In 20 years of marriage, Angie and I have never owned a dog. We're not really dog people. At all. At Christmas time this year, some friends asked us to dog sit for them while they were out of town. It was ok. No giant headaches to speak of. The best thing about it was the fun that Madeline had. She absolutely loved playing with that dog.
These same friends called Angie and I over a few nights ago. They have been trying to talk us into getting a puppy for Madeline. When we went over they had this tiny 6 week old Miniature Poodle to show us. They borrowed it for the night with the intent to make us fall in love with it. We did.
While on the "puppy high" I went home and made the huge mistake of telling Madeline about it. After many tears and "daddy please"s, I caved in. We now own a puppy.
Our friends tell us that the chocolate color in a Miniature Poodle is fairly rare. We have two dogs in line for breeding with our little stud when he's old enough. We've named him Casanova.
I'd appreciate any and all house training and other general puppy tips.
Peace-
Matt
Matt
1 comment:
Cute dog. My kids will be jealous. We've been looking around for another one, and have had the training talk with the kids. We were spoiled to have an extremely intelligent dog, and luckily the kids have also seen what happens when you don't do a good job of training.
Here's my advice:
There is nothing wrong with using a kennel. A smart dog (like a Border Collie or Poodle) knows that it is their place. Most likely, they won't use their bed as a toilet. It can help with potty training, and it gives them a space they can call their own. Over time, you won't have to have a door on it.
If they chew furniture, buy Bitter Apple and put it on the spot.
Establish dog toys and kid toys. Don't mix.
Always use the same voice/noise to startle them and get their attention when they aren't acting right. Smart dogs learn quick, and keeping the alert consistent lets them know they're not doing something right when they hear it.
The family has to be consistent. Just like a kid, if they know someone else will get them what they want, you are dead meat.
You have to establish that THEY must follow YOU. If they get chased around, they get the wrong idea. You're the boss.
. . . putting him up for stud? Are you living through the dog or what?
Post a Comment