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Crate train from the day you get her/him. Start potty training with treats immediately and be consistent with both. Lots and lots of praise. Harness or good collar. Lots of age appropriate chews - we use benebone. No toys with stuffing so he won’t eat them as the stuffing is not digestible.

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Also, at about 8 to 10 months, your darling child will become a teenager and will stay that way until approximately 18 months when her or his brain kicks back in. He or she will act like she’s never heard any of the commands and rules you have taught.

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Perfect.This will form a loving companion for life.

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M, congratulations on the addition to your family! I have no suggestions except don't name him after your dear father (as we did), because it will make your widowed mother uncomfortable when you must tell your pup to sit, roll over, shake hands, and perform other dog-related commands. xo

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He’s precious! My two best pieces of advice for pups are “nothing in life is free” and get them used to brushing their teeth early. Use dog toothpaste and a gauze wrapped finger then graduate to a soft bristle kids toothbrush. Don’t bother with the hard plastic finger thimbles. Brush their teeth every day and you’ll have a healthy dog with great gums and a vet who will sing your praises. Other than that love him up. (Dogs are better than cookies!)

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Good suggestion on teeth. I would add handling paws as if trimming nails.

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Oh, the same thing happened to me only with a cat. After more than a year after the passing of Buddy the Cat, I read in our local paper of an elderly cat lady. The local authorities had to enter her house in HASMAT suits and masks.33 more cats taken to our county Human Society. Since said shelter was already full and a no kill shelter at that, there I was adopting a new fluffy companion, Eliza the cat! Mine's a sweetheart and it looks like yours is too.

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Oh Marissa! What an adorable puppy!! It must be so hard not to have Bosco, but I’m thrilled that you’re getting that sweet pup! And I can’t wait for your cookie cookbook! ♥️

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A friend who raises dogs to be service dogs shared this tip. Keep your dog on a leash and near you while housebreaking. The dog will show signs when he needs to go, and you seize the opportunity to get him outside in time & then heap praise and pets on him when he succeeds. The idea of leash is so he can’t sneak away and designate some place inside as his bathroom. It’s a bit like potty training, but much faster!

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Crate training is the way to go!

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Cookies are wonderful, but puppies? With SPECKLED TOES?!? 🥰

He’s beautiful!

Congratulations and Happy Cookie and Final Draft Season! xoxo

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What an adorable addition to the family. Be consistent and lots of praise and love. A harness for walking is better as they can't back out of it. Keep the cat food up so he does note it. You should have a very exciting Holiday season with the new "kid"

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Patience. Patience. Patience. No bully sticks--we use benebones. Hide the couch cushions. Lots of praise, and speak in a kind voice. Get him used to you handling his ears, mouth and paws. Easy-walk harness. Put in the time when he is young and you'll be rewarded for life!

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Great point about handling ears, paws, teeth!

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I’m pretty sure the cats will assist in the training regarding boundaries and behavior!😂

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That puppy is gorgeous! 😍 My training recommendation to add is to make sure your pup gets lots of daily exercise. Learning commands is so much easier when a dog is not going bonkers from pent up energy. Thanks for the recipes!

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I am sorry to learn of Bosco’s passing. Always so hard to lose our beloved pets. Very happy to meet your adorable puppy. I know you will enjoy him. Puppies are fun but lots of work too.

When you are ready consider doing professional dog training. Makes a world of difference.

Very best wishes as you wrap up the book, be a puppy house, and enjoy the holidays.

Looking forward to your book. Best to you.

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Puppy training is really puppy owner training.

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Puppy training classes are good for socialization with other dogs. And they are adorable - kind of like Puppy Bowl.

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Do Puppy School / Puppy Kindergarten for socialization and manners, and to cement the bond and the boundaries between you and the pup.

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What a wonderful dog! I have an English Springer named Charlie (female) that looks a lot like your newcomer except that she has a LOT of white spots. She had over 20 pups at too young of an age and now has to go out every three hours day and night,. I do not have a home that allows a pet door to a yard, so I have been sleep deprived ever since getting her (3 years ago) but she is WELL WORTH IT!

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By the way, I was NOT the one who allowed her to have the pups so early. I got her after that from a neighbor.

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