After practicing Veterinary Medicine for 27 years and advising pet owners daily on the rearing/training of their dogs, I find myself amazed at what I still need to learn about raising a puppy.

Between my husband and I we have over 50 years of veterinary experience and have had numerous dogs; it is hard to believe that we just recently acquired our first young puppy (always adopting the homeless older strays) and are experiencing the tremendous joy but also the tremendous amount of work involved. It is true that relationships are always work if they are going to succeed. The time/work involved in the puppy stage is an investment necessary for a life long priceless friendship.

Albert
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It is absolutely necessary to think of the time available for a new family member before even thinking of a puppy. Many dogs turned over to rescue groups are the result of an unhappy union due to inadequate time investment in training. Without proper training and bonding happy, adorable and busy puppies can become out of control ill mannered dogs that are no longer wanted.

Personally on a frustrated day of puppy rearing I was stunned to utter the words "I don't think I want this puppy". The frustration and exhaustion of endless hours of work that was seeming to go nowhere truly surprised me. I had to take a step back and hear my own advise of "If you don't invest the time now, you will have a dog you do not want or enjoy later".

Barkley
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Puppy training classes are traditionally discussed during the first few puppy wellness exams, but as I started classes with my own puppy I had an immediate realization that I should more strongly recommend training classes to all puppy owners. Despite the volume of information I had compiled over the years I still was learning new and pertinent obedience tips.

The decision to add another dog to the family is a big one, and should be given serious consideration. Time is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, factors to consider. A new puppy is truly priceless, but you have to work hard early on to experience the pure joy, love and devotion of a well adjusted dog.

Dr. Hibbard with Scout
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I strongly recommend puppy obedience training and can , along with the staff at Southpointe Veterinary Hospital, direct you to different training options. Investing in a new relationship is one of the best investments you can make in a lifetime.