Preventing a problem is much easier than solving one, a dog of any age can learn something new.
Guide your puppy's behaviour; by starting the right way, you will have a friend who will listen to you and trust you where ever you are... and that way you may never need to call on a Dog Listener.
What do you need to think about before making the decison?
Choosing a dog or a puppy is not a decision that can be taken lightly.
If you are looking for a pyppy - you MUST see the mother and the litter ... be assured that any good breeder will be very proud to show her to you.
First and foremost you must ask yourself whether you are ready physically, emotionally and financially. You will be responsible for that cute ball of fluff for the next 12 years or more. The dog will be dependant on you for all its needs.
Please do your homework and learn the responsibilities that go with owning a dog. Make an informed and sensible decision and above all, do not be led by emotion UNTIL you have made all these decisions firmly in your mind in a rational way. As important as love is, it is not a good foundation for a decision to take on the entire future of a living creature, especially a dog, who depends so heavily on the humans it lives with.
Picking up your puppy can be a very exiting time for you, but it is the exact opposite for your new friend. Indeed, the puppy is leaving all that it knows, its familiar and secure environment, those who have fed and given it affection from birth, and most of all its mother and litter-mates. In short, this will probably be one of the most stressful times in its life and you should make every effort to make the transition to its new home as easy as possible.
These are the sort of preparations you need to make for your puppy.
I recommend
you read one or more of Jan's books or watch the DVD (there is also a "Puppy" CD available).
unless you have a comfortable, secure area for him, I recommend a crate that is big enough for him to use as an adult (Savic make good crates – Tom & Co have a good selection)
food bowl
water bowls (1 for the garden, 1 for the car and 1 for the kitchen- always make sure there is clean water in both)
toys to chew on and play with (an old tea towel in a knot is one of the most popular playthings)
beds, cushion or the like of your choosing .. (at the beginning you may find these get chewed through with great rapidity)
a collar and lead
a brush
poo bags
baby gates
food – you should be given some food by the breeder/rescue
