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huntmark · 1 year ago

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Training a Hunting Puppy: First-Year Tips to Get Them Started

Training a hunting puppy is a uniquely rewarding journey, forging both a lifelong bond and a capable hunting companion. The first year in a hunting dog’s life is pivotal, the time when the foundation for their hunting skills is established. Your commitment during this inaugural year will pave the way for a lasting and fruitful partnership in the world of hunting.

The Joy of Training a Hunting Puppy

Training a gun dog is a rewarding experience that allows you to develop a lifelong bond with a capable and loyal hunting companion. The journey from a playful puppy to a skilled gun dog is filled with challenges and milestones that create a unique and enduring connection. Together, you’ll conquer challenges, celebrate milestones, and forge an enduring connection that will last a lifetime.

The Importance of the First Year in a Hunting Dog’s Development

The first year of a hunting dog’s life is crucial for building a solid foundation in their training and development. It’s during this time that you’ll introduce your puppy to the world of hunting, instill essential obedience, and develop the skills required to become a proficient gun dog.

A recent study focused on how a dog’s early experiences and behavior during its first year can impact its behavior later in life, especially when it comes to working tasks. The study used German Shepherds, and what they found was fascinating. Dogs that were more trainable during their first year tended to do well in a temperament test when they were about 17 months old. On the other hand, dogs that showed fear towards strangers, other dogs, and were less social didn’t perform as well. What’s even more interesting is that dogs that showed behaviors often associated with being a bit restless and hyperactive did better on the test. These findings tell us that the first year of a dog’s life plays a big role in how they behave later on.

When to Start Puppy Training for Hunting

The suitable age to initiate puppy training for hunting typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks. Training should be age-appropriate, considering your puppy’s limited attention span and physical capabilities. Begin with fundamental obedience and socialization, focusing on building a strong bond. As your puppy matures, introduce more specialized hunting training exercises. Adapt the training to your puppy’s needs, emphasizing patience, consistency, and gradual progress for a successful hunting dog.

Choosing the Right Puppy

Choosing the perfect hunting companion is an important decision that lays the foundation for a rewarding and successful journey in training a gun dog. To make an informed choice, you need to consider several factors that encompass not only the breed but also the puppy’s pedigree, health, temperament, and personality.

Choosing the Right Breed for Your Hunting Needs

Choosing the right breed is a critical step in your quest to train a proficient gun dog. The hunting world offers a diverse array of dog breeds, each possessing unique characteristics and skills, tailor-made for specific hunting pursuits. Your choice should align with your hunting objectives, whether you’re a waterfowl enthusiast, upland bird hunter, or big game tracker.

If your passion lies in waterfowl hunting, breeds like the Labrador Retriever or Chesapeake Bay Retriever are renowned for their exceptional water-retrieving abilities. These breeds are natural swimmers and excel in retrieving waterfowl from various bodies of water. On the other hand, if your hunting domain involves upland game birds, pointers, and setters like the English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer exhibit remarkable skills in locating and pointing game, making them invaluable partners for upland bird hunters.

The breed’s specific characteristics, such as their intelligence, trainability, stamina, and hunting instincts, should align with the demands of your chosen hunting style. When making your breed selection, thorough research, consultation with experienced hunters, and consideration of the terrain and game you intend to pursue will guide you toward the most suitable hunting companion.

Evaluating a Puppy’s Pedigree and Health

Once you’ve identified a breed that fits your hunting needs, the next vital aspect to scrutinize is the puppy’s pedigree and overall health. A strong pedigree is like a roadmap to your puppy’s future performance. It indicates the lineage and hunting history of the puppy’s parents and ancestors. The presence of accomplished hunters in their lineage often foreshadows the potential for success in your hunting dog. Therefore, in-depth research and conversations with breeders are necessary to ensure that your puppy hails from a reputable bloodline.

Moreover, the health of your hunting companion is non-negotiable. Puppies should come with clearances and records of vaccinations, ensuring they are protected from common diseases and illnesses. A healthy puppy not only has a better chance of thriving during training but also stands a lower risk of encountering health-related hurdles during their hunting career.

Regular vet check-ups are essential for your puppy’s ongoing well-being. It’s wise to discuss the veterinarian’s history and recommendations with the breeder to ensure a seamless transition from breeder care to your ongoing veterinary care.

Other Considerations for Picking the Ideal Hunting Companion

Beyond breed and health, there are myriad temperament and personality traits to contemplate when selecting your hunting puppy. These characteristics can significantly influence the success of your training efforts and the compatibility of your hunting partnership.

Temperament

A puppy’s temperament plays a pivotal role in their suitability as a hunting companion. Look for puppies with an even, confident, and eager-to-please temperament. These characteristics make for a puppy that is more likely to adapt well to training and remain composed in challenging hunting situations.

Drive

A strong prey drive is an indispensable quality in a hunting dog. It signifies a puppy’s natural inclination to pursue game, remain persistent in tracking, and display enthusiasm for retrieving. A high prey drive is often a reliable indicator of a puppy’s potential as a hunting partner.

Social Compatibility

Consider how well the puppy interacts with other dogs and people during the initial meeting. A well-socialized puppy is more likely to adapt seamlessly to training and enjoy companionship during hunts. Their ability to interact positively with both fellow dogs and humans is a valuable asset.

Trainability

The willingness of a puppy to learn and obey commands is a significant attribute for a successful hunting partner. While some breeds and individual dogs may be more trainable than others, a puppy displaying a readiness to learn and work with you is a valuable asset.

Energy Level

Different breeds and individual puppies may possess varying energy levels. The puppy’s energy should align with your hunting style. Some breeds are high-energy and thrive with more exercise and stimulation, while others are calmer and may be better suited to a less active hunting approach.

Evaluating these considerations and observing a puppy’s behavior during initial interactions will allow you to make a well-informed decision when choosing the ideal hunting companion. The right blend of genetics, health, temperament, and personality ensures that your puppy is not only suited for the field but also a reliable and devoted partner in your hunting adventures.

Socialization and Early Exposure

The Critical Role of Early Socialization

Early socialization is the cornerstone for building a well-rounded and confident hunting dog. It is during this critical phase that your puppy starts to adapt to the world around them. Socialization involves exposing your puppy to various environments, experiences, and people from a young age. This process is crucial for developing their social skills, ensuring they remain calm and composed in different situations, and reducing the likelihood of fear or anxiety later in life.

For hunting dogs, proper socialization involves gradually introducing your puppy to a wide range of environments, such as open fields, dense woods, and bodies of water. These experiences are essential for preparing them to handle the diverse terrains they will encounter during hunts. The goal is to make these environments feel familiar and safe to your puppy, so they can confidently navigate them when the time comes.

Meeting Other Dogs and People

Positive interactions with other dogs and humans are pivotal for ensuring your hunting dog becomes sociable and friendly. It’s not just about getting your puppy accustomed to the presence of others; it’s about fostering positive associations with them. Early exposure to well-behaved dogs and friendly people can help your puppy develop social skills, reducing the likelihood of aggressive or fearful behavior in adulthood.

When introducing your puppy to other dogs, select those with good temperament and behavior. Controlled playdates and supervised interactions in a safe environment can help build social confidence. Encourage your puppy to engage in gentle play and discourage aggressive or dominant behavior. Positive interactions with humans should be similarly encouraged, with treats and praise used to reinforce good behavior.

Nourish Positive Experiences with Wildlife and Water

Hunting dogs often work in challenging environments and come into contact with various wildlife. It’s essential to introduce your puppy to these experiences in a way that builds confidence and enthusiasm rather than fear. Begin with controlled encounters, such as observing birds and small animals from a distance. Gradually expose your puppy to the sights, sounds, and smells of wildlife while ensuring their safety.

Moreover, water plays a significant role in many hunting scenarios, so early exposure is crucial. Introduce your puppy to water gently and gradually. Start with shallow and calm bodies of water. Encourage them to wade, swim, and retrieve objects from the water, all while providing positive reinforcement to create a positive association.

Remember that the purpose of early socialization is to prepare your puppy for a lifetime of hunting adventures, ensuring they remain calm, confident, and well-behaved in various hunting environments.

Basic Obedience Training

The Foundation of Obedience for Hunting Dogs

Basic obedience commands are the cornerstone of maintaining control and ensuring the safety of your hunting dog. These fundamental commands lay the groundwork for more advanced training and are essential for maintaining a harmonious partnership in the field. Obedience commands not only help you communicate with your dog but also ensure they respond reliably in hunting situations, where safety and efficiency are paramount.

The key commands to focus on during basic obedience training include “sit,” “stay,” and “recall” (coming when called). These commands are essential for keeping your dog under control, preventing them from engaging with wildlife prematurely, and ensuring they return to you when needed.

The Importance of Consistency and Positive Reinforcement

Basic obedience commands are important, but this is empowered by consistency and positive reinforcement. It is important that are always be consistent with your commands, rewards, and consequences. The keyword here is “always”. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and affection, to reward your puppy for following commands correctly. Consistency ensures that your dog understands what is expected of them, while positive reinforcement makes obedience a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Maintaining consistency is equally vital among all family members who interact with the puppy, as mixed signals can lead to confusion. Make training sessions fun and engaging, keeping them short and frequent to prevent your puppy from becoming bored or distracted.

With patience and consistency, your puppy will learn the fundamental commands, setting the stage for more advanced training and a safe, cooperative hunting partner.

Teaching Basic Commands: Sit, Stay, and Recall

Teaching these basic commands requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Start with one command at a time, and use clear, concise verbal cues paired with hand signals to communicate your expectations to your puppy. For example, when teaching “sit,” say the word while gently pressing on your puppy’s hindquarters to encourage them to sit. When they do so, reward them with a treat and praise.

“Stay” and “recall” are equally important. “Stay” will help keep your dog in place, especially when you need them to remain still while you prepare for a shot or set up decoys.

“Recall” ensures that your dog returns to you promptly, even amid exciting hunting scenarios. Consistent practice in various environments is crucial to reinforce these commands under different conditions.

Gun and Noise Sensitivity

Exposure to gunshots and other loud noises is an essential component of training a hunting dog. Since many hunting scenarios involve the use of firearms, ensuring that your puppy is not only accustomed to these sounds but also maintains a positive association with them is crucial for their success in the field. In this section, we’ll explore the gradual exposure to gunshots, the techniques to build a positive association with gun sounds, and the use of desensitization and counter-conditioning to develop your puppy’s confidence in noisy hunting situations.

Gradual Exposure to Gunshots and Loud Noises

Introducing your puppy to gunshots and loud noises should be a gradual and carefully orchestrated process. Start with milder noises and gradually work your way up to the sound of actual gunshots. This approach prevents overwhelming your puppy and minimizes the risk of developing noise aversion or anxiety.

Begin by exposing your puppy to everyday sounds, such as kitchen appliances, doorbells, or sirens. As your puppy becomes accustomed to these noises, you can move on to more intense but controlled sounds, like clapping or stomping. This gradual progression prepares your puppy for the more pronounced and unpredictable sounds they will encounter during hunting.

During this phase, maintain a calm and reassuring presence to convey to your puppy that these noises are not associated with danger. Treats, praise, and play can be used to create positive associations with exposure to these sounds, making it a pleasant experience for your puppy.

Building a Positive Association with Gun Sounds

Creating a positive association with gun sounds is a necessity for your puppy’s comfort and confidence in hunting situations. Start by associating the sound of gunshots with something enjoyable and rewarding. To build this association effectively, you can use classical conditioning. When your puppy hears a gunshot, offer them a high-value treat immediately. This will lead your puppy to associate the sound of gunfire with positive outcomes, reinforcing their confidence and comfort in these situations.

Gradually increase the intensity of the gun sounds as your puppy becomes more at ease. If you have access to a starter pistol or blanks, use them to mimic gunfire sounds in a controlled environment. Keep the experience positive, ensuring that your puppy always associates the noise with rewards.

Using Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Techniques

Desensitization and counter-conditioning are valuable techniques for helping your puppy become comfortable with the sounds of hunting. Desensitization involves exposing your puppy to the noise at a low level and progressively increasing the intensity or duration over time, all while ensuring a positive experience. Counter-conditioning pairs the noise with something pleasurable, changing your puppy’s emotional response from fear to anticipation. Always gauge your puppy’s comfort level and never push them beyond their tolerance.

Introduction to Retrieving

The Role of Retrieving in Hunting

Retrieving is the process of facilitating the recovery of game and ensuring a successful hunt. This is a basic all gun dogs should learn. The goal of letting the gun dog retrieve game is to minimize the risk of losing wounded animals. Without the help of a hunting dog’s superb sense of smell and agility, retrieving game be tiresome. Also, considering many birds make use of camouflage, trying to find them after they are shot down can be quite difficult.

The early stages of retrieving training are pivotal for paving the way to future success. Focusing on the basics, such as mastering the “fetch” command (use of the pup’s name here is a good choice) and ensuring consistent obedience, is essential.

Fun and Engaging Retrieving Games

Retrieving games, when approached with creativity and enthusiasm, transform into enjoyable learning experiences for your puppy, laying the foundation for strong retrieving skills. Let’s explore a variety of exciting games and exercises tailored to nurture your puppy’s abilities, both physically and mentally, essential for successful hunting endeavors.

Fetch with Retrieving Toys: Introduce your puppy to classic games of fetch using specialized retrieving toys like the Waterfowl Retriever Training Dummy or Deluxe Hunting Dog Training Bumpers. These specially designed tools float on water, making them perfect for water retrieves. Begin in a controlled environment, gradually increasing the distance and complexity to challenge your puppy’s skills.

Water Retrieves: If you have access to a safe water body, incorporate water retrieves into your training routine. Encourage your puppy to retrieve toys from the water, enhancing their swimming abilities and confidence in aquatic environments. Start with shallow water and progress to deeper areas as your puppy gains proficiency.

Mock Hunting Scenarios: Create simulated hunting scenarios in your training area using decoys and scents to mimic real hunting situations. Guide your puppy to find hidden objects or dummies, honing their scent detection skills and teaching them to work effectively in different terrains.

Retrieve and Recall Races: Combine retrieving with recall commands. Have someone hold your puppy while you move away, then call your puppy back and encourage them to fetch a training bumper. This game enhances both retrieving skills and responsiveness to your commands.

Hide and Seek Retrieval: Hide retrieving toys or dummies in your training area and encourage your puppy to find and retrieve them. This game sharpens your puppy’s scent tracking abilities while making the training process enjoyable.

Obstacle Course Retrieving: Create a small obstacle course with hurdles and tunnels. Guide your puppy through the course, incorporating retrieving tasks at various stages. This game not only improves physical agility but also enhances problem-solving skills.

By incorporating these engaging retrieving games and exercises, you not only strengthen your puppy’s retrieving abilities but also instill a love for hunting tasks. Remember, each game should be positive and rewarding, making the learning process both effective and enjoyable for your budding hunting companion.

Ongoing Health and Wellness

Regular Vet Check-ups and Vaccinations

Regular vet check-ups are fundamental. They allow for early issue detection and preventative care. Typically, adult dogs should have annual check-ups, while puppies require more frequent visits to ensure their development is on track. Customized vaccination schedules, tailored to your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and regional considerations, are also crucial. Core vaccines like those for rabies and distemper should be administered regularly, and non-core vaccines may be recommended based on hunting activities and exposure risks. In addition to vaccinations, monitoring and treating parasites, dental care, and proper nutrition are integral components of your dog’s health maintenance.

Maintaining a strong partnership with your veterinarian ensures your hunting dog remains in peak condition for the field, promoting longevity and peak performance during hunting activities.

Nutrition Tailored to a Hunting Dog’s Needs

Proper nutrition is just as important. As active and energetic companions, hunting dogs have unique dietary requirements that differ from those of sedentary pets. Their diet should be specially tailored to provide the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, ensuring they have the energy and endurance needed for strenuous hunting tasks. High-quality dog food rich in lean proteins supports muscle strength, while a moderate amount of healthy fats provides sustained energy throughout long hunts. Additionally, carbohydrates supply quick bursts of energy for intense moments in the field. It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to determine the optimal diet for your specific hunting dog, taking into account their breed, age, activity level, and any health considerations. By providing the right nutrition, you’ll be supporting your hunting dog’s overall health, vitality, and success in the field.

Training a Hunting Puppy: Nurturing a Lifelong Hunting Companion

The first year in a hunting dog’s life is very important. It is a time when the foundations of obedience, socialization, and specialized skills are laid. This journey is not just about honing a skilled hunting companion; it’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing and caring for our four-legged friends. All the effort invested during this inaugural year set the stage for a lifetime of exhilarating hunting adventures and the creation of an unbreakable connection between hunter and hunting dog.

Choosing the right breed, nurturing positive behaviors, and fostering a love for retrieving are all integral elements in crafting a proficient hunting dog. The commitment to early socialization and strategic exposure to gun sounds are crucial for building a confident and reliable hunting partner. Moreover, ongoing attention to your dog’s health and nutritional needs ensures their well-being and longevity. The journey of training a hunting puppy is a labor of love, an intricate dance of patience and perseverance, with the promise of a lifelong partnership forged in the great outdoors. As you embark on this journey, remember that your hunting dog is not just a companion; they are a testament to the age-old alliance between humanity and the natural world, a bond that transcends time and defines the spirit of the hunt.

#gundogtraining #doghuntingtraining #dogbumpers #dogtrainingsupplies #gundog #dogtrainingdummy #waterfowldummy

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lilxberry · 3 years ago

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Damn Dog! - Yelena Belova

Synopsis;

Yelena comes home with a stray in the hopes of giving the sweet dog a home with herself and her partner, you. When you don’t budge in your decision in not allowing the dog to stay, Yelena searches for the perfect home for the four legged home invader, all while the dog seems to try convince you to allow it to stay in more unconventional ways.

Warnings: Serious amount of language. Major fluff. Mentions of animal abuse (literally once and it’s not descriptive like, at all). Humour. Most likely OOC!Yelena (I haven’t seen Black Widow yet, although I am getting to it!)

Words: 4,075

Pairings: Yelena Belova x reader (intended female reader) (pretty certain I hadn’t specified a gender though)

(A/N: As I’ve said within the warnings, I have yet to watch Black Widow so Yelena may possibly be OOC. And although I haven’t seen it, I knew from the first trailer that this was just another person I was gone fall in love with lmao.)

(A/N 2: Kosmostars is an actual cereal from Russia that I’ve had multiple times. It’s so nice, holy shit. Also, you’ll be able to guess roughly when this was set from something I had written on ‘Day 3′, although I did just set this in Russia ‘cause why not.)

(A/N 3: Everything in bold italics are in Russian and everything in bold italics encased in brackets is the translation.)

_______________

You heard the slap of bare feet against the floor in quick beats before your door slammed open revealing a dishevelled Yelena. Although you felt thoroughly confused, your face remained schooled, your eyes slowly retreating back towards the book held within your hand, beginning to leisurely read once more.

“Yelena?”

“Don’t go into the kitchen!” she rushed out.

This time, your head tilted towards your girlfriend, raising an eyebrow up in question. “And why not, любовь моя?” (My love?)

Just as she opened her mouth, a high yapping could be heard from down the hall. You groaned and rolled your eyes, looking near close to giving up and jumping out of the window. “That best not be what I think it is.” Your tone held warning and all she did was smile sheepishly.

Sighing heavily, you close your eyes and pinch the bridge of your nose, lowering the book down into your lap pathetically. “No Yelena.”

“But it was abandoned! And it’s like, super cute!” she whined, gesturing her arms wildly in a weak attempt to persuade you. “Just, at least come have a look at it before you force me to get rid of it.”

Removing your pointer finger and thumb of its position on your nose, you look at Yelena who had the biggest of puppy dog eyes, her bottom lip jutted out ever so slightly for that added extra effect. You huffed and you placed your bookmark between the two pages you had open and placed the now closed novel beside you on the bed before uncrossing your legs at the ankle and swinging your legs over the edge of the bed and standing.

She beamed brightly before turning and quickly exiting the bedroom, hastily making her way back towards the kitchen where she had left the animal. Standing, you groaned as you raised your arms above your head in a stretch, your t-shirt riding up slightly as you did so. Feeling satisfied, you began your small trek to the kitchen yourself.

You could catch the scent of wet dog before you rounded the corner and when your eyes finally settled on the small Chesapeake Bay Retriever with such a dirty, filth ridden coat, you couldn’t even tell which colour it actually was, you groaned once more.

The kitchen was covered in muck what the dog brought with it and there was a small trail of muddy paw prints that created a path from the front door to the kitchen of your shared apartment.

Groaning, you cross your arms, and an unimpressed expression befell on to your face. “Okay. I’ve seen it. Now my answer still stands. No.”

“But! Babe-“

“No. Get rid of it. And clean the damn mess up. I certainly aren’t doing it.” You cut her off, going to turn on your heel and return to your shared bedroom but paused as Yelena spoke up.

“Why can’t we keep it?” Her voice sounded genuinely upset and hurt with a hint of curiosity. It made your heart clench but nonetheless, you would stand your ground.

“We don’t exactly have the time to look after a dog, Yelena. You do remember what we do for a living, yes? Plus, I don’t even think the building allows pets like dogs.” Yelena couldn’t deny that you certainly made excellent points but she had some of her own.

“We aren’t always away and, since we are so good at what we do, it never really takes long, so we would have time. And I’m pretty sure that old lady upstairs has like, 17 cats!” she exclaimed.

You groaned loudly as you threw your head back before turning you gaze back towards Yelena. “What’s wrong with the fish we have?” You stretched your arm in the general direction of the medium sized tank that held a dozen and a half of colourful, vibrant, exotic fish.

“They’re boring. You can’t walk them, you can’t cuddle them, you can’t play with them. They just swim and eat and make way too many babies,” she sasses back, folding her arms across her chest and popping her hip out feeling she had won the argument.

“Who would’ve thought that fish swim and eat and reproduce?” you rhetorically asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. “They’re easy to look after and they certainly don’t make a mess of the apartment. That thing,” you pointed towards the dog who sat quietly between the two of you, head tilting side to side as it watched the both of you. “Has been here what? 5 minutes? And look the state of the place.”

“A fish is also very unlikely to break your heart when it dies.” Yelena opened her mouth to retort back but you continued, silencing her once more. “We have nothing to look after it, no bed, no food, no collar or lead, no toys. We cannot look after this dog and that’s final, Yelena.”

You left before she could reply, certainly not wanting to see her heartbroken expression. You knew you would be in the doghouse for quite some time but, you were doing this for her. That dog would do nothing but break her heart in the end. Getting attached to such things never works out.

Just as you reached the bedroom, you could hear Yelena call out to you, her tone very sullen and down with a hint of anger. You certainly knew you would be sleeping on the couch that night. “It’ll be gone within the week. The least you could do is give me time to find a suitable home for it!”

Sighing, you enter the bedroom and close the door behind you, moving to sit atop the bed once more, picking up your book and getting comfortable. Moments pass where the apartment it fairly silently until you heard the muffled sound of the shower running down the hallway and you assumed that she was cleaning up the stray she had lured home.

Of course, Yelena got the time needed to find a loving home for the animal but turns out, it had lasted longer than you had hoped and the days that followed were certainly…something.

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Day 1

Your back felt stiff from lying on the couch all night, tossing and turning as you had struggled to get comfortable on the furniture and you had felt a lot more exhausted than normal from the lack of sleep you could attain as you were away from your bed.

But what had been the main cause of you rousing from your moment of actual sleep had been a hyperactive puppy jumping on your chest, winding you and causing a pain to erupt in your gut.

Coughing and groaning, you sat up and clutched at your abdomen. Opening your eyes, the furry little bastard that awoke you sat before you, wagging its tail and panting obnoxiously loud. You narrowed your eyes at your early morning attacker as it stared up at you with a tilted head.

“Спасибо, ты гребаный засранец,” you muttered quietly before standing from the couch and slugged your way to the, now clean, kitchen, yawning and scratching at an itch on your lower back. (Thanks, you fucking asshole.)

Your tired eyes spot your girlfriend stood quietly at the stove, two frying pans atop a ring each, one cooking bacon and the other eggs from what your nose could pick up.

“Morning,” you grumbled but, rather than Yelena smiling at you and wishing you a good morning, you received silence and the image of her back. Sighing softly, you try once more, attempting a more cautious and gentle approach.

“I know you’re upset with me but please understand that we just cannot have a dog.” You watched her once tense shoulders sag and a sigh escape her. Diminishing the small bubble of nerves you had felt at a possible Yelena outburst, you walked closer and closer until you wrapped your arms around her waist and rest your chin atop her head.

“I’m upset, but I understand.” She moved far enough for your head to move from the crown of her own, and she turned, puckering her lips slightly, awaiting a kiss to which you chuckled and complied.

“You hungry?” she asked sweetly to which you nodded vigorously.

“Starving.”

Yelena proceeded to chuckled before removing your arms from around her waist and moving to turn the gas off for both rings, both eggs and bacon fully cooked. One by one, she removed the frying pans from atop the hob and plated all the egg on one plate and shared the multiple slices of bacon between two. “The stoves’ free now, if you want to use it.”

You gaped at her as she moved to sit at the small, round table a few feet away, placing the plate with both bacon and eggs before her and the other on the floor beside her which prompted the dog to come bounding over before devouring the meat.

“So, I’m no longer getting fed? That little asshole gets my food?!”

“Yep,” she replied nonchalantly, popping the ‘P’ before piling some egg on to her fork and casually shoving the food in her mouth, chewing contently. You threw your hands up in exasperation and turned to face the multiple cupboards, moving towards the one that usually held the small assortment of different cereal.

Finally fixing yourself up a bowl of Kosmostars, you take a seat beside Yelena at the table, grumpily tucking into to your cereal, shovelling mouthfuls in and chewing fast, milk from your spoon occasionally dropping on to your chin which you moodily wipe away with the back of your hand.

Yelena held back a laugh at your pouty, child-like behaviour and she thought now would be the perfect time to mention her plans for the day. “By the way, I’ll be going out to get some things for the dog, since we can’t feed him bacon everyday for each meal until he leaves. We can give what we bought to his new owners then.”

You hummed around your spoon before speaking with a full mouth. “Found out it’s a boy, huh?”

“Do the female dogs you usually see have a penis?” she asked playfully and you chuckled sarcastically, rolling your eyes. As you scooped more of your cereal into your mouth, she continued. “Anyways, that means you’ll have to watch him while I’m out.”

“WHAT?!” you exclaimed, slightly muffled by the cereal you had yet to swallow before speaking. “I GOTTA DAMN DOGSIT?!”

Rather than a reply from Yelena, the aforementioned dog barked at you, causing you to groan and Yelena to laugh, finding the whole thing highly amusing.

_______________

Day 2

The cold weather in Russia was a regular occurrence but today the cold, bitter bite of the wind seemed crueller and more unrelenting.

Walking through the apartment as you towel dry your hair from your shower, you find Yelena curled up on the couch, blanket tightly wrapped around her as she half-ass attempts to pay attention to the television adjacent.

Chuckling, you allow the towel to drape over your shoulders and walk towards the couch, coming to stand behind it. You leant over the back and placed your hands atop her shoulders which caused her to jump and snap her head towards you, eliciting a chuckle from you.

“You seem comfy,” you teased.

“I’d be comfier if you joined me.” She flashed a blinding, wide smile to which you shook your head at and began to round the couch to join her.

You reached the front of the couch and plonked yourself down, reclining back. Just as Yelena began to scoot closer towards you and nestle herself under your arm which you had raised for her automatically, it jumped up between the two of you, laying his body between you and resting its head upon your girlfriends’ lap without a care in the world.

Yelena softly giggled at the puppies act of ‘cuteness’ whereas you growled under your breath in annoyance. Rather than move the dog and snuggle with you, she curled herself up and around the dog, cuddling it and scratching behind its ears affectionately.

‘Чёртов пёс,’ you thought to yourself as you scowled and sat by yourself, neglected by your girlfriend. (Damn dog.)

_______________

Day 3

Feet outstretched, resting on top of the coffee table and legs crossed at the ankle, newspaper in hand and a steaming cup of coffee beside you on the end table. You felt utterly relaxed and with Yelena out shopping for food, it was her turn anyways, you had complete silence. Beautiful, blissful silence.

Key word; had.

You didn’t hate dogs, of course you didn’t. It just…wasn’t an opportune time for a bigger responsibility, bigger than your colourful and exotic fish at least.

Peacefully reading an article on some crazy happenings in Sokovia, a slobbery tennis ball that already looked like it had been chewed to hell had been dropped into your lap. Looking down, you see the yellow, fuzzy sphere glistening with saliva in your lap.

Soft pants sound beside you and when you slowly turn your head to your left, you see the dog, sitting right in the spot Yelena usually occupies, head tilted, tongue hanging out of his mouth, clearly waiting for you to interact with him.

“No.” You pick the ball up between your pointer finger and thumb, face subtly twisted in disgust and tossed it away from you.

The dog bounded after the ball and just as you grasped your newspaper again ready to return to reading after wiping your wet digits down the leg of your sweatpants, the ball drops down on to your lap once more and a happy, singular bark sounds from your left.

Groaning loudly, you cave and pick the ball up again, tossing it to the other side of the room. Before the dog returned, you adjusted the newspaper so you could hold it with your right hand.

The two of you repeated the action of throwing and returning the ball as you read until the pup exhausted himself out, flopping on to the couch beside you and releasing a yawn. You tare your eyes away from the words before you to peer down at the dog, the corner of your mouth twitching upwards ever so slightly.

“I guess you’re kind of cute, dog.”

The dog rotated his body, exposing his belly at you as he pants happily. You shake your head and chuckle as you bring your hand that had been playing catch with the dog down on to his tummy, rubbing and patting it.

You absentmindedly continue the action as you read right up to the moment Yelena came through the door, bags filled with food and other necessities in hand, the dog charging at her to greet her at the door.

After giving the dog attention, she raised her head to look at you, her eyes quickly landing on to your sweatpants with darker patches from the dogs’ slobber off the ball. “What happened to your pants?”

You looked down and grimaced. “The damn dog is what happened.”

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Day 4

With the days ending sooner and darkness rolling in quicker due to the colder of the four seasons, it had already reached the end of the day before you know it.

Once again, you casually stretched your legs out on the bed as your read from your book, enjoying the authors tale of murder and mystery all while Yelena was washing up to join you in bed, desperate to join you under the covers and heat up.

“I just don’t understand,” Yelena called out to you from the bathroom down the hallway from the bedroom.

Chuckling, you reply. “Don’t understand what?”

“That no one seems to want Kosmo! I can’t find anyone that wants him!”

“You named him?!” At that point, Yelena had finished in the bathroom and rounded the corner, walking towards the bed as she ties her hair up haphazardly, nodding in response. “After cereal?”

She shrugs. “I mean, why not?”

You looked at her flabbergasted and began to speak slowly, as if trying to explain something to a child. “Because he’s a dog and that’s cereal. Also, you’re just going to get more attached now. Meaning, you’re going to be even more upset when he goes to live with his new owners.”

Yelena sighs as she climbs into the bed and covers herself with the quilt. “I know.”

Rolling your eyes, you place your bookmark into the novel and place it on to the bedside table, switching the lamp off afterwards. You turn and place a sweet, quick kiss on her lips. “Goodnight, Yelena.”

“Goodnight,” she replies drowsily.

Settling yourself under the covers properly, you lie awake until sleep comes along to take you in its grasp.

Just as you’re dropping off to sleep, you feel a shift in the bed and movement to your left. You stir and twist your body to face who you assumed was Yelena, only to be met with a long swipe of a tongue up the side of your face.

Grunting, you wipe your arm along your face to get rid of the slobber and narrow your eyes at the four-legged intruder. “спускайся,” you commanded quietly, to which the dog responded in nuzzling itself further in between yourself and Yelena. (Get down.)

“No, Kosmo-“ You cut yourself off with a sigh and decided to allow the dog to remain in bed with the two of you. Plus, you couldn’t deny that the warmth the dog radiated was a nice change from the coldness you would usually feel.

The dog was like a damn radiator!

With much reluctance, you allowed your drowsy eyes to droop close and you finally fell asleep. At some point during the night, you had wrapped your arm around the pooch, hugging it close to your body loosely.

The damn dog was growing on you.

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Day 5

After what was possibly the best sleep you had in years, you wouldn’t admit it though, most the day passed by as it usually did, quality time spent in each other’s presence and eating together when it came the time for meals.

Now, a lazy winter afternoon, the two of you were sat beside each other on the couch, no dog separating the two of you, lounging around as reruns of some terrible sitcom plays.

“I should probably take Kosmo for a walk. He hasn’t been out in a few hours now,” Yelena speaks, pulling away from you and sitting up, ready to stand and collect her shoes and coat along with Kosmos’ collar and lead.

“Wanna come with?” You raise an eyebrow up as you look at her, to which she pouts, pulling out her best puppy dog eyes.

Chuckling, you stand and hold your hand out to her which she snatches hastily, allowing you to pull her to stand. The two of you make quick work in putting on appropriate clothing and shoes for the cold winter in Russia and before you know it, you’re out the door, Kosmo on his leash, all three of you trudging through the snow-covered streets.

Arriving at a park, Yelena unclips Kosmos’ leash from his collar to allow him to run around freely and you two to follow at a slower, more leisurely pace. She wraps her arm around your own as you stroll, hugging it tightly.

“This is nice,” she breaks the silence between you both moments later.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” She sighs happily as a feeling of contentment washes over her, part of it rubbing off on you as you happen to feel quite happy in the moment also.

She releases her hold on your arm and opts to take a hold of your glove clad hand in her own as she steps in front of you and walks backwards, smiling. You eye her suspiciously. “What?”

“Nothing,” she says in a sing-song tone causing you to chuckle and pull her closer to you.

“Weirdo,” you tease.

Yelena hums and leans in. Just as your lips are about to meet in a sweet kiss, you caught movement in your peripheral and heard a yelp swiftly after causing you to jerk away from Yelena and turn to your right, Yelena copying your actions.

Kosmo was quick to return to you and Yelena as a man began to laugh, two others behind him joining in with his laughter. You were quick to realise that what you had caught out the corner of your eye was the man kicking Kosmo and just as quickly as realisation had dawned on you, your blood began to boil.

“Hey!” You began storming over towards the man as Yelena crouched down beside Kosmo, cheeking him over and ensuring he’s okay, trying to soothe him as best as she could. Looking at the man, you could easily tell he and his friends were intoxicated due to how they swayed on the spot.

“Зачем ты пнул мою собаку, пьяный кусок дерьма?” you raged, quickly closing in on him. This seemed to cause their laughter to die down, just drunken chuckles escaping them occasionally. (Why'd you kick my dog, you fucking drunk piece of shit?)

“Эта шавка принадлежит тебе?” His eyes were lidded and his words were slurred. (That mutt belongs to you?)

“Он не какая-то дворняга,” you seethed. You now stood before him, fists clenched tightly as your anger rose. You desperately restrained yourself from beating the living daylights out of the man who was a good 3 inches shorter than you, at least. (He ain’t some mutt.)

“Похоже на одно,” he started as he chuckled, the scent of the alcohol he had been drinking wafted up into your nose. “Я бы получил еще один удар, если бы этот мелки�� ублюдок не убежал.” (Looks like one.) (I would've got another kick in if the little fucker didn't run.)

The three men roared in laughter, and you saw red. You snapped. With fast movements, you grasped the man’s arm, twisting it behind his back and holding it firmly in a bruising grip. You could feel bone in his arm beneath your palm strain and slowly inch closer and closer to snapping in your hold.

All three of the mens’ eyes had widened in alarm and fear, you could feel the man in your hands shake and tremble, although you couldn’t tell whether it was due to you, the cold weather or the alcohol he had been consuming.

“Еще раз тронешь нашу собаку, и я сломаю тебе обе руки.” You stared at the two of his friends with a dark, cold, intimidating expression and dead eyes as you spoke in a menacing, threatening tone. “Это касается и вас двоих тоже.” (Touch our dog again and I'll break both of your arms.) (That goes for you two, too.)

You released your grip on the man who staggered forward and ran towards his friends. They all staggered away as quickly as their intoxicated bodies would allow.

Spitting at the floor, a habit you had done ever since you were younger when angry, you turned back to Yelena and Kosmo, your face instantly softening. You rushed over, joining Yelena in kneeling beside Kosmo, cautiously petting him and stroking through his coat which was now quite damp due to the snowflakes that had melted after coming in contact with his body.

“Is he okay?” you asked, genuinely concerned for the dog, eyes focused on him, missing the smile Yelena was watching you with.

“Yeah, he’s fine. Doesn’t seem too hurt.”

You hummed. “Okay. Good. We’ll take him to get checked out tomorrow.”

Receiving no reply, you lift your gaze from Kosmo in front of you to Yelena who was looking at you with complete and utter adoration. You raised your eyebrow in question, confused. “What?”

“Our dog, huh?” She smiled knowingly.

You threw your head back and groaned. “Fine!” you relented. “We’ll keep the damn dog! You’ve already named him anyways.”

Surprisingly, Yelena squealed in happiness and she quickly leant over Kosmo between you and kissed you which you quickly melted into. She pulled back slightly, her lips still ghosting over yours in a feather-like touch. “I love you,” she whispered.

“Yeah, yeah. I love you, too.” You captured her lips once more; the kiss being cut short due to a certain over-excitable pup wanting to join in. Yelena laughs as you grimace and wipe your cheek the back of your coats’ sleeve.

“Damn dog.”

_______________

My first Yelena fic

That’s cool

I’m probably not going to be writing for the rest of the week since I had my second vaccine jab this morning and last time, my throat closed up after 24 hours and couldn’t breath properly for like a whole ass week

So, yeah. That’s fun

If you want to be added to a taglist lemme know

Anywho, I hope you enjoy

As always, constructive criticism and requests are welcomed and greatly appreciated :D

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Marvel taglist:

@thanossexual

#yelena belova #yelena #Black Widow #yelena x #yelena x reader #yelena belova x #yelena belova x reader #yelena belova x female reader #x reader #x fem #x fem!reader #x female reader #x fem reader #fluff #marvel fic #marvel #marvel fluff #marvel fanfiction

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