Be careful what your puppy eats!

As your puppy becomes reliably potty trained and has greater freedom to roam the house and yard, it becomes increasingly important that you keep your puppies environment puppy proof.  This is especially difficult when you have a family with kids.   At least in our house, we have suffered the loss of shoes and books that were left on the floor and were chewed by the puppy. My vacuum cleaner is currently in the repair shop because someone (who shall go nameless!) left the cord unraveled, and our 9 mth puppy chewed the cord.  Thank goodness, the vacuum was not plugged in! 

Training a Biting Puppy to stop Biting

A young puppy has to learn that biting is not acceptable.

Next to potty training the issue that causes the greatest concern for new puppy owners is puppy biting.   If your puppy is growling and biting at 3 months of age...DO NOT freak out.  This is normal behavior for all puppies.  It does not mean you have a dominant or aggressive puppy.    The puppy is playing and teething at this early age.  But you do need to teach your puppy that you are the leader and that biting is acceptable on chew toys only.  Patience is required.    Puppy biting does require a level of maturity to resolve itself in your puppy.

1) Begin establishing yourself as a leader to your puppy as soon as you bring your puppy home.  Do this by beginning training your puppy.  Teach your puppy simple commands and reward with treats.

Handy Dog Training Chart to Print! Free!

Follow this link to find a handy chart to help you remember to train your puppy.

This AKC Training Chart has lots of great ideas!   Put the chart on your fridge and you won't run out of ideas for new commands to teach. (at least not this year!)  By working on these command ...a few at a time,.... and a few minutes throughout the day....your dog will have a great vocabulary, before you know it!

Charlie is named Jackson

So long to the last puppy to go to his forever home.   Charlie (now Jackson) went home with his family on Monday.   It was very fun to see the excitement and joy of the family who came to get him.

Jackson is now living in Manhattan, NY, not too far from Sammy.   Who knows, they may be able to have a puppy play date.    But we do know that Jackson is going to be given tons of love and kisses!   We miss you Jackson....but we know you are very happy, so we are happy too!

Cheetos is named Sammy

Cheetos went home about a week ago today.  I am so late putting up this post!   I was hoping to have a few photos to share.  But the camera was full of condensation as it was super humid that afternoon.  Sorry about that.   If I can find some more photos to share, I will add them later.

Sammy was on his way to his Grandmas house, when he left here with his Mom.  He was going to meet up with cousin/ sister Maya, from last years litter.   Then he was going to his new home in Manhattan, NY.   We know he will be very happy with his new Mom.  Best wishes to you both!