Re: New Puppy

In Reply to: New Puppy
Category:   General Training
Posted by:  Tammy
Posted on:  December 29, 2002 at 22:04:44

: Hello! I am a new puppy owner. We purchased Braydon on Dec. 23. The breeder told me he was born on 11/17. At the time, I didn't do the math. I now realize he was only 5 weeks old. However, he was/is eating puppy chow (softened with water). I have read through these forums and found all of these questions/answers very informing. When we put Braydon in the crate and he goes ballistic. I can't stand to leave him in there. He gets EXTREMELY upset. To the point he seems to start losing his voice. Does anyone know why he may be getting so upset? Obviously, this isn't helping with the training...but that's another story. I feel very bad this little puppy was taken at such a young age. The mom had a litter of 5. He was the only one left. Kinda sad.

Response:

Dear Tammy,

Yes, it is kinda sad that there are breeders out there who are willing to sacrifice the physical/mental health of a puppy in order to meet the demands of the holiday gift-buying public. As long as you (and the folks who bought Braydon's littermates) are part of the demand, these breeders will continue to supply the dogs.

Your attitude toward Braydon is the root of your training problems. I know that it is difficult, if not impossible, to effectively train a dog if everything we do is "colored" by our feelings of sympathy and guilt. I assure you that you are not doing him any favors by letting him get away with all manner of bad behaviors because YOU feel bad...understand?

Raising a pup who was too young to have left his mother/littermates is difficult and I appreciate that you are asking for help. In addition to the information available by accessing our search engine, I hope you will also read through our FAQs; I am providing several links to get you started.

FYI: In most states, it is illegal to sell puppies before they are 8 weeks old; I urge you to contact your local animal control officer and report the breeder you bought Braydon from. You can't change the past, Tammy, but you may be able to affect the future for both the terriers and the owners. Good luck.

Leslie