| It's a look everybody's witnessed - the frazzled face | | | | should also be a valuable resource for information. |
| of a new parent who hasn't slept through the night, | | | | Find out what quirks your breed may have and what |
| hasn't eaten a decent, sit-down meal, hasn't enjoyed | | | | to do about them. Some breeds are very |
| a long, hot shower in days. It's one of the most | | | | independent, others are prone to separation anxiety. |
| stressful and joyous times of life - there's a new | | | | If the breeder isn't willing to answer your questions, |
| puppy in the house! | | | | maybe you should look elsewhere. A good breeder |
| No one expects parents of human babies to "go it | | | | will want to stay in touch with all of the puppies she |
| alone" while rearing their children. Advice, both | | | | produces - even after those pups have reached their |
| welcome and unasked-for, is readily available from a | | | | "senior" years. |
| wealth of sources: their own parents, professionals, | | | | A third line of support for puppy rearing is a local |
| friends, neighbors, teachers and passers-by. But all | | | | class or club. All puppies should be trained, regardless |
| too often people are handed a new puppy and | | | | of size, age or the owner's experience. If you can, |
| waved a fond farewell, without enough information | | | | visit a class before you enroll - make sure that the |
| to get through the night. | | | | leader's style is compatible with your own thoughts |
| First-time dog owners can get frustrated and quickly | | | | about training. Is the trainer willing to listen and work |
| disappointed. Puppies are supposed to be fun, but | | | | with you? Do the students and puppies seem to be |
| this adorable bundle of fluff won't eat, won't sleep, | | | | having a good time? Is the trainer in control at all |
| nips everybody, won't be housebroken and chews | | | | times? And is the trainer accessible even after class |
| everything except for its toys! What's a new | | | | is over? Many good trainers will allow previous |
| dog-owner to do? | | | | students to participate in an occasional class to "brush |
| No one should be embarrassed to ask for help. | | | | up," on their training. |
| Adding a new member of the family is stressful and, | | | | There's no reason a new puppy owner has to go it |
| unless you're a female dog, you don't have instinct to | | | | alone. If you have a couple of friends with dogs - |
| tell you how to do things right. Anyway, you don't | | | | ask the one whose dog is a pleasure to be around. |
| really want to carry your puppy around in your | | | | The other one - the one whose dog is a maniac - |
| mouth by the scruff of its neck, or keep it clean | | | | may be able to sympathize with you, but may not |
| with your tongue. The goal is teaching your puppy | | | | be able to help. Ask people whose dogs you admire |
| how to be a member of your family - not how to be | | | | how they got that way. Ask for help at the local pet |
| a dog. It knows that part by the time you get it. | | | | store or from the neighbor who has the wonderful |
| The first person you should look to for advice is a | | | | dog everybody loves. |
| veterinarian you know and trust. Ask friends and | | | | You can also find advice, both good and bad, at any |
| relatives for recommendations and try to meet the | | | | hour of the day or night, on the internet. Be careful |
| vet before you bring your puppy home. A good | | | | with it. Use the information thoughtfully; consider the |
| veterinarian will even help you plan for your puppy, | | | | source. If anyone, ever, tells you to do something |
| sharing resources for finding the right breed, a good | | | | with your puppy that you're not comfortable with - |
| breeder, and will advise you about what to look for | | | | don't do it. Get some alternatives from a trusted |
| and what to avoid in selecting your pup. | | | | source. You are your puppy's best friend, guardian |
| The reputable breeder who sells you your puppy | | | | and advocate. Be safe. Be careful. Have fun. |