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 (+ S&H) 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
