I love books. I think they make smart gifts. A smart gift for puppy homes is a well-written puppy rearing book authored by one of many well-respected authors in dog training.
Many dog problems start in puppyhood.
One of my few platforms (or soapbox, if you want to call it that) is preaching the importance of raising a puppy into a well-adjusted companion animal.
I believe with my whole heart that we can make an impact on the problem of overpopulation of strays and surrendered pets if we can teach others how to raise puppies into well-adjusted adult dogs. We can possibly influence the future specialized training needs of dogs by providing puppies important experiences early in life.
- rescue organizations need to do it.
- ALL breeders need to do it.
- families that have “uh-oh” litters need to do it.
- families that purchase or adopt puppies need to do it.
Who's getting a puppy for the holidays? Give them a smart gift!
Here is a list of books, e-books, and puppy rearing curriculums that I know will help any family start their new holiday puppy off on the right foot. This same list will be useful to your favorite rescue organization who takes in litter-after-litter-after-litter and not only raises them, but sends them off to carefully selected new homes. These adopters need this information, too.
- The Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
- Mindful Socialization (Digital Download) by Suzanne Clothier
- Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar
- Attentive Cooperation (Digital Download) by Suzanne Clothier
- Family Friendly Dog Training by Jean Donaldson, Ph.D. and Aimee Moore.
- Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog by Kenneth Martin, DVM, and Debbie Martin, RVT, VTS
- Puppy Culture: The Powerful First 12 weeks That Can Shape Your Puppy’s Future (DVD/Blue Ray) by Jane Killion
- Perfect Puppy in 7 Days, by Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
- AKC S.T.A.R Puppy: A Positive Behavioral Approach to Puppy Training by Mary R. Burch, PhD.
Donate This DVD/Workbook Bundle To An Interested Rescue Organization
Puppy Culture Bundle: DVD/Blue Ray + Workbook Bundle ($125) by Jane Killion. I think EVERY RESCUE ORGANIZATION that raises litters of puppies should have this bundle and SHOULD USE IT.
“From whelping box to new home” – this program assists in providing the best first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life.
I’ve never raised a litter of puppies, but I have the testimonies of three individuals who have raised litters of rescue puppies using Puppy Culture and all three are amazed at the differences in these litters.
AFFILIATE STATEMENT:
What a great resource list! We have never adopted a puppy, always older dogs. But I definitely agree about teaching people to raise puppies responsibly.