Setting goals-not deadlines!

We have become a society of convience. We want everything to fit into our routine, when we want it to. One of the most important things that I as a breeder can stress to a new owner, is to set goals-not deadlines.

I've heard many say that they need a puppy housebroken by such a date or how long with this take. Raising a puppy is not a factual part of life, but an art. Just let it happen.  Bringing a puppy into a household is just like having a newborn baby to some extent and patience is a must.

"Who's the Boss?" It's not just a sitcom in syndication anymore!

Terriers can be stubborn, but so can any new puppy. One of the most important things, just like a good parent/child relationship, is establishing who's in charge here. I'm not talking about physical abuse and have no tolerance for it, but firm discipline and consistant training.

If a dog or puppy realizes that he or she can get the upperhand, they will and it will be tough to take back.  This is not something a trainer can fix for you, as the dog or puppy will see that the trainer has the upperhand-not the human-so it may not apply at home.

There is a new program out on National Geographic Channel called "The Dog Whisperer". Cesar Millan is a wonderful and very practical trainer and is amazing to watch. He also has books and DVDs available too. His theory, is there is no bad dogs. He says he rehabilitates dogs and trains owners. I've always personally said that 99% of the time, it is an error the owner, trainer including myself in training has made. The other 1% is medical-ie in housebreaking if there is an infection, etc.

This is one of the most important steps in creating a wonderful, long lasting relationship with your new dog or puppy.

The expenses, when will they end? Do I need an IRA for this 'kid' too?

Some think the main expense of having a canine companion is the cost of the puppy or dog. Well, it's only the beginning. Ideally, a puppy will grow into a healthy adult, but accidents and incidentals to happen.

Now, they don't need sweaters, sunglasses, a stroller (which gave a new meaning to the word walking the dog!), etc but be prepared for the neccessities for the long term-hopefully 15 years!  Classes are wonderful and helpful, but books and programs are also wonderful. It is the matter of dedicating a certain amount of time each day-which doesn't have to be much as a puppy's attention span is small-to work on your at home training. Starting early will help establish a good human/canine relationship and you may avoid needing a specialst to tell you what is wrong.

Looking for a 'cheap' puppy doesn't always solve the problem, as there may be underlying medical conditions or a reason the puppy is priced low.  Buying an expensive one doesn't guarantee one either, but your research in finding a good breeder will 

I just want someone to love when I am home.

Dogs are amazing companions.  They thrive on being with their owners and generally are eager to please.  I've heard so many say that they just want to come home from work and have a friendly face.  We'd all like that!

One thing that I encourage people to think about before getting a dog or puppy, is how long they are away daily. A puppy will need to be let out of a crate when housebreaking every 4 or so hours to start-yes there are other ways-but this is a great way to start housebreaking. Another aspect is exercise, as we need it so do they. Some dogs and puppies will become destructive if not properly exercised on a regular basis and terriers are no exception. Once again, I come back to the convience issue-as this is a must-not when it is convienent for us.

I never recommend kenneling a puppy-unless it is for a medical need of the puppy's and at the vet office. If you are making plans to be gone and need to kennel your puppy while you are away, I suggest waiting until after you return. Granted, emergencies happen.  While kennels and doggy day care are good for older dogs, puppies need time to complete their vaccination program and also become accustomed to their new home without a lot of stress.  In case of emergency, look to a friend or neighbor to see if they would be willing to take your puppy in case of emergency.  This needs to be considered before bringing a puppy home.