Quote:
Originally Posted by turbulence  Wow!
Thanks everyone for all the replies, there is a huge wealth of information right there and it is very appreciated.
After reading this, I agree that perhaps a young puppy is not the way I want to go at this stage as I really don't have the time and or experience to devote to "raising" it including toilet training and all of that stuff.. so I might be better off with a slightly older dog that is already toilet trained?
Could I still take an older dog to training to refine it?
My main worry though is that if I got an older dog, say 1 year old, will he/she build the same kind of bond with me that a puppy would? That is really what I am looking for.
My last dog we had since she was 8 weeks old and she bonded with me so closely because I was there from the start.
In regards to leaving the dog outdoors/indoors during the day. To be honest, leaving it outdoors wouldn't be preferred anyway and if I can try the crating technique/leaving the dog indoors.. it would probably be easier with an older dog because it won't be as inclined to wreck my house :D ? |
nothing wrong with an older dog - it's the route i took this time myself.
and for the training, realistically, the only limit on how far you go in training is you yourself - the dog will cheerfully learn
anything you care to teach it. honest to god. (they might not be labs, but they are awefully bright, nonetheless. ;-)
the bonding, well that'll happen over time - yes, it will take longer for a older dog than a puppy, but that's in no way a bad thing - means you're earning respect along with love (the two don't always go hand in hand with puppies). i'd look up NILF on the site - that's the basic premise you and your puppy are going to want to live by.
and crate train - please please crate train. it's good for the dog (they have a safe place that is
theirs, you have a home safe from your dog when you're out - and it's a good thing to know if you ever have to travel with your dog - airlines and kennels both use crates - it's an advantage if your puppy is accusomed to them already.
um, for the housewrecking bit - that, with a puppy or an adult, is boredom - that's also where the crate comes in, and the training - a tired dog, who's had to use their mind for something, is a good dog. a bored dog is a holy terror who will eat your drywall, doorframes, bed, fridge, etc. (worst i ever heard of personally was a basset who ate it's way through the bottom of a door.... and it was an oak door, too. john was unimpressed....)
there is much more info on training, crate training, socialisation and whatnot in the forums, so browse, learn, and don't be afraid to ask. and if ever any of us sound rudeor harsh, it's because some of the folks here love the breed at the expense of the owners - it's not always pretty, but it is still love of the dogs, in it's own strange way.
have fun, and happy puppy learning, eh?
stale