We are Getting a Puppy!
Because life isn’t crazy enough, we are getting a puppy! Give me all of your advice and encouragement because we need it.
Matthew grew up with a dog, though not one that lived inside the house, but I never had a pet…. well, except for about 6 months in high school when my grandma and her doberman lived with us. I have never been a big dog lover, but after YEARS of Matthew saying we should get one, and then Elias jumping on the bandwagon, we decided to apply for a puppy.
We knew we wanted to get a small dog that didn’t shed. After doing a bunch of research, we landed on a cavapoo or cavoodle, which is a mix of a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Several friends recommended the breeder Crockett Doodles, so that’s where we applied. After just over a month, we got the email.
Next Saturday we will meet our puppy, Zelda Kate. The kids are sooooo excited.
Cavapoos are great for families, as they are friendly and loving. Zelda will likely be 12-20 lbs. She was born October 20, so will be 14 weeks when we get her.
Please share your best tips on all things related to having a pet. Potty training, kid responsibilities, favorite products, things no one ever told you – tell me everything. I need your best advice!
The best best best book on puppy training is How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Caesar Milan. We had raised two dogs with a break of a few years, then bought this. Truly great direction and help. Also the way he tells you to train puppies with kids is spot on. We did it with Zach and Rocky listens to him and respects his instruction. And yet…Rocky was still crazy so puppy classes (use tiny cut up hot dogs as treats and your dog will do anything!) still cement the deal. Have fun!
Puppy classes are a must! Be ready to be patient and keep PJs, Underwear, etc out of the floor. The threat of a squirt from a water bottle is a powerful tool (one squirt from it and now when my dog sees it she knows she needs to stop whatever it is). I would recommend looking into a dog daycare in your area, especially if there aren’t other dogs around. It’s important for dogs to learn to play and socialize with other dogs so they don’t get afraid of them. My first dog had not been when he was a puppy and it was hard to take him on a walk or anything when running into other dogs.
Here is the best advice we received
* You are getting trained not the dog.
* Never ever feed from the table. Our dog is fed twice a day in her bowl, never begs or takes other food.
We have a cavachon / it is an amazing breed
Life-changing decision for sure! We are actually in the process of re-homing our 15 month old labradoodle. Although we love him to pieces, our family of 5 is very busy with work and kids school events and extracurricular activities. The responsibility of caring for the dog and giving him the attention he needs and deserves has become too burdensome. Every breed is different and I think it’s important to get a breed that fits your family.
I think that is wise that you knew what was best for your family! My husband works from home, so even though we have a lot of commitments, I think we are going to be okay on this front.
Hi Jessica OMG I am so excited for you! What a cutie!
I have had several dogs, all from great breeders that I got as puppies. They are a lot of work as puppies but worth every minute.
My #1 tip is to be consistent. There are so many great methods for training a puppy (I used clicker training for positive reinforcement instead of punishing for bad behavior). Begin consistent is key – it will help Zelda Kate understand what you are asking her to do. Dogs are pack animals – they are happiest when the whole pack is together!
Don’t worry too much – you will make mistakes along the way but in the end, your sweet girl will become part of the family.
Wishing you so much joy and lots of puppy kisses!!!
🙂
Diane Taylor (mom to my chocolate lab Indiana “Bones” Taylor!)
Start crate training ASAP! And yes, as mentioned above, be consistent. Same commands/words for potty training, to sit, etc.
Start leash training early as well.
Don’t feed them human food but if you decide to give treats, do research on foods not safe for dogs. Onions and grapes are deadly!
Such good advice!
Ditto on the crate!
A PUPPY! I’m so excited for you! Your kids’ childhood will be even more magical with the addition of a dog. You’ll probably get lots of advice, but here’s my two cents (my Sadie, a Havanese, is 2 years old and still very much in puppy mode)
1. Start to crate train immediately. She might cry and whine at first, but her crate will eventually be a place of comfort and safety to her — and she should always be crated when you leave the house. Always.
2. Consistency is key. Everyone in your house should be on the same page regarding training, obedience, etc. She won’t be smart enough to do the right thing if she’s getting conflicting instruction from all the family members.
3. If she does something wrong and you catch it, punish her immediately by scolding or saying “no!” If she did something wrong an hour ago, don’t go crazy with punishment because she won’t make the connection as to why you’re yelling at her to something she did an hour ago.
4. No feeding from the table (it’ll cut down on begging — and keep her healthier). I only give Sadie human foods if she’s sick (rice for her tummy). Make sure the kids know what foods are poisonous to dogs.
5. I potty-pad trained Sadie and she was set in 3 days. I did this because she was 1.5 pounds when I got her — and it was winter in Wisconsin. She couldn’t be outside long enough to train. If potty pad training is something you’re considering, I have THOUGHTS. Both good and bad; feel free to e-mail me if you want more info!
Good luck. And hang in there when the early puppy stages are tough. On Sadie’s second day with me, I had a meltdown and started to sob — because potty training is tough and she chewed on a lot and she didn’t sleep through the night right away. It’s overwhelming (much like human babies!). Zelda will 100% become a member of your family and it’ll be a relationship like no other. xoxo.
Thanks for this kind and thoughtful comment. We are not planning to potty-pad train Zelda, as it isn’t super cold in Nashville in the winter. 🙂
When puppy potty’s give treat. If puppy doesn’t potty no treat they soon figure out I must go. Crate train as soon as you can. At night, when you leave, any time you are not watching. Eventually leaving the crate door open, if she wants to go in for a nap. Train ona leash early. You are boss not her.
Wow! We just got a puppy a year ago. A lot of the above comments I agree with on crate training, feeding, leash, consistency, etc. One thing no one told me was how often I would be getting up during the night while crate training! It was like we had a newborn all over again! So, a few weeks of some less than normal sleep. But, my kids love that dog with all their being!
Also, give your kids a role with the puppy – feeding, taking her outside, etc. My kids know their responsibility and it cuts down on having to say “who fed Gibbs dinner?”.
Good Luck!!
I grew up with pets but once I was married and had children I did not want the additional responsibility of a dog. My children always asked and I stayed strong and continued to say no. Then a little over a year ago, a dear friend passed away and I rescued her beloved dog as nobody else was willing to take her. It was one of my best decisions. She has given us all so much love and joy and we just love having her. The children are responsible to take her for walks and feed her, etc. so they are learning the responsibility of having a pet. All around it has been wonderful. I know you will love having your new puppy and so will the children. Best of luck and enjoy. By the way, your puppy is adorable.
Thank you for sharing your story and your kind affirmation.
I didn’t read what the other people wrote, so sorry if this is a repeat. Take her places (not Pet stores until she’s had all her shots!) You don’t want her to be afraid of new places, new people, and other animals.
Crate train her and then take the crate whenever you travel, it will be her spot and she’ll know it and love it.
Puppies get bored and destructive, have lots of toys around to play with.
Teacher her to follow you around (so you can get her potty trained) and teach her to get out of the way so she doesn’t get stepped on (we have a cocker right now that never learned this, she’s always in the way.)
Love her, but be the boss. I hope you love having a dog!
Ditto on the crate!