take Rudy out for walks yet due to his anxiety about the lead or the harness,  He is beginning to get more upset than he used to when he sees things outside the garden, dogs etc.  He barks and barks at them and then comes running in crying, really crying at us and then barking to get us to go out with him.  This seems like he is frustrated at not being able to go out of the garden.  He would willingly trot out of the gate off the lead but not on it and we are so near a big road so it can't and won't be done.

We would dearly like to walk him and give him the stimulation he is obviously ready for.  I have messaged a behaviourist - funnily enough the woman who home checked me -  to find out prices but I can't afford to do anything about it at the moment.

I love this little doggie to pieces and I hate to see him unhappy.  I do feel getting him out for walks is key.  All a bit blurgh today.  It is a bit of a roller coaster with this wee lad but he does give the best cuddles and I am sure we will get there!!! Off to groom my little boy. Til next time xx