Can you offer a puppy a good home?

[whirleybird]

Originally Posted by trabajadora

Yes, I'm picking up the newest member of the family on Monday morning! I'm so excited! I went to see him today to see how he was doing; still sore and a little swollen from his "fixing" on Wednesday. He's on antibiotics but Judy says he should be fine. He licked me all over today and seems to remember me from Wednesday (just my imagination?). Anyway, I went out and got all the stuff I need to make him happy today. Can't wait until Monday. I truly hope he likes his new home and doesn't have bad habits already. Thanks for the support Whirleybird. I'll be writing you real soon I'm sure. I need to know how to make sure he doesn't start "going" in the house. (smile) If anybody else wants to PM me with tips, they are all extremely welcome.

I am absolutely certain that he remembered you from Wednesday - wouldn't you remember the person who has promised to give you a nice, comfortable home?? Bearing in mind he has never been an "indoor" dog before that is taken for walks I am sure any bad habits he has already can be eliminated very quickly with a light smack and a firm "no" - sure you and your new son will be fine... enjoy and good luck.

[Lambada]

And lots of 'good boy' followed by hugs when he gets it right. Positive reinforcement. Might be worth trying on your husband as well............ Couldn't resist, trabajadora, excuse assumption you have a husband if you don't.

[trabajadora]

Originally Posted by Lambada

And lots of 'good boy' followed by hugs when he gets it right. Positive reinforcement. Might be worth trying on your husband as well............ Couldn't resist, trabajadora, excuse assumption you have a husband if you don't.

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.... Lambada. Yes, I do have a great husband and I am already using your suggested methods with him. Works well most of the time. He gets more obedient every day (rotfl).

[trabajadora]

Originally Posted by whirleybird

I am absolutely certain that he remembered you from Wednesday - wouldn't you remember the person who has promised to give you a nice, comfortable home?? Bearing in mind he has never been an "indoor" dog before that is taken for walks I am sure any bad habits he has already can be eliminated very quickly with a light smack and a firm "no" - sure you and your new son will be fine... enjoy and good luck.

I'm getting a little nervous. Tomorrow is "D" day (doggie day). I sure hope he likes his new home. I'm going to do all that I can to make him happy. It's sort of up in the air as to whether or not he ever actually lived inside a home before. Judy seemed to think at one time he lived in an apartment for 3 months. (Not sure how she knows this but....) Well, we'll be taking several walks a day, starting first thing in the morning. Then another shortly after eating and drinking. Then another a few hours later and so on. Not long walks but just to try to teach him that outdoors is where you "go" (lol), not on my walls, sofa, etc. A firm "no" sounds good, praise when he gets it right, but a light smack.... well I hope not. He's part Pit! Thanks for all advice.

[whirleybird]

Originally Posted by trabajadora

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.... Lambada. Yes, I do have a great husband and I am already using your suggested methods with him. Works well most of the time. He gets more obedient every day (rotfl).

Totally agree with Lambada's advice ... a little discipline and lots of praise always works wonders and bet you are really excited about tomorrow eh?

[Ringo]

Congrats... A new doggy member to your home can be more then you ever thought. We got Samantha from Judy's 6 months ago to be a friend to our other girl doggy. What friends the two are to each other and to my wife and me.

Ours are outside friends and do not enter the house. So we have not "house broken" them. They do thier "stuff" on the pourch, right outside our door. Hose it down every AM. Not a problem, I know that they are there for us and great us every morning and WE did not go thru the "house breaking" training.

Training? Be consistant with words and actions. Everyone in the house should use the same commands and actions. Hold water back for two hours, give water and then take out until doggy done. Lots of good times and praising.

Helping a new friend takes times and patience. Once the relationship is established... you will have an unconditional companion for life. Just ask Samantha.

Samantha thanks & loves Judy....but got new home.

Good Luck, Ringo

[trabajadora]

Originally Posted by whirleybird

Totally agree with Lambada's advice ... a little discipline and lots of praise always works wonders and bet you are really excited about tomorrow eh?

Yes, I really AM excited about tomorrow. Today I found myself wishing I could go get him today; such a beautiful day for a walk. I do have a first question though. Until I know he's trained well enough, when we go to bed at night, should I keep him confined in one room (not our bedroom)? I was thinking I should let him be where we are but my husband doesn't want him in the bedroom when we're sleeping. Should I tie his leash to something so he has to stay in one small area where I make a bed for him? Or should I put him outside on the side porch (has bars so he can't get out and nobody can get in and take him). Just wondering because he'd be so far away and might be lonely. That's more than one question. But do you have any suggestions about this?

[trabajadora]

Originally Posted by Ringo

Congrats... A new doggy member to your home can be more then you ever thought. We got Samantha from Judy's 6 months ago to be a friend to our other girl doggy. What friends the two are to each other and to my wife and me.

Ours are outside friends and do not enter the house. So we have not "house broken" them. They do thier "stuff" on the pourch, right outside our door. Hose it down every AM. Not a problem, I know that they are there for us and great us every morning and WE did not go thru the "house breaking" training.

Training? Be consistant with words and actions. Everyone in the house should use the same commands and actions. Hold water back for two hours, give water and then take out until doggy done. Lots of good times and praising.

Helping a new friend takes times and patience. Once the relationship is established... you will have an unconditional companion for life. Just ask Samantha.

Samantha thanks & loves Judy....but got new home.

Good Luck, Ringo

Thanks Ringo for the tips. Yes, I'll be giving him lots of praise for getting it right and hugs and all that stuff. I'm an animal lover but just never had the opportunity to enjoy them (except for my cat a few years ago; he was my first "son" and I loved him to death).

I can't really do the "business on the porch thing" because we're on the second level with no hose and no way to wash it away. I really want him to just be on a schedule of going outside with me.

Judy is a great person and I'm so glad Whirleybird steered me to her. When I went there yesterday I wanted to kidnap her two big chocolote labs as well.
I might end up being the "dog lady" (lmao)

[whirleybird]

Originally Posted by trabajadora

Yes, I really AM excited about tomorrow. Today I found myself wishing I could go get him today; such a beautiful day for a walk. I do have a first question though. Until I know he's trained well enough, when we go to bed at night, should I keep him confined in one room (not our bedroom)? I was thinking I should let him be where we are but my husband doesn't want him in the bedroom when we're sleeping. Should I tie his leash to something so he has to stay in one small area where I make a bed for him? Or should I put him outside on the side porch (has bars so he can't get out and nobody can get in and take him). Just wondering because he'd be so far away and might be lonely. That's more than one question. But do you have any suggestions about this?

I think it's a personal thing and whatever suits you, your family and your new acquisition... you are the boss and he must know that from the beginning but also you want to make him feel loved and wanted. I would not recommend that you tie him up though as I feel it is too restrictive and he could panic. If you put him outside on the porch for the first night he may feel you have deserted him. Do you have a bathroom you could shut him in right next to you so he can hear you just for the first couple of nights then put him out on the porch? He is sure to cry or whimper when you leave him anywhere without you if you have been kind to him but (like all babies) you have to resist the temptation to allow him to rule you... sure you will find what is best for you all.

[mkohn]

Sometimes crates are used. Door shut over night. Open during the day in case they want to chill in there.
Have fun with your new dog.
mkohn