[kriya6]

I had to give a dog that I rescued away about a year ago, a beautiful Pit/Lab mix. He was a great dog, but hadn't been trained very well so I had difficulty controlling him when out walking. Recently he fathered a litter of 8 puppies with a pure bred blue nose pit female, and I have been given the option of taking a puppy for free because I supplied the father. The mom is a tiny dog, about 1/2 the size of the male, so I'm hoping that this puppy won't grow to be as huge as the dad. The one I'm taking is also the runt of the litter. I'm excited, but scared. It's a huge responsibility to take on- I have zero experience with puppies. I'm planning on enrolling in some training, and hope that by ME training the puppy from the beginning that he'll be able to walk with me without dragging me. The thing is, I have a spinal cord injury which affects my mobility a bit, as well as my leg strenght and balance. His dad actually did take me for a ride right through the mud on my belly once, which was rather scary. I'm hoping this works out well, and that I'm not making an irresponsible decision...
Kriya

[Fresia]

Congratulations on your new puppy! So excited for you.

The advantage of getting them as a puppy is that you can control its training and mold its behavior. I would start looking into classes, not just obedience, but they have what are called, puppy kindergarten classes to start early with socialization and obedience which is age appropriate. It is never too early to start with training. I would contact vets, boarding facilities, or dog trainers in the phone book or online to see if when there are classes starting. Sometimes there are advertisements on community bulletin boards. The fees are minimal usually but well worth it.

You may have already considered this but just in case.
Since it is a puppy, potty training too is going to be a factor. Have you considered crate training? I highly recommend this. The difference it made in training my dogs before learning of crates and after, potty training went much smoother with crates and they even like having their own place to go b/c it is den-like. Not cruel at all.

http://www.iams.com/iams/pet-health/...Fch_5QodP32d3w

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals..._training.html

If you haven't already brought him/her home. A breeder once recommended to me before bringing home a puppy, take a towel to the litter to place in with them for a few days. For the first few nights, wrap the towel around a liter bottle filled with very warm water. They have the scent and warmth of the litter, feeling like they are still with the litter and it helps ease the separation for a few days to a week. There has been minimal to no crying ever since doing this. It really helps.

Beacuse of the age, puppy size soft toys and digestible chew sticks to keep them from chewing on things, redirect them in a positive way. Also to get a hold of some 'bitter apple' to spray furniture and things you don't want them chewing on. Prevention.

If I can be of help, please feel free to PM me. Best wishes on this exciting time!