Expecting?

Are you "expecting" a puppy? Before you bring your new best friend home, consider developing a training plan, house breaking plan, puppy schedule and house rules before your puppy arrives.

Training Plan: Read a few different training books and adopt a philosophy that best suits your personality and style. Different trainers tout different philosophies and techniques, so choose one that works best for you and your family. All family members must adopt the same techniques and enforce the same rules for your puppy!

House Breaking: I personally recommend crate training, but do your research and choose a plan that works for you, your budget and lifestyle. The rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold it one hour for each month of age (i.e., a three-month-old puppy can hold it three hours). Hire a dog walker or ask for help from neighbors to make sure your puppy's schedule isn't interrupted while you're at work.

Puppy Schedule: Keep a consistent schedule as much as possible for the first few months. Consider feedings, potty breaks (increasing crate time as your puppy grows), exercise, socialization, nap time and training when creating your schedule.

Rules: Establishing house rules before your puppy comes home is a must. Determine where your puppy will sleep at night, if/when your puppy will be allowed on furniture, whether any rooms are off limits, whether you want your puppy to jump on guests, etc. It's easier to stick to your guns if you determine well, thought-out rules before your puppy comes home and steals your heart.

Here are some links to my favorite trainers: Cesar Millan, Victoria Stilwell and Tamar Geller.

Good luck!

Taao Yai Tuesday - Post 4

Every Tuesday is Taao Yai Tuesday where posts are dedicated to Taao Yai, a rescue who is super sweet but who’s had trouble finding a home because he’s insecure and scared of new people.

Taao Yai is doing so much better on lead! He is much more attentive and less freaked out by anything and everything on the street. He is also breaking out of his shell at home. I often challenge him by holding something out for him to sniff. It can be anything: an ink pen, a spoon, a can, anything. A couple weeks ago, he would glance at it and then trot away; but today, he will come and sniff it. I had to encourage him the first few times, but now he knows that when I hold something out, I want him to investigate. He does and there is much fanfare and praise! I know he wants to be happy and unafraid, and whatever I can do to help him get there I will do.

11/3/09 Taao Yai Tuesday – Post 3

Every Tuesday is Taao Yai Tuesday where posts are dedicated to Taao Yai, a rescue who is super sweet but who's had trouble finding a home because he's insecure and scared of new people.

Despite his fear, Taao Yai is ready to change. He often leans to the side while we're walking trying to avoid all things frightening (bikes, people, anything that wasn't there the day before, etc.). I started a new technique of correcting him every time he started to lean, and it's worked great. When he starts to lean, I correct him with sound and he immeidately stands upright, stares straight ahead and walks confidently with his head and tail in the air! He is on his way to becoming a confident boy!

Taao Yai Tuesday – Post 2

Every Tuesday is Taao Yai Tuesday where posts are dedicated to Taao Yai, a rescue who is super sweet but who’s had trouble finding a home because he’s insecure and scared of new people.

Taao is a citizen of the world having lived in Thailand, the U.S. and Canada. After spending his summer in Canada with his foster family’s grandparents, he is back in Arlington where I can work with him on overcoming his shyness. He can be nervous on lead sometimes pulling to the side while heeling. He doesn’t realize if he would just follow me and not try pulling away, it would make his life (and mine) a lot easier. I’ve started correcting him with sound or by quickly blocking him with my leg. Both are effective and I love seeing him slip into follower mode because he is completely relaxed and enjoys his walk instead of worrying. He is getting better and this type of leadership is exactly what Taao needs in a pet parent. If you think you could be a good match for Taao, please email me.