In a message dated 3/9/2003 10:31:28 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
1) Your all time favorite puppy and/or training books (and believe me,
I've
read many already, but I just want to be sure I'm not missing a really
good
one! I'm living vicariously through my books now!)
My favorite all around book for new owners is Taking Care of Puppy Business
by Gail Pivar Leslie Nelson. It's a booklet that covers a lot of topics in
a sensible and easy to understand way...no jargon, just good information to
help you understand your puppy and practical approaches to raising him.
First time owners love this book and many breeders provide it to each of
their puppy buyers. You can order Puppy Business from the online dog
bookstore, www.dogwise.com, $7.95 (+ SH) or from me.
The authors have supported my use of the puppy books as a fund raiser by
providing them at a greatly reduced cost. I sell them $6 each, Buy 10~ Get 1
Free (plus shipping).
Out of the $6, $3 goes to the authors and $3 to the AKC/CHF BMD Health Fund
to fund research into diseases that affect Bernese.
2) Also, a funny question, out of curiosity, I was wondering how you all
started out with sleeping arrangements.
I think a lot depends on the layout of your house and yard. What works for
me is to set up a crate in the kitchen and either my husband or I sleep (in
sweats this time of year) on the couch in the adjoining family room. That
way I'm close enough to hear the puppy stir (indicating it's time for trip
outside to potty). When he does, I can sweep him out of the crate and out
the sliders in the FR to the yard before it's too late.
If he stresses at all the first couple of nights I'll go to him, talk calmly
with him, sit next to the crate, put my fingers through to touch him...that
kind of thing. I find that what they're looking for at that point is not to
get out of the crate, but the reassurance that they're not alone...they just
want to know there's a pack leader about to take care of things. I let them
know that I'm right there and there's nothing to fear. After the first fews
nights away from their litter,most pups settle right in with the new routine,
comfortable in the knowledge that you'll be there when they need you.
Sometimes during the first week or so they'll wake up with a fright, much
like a small child. At that point, my voice from the family room is
sufficient to reassure him that I'm here and there's nothing to fear.
What works in practice for you may be different...but the elements are the
same. Leaving his home, breeder, and litter ...iow, everything he's ever
known, is stressful for a puppy. My job is to help him understand that he
doesn't have to worry, I have everything under control and he's not in any
danger. I do this by being responsive to him with a calm air that *shows*
him everything's fine...and by avoiding the temptation to feed into his fears
with 'ohhh...poor baby'.
-Sherri Venditti
