..... cause so much pain and frustration. I have to say when we brought Hannah home from the breeder I was not at all prepared for her ENERGY and SHARP teeth! I had bruises all over my body, from the top of my head to my little toe. At one point I even uttered the words with tears running down my face, "LETS TAKE HER BACK!" I enjoy my sleep...one could even say that I need more sleep than the average adult and sleep deprivation is not kind to me (or those around me) and I become less than patient without 8+ hours of precious sleep. Luckily for me I have a very understanding and helpful husband. Together we got through the sleepless nights (taking turns getting up for 2 am potty trips), signed us up for several training classes and read a lot of books to get the guidance and tools we needed to raise a wonderful...all be it stubborn and with a case of separation anxiety...Hannah turned out to be a loving, sweet, dependable and forever faithful Great Dane that we will always hold close to our hearts.
NOW I KNOW:
The must haves are....
Rules, boundaries and limitations…..Puppy proof the house, 2 crates (one in our bedroom and one in the living area) x-pen (playpen for a dog), martingale collar (so the dog can’t slip out of it), 6 foot leather leash, toys, bones, Kongs, and a SCHEDULE, just like a child, dogs need a schedule. The schedule helps with potty training and also makes sure the humans balance the time they spend interacting with the puppy and the other parts of their life. IF the puppy is out of the crate or x-pen an adult needs to be watching to make sure the puppy makes good choices and gets plenty of exercise. IMO…6 keys to raising a dog that everyone enjoys- Prevention, Timing, Rewards, Exercise, Patience and LOVE.
Boy, do I wish I would have learned this BEFORE we brought Hannah home.
NOW I KNOW:
The must haves are....
Rules, boundaries and limitations…..Puppy proof the house, 2 crates (one in our bedroom and one in the living area) x-pen (playpen for a dog), martingale collar (so the dog can’t slip out of it), 6 foot leather leash, toys, bones, Kongs, and a SCHEDULE, just like a child, dogs need a schedule. The schedule helps with potty training and also makes sure the humans balance the time they spend interacting with the puppy and the other parts of their life. IF the puppy is out of the crate or x-pen an adult needs to be watching to make sure the puppy makes good choices and gets plenty of exercise. IMO…6 keys to raising a dog that everyone enjoys- Prevention, Timing, Rewards, Exercise, Patience and LOVE.
Boy, do I wish I would have learned this BEFORE we brought Hannah home.
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