Once you have decided on what kind of puppy to get, now is the time to get ready for that puppy.  Just like having a brand new baby, you will need to do some shopping.  First you need to have all the right tools.  When I'm getting ready for a new puppy I go out and by a nylon collar for him or her right away.  I make sure that I'm not buying a collar that is too big.  I also buy a small light weight leash and a training collar (choke chain).  Again make sure to get the right size for your puppy,  The best way to get the right size of training collar for your puppy is measure your puppies neck and add on 3 inches.  This will also need to be replaced as your puppy grows. 

The next item I get is a little dog crate. I want to make sure that I get a crate that is not too big.  Puppies usually won't mess in their crate if the crate is not too large.  This again will need to be replaced as your puppy grows.  I crate train all of my puppies.  I believe that if I'm not home then a crate is the safest place for them.  Soon your puppy will use their crate like a bedroom and will want to go there to relax. 

If this is your first pet, then you will need to look for a vet.  Don't be afraid to ask neighbors or friends who have pets, which vet they use.  Make sure you find one that you are comfortable with and that you can trust your pet with. 

One last thing you need is food.  When you pick your puppy up from the breeder make sure to ask what type of food they are feeding.  If you are going to switch the puppies food, ask the breeder if they can give you a small bag full.  You can then mix this food in with the new food so it will be an easier transition for them.  You may also need a small can of soft food for the first few days you bring your puppy home.  It is a big change for your puppy when they come home, so they might need a little more attention until they become comfortable. 

Once the new puppy is home you need to decide if the puppy will be an outside or an inside dog.  If the puppy is going to be inside, then you will need to start house training right away.  I'm a firm believer in training a puppy as young as possible.  Everyone wants to know the fast remedy for house training a puppy, well there is no fast remedy.  I always tell everyone to watch your puppy like a hawk. The minute it starts running around and looking I take it outside right away.  I tell my puppy over and over again to go potty.  Once the puppy goes, I then give them a treat.  You need to keep up with this.  A puppy will not learn from only doing it one time.  It will take a while but it you keep up with it, it will go fast.  If you only house train part time, then it will take a ling time to get them potty trained.




I hope this helps.  If you have any questions, let me know and I will right back and answer them!

This is the time of the year where families get puppies as family gifts.  When choosing a puppy make sure to do your  homework.  Not all dogs may fit your life style.  Some dogs are great family dogs and some dogs are only for one master.  Some dogs are full of energy and some are very calm. Some like to retrieve and some like to swim.  Go online and see what dog fits you best.  It never hurts to call some of your local breeders in the area and ask them about the dogs that the have. 

If you are going to get a dog from a breeder, make sure that it is a reputable breeder.  Make sure that the father and mother of the puppies are in good shape and look healthy.  Also request to see if the parents have had their hips checked.  When I do my research on dogs I will make a list of dog breeds I like and if they have a certain disease that they could get. I then question the owner about them to make sure I'm getting the best puppy around. 

If I'm buying a puppy I make sure that I don't get that puppy before they are 8 weeks of age.  I feel at 8 weeks they are ready to go on their own.  They should be on hard food and should be weaned off the mother.  The puppies should have been wormed twice and have had their first shot. 

Also when you are going to pick up your puppy bring some feathers with.  It is amazing to see the reaction puppies have with feathers.  Some puppies will be very aggresive to feathers and some may be more relaxed.  This is usually not an indicater of how they will act as they grow up, but more of a test to see the personality of the puppy.

You can buy an expensive puppy but if you don't take time to train your puppy, then that puppy will turn out to be nothing.  Always remember a puppy is a huge responsiblity and an investment of time.  Make sure you are ready for the challenge!

My name is Julie Doubek.  I'm the head dog trainer at Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve. I train all types of dog. My dad, Ralph and I have more than 80 combined years of dog training.  I'm going to start doing a weekly dog training blog.  My goal is to help and answer any questions you may have about training or picking a dog.  If you have seen any of my seminars I have done, then this may seem similar to them.  I have gotten a lot of requests to publish a training manual, well I have one all done. 

This blog will be updated weekly with a new training tip each week.  If you have any questions or want me to cover a certain topic, feel free to ask.