[Sha]

Hello, everyone!

I grew up with dogs, but haven't had one since I was 17, due to being in college and then apartment living with my two cats. In the past year, however, both my cats have had to be put to sleep for old age health issues. Since then, I have been researching dogs because I heartily miss the ones I had growing up, and being a homemaker without kids currently, I really would like a more active companion.

So, after tons and tons of research, I'm on the waiting list for a rough collie pup from an excellent local breeder. I will hopefully have a pup by Christmas, but in the meantime, I'm continuing to do lots of research. I've been reading through the forums here and thought I should join up! Thank you all for the awesome posts. I look forward to pelting you all with questions!

I'm especially curious to know how folks have done using Dr. Ian Dunbar's puppy home etiquette route. I'm really curious to know exactly what a daily schedule following his suggestions would look like, because I'm not quite "getting" how his plan is supposed to work, especially for someone who is home all day. I absolutely understand the basic principles, but it seems like he's suggesting a lot of crate or play pen time.

Edit: Oh, and I'm thinking about joining my local kennel club. Would I get weird looks for doing so before I have a dog?

 

[jclark343]

Welcome! And Congrats! I bet the anticipation is killing you!

 

[Sha]

Welcome! And Congrats! I bet the anticipation is killing you!

Thank you!

It is! Looking at everyone's pictures here of their lovely dogs helps a bit, but man oh man is it hard to wait! I have been known to wander over to the pet store next door just to check out all the food puzzles and toys while I wait...

 

[Shandula]

Thank you!

It is! Looking at everyone's pictures here of their lovely dogs helps a bit, but man oh man is it hard to wait! I have been known to wander over to the pet store next door just to check out all the food puzzles and toys while I wait...

I had an entire dog friendly room (crate, toys, collar, leashes, harness, toys, toys, and more toys) about three months before I got Levi, so I'm right on board with you.

Rough collies are so cute, I'm incredibly excited for you!

Edit: As per the book, I like Ian Dunbar a lot. I don't have that particular book, but I do see the appeal in crate/pen training. It is SO fantastic to know your dog will be perfectly happy in their crate. You don't have to worry about vets, groomers, or boarders. It's amazing, so I'm sure it's just training the pup to happily be on his own.

 

[PoppyKenna]

I grew up with Rough Collies and I already know my next dog will be one. They are absolutely fantastic dogs, I'm excited for you too!!!

Welcome, and obviously: when you get him/her, pictures, pictures, pictures!!

 

[Sha]

Thank you both! Everyone here is so kind!

I have a feeling that when we do get the puppy, I am going to overload on pictures. I will definitely share them here, because I'm sure my family and friends will get over-puppied.

Edit: As per the book, I like Ian Dunbar a lot. I don't have that particular book, but I do see the appeal in crate/pen training. It is SO fantastic to know your dog will be perfectly happy in their crate. You don't have to worry about vets, groomers, or boarders. It's amazing, so I'm sure it's just training the pup to happily be on his own.

Yep, I think it will make life so much easier! I'm just curious to know how other folks have gone about it and would love a... hm... daily pup schedule with when they did crate time and play time and such, just because I love to see how people who have done well do things!

 

[xmitters]

Welcome to the site!
It's always exciting getting a new puppydog, better not deprive us of pictures!

 

[Sha]

Thank you!

I'll definitely post lots of pictures.

 

[PoppyKenna]

In a (late) response to the edit on your original post - I don't think it would be weird for you to join your local KC at all.

In fact, as the time gets closer, maybe once your puppy is born, I'd start searching for and setting up a support network of puppy classes (I learned the hard way that sometimes you have to sign up early!), dog walkers/daycares should you plan to use them, and people around that will watch your pup for you if you just need a break (the puppy blues can hit hard!).

Sometimes you need to get that stuff lined up early, and sometimes it just feels better to have a plan in place.

 

[Sha]

In a (late) response to the edit on your original post - I don't think it would be weird for you to join your local KC at all.

In fact, as the time gets closer, maybe once your puppy is born, I'd start searching for and setting up a support network of puppy classes (I learned the hard way that sometimes you have to sign up early!), dog walkers/daycares should you plan to use them, and people around that will watch your pup for you if you just need a break (the puppy blues can hit hard!).

Sometimes you need to get that stuff lined up early, and sometimes it just feels better to have a plan in place.

Thank you!

That's exactly why I'd like to join the local kennel club -- they offer basic puppy classes, as well as STAR puppy classes, etc, plus of course all the regular obedience classes and performance sport classes. I'd like to be able to sign up for classes as soon as possible when I know my pup is coming so that the ones that work best for me don't fill up without me!

I also know nothing about performance sports, and I'd love to watch. While I think they're okay with the public watching, I'd feel much more comfortable being a paying member to watch the events and fun runs and see if any of them interest me. Plus, just having the support network of people who know about dogs and are close by seems like a really smart thing to do.

Thanks! I think I'll see about attending their next meeting and filling out an application if it seems like a good place!

 

[Rileysaur]

Welcome! How exciting, congrats! I echo everyone else, be sure to post pics