Caring with clear leadership
- Wilbur's Diary
- Which Puppy
- Home Setup
- Puppy Arrives
- Tricks and Training
- Socialisation
- Practice
- Health Issues
- Help!
- tab 10
- tab 11
- tab 12
- tab 13
- tab 14
- tab 15
- tab 16
- tab 17
- tab 18
- tab 19
- tab 20
Puppy School starts before day 1
Wilbur’s diary is a record of the process that we have followed training our new puppy, Wilbur. It is not complete because Wilbur is growing up right now and I will continue to add over the next couple of months.
Complete with all our successes, mistakes and observation I would like it to become an aid for the new puppy owner to building a happy healthy pet dog that is a loved member of the family.
The first 18 weeks of a dogs life is the most important time for developing the dog's behaviours. (if you have a working breed like a Kelpie or a Blue Heeler it is 15 weeks!)
Get it right and the dog learns so quickly it is amazing. They are like a sponge absorbing all that is going on around them. I have been to many workshops with world famous animal behaviourists and trainers like Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Donna Duford and Patricia McConnell and their message is clear- A well trained puppy builds a fabulously trained dog.
Often I am called in when the puppy is 6-12 months of age and has started to develop into a fully grown dog. Suddenly that funny 'Puppy Behaviour' isn't so cute and the owner has a huge job to retrain the dog to become a well mannered pet dog that is a joy to have around. It can be done but it just takes more work.
If you are going to get a dog or know somebody who is please download Dr Ian Dunbar's free book and prepare yourself before the dog arrives home.
Wilbur’s diary is a record of the process that we have followed training our new puppy, Wilbur. It is not complete because Wilbur is growing up right now and I will continue to add over the next couple of months.
Complete with all our successes, mistakes and observation I would like it to become an aid for the new puppy owner to building a happy healthy pet dog that is a loved member of the family.
The first 18 weeks of a dogs life is the most important time for developing the dog's behaviours. (if you have a working breed like a Kelpie or a Blue Heeler it is 15 weeks!)
Get it right and the dog learns so quickly it is amazing. They are like a sponge absorbing all that is going on around them. I have been to many workshops with world famous animal behaviourists and trainers like Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Donna Duford and Patricia McConnell and their message is clear- A well trained puppy builds a fabulously trained dog.
Often I am called in when the puppy is 6-12 months of age and has started to develop into a fully grown dog. Suddenly that funny 'Puppy Behaviour' isn't so cute and the owner has a huge job to retrain the dog to become a well mannered pet dog that is a joy to have around. It can be done but it just takes more work.
If you are going to get a dog or know somebody who is please download Dr Ian Dunbar's free book and prepare yourself before the dog arrives home.
Choosing a dog
When our old dog Mildred passed away we were devastated. So we decided to check the local pounds around the state. A good website to find Pound Dogs is the RSPCA Adopt A Pet.
After checking out the country pounds around NSW, which I found to be generally very well run and the staff very helpful in explaining the behaviors and problems the dog’s may have.
Although we were planning to get a mature dog, I heard that Debbie was having a litter of puppies.
The Breeder
We contacted Debbie and quickly realised that she was a firm believer in early socialisation of the pups with people and exposing the puppies to a wide variety of experiences, surfaces, sounds as early as possible. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Her puppies were walking and toileting on grass in the first couple of weeks.
Responsible breeders are usually only too happy to let you visit the kennels and meet the parents.
Buying a puppy from a pet shop or on the internet without knowing the pup's background makes it harder to predict your pup's characteristics.
Unfortunately, there are puppy farms who breed dogs intensively. These breeder's should be avoided because their pup's can have behavioural and health issues.
The Parents
If you can meet both the parents. Here is Missie and Roly and as you can see both are happy, chilled out dogs.
The mum Missie is a family dog and very well mannered and the father Roly is also a very relaxed family dog.
Dog's inherit a lot of their basic traits from their parents and it will give you a good indication of the future temperament of their offspring.
Because they are cattle dogs we didn't wanting a boisterous, nippy pup.
Be wary if either parent is nervous, hyper or stressed and ask yourself honestly if these are the characteristics you would like in your dog.
If you are rescuing a dog from the pound talk to the staff about the dog's temperament and history. They will give you honest and valuable information about your future pup.
Choosing from the litter
Keep in touch with the breeder about your pup's progress and development. It is fun and will build your confidence about the pups.
Each pup will be different and so look for the characteristics you would like in your dog. Rattle your keys and see if the puppy bounces over to investigate or sits back and observes, these are all indicators of the pups temperament but are by no means definitive.
Wilbur was easy going and independent and wanted to be with people. We liked that.
He also liked his food and so was named after the pig in the movie Charlotte’s Web!
However, he was happy to share with his sister.
When our old dog Mildred passed away we were devastated. So we decided to check the local pounds around the state. A good website to find Pound Dogs is the RSPCA Adopt A Pet.
After checking out the country pounds around NSW, which I found to be generally very well run and the staff very helpful in explaining the behaviors and problems the dog’s may have.
Although we were planning to get a mature dog, I heard that Debbie was having a litter of puppies.
The Breeder
We contacted Debbie and quickly realised that she was a firm believer in early socialisation of the pups with people and exposing the puppies to a wide variety of experiences, surfaces, sounds as early as possible. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Her puppies were walking and toileting on grass in the first couple of weeks.
Responsible breeders are usually only too happy to let you visit the kennels and meet the parents.
Buying a puppy from a pet shop or on the internet without knowing the pup's background makes it harder to predict your pup's characteristics.
Unfortunately, there are puppy farms who breed dogs intensively. These breeder's should be avoided because their pup's can have behavioural and health issues.
The Parents
If you can meet both the parents. Here is Missie and Roly and as you can see both are happy, chilled out dogs.
The mum Missie is a family dog and very well mannered and the father Roly is also a very relaxed family dog.
Dog's inherit a lot of their basic traits from their parents and it will give you a good indication of the future temperament of their offspring.
Because they are cattle dogs we didn't wanting a boisterous, nippy pup.
Be wary if either parent is nervous, hyper or stressed and ask yourself honestly if these are the characteristics you would like in your dog.
If you are rescuing a dog from the pound talk to the staff about the dog's temperament and history. They will give you honest and valuable information about your future pup.
Choosing from the litter
Keep in touch with the breeder about your pup's progress and development. It is fun and will build your confidence about the pups.
Each pup will be different and so look for the characteristics you would like in your dog. Rattle your keys and see if the puppy bounces over to investigate or sits back and observes, these are all indicators of the pups temperament but are by no means definitive.
Wilbur was easy going and independent and wanted to be with people. We liked that.
He also liked his food and so was named after the pig in the movie Charlotte’s Web!
However, he was happy to share with his sister.
Soft Toys
We chose the number of soft toys for Wilbur. Some Toys he has played with for many months without damaging. However, others he has destroyed in a matter of minutes.
The common element I have noticed each of the toys is that if they are soft all over he tends to be more gentle with them. His green flea has lasted since he was a little puppy.
If the toys are soft and hard, like the Wubba, he tends to want to dissect them straightaway.
Dragon is quite soft in the body however you can see on his nose Wilbur pulled it apart and pulled the stuffing out. The nose was the firmest part of the toy.
Similarly, shark was pulled apart at the mouth where it was quite firm. Once he started pulling the toys apart I removed them so he he wouldn’t ingest the soft fibrous material.
Soft toys can be very expensive, choose the toy’s wisely and you will save yourself a lot of money. Wilbur’s Flea is the winner in the durability stakes.
Dog Toys come in all shapes and sizes and are a great way to keep your dog entertained.
Many problems arise when the dog is bored and good toys can stop them from becoming bored. Some toys might seem expensive, however a good toy will be durable and will seem cheap next to a chewed couch!
I look for a solid toy especially if you have a chewer. I prefer rubber toys because if a piece is chewed off it passses through the dogs gut more easily than plastic or string.
Stuff food into the toy to make it more interesting for the dog. I try to make it as difficult as possible to challenge the dog and keep them busy.
Bounce adds a lot more fun for the dog and can be used in the park if they like to chase things.
Squeaky toys are great for some dogs but others will destroy them in seconds (including our dog Mildred).
WEEK 5-8
Get your house ready for the pup
Decide where you want the puppy to live, inside or outside, are there places where the puppy is not allowed to go.
Set the rules up from the start and organise the house so the puppy can never make a mistake.
Child proof gates are great for restricting access around the house. Make sure the locking mechanism is easy to open and close with one hand.
We wanted to keep Wilbur in our family room with polished floors so if he accidentally went to the toilet it would be easy to clean up.
Put temptation like shoes out of the pup’s reach.
Smelly things like shoes, socks and other unmentionables are all fascinating to a curious young dog.
We forgot all about wires and power cords around the house. Wilbur found these in 5 minutes of arriving at his new home. Follow the pup around for the first hour or two of exploration and you will discover things you have missed. Continue watching as the pup explores the new environment.
I built gates to stop Wilbur going into the Garage area where cars are moving and garden fertiliser and chemicals are stored. Thinking ahead can avoid damage, I know of one pup who destroyed a $4000 watering system in an afternoon.
A doggy toilet made out of a seedling tray and a sod of turf is also a great idea. Dog’s tend to choose an initial substrate to eliminate on and will then prefer to return to that material. We wanted Wilbur to go to the toilet on the lawn and so that is why we used turf.
He could relieve himself if he was restricted around the house. We could move it inside into his puppy pen at night if needed.
We got a travel crate for the trip from the breeder to his new home. The attached water bowl is a great idea because the pup can’t knock it over.
The puppy pen was invaluable for restricting Wilbur when we were too busy to keep an eye on him. A puppy can get into trouble in a matter of moments. It is also handy if you are going visiting.
A trampoline bed is also cool for hot summer days, won’t get smelly, harbour fleas and is easy to keep clean.
Wilbur will eventually spend a lot of time outside in the garden so we also have an all weather kennel. We have positioned it so that it is under cover and is shady in the heat of summer. A bowl of fresh, clean water is always nearby. Notice that the dish is nice and heavy so he can’t knock it over.
You will also need to have toy’s to keep the puppy busy. Puppies chew a LOT and so good solid chew toys, ropes and squeakies will help keep them occupied and out of trouble. Putting dinner in a chew toy can keep the pup occupied if you are leaving him in a pen or a crate.
We chose the number of soft toys for Wilbur. Some Toys he has played with for many months without damaging. However, others he has destroyed in a matter of minutes.
The common element I have noticed each of the toys is that if they are soft all over he tends to be more gentle with them. His green flea has lasted since he was a little puppy.
If the toys are soft and hard, like the Wubba, he tends to want to dissect them straightaway.
Dragon is quite soft in the body however you can see on his nose Wilbur pulled it apart and pulled the stuffing out. The nose was the firmest part of the toy.
Similarly, shark was pulled apart at the mouth where it was quite firm. Once he started pulling the toys apart I removed them so he he wouldn’t ingest the soft fibrous material.
Soft toys can be very expensive, choose the toy’s wisely and you will save yourself a lot of money. Wilbur’s Flea is the winner in the durability stakes.
Dog Toys come in all shapes and sizes and are a great way to keep your dog entertained.
Many problems arise when the dog is bored and good toys can stop them from becoming bored. Some toys might seem expensive, however a good toy will be durable and will seem cheap next to a chewed couch!
I look for a solid toy especially if you have a chewer. I prefer rubber toys because if a piece is chewed off it passses through the dogs gut more easily than plastic or string.
Stuff food into the toy to make it more interesting for the dog. I try to make it as difficult as possible to challenge the dog and keep them busy.
Bounce adds a lot more fun for the dog and can be used in the park if they like to chase things.
Squeaky toys are great for some dogs but others will destroy them in seconds (including our dog Mildred).
WEEK 5-8
Get your house ready for the pup
Decide where you want the puppy to live, inside or outside, are there places where the puppy is not allowed to go.
Set the rules up from the start and organise the house so the puppy can never make a mistake.
Child proof gates are great for restricting access around the house. Make sure the locking mechanism is easy to open and close with one hand.
We wanted to keep Wilbur in our family room with polished floors so if he accidentally went to the toilet it would be easy to clean up.
Put temptation like shoes out of the pup’s reach.
Smelly things like shoes, socks and other unmentionables are all fascinating to a curious young dog.
We forgot all about wires and power cords around the house. Wilbur found these in 5 minutes of arriving at his new home. Follow the pup around for the first hour or two of exploration and you will discover things you have missed. Continue watching as the pup explores the new environment.
I built gates to stop Wilbur going into the Garage area where cars are moving and garden fertiliser and chemicals are stored. Thinking ahead can avoid damage, I know of one pup who destroyed a $4000 watering system in an afternoon.
A doggy toilet made out of a seedling tray and a sod of turf is also a great idea. Dog’s tend to choose an initial substrate to eliminate on and will then prefer to return to that material. We wanted Wilbur to go to the toilet on the lawn and so that is why we used turf.
He could relieve himself if he was restricted around the house. We could move it inside into his puppy pen at night if needed.
We got a travel crate for the trip from the breeder to his new home. The attached water bowl is a great idea because the pup can’t knock it over.
The puppy pen was invaluable for restricting Wilbur when we were too busy to keep an eye on him. A puppy can get into trouble in a matter of moments. It is also handy if you are going visiting.
A trampoline bed is also cool for hot summer days, won’t get smelly, harbour fleas and is easy to keep clean.
Wilbur will eventually spend a lot of time outside in the garden so we also have an all weather kennel. We have positioned it so that it is under cover and is shady in the heat of summer. A bowl of fresh, clean water is always nearby. Notice that the dish is nice and heavy so he can’t knock it over.
You will also need to have toy’s to keep the puppy busy. Puppies chew a LOT and so good solid chew toys, ropes and squeakies will help keep them occupied and out of trouble. Putting dinner in a chew toy can keep the pup occupied if you are leaving him in a pen or a crate.