After enduring 2020 we are now well into 2021 and not a whole lot has changed. Some places are opening up slowly and we have hope that things will start to go back to a sort of normal life again, albeit at a snail pace. But things will never really be the same.
I read a post just the other day that an unprecedented number of dogs were surrendered after the holidays this year. This of course got me to thinking. Many of us have a lot more time at home; we have the time to raise and train new puppies so why was there such a large puppy abandonment? I think that the same cause was behind all the puppy surrenders; it was just the fact that there were so many more puppies added to homes that had the numbers rise so exponentially.
Never have I seen the number of families looking to add a dog to their home as last year. People were posting daily that they were looking for a new addition and asking everyone for help in finding the dog of their dreams. Sadly many of these folks were “first time” k9 guardians; which means that they really didn’t know what having a dog is like.
For people who have never had a dog before; there seems to be a general dream like idea of having a dog in your life. You know, your dog lying quietly by your feet by the fire. Your dog fetching the paper or slippers for you? You know the idea. So when reality hits and they see what having a new dog entails, their magical and unrealistic idea is quickly shattered.
Because so many dogs were surrendered to shelters recently; I have decided to put together a very short course that people can take to see if they really want to add a dog to their life. Imagine being able to watch a few videos, take a few Q&As and know the answer to a very important question. DO YOU REALLY WANT A DOG?
I am hoping that people will see the benefit in knowing whether they are ready before diving into k9 guardianship unprepared.
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Next up: A new puppy course. Yep, if you decide that you are ready and take the plunge; I will have a new puppy course up and running in the near future. I would highly recommend doing the course before you get a puppy and then again after you bring home your bundle of joy. This will have you so ready and prepared for your puppy that there will only be a few “ugh” moments, hopefully. :)
Creating these course is a lot of work but there is nothing like the wonderful feedback sent to me from the k9 guardian afterwards.
To see all the courses that I have available now, please visit: Online training and behavior courses
I am also working on another project that is in the works….but exciting.
Questions?