Puppies: Knowing What to Expect, Part 1

Whether you choose a small or large breed puppy, that is personal preference however, no matter the breed, they are still a puppy that is full of energy. Puppies become a member of the family almost immediately. It’s a joyful occasion when the new little innocence, cute little, fun loving fur ball comes home. The whole family wants to carry him/her around, hold him while he sleeps and take him outside when he wants to go.

The fun starts when the newness where’s off, the innocence turns to destroying the house and yard and the fun loving little fur ball is know 60 lbs of not so little dog.

Knowing what to expect and getting started early in training is the key. I have had “low key” big dogs all my life, but last year purchased two Dobermans, of which I have always admired. Beautiful, elegant, prideful, loyal, powerful among many other wonderful aspects of the breed but a little more energy than a Labrador.

So, knowing what to expect and having the correct facilities for the type of dog you choose makes life a little more fun. My first Doberman was Foulen. She was almost 2 yrs old when I purchased her from Britton Farms Dobermans. She is very glad to be out of the kennel and in a family environment. I built her a kennel and run, then a bigger yard to run in, then a picket fence so she can see out. She stays in the yard because she wants to “eat” the cat for lunch. We are working on this. Her daily walks are her favorite thing besides the cat! She gets to run around the 40 acres after I secure the cat. Foulen is quiet, obedient, friendly and is easily trained.

I loved Foulen so much and wanted to have another breeding female, I bought another Doberman but decided a Doberman puppy was a better idea. So, La Cantera Lexy arrives on the scene in July 2008 and oh how sweet. Cutest puppy ever!

After many trials and tribulations with Lexy almost loosing her life because of aspirating during her ear crop and had to stay at the Animal Diagnostic Center in Dallas for 1 month, Lexy now weights 57 lbs and has been spoiled rotten by all the Dr’s, technicians and myself because “Lexy is special” After all, she almost lost her life. Lexy gets to do anything she wants up to and including riding in the seat of the golf cart. I knew the seat was a bad idea because when she was a puppy that was great, but a 57 lb dog jumping in the seat is a bit much. She doesn’t like the floor!

So now that Lexy is doing well with a clean bill of health, we start training. So, my little cute loveable, innocent puppy is a monster puppy. Funny, oh yes but mostly not adorable when your 57 lb Doberman puppy tears up everything because she is spoiled, has “selective hearing” when she is out playing with cat. By the way, she loves the cat.

My point in this story is to start training early so that they all remain sweet innocence and fun loving! Stay tuned for more on new puppies and training.