Lilo Joins the Family 🐾🥔

We welcomed Lilo, a two-month-old French Bulldog puppy named after Lilo from Disney's Lilo and Stitch, into our family as my first dog ownership experience - also known as my little potato. We went to a local breeder and met the mum - Bella, their other dog which we think of him being an uncle to Lilo - Bertie, and the rest of the litter. We visited multiple times, when the puppies were a few weeks old, a month old and then the day we brought her home.

🗣️ Lilo was the quiet one at the few weeks old visit, between then and the one month old visit she became the loudest of the litter. The breeder sent us a video of her barking for food and another video of her cornering their cat into a corner. The cate - Lilly, was gentle and she moved her paw towards Lilo and ran away. So cute. She's still the same, barking at anything and everything.

🌶️ [2025]: Unfortunately my parents didn't socialise her enough so now she's very anxious and reactive at animals, other dogs, people, any noises and anything else that stresses her out like the hoover.

🐕 This journey has been an incredible learning opportunity, teaching me about puppy and dog care, breed-specific needs, and the ongoing commitment required for proper diet, exercise, and enrichment as she grows and develops.

📜 Responsibilities:

• 🍼 Establishing age-appropriate feeding schedule for a young puppy

• 🏠 Puppy-proofing the home environment

• 🚽 Beginning house training and creating routines

• 😴 Setting up safe sleeping areas and crate training

• 🩺 Scheduling and attending initial vet visits and vaccinations

• 🎾 Introducing gentle play and early socialization

• 📚 Researching French Bulldog breed-specific care requirements

• 👥 Helping Lilo bond with all family members

• 📖 Learning about puppy development stages

20/03/2018

🥔 See more of her on Instagram: @LiloTheFrenchie2018 🩶

🧐 Key Insights and Skills Gained:

• 🐶 Frequent puppy feeding

• 🫁 Knowledge of French Bulldog specific care

• 📈 Continuous learning is essential - diet, exercise, and enrichment needs evolve as dogs grow

• ⏰ Consistency and patience are crucial during the early training period

• 💡 Every dog is an individual, even within breed guidelines

• 🔍 Research and preparation help, but hands-on experience teaches you the most

• 💪 First-time dog ownership is challenging but incredibly rewarding

Bringing Lilo home marked the beginning of my journey into dog ownership and deepened my understanding of animal care. This experience continues to teach me valuable lessons that enhance my ability to provide quality pet care services for others.

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