How much does it cost to own a dog for the first year?
Category: Family Dog (General Dog Info)
Socialization (13 wks old)
At 13 weeks old Kitto already knew the basic commands, but the first day of Puppy class was humbling. Our perfect little buddy didn't know what to expect from other dogs, and it showed. Imagine a large room with 8 or 9 annoyingly-quiet puppies present, ranging from 8 to 20 weeks old (under 14 weeks was required to … Continue reading Socialization (13 wks old)
Socialization (12 wks old)
Kitto is 12 weeks old. After being indoors for all this time, his world is suddenly BIG. Kitto's vet checkup yesterday (All Stars Veterinary Clinic) went great. Kitto's heart, ears and joints are sound and maturing normally. His musculature is filling out well. He weighs about 4.3 lbs. He eats well, self-feeding on three different high-end kibbles, with 1/3 to … Continue reading Socialization (12 wks old)
Socialization: Week 11
Kitto is a tiny bundle of energy. He can choke himself on a collar pretty easily, and the harnesses we picked up for him early are a little too big. We purchased a Truelove dog harness for him, arriving tomorrow. This will help us feel like we can take him out of the house more safely. Today … Continue reading Socialization: Week 11
Socialize Early, Often, Forever
We expose our puppies to as many new situations, sounds, places, things, animals, and safe surprises as possible during the third and fourth months of life. They are outgoing more than fearful during this period, and so this the easiest time for them to learn. Dogs can still be taught after this period, however it is more difficult … Continue reading Socialize Early, Often, Forever
Kitto’s Personality
Kitto's parents were chosen for temperament, health, and conformation to breed standards, but the Alaskan Klee Kai genetic pool is smaller than that of the cheetah. Genetic dice can roll unexpectedly, but we can share what Kitto is like in real life. Some of his traits are common, but they might be expressed more strongly or gently than normal. … Continue reading Kitto’s Personality
Insider Tricks
Be "Frustration Free" Listen to your dog. When you see and hear frustration in its voice or body language, ease off. Don't let your dog fail twice in a row. Go back a step and ask for an easy trick it knows well, and smile and remember how proud you are of your awesome little buddy. You'll … Continue reading Insider Tricks
Zak George’s Dog Training Videos
Zak George's Dog Training rEvolution videos on YouTube are so much fun. His positive, charming personality works magic with dogs. The videos are topical, short, and show you how to be successful with your own dog. And they're free. We're going to review them all, and support Zak by donating through Patreon.com. Everything You Need To Be Prepared … Continue reading Zak George’s Dog Training Videos
DIY Indoor Potty Training
Commercial dog toilets range from fake grass platforms (complete with fire hydrants) to square yards of real grass. They're a good way to sell refill packs for a lot of money, and I have better ways to spend $40/month. So, I looked up "DIY indoor dog potty" and built my own. $10 storage crate from Costco w/ doorway cut … Continue reading DIY Indoor Potty Training
Make Your Own Luck
Give your dog extra time today, and change your world.