Liberty Press, The; Wichita, Kan., Nov 2008 by Palmer, Chris
Hello Pet Lovers,
I want to take time this month to talk to you about puppies as Christmas gifts. It’s getting closer to the holidays and I hate to be a Scrooge, but Christmas is the worst time to get a new puppy.
Take the time to consider all that goes into making a new puppy’s transition into a new home. I can’t speak for anyone else, but our house around the holidays is CRAZY. With all of the shopping, cooking and that trip through the woods to grandma’s house can be stressful for everyone.
Now add a new puppy that has no idea where he is. This is probably the most stressful time for a new puppy, being separated from his siblings and mother is hard on a young pup. Then you have potty training, and Kansas in late December is anyone’s guess. Will it be 70 degrees or will it be eight below and have a foot of snow?
I know many of us have kids, and all they want is a puppy and they will just the if they don’t get one. Please don’t buy a puppy that is less than eight weeks old; they are just too young to be away from their mothers.
If I were Master of the Universe I would make it illegal to take a puppy away from its mother until at least 12 weeks. The longer that a puppy can stay with its mother and siblings will help him to learn that he is a pack animal. A bitch will teach the puppies that she is the alpha and they are her subordinates. The puppies in turn will work it out amongst themselves.
Ideally if you could keep a litter together until 12 to 14 weeks they will have learned the pack order. It will be easier for them to understand that when they come to live in your house that you are the new pack leader.
I feel that every dog should at least go to beginning obedience classes. Most are six to eight weeks long and anywhere from $60 to $100. You will be surprised by how much you can learn, and it’s fun
potty training a puppy