New Puppy Coming in April - Novice Owner Needs Book Rec.

Mommytofour · 01-21-2013, 02:25 PM

We are excited to welcome a Havanese to our family this spring - it will be our first dog. We are new dog owners and would really like to be as prepared as possible. Are there books that you would recommend that work well with the Havanese? In the research I've done there is already a lot of conflicting advice for puppies.

sandypaws · 01-21-2013, 02:35 PM

Some of the books which I have in my "doggie" library are: The Havanese by Diane Klumb with Joanne Baldwin DVM, The Focused Puppy by Debirah Jones, Ph.D. & Judy Keller and From Nose to Tail, A Grooming Handbook from the Havanese Fanciers of Canada which can be purchased though the club's website. I think these are all good books and will probably help you. I've been owned by the breed since 1996, and have learned from these books. Hopefully, there will be others who can share their favorites with you as we'll. Happy reading and welcome to the forum. Bet you can't wait for April to come!

Sharonefinkel · 01-21-2013, 03:15 PM

I really got great tips and advice from 30 Days to a Well Mannered Dog, The Loved Dog Method by Tamar Geller. I too am a first time puppy owner! I read the book before we got Bosco at 10 weeks on December 1st. I still pick it up and review the advice as we go along, it seems to make more sense now that we have had him for a while. It's all about positive reinforcement which Havanese really seem to respond to.

TilliesMom · 01-21-2013, 03:37 PM

my best resource for raising a puppy and hav has been THIS FORUM!

Mommytofour · 01-21-2013, 03:44 PM

Thanks for the quick replies! Yes, this forum is excellent for information

. I appreciate the book ideas - I'm making them required reading for my whole family. I just can't wait for this puppy, so reading will help me make the time go faster. Again, I appreciate the support.

krandall · 01-21-2013, 06:04 PM

I can't recommend "The Focused Puppy" enough. If everyone would follow through with this fairly simple program (which is presented step-by-step) there would be far fewer poorly mannered, poorly socialized dogs in this world... And it is all done in an extremely positive manner!

davetgabby · 01-21-2013, 06:46 PM

Welcome. ...my favorites for newbies
Before You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar http://www.siriuspup.com/pdfs/before_puppy_sirius.pdf

After You Get Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/do...Your_Puppy.pdf

Tuss · 01-21-2013, 07:12 PM

raising a puppy is much like raising a child; everyone has their own opinion on the best way to do it! There is no "best way" and you have to find what works best for your family, your personality, your schedule and your dog.

I must put a vote in for crate training. It's a bit frustrating for the first few days but if you are persistant you will have a pup that loves it's crate and it is incredibly convenient, especially if you travel, or even if you are away from home and have to leave the pup unsupervised.

Beau's mom · 01-22-2013, 02:48 AM

And, "Puppies for Dummies"

Ewokpup · 01-22-2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuss

raising a puppy is much like raising a child; everyone has their own opinion on the best way to do it! There is no "best way" and you have to find what works best for your family, your personality, your schedule and your dog.

I must put a vote in for crate training. It's a bit frustrating for the first few days but if you are persistant you will have a pup that loves it's crate and it is incredibly convenient, especially if you travel, or even if you are away from home and have to leave the pup unsupervised.

Crate training is very important, in my opinion, and that of our groomer. She said some dogs come in and get all upset...not from the grooming part that they love, but the waiting their turn in the crate/waiting for pickup.

And while on the topic of furniture, I'm a big fan of baby gates, and we also have a playpen that folds up for easy travel.

Bama likes hanging out in her carrier, and we also have one of those hard sided plastic carriers (cat style I guess) which we use occasionally. She also has one of those little igloo style beds, not for sleeping in (although she does hang out in it sometimes), but for hiding her treats for later. It also is great for stashing her toys while cleaning up.