Introduction

Well, To start off, I just want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Whom ever you are. I hope it is entertaining, comforting and most of all informative.

Let me first tell you a little about myself and why I’ve decided to post my feelings, successes and I’m sure failures for all to see.
I have been in the animal business for over 30 yrs now, and the dog training business for about 13 of those 30. In that time I ‘ve learned numerous training methods, through mentoring, books, and hands on. Dogs are my life. Over these years, I have grown in my knowledge of methods and beliefs . I can’t imagine ever using some of those methods now, or that I ever did. I think back to what I had been taught, or observed, and some times cry, shake my head in disbelief, or just laugh out loud. All at myself. I am sure, as I go through this life experiencing more, learning more, I will someday look back at this time and yes, feel those same feelings, shake my head, and again, laugh at myself.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with numerous families and their pets. Most I hope with great success, some I’m sure with failure. Large dogs, little dogs, purebreds and mutts. Old dogs, young dogs, strays, and rescues. Many I have forgotten, but most I never will.
Working with shelter or rescue dogs are my hardest, and yet most fulfilling challenges. I give kudos, to each and every person that rescues these dogs, works with these dogs, and adopts these dogs. A large percentage of these animals have behavioral , health or management issues. Some fixable in a week, but for most months or sometimes years. A small few, never. I have found though, that the majority of these new owners are committed to their animals and love them enormously.

The pet business is a very profitable one. Over the past 30 years, the pet industry has become one of the largest and fastest growing to date. Right up there with computers and technology. 30 years ago, if you wanted to find a trainer, you had to drive an hour or send your dog away. Groomers where hard to find, usually one to a town, three towns over. Pet supplies or food were only at your local food store or pet shop and kennels where owned by mom and pop.
I live in a fairly rural area. Three somewhat thriving and busy towns just fifteen miles away in either direction. Just in the past ten years, in a fifteen mile radius, there are twenty five new grooming businesses, about fifteen new trainers and four new boarding facilities, and this does not include the large pet chains. Petco, Petland, ext. Three of these have opened up all within a five mile radius of each other. Each offering training, grooming, and supplies all under one roof. Imagine, a “Walmart” geared just to pets. Also, finding a trainer is as easy at turning on your tv. There are so many choices and they all make it look so easy. Isn’t editing great.

What does all that I have said, have to do with rescue dogs. Everything. The hard reality is this.
Dogs have become a commodity. Fashion statement. A part of our disposable society.
“Designer dogs” have become the puppy mills and back yard breeders bread and butter. Advertisements, the movie industry and the famous have desensitized the public to the fact, that dogs are living, breathing, thinking, ANIMALS. They are nothing else, just dogs. Not an accessory. Not a flavor of the month, and certainly not a disposable item.
Unfortunately, a large majority of the public have never had dogs, or forgot that mom and dad where the main care takers of Lassie. Society has changed . Families are busier and moms aren’t home. Bigger houses, smaller yards.
Its become a vicious cycle with no end in sight.

John Q demands a product. John Q willing to pay for product. Product over produced . Product bringing in large revenue. John Q not happy with product and product easily disposed of.
And so, we have formed shelters and rescues.
John Q needs to be educated!


So, I decided to write a blog, to help educate John Q.
Now, I have not written any books or earned any awards. I know I can’t change the world and every body in it. I know I can’t turn every dog owner over to my way of thinking.
But if I can change but one life of a dog because of this blog, then I have accomplished what I had set out to do.
My goal is to take you, the want to be dog owner or new dog owner, through the life of a puppy and her family. To answer some of the questions a new puppy brings. To help you through with some of the problems you face, and give you the tools to not give up on your dog. I want you to understand, that just about everyone goes through the same thing. I want to teach you what is normal dog behavior and how to deal with it. Understand that everyone, including the trainers get angry, frustrated, and discouraged. We make mistakes to.
On occasion, you will get impute from the owner, my daughter. Her feelings, thoughts about owning a new puppy and her trainer.
Some names may have been changed or edited to protect their privacy

I hope you enjoy the reading.