It's been over four years since we've had a new addition to the family in the form of a large breed working dog. A new puppy is both exciting and disruptive to any household, if for no other reasons than the number of trips outdoors for the puppy to puddle or the lack of free time because in order to raise a good dog, one must be available to guide and supervise young puppies at all times. The most common & discouraging thing I heard as a professional trainer: "We're just too busy for all that" or "I have so much to do." The problem is very elementary, puppies do not wait to grow up. It happens with our help or without it. So the kindest thing for new perspective puppy owners to do? Clear your schedule, cut out things that are non-essential & purchase or adopt your puppy when you have the most time to devote to his/her upbringing.
The world is full of things that puppy knows nothing about. Puppy does not know that carpets are important & not intended for puddles. Puppy knows nothing about furniture, important books, computer cords or electricity. Puppies know nothing of Twitter, Facebook and the like. Sometimes I think humans would be better off to know nothing of it either. As an adult the dogs patiently wait for us but as a puppy, a pup relies on their humans being as invested in them as they will become in us. It's a great responsibility. It is wise to take that responsibility seriously.
The world is full of things that puppy knows nothing about. Puppy does not know that carpets are important & not intended for puddles. Puppy knows nothing about furniture, important books, computer cords or electricity. Puppies know nothing of Twitter, Facebook and the like. Sometimes I think humans would be better off to know nothing of it either. As an adult the dogs patiently wait for us but as a puppy, a pup relies on their humans being as invested in them as they will become in us. It's a great responsibility. It is wise to take that responsibility seriously.
Our little ball of fluff is growing every day & has no idea that, in a few weeks, she will board an airplane & travel across the United States to her new home. It's been two years since a Collie has graced our home. When our previous Collie came home with us, she was quiet and reserved. She housebroke so easily and trained even more easily. The one thing now, as I look back over our thirteen years together, is very clear. Every day with your dog from puppyhood to the time of their passing is quite precious. It goes too fast. Perhaps it is my age or the number of dogs who have lived their lives out with me but I'm filled with excitement and hope and have no intention of taking time with this pup for granted.
I always feel that I owe it to a new puppy to begin on the first day with the end goal in mind. To put as much time & effort into puppy's education so that as a teen and young adult, I can relax more. I can rest assured that the faithful Collie that I raised knows how to handle what life throws at her.
I always feel that I owe it to a new puppy to begin on the first day with the end goal in mind. To put as much time & effort into puppy's education so that as a teen and young adult, I can relax more. I can rest assured that the faithful Collie that I raised knows how to handle what life throws at her.