So, puppy people...Come on in!

kikibaby

My dog is still very playful, puppy-like, and I think he's 4 or 5 years old.  Lots of dogs are still very active/cute/fun when they're a bit older.

gailpete

When we first got our puppy he was 6 weeks old.  The crate was sized for his adult size (50 lbs).  My husband built a little wall separator for the crate with an opening in it and we put it in the middle of the crate.  When we had to leave him we would put a pee pad in the back half of the crate and his bedding in the front.  He was pretty good about peeing and pooping in the back of the crate and sleeping in his home in the front.  We would try to get home at lunch to let him out, but sometimes we couldn't make it.  By the time he outgrew this arrangement he was able to last all day without having to go out.

Puppies are great, but they are work.  Good luck.

mica178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_puppy-peoplecome?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:50595278-bd8a-4576-84ef-cef1e4ba5a62Post:8ec85029-25ff-4129-ba6d-acfe06211d9f">Re: So, puppy people...Come on in!</a>:
[QUOTE]mica she is soooooo cute!
Posted by Jelenny[/QUOTE]

Thank you!  I think so too!

graceb15

Honestly, if you're having doubts about getting a puppy DON'T get one. Not trying to be mean, but they are a lot of work and potty training is no easy task. You have to be consistent and its going to take awhile. Crate training is the best way to go. I wouldn't leave a puppy unsupervised in my house unless they were in a crate, too much for them to get into. Do you know anything about the breeds of the dog? You'll also need to take your puppy to puppy class for training and socialization. Not socializing your puppy leads to tons of other issues later. I'd suggest reading up on what having a puppy is all about before you get one.

jayjoe

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_puppy-peoplecome?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:50595278-bd8a-4576-84ef-cef1e4ba5a62Post:05a21202-ac98-4ebe-97c0-cbe962113c92">Re: So, puppy people...Come on in!</a>:
[QUOTE] You'll also need to take your puppy to puppy class for training and socialization. Not socializing your puppy leads to tons of other issues later.
Posted by graceb15[/QUOTE]

I've had 3 dogs, none of them brought to trainers and none for socialization. They were fine. I actually dont know anyone who did that and their dogs are fine.

Well, except my old German Shepard. He was deathly afraid of any dog smaller than him <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />

graceb15

Then she shouldn't be getting a puppy! I'm sick of people who get puppies and then find out later on they can't take care of them or they were more work than they thought and then the poor dogs end up in shelters. I've seen way too many people get in over their heads and its not fair for the dog. People will probably hate my opinions, but if it scares people that aren't ready for a dog away from getting a dog then I'm going to say what needs to be said. I'm not normally a bitchy person, but nothing pisses me off more than people who gets dogs and aren't ready for them and people who buy from backyard breeders and pet stores. Otherwise I'm a very nice person If you seem like you're ready for a dog then good, but it sounds like she's having doubts and I'd hate to see a puppy be brought into that situation.

Birdie1483

We never took Oz to official puppy classes, but we found that once we started taking him to the park and letting him be around other dogs regularly, he started doing better. At the beginning he was afraid of other dogs and I was afraid he would do something out of fear. Letting him realize that other dogs weren't out to get him helped him relax a bit.

Jelenny

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_puppy-peoplecome?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:50595278-bd8a-4576-84ef-cef1e4ba5a62Post:a018d7c4-9e00-4c31-8512-ad11bfc3f70f">Re: So, puppy people...Come on in!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: So, puppy people...Come on in! : I've had 3 dogs, none of them brought to trainers and none for socialization. They were fine. I actually dont know anyone who did that and their dogs are fine. Well, except my old German Shepard. He was deathly afraid of any dog smaller than him
Posted by jayjoe[/QUOTE]

I suggest this for all new dog parents because so many dogs end up at the shelter with simple behavioral issues.  Dogs like pittie mixes are WONDERFUL but need socialization, and pups too with more than one dog around they tend to learn from the pack but solo I lean more towards a training class.  Plus more than anything I think it helps train the people....answer some questions they may not otherwise ask, etc.

jayjoe

Grace, i get it. Believe me i get it. I work with 3 different rescues on a daily basis and I help place dogs. I help with donations for the AC&C's here in NY. I'm running a donation drive right now for the holidays. Everyday this is what i see on the surrender charts: "animal dumped because of lack of time", "animal dumped because owner cited personal problems", "animal dumped because owner does not want to deal with cat/dogs age, illness, etc", "animal dumped because no longer wanted". I get it. If she has doubts thats one thing, its not something to be taken lightly. But you dont have to pay for classes to be a good pet owner. Like Birdie mentioned, just taking them to parks helps out tremendously. I've had Coby since he was 7 weeks old, he is now 18 months and he's great. Its great that you get so angry and you want people to understand how serious it is! I once listened to a woman dump off a dog because, and i quote, "he doesnt match my new couch". I've watched as dogs were taken out of basements of houses where the owners moved and left it for the new owners to find. I've seen enough to give me constant nightmares. I get it.

kawelter

We adopted an 8-month old lab/pit mix in the middle of September, and she is a LOT of work (and money), but it is definitely worth it.  We would have liked to have adopted a puppy, but we both work 9-10 hour days and travel a lot, and we knew we wouldn't be able to give a puppy the attention it would initially need.  Our dog was potty-trained when we got her, and although it took us a little while to figure out when she was telling us she needed to go outside (she becomes obnoxious and won't stop play-biting) she has never made a mess inside.  We've found that it's important to really carefully consider what breed (or breeds, if it's a mix) you want, since people have stereotypes about certain breeds, like pits.  We've put a LOT of time and energy (and, once again, money) into training our dog really well because we don't want her to be a liability just because of her breeding.  The initial expenses (adoption, bed, food, toys, crate, vet visit, training) are pretty high, and you also need to keep in mind the fact that puppies and dogs chew things up, and you'll definitely need to replace some things.  But it's so totally worth it, and getting a dog was one of the best things we've done!  Have fun!!!   

redheadfsu

I agree look for an older dog. Puppies take a ton of work. You really need to be able to let them out every 3 hours. If you are not consistent, it will take a long time & will be very difficult.

If you get a puppy you really need to search your soul & know that you will take the time & energy. You need to not give up if it destroys your stuff or has accidents. Plus. dogs are expensive. I spend easily a few grand on mine in a year. Food, toys, etc, but vet bills add up fast. It is like a child.  You might want to think/talk about this more before you make the commitment.

I rescue so I know when I get a dog, I'm his forever home & I will do whatever it takes no matter what. I wish everyone would soul search before they got a cute puppy.

Jelenny

I gotta say I love that there are a bunch of rescuers/volunteers on here

jayjoe

Right? It gives me hope for the world.

Birdie1483

I think our next dog will be an "adult" dog. It's awesome having a puppy, but SO much work. The older dogs are also harder to adopt, so I'd like to save one. I remember when we were getting Oz I made a donation to shelter as well. The woman was SO EXCITED because that apparently meant that this one particular doggie who was a bit older and shy would get a little more time. I can still remember how excited she was.

Jennifer&Nate

I would ask the foster home about that particular dog, but a 4 month old may be fine with being left alone.

kmd0501

we got a pitbull puppy in july who was 6months old, but a rescue and she was not trained.  We took her out every hour for about 5 minutes and kept saying "potty".  When she would go to the bathroom we praised her like crazy and gave her a small treat or would play with her after for a good bit.  When she would have accidents in the house, we simply said "bad dog" and walked away.  The key is when they are bad make no direct eye contact.  Eye contact is a sign of approval for dogs and they really strive for their owners approval.  Also, after 5 minutes of denying eye contact, forget that the accident ever happened.  Dogs cant think back that far and will not remember what they are being punished for.  Once they get used to the idea that they go outside to potty, look for cues they give you, like sitting by the door.  My dog doesnt ever bark, she just simply goes and sits by the door to let you know shes ready.  My puppy just turned 1 yesterday and hasnt had an accident since late August.  Now we can just open our back door and say potty and she runs out, does her business and comes right back (oh, and wait for her cookie of course!)...Good Luck!!!

lindsaynewbride10

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_puppy-peoplecome?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:50595278-bd8a-4576-84ef-cef1e4ba5a62Post:31732c2d-3b09-4239-bbc5-2fd32accb545">Re: So, puppy people...Come on in!</a>:
[QUOTE]It's odd that I'm not allergic down here.  Usually 10 minutes with a dog and I'm all stuffy, sneezing and eyes itching. Chrissy, no time off for us (no work, no pay) :-(.  The Sun afternoon to Wed AM is the best we can do.<strong> I had read on the Humane Society page that puppies younger than 4 months shouldn't be crated.
</strong>Posted by aMrsin09[/QUOTE]

I'm going to have to disagree with the Humane Society, as much as I love them, this is the most backwards thing I have ever heard. Crate training is absolutely the key to potty training. I encourage you to do this is you're getting the dog, especially if he'she is going to be going without supervision for extended periods of time (3+ hours.)