When my dog Remy was a puppy, many years ago, I set about teaching him a sit-stay. As any trainer can attest, this is usually a fairly straightforward exercise. I was still in veterinary school at that time, so I had less training experience than I do now – but as a student assistant in OSU’s puppy kindergarten classes twice a week, I had taught dozens of pups the basics of how to sit and stay without any difficulty. My…
As a veterinarian in general practice, seeing a brand new puppy for a wellness check-up is one of my favorite parts of the job. (I’d wager this is true for most vets – ask anyone!) Puppies are cute, and obnoxious, and very, very busy. They sniff all around the exam room, jump up to say hello, and try their best to eat my shoelaces. They chew on my stethoscope while I auscult their hearts. They eat treats eagerly when offered,…
If you’re a dog owner, I’m sure you’ve heard this refrain. Conventional wisdom says that young puppies come to us as blank slates. Full of promise and limitless potential, ready to be molded into your ideal companion as long as you do your part – provide lots of love, the right amount of discipline, and appropriate training along the way. If you’re a caring, responsible pet owner, there’s no reason that your puppy should not grow up to be a…
If you have a new puppy, or are expecting one this holiday season – congratulations! You’re embarking on a life-changing adventure full of ups and downs, especially during those fragile first few months. If you’ve had a puppy before, or spent much time around one, you know exactly what I mean. Snuggles on the couch, the first day home. Soft puppy kisses, a tiny wagging tail. Hopping clumsily after a ball in her very first game of fetch. Barking and…
Bringing home a new, furry bundle of joy is a life-changing event, fraught with both excitement and trepidation. There is no denying that an 8-week-old puppy is lots of fun, cute and playful and full of promise… but once the initial thrill has subsided a bit, there are a number of practical things to consider. Purchasing food and water bowls in just the right size, a collar and leash that suits her. Dog beds. Perhaps a crate. What kind of…
Today’s topic is one of the most common questions we get from new puppy owners at our training facility – what’s the point of puppy kindergarten? Can’t we just go ahead and put Buddy in obedience class, so he can start learning the important stuff? I get it. I really do. Especially if Buddy is a large-breed dog, like a Labrador or a Great Dane, who will be capable of knocking over full-grown adults in a few short months without…
It’s a common scenario. You’ve just brought home your new puppy. Eight weeks old, all roly-poly fluff and cute as a button. You’ve heard that puppies need to be “socialized,” and you definitely plan to work on that when you get a chance. Maybe sign up for a class with your local trainer, or start taking her for walks around the neighborhood. But not just yet. You’ll start when the weather gets warmer. When your work schedule eases up a…