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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on August 4, 2010 at 4:44pm

Pinkwater, Superpuppy.
If I had it to do over again, one thing I'd do is be much more methodical about training. Make a logbook. Make a list of commands (a vocabulary list, basically). Make a training plan, then work the plan. Put your training chores on the calendar so you don't forget. You're training yourself as much as the dog. Make sure that everybody in the family is on the same page about training, what the commands are, what the criteria of success are. Keep it fun for the you and the dog. Prescription pill bottles for tiny treats. Tiny; you'll be giving a lot of them.
I *hear* that you want to keep puppy away from other dogs until the shots are done(?).
Our breeder was very firm with me: no long hikes or big physical challenges until 1 year old; give puppy exercise but you don't want any growth plate injuries. Let the long bones fuse, and then go be hell on wheels. For the same reason, if you have smooth slippery floors, get nonskid throw rugs or something on takeoff and landing zones and try not to encourage much wild jumping off furniture.
Favorite ball: volleyball or Nike kids' basketball 7-8" dia.
If you have a crate, that's maybe the safest place for a dog in a car.

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Permalink Reply by Barbara & Bailey on August 4, 2010 at 4:50pm

You will not always be able to tell what they will be like when they are full grown. I look for a puppy that pays attention and looks at me when I speak to him or her and is playful and outgoing. Clap you hands and see if she is frightened or looks curious. Crate training first. This is their safe place and gives you peace of mind. Put a blanket or towel and some soft toys and a small water bowl. I didn't let my corgis near any other dogs until they had completed all of their shots. I took them on short walks, not letting him sniff around or get close to other animals until the shots were done. I brought a crate with me but he slept in my arms the whole way home. I would have put him in the crate if he had been awake and curious. Make sure the crate is anchored to the seatbelt in the back seat. Have someone to sit and comfort him on the ride home. Good luck and pick out a cutie!

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Permalink Reply by Kimberlie on August 4, 2010 at 7:23pm

Congrat, just remember the puppy should be picking you just as much as you pick it. if a pup walks up with a lowered head and calmly then that means they are attracted to your energy level there for a good match. It is safe to go to walks as long as you do not walk in places where there is a heavily traffic of dogs. The worst thing you can do is be overly cautious/protective them until they had all there shots. Make sure you start to socialize early! |(i have heard of way to many situations where owner did start socializing to after the shot and there ended up having a heard time socializing, many dogs end up with aggression or nervous behavioural issues), i'm not saying to track down and say high to every dog near by, socialize with dogs that you know that are health and that have all there shots (family fiends or good neighbours dog) even if it is just one dog, one is better than none. With walks go slow, start off with 5 min slow walk/ strole enough to stretch the legs and to get him or her comfortable on leash (go up and down the block kind of thing) then slowly introduce more. Oh and don't forget to get them socialized with people to, a great rule of thumb is have your pup meet at least 1 new person per week.

You are just as likely to track in a viruses with your shoes into you house as you puppy picking it up from walking around the neigborhood.

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Permalink Reply by Tegan, Carol & John on August 5, 2010 at 8:46pm

Congratulations!! You are in for so much fun! I agree with the other comments -- crate train and socialize early! Our vet told us not to let Tegan around other dogs until she had her final set of shots at four months EXCEPT for dogs we knew were vaccinated -- he kept stressing how important it was to start socializing her immediately. We started her in puppy play group/puppy training right away & it was fantastic. Fun for both her and us, and she is great with other dogs. Training was all a game & she had blast. The trainer just required that each puppy was current on its shots (i.e., had all of the vaccinations it should have for its age), but the puppies didn't have to complete the vaccination series before they could be in the class. Try looking for a similar situation if you can -- I guarantee you'll both enjoy it.

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Permalink Reply by Erin-the mom of...1 Corgi's on August 5, 2010 at 9:06pm

Ohhh congrats on your new pup. I agree with the others....ya gotta train 'em....Great, fabulous dogs, but ya gotta train 'em...

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