Who? What?

These little guys are just too cute.  At almost four months old, these Yorkie brothers are learning their names and quickly becoming aware of their surroundings and their new home where they will be loved endlessly.  They will require constant supervision (crate, x-pen, or on a leash) and a consistent schedule for feeding and house-training.  We will begin basic obedience where “good” and “yes” are heard far more than “no”.  Right boys?  “YES!”

Crate Training is Cruel

Lately, I have heard this comment from several people.  I want to ask…to whom?  If you abandon a dog to a crate in some remote place in the home where it isn’t around its new family, perhaps that could be considered cruel.  I sense an element of pride when someone assures me their puppy doesn’t need a crate.  OK.

I may never hear the sequel to that story, but I can almost guarantee that confinement of some sort is necessary in order to provide a safe place for a puppy while house training, teaching house manners, and letting them move beyond the time of mass destruction commonly referred to as “teething.”

Do I insist on crate training?  No.  Do I want to do all I can to assist in a newly adopted dog staying in its new home with the least amount of stress and confusion?  Yes.  It doesn’t matter to me – it’s what works for you and your pup.  But, a puppy given too much room, is very difficult to house train.  I know some people have the time to take their dog out every hour or so for a potty break, so the need for confinement doesn’t seem necessary.   However, this pup will not learn to hold it and to let you know when it needs to go out, and it will also be difficult to get it on a schedule so you can leave the dog when necessary.

Crate training a dog is neither cruel nor the only way to go.  From the work I do, I can tell you it has saved many a relationship with man’s best friend.

If you need assistance with house training and/or crate training, get a copy of my ebook “The Truth About Housebreaking” and get a free copy of my crate training ebook.

It’s Officially Puppy Season!

Puppy Season is upon us! It sounds exciting doesn’t it? Puppies are adorable and make us smile! They smell good and make the sweetest sounds. Later in life, the smell and sounds as they sit in the shelter aren’t quite as appealing. I know there are people who want to share the miracle of birth and the wonder of these new, precious lives with their kids or just for themselves. May I make a suggestion?

If you really want that puppy experience, (or an “accident” occurs because the dog wasn’t neutered/spayed), and you can keep and care for all of the pups throughout their lives, great. If you are like most and about five weeks into the adventure of puppy-dom the thrill is gone and you place ads on Craigslist or wait in front of the grocery store with a basket of pups, here’s an alternative. Connect with a local rescue group or shelter and offer to foster a pregnant dog or her puppies, and then you can have the experience and feel great about your contribution.

There are a lot of reputable breeders who have waiting lists of people wanting their dogs. This is not about you. While I may think a moratorium on breeding sounds like a great idea, it’s not the solution. The ones most responsible for the over-population wouldn’t participate any way!

I know I say it often, but do what you can to help the shelters and rescue/foster organizations. You may be surprised at what may seem like a little feels like a lot to those who need your help.

If you want to adopt a puppy or any dog for that matter, I am very happy to help hook you up with a rescue or to check out the area shelters for you. It can be overwhelming, but trust me, it’s well worth it!

Christmas Puppies

This is the time of year when an impulse may hit to get a puppy for the kids.  That may or may not be a great idea.  Getting a puppy, or any dog for that matter, should be done with a lot of thought and consideration to the type of breeds  and what would be the best fit for the family.  Here’s an excellent article on Christmas puppies…

Christmas Puppies:  A Bad Idea?

Trying Times? A Puppy May Be The Answer