We trainers are always delighted to get calls for help, especially when the caller starts by saying that we have come highly recommended by families who we have worked with in the past. Once the initial introductions are over, we then get a bit apprehensive while waiting to hear just what kind of training help will be asked for. Is the dog aggressive? Has he bitten anyone? Is he running off and not coming back? Is he guarding his food or his toys? Is he destructive and barking excessively? Is he dragging the owner down the street?

My favorite call starts with, "well,we just got a new puppy " and I immediately smile and say congratulations and then ask a series of questions.

Questions that I ask most often:

• How old is your puppy?
• What breed is your puppy?
• How long have you had your puppy?
• Where did you get your puppy?
• What age are your children?
• Have you ever raised a puppy before?
• How much time will you be available to interact with your puppy each day?
• Where is your puppy kept during the day?
• Who is home during the day?

Responses that I get most often:

• We are at work, but the housekeeper is there
• We are at work, but my husband or I come home at lunchtime to let the puppy out.
• We are at work, but I have someone else drop by once in the day to let the puppy out
• I only work part time, so I'm home by 2pm
• The kids are home around 3:30pm
• I work only 3 days a week
• The puppy is crated throughout the day

Puppies are not hamsters, and like human infants and children, they require constant attention when they are awake.

In order to housebreak a puppy, just like potty training a child it requires a total commitment to a schedule and supervision with a plan that encourages the puppy to eliminate in the chosen location and not to go freely inside the home. Depending on the age and breed of a puppy, and the owner's diligence, this process can take several weeks. If the dog is a toy breed and the owner is unable to take them out on a regular basis, I might suggest using a wee-wee pad for life. There are elderly people with toy breeds that live in high rise apartment buildings for instance where getting the puppy or dog out for toileting is too challenging. Puppies should only be crated for a couple of hours a day and overnight. They should be supervised at all times and sent outside for bathroom breaks every 15 min at first, then stretching to every couple of hours as time goes by, in order to housebreak them. During these early weeks at home, it is vital to expose young puppies to all the experiences of daily life. Dogs that are underexposed, or exposed too late in life, or not exposed properly grow up to be reactive and unconfident adults. This leads to more dogs given to shelters or families who spend years with a dog that is a burden and instead could have been a joy to live with.

REMEMBER always that the first 4 mo of a puppy's life is considered a critical period of socialization and rapid development. During this stage of life, it is vital that they are exposed to hundreds of people, places and things. This cannot be accomplished if no one is there to oversee it and create the environment for it to happen. There is plenty of science behind this process and trainers are prepared to guide you through it. Puppies who lack this exposure will more often than not, be aggressive or fearful as they mature. Consider a child that is only exposed to the kitchen and yard and the neighbor and a few relatives for the first years of life. What would that child be like? Consider the adopted child who has had a start in life that was traumatic or one that lacked stimulation and exposure? Certainly genetics can be a powerful contributor as far as adaptation and temperament is concerned and we all have stories of delightfully balanced dogs who grew up in less than ideal circumstances, but it is NOT THE RULE. Our favorite dogs are those that have spent their puppyhood and adolescence with daily experiences that have continually and properly included exposure to people, places and things on a daily basis. Think how service dog puppies are specifically raised during their first year to insure that they become confident and sensible partners to those with disabilities.

Besides the housebreaking and socialization issues surrounding the proper raising of puppies, they also require attention to developing bite inhibition. Bite inhibition is a term that refers to the dog s choice to NOT bite down hard enough to penetrate skin of other dogs and humans. Bite inhibition is taught during the first few weeks and when not accomplished during early weeks, the puppy will grow up to be very mouthy and perhaps injure someone, even in play. Where puppies are placed in households with children there is a point when they will begin to nip and tear at their clothing, fingers and faces. This behavior is normal but undesirable and requires adult intervention. Trainers are skilled in helping families teach puppies to have bite inhibition, but it can be a terrible experience when it goes too far and kids are traumatized or severely injured. Consider choosing an adult dog to bring into the household, who already demonstrates a soft mouth and a gentle temperament then it won t matter if you have kids or are at work much of the day, the older dogs take it all in stride!

Overall, although everyone shares the love of puppy breath, in cases where families are unable to offer the time required to influence behavior and development of young puppies, it is advisable to consider adopting a rescue dog, or purchasing an adult dog from a breeder. Choose an adult dog that is already housebroken, has passed the destructive stage and whose genetics and maturity insure that it s a good match.

Please read this article submitted by Lois Valbuena Hannigan on adopting a senior dog.

Lois Valbuena-Hannigan is a New York State Certified Master Dog Trainer and Animal Behavior Counselor. She is a graduate of Academy Of Canine Education in Fresh Meadows, Queens. Lois has been an Executive Board Member of Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue since 2000. Having been employed by three major Animal Welfare organizations she brings to us a wealth of information regarding dog related issues and concerns. Lois is a published writer, having written a weekly pet information column for a local newspaper.

The Joy of Adopting A Senior Dog

As a long time member of Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue, I have encountered many situations in which a family or individual can no longer care for their pet. In my capacity as adoption counselor and trainer I find the saddest of all is when a senior is surrendered. The reasons vary, as with any surrender: i.e. the economy, divorce, new baby, no time, allergies, etc.. Most adopters prefer a puppy or younger dog. I'd like to take this opportunity to discuss the positive side of adopting a senior, That said, if you have been considering acquiring a dog, don't rule out adopting a senior. Dogs are regarded seniors when they reach the age of seven years old. Don't be fooled into believing a senior dog doesn't have any spunk left. Many seniors are playful, enjoy long walks and chasing balls just as much as their younger counterparts. Some advantages of adopting an older dog are: there are no housebreaking issues: worries about chewing your favorite shoes: jumping on your guests.

There are currently many older dogs living in shelters, in need of forever homes. These dogs have lived most of their lives in loving homes. For some reason these seniors can no longer remain with their families. At an age when they should be enjoying the comforts and security of a loving home, they, instead, find themselves in town shelters. Finally, and most importantly, they are grateful. The look of hope, in the eyes of a senior dog, when he is coming home with his new family is indescribable. You will never find a more loving, affectionate and thankful creature in the world. The joy and satisfaction you will experience by loving and being loved by a senior dog is its' own reward. People say "but we will not have him very long". My answer to them is, "you will be giving him the best few years of his life." These wonderful oldies but goodies are a treasure. My husband and I have adopted and fostered many senior golden retrievers over the years. When looking for an addition to your family, please consider adopting a senior dog. It will transform an otherwise sad dog into a happy companion. It will also give you the satisfaction of knowing you saved a precious life.

If you are partial to a specific breed, look into breed rescue. Long Island has rescue organizations for almost every breed of dog. Most often, seniors are available for adoption.

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