Dog Training

Trainer:

 Mylinda Weeks

Serving:  

Cumming, GA    and  surrounding areas

Contact me: info@barkandlaugh.com

770-789-1280

member APDT

There is much to consider before bringing a dog into your home and into your life. It is not a decision to be made lightly or on impulse. You and your family are making a commitment to another living being for the next ten to fifteen years.  Those years should be filled with joy, fun, and a relationship based on mutual trust, respect and affection.

Start your relationship with your new family member off on the right foot, by making sure you are bringing the right dog home.

Acting on impulse can instead create a situation of heartache and headaches. You may feel pity for the poor, frightened dogs huddling in the shelter, or drawn to the “quietest” puppy in the litter. However, choosing one of these dogs can mean that you have to manage difficult behaviors for the remainder of the dog’s life. Please consider that carefully. 

Choose wisely when looking at the dogs; make sure that the dog you choose is the dog you can live with for the duration.  It is in no one’s best interest to bring a dog into your home that you later have to send away because it cannot fit into your lifestyle or has problems that you cannot deal with.  By all means, if you do have the time, energy and emotional fortitude to deal with high-maintenance dogs, choose one of those dogs, they need to find the right forever home too. I’ll be glad to help you deal with their issues in a kind and caring manner.

The dog should not be a gift from one family member or friend to another unless the giver is willing and able to assume total responsibility for the dog for the rest of its life.  The dog’s Primary Caretaker should be the one choosing the dog and should be an adult, not a child.  Instead of giving an actual “surprise” puppy or dog, instead consider giving a stuffed toy dog along with a gift certificate or note indicating your desire to pay for the new addition to the family along with its necessary supplies and first year veterinarian costs.

Things to Consider Before deciding to Adopt or Purchase a Dog

• How Old are the Members of My Family and Household? Older and Younger family members may not be well suited for energetic puppies with needle teeth and razor claws.
• Will my current pets accept another pet? Is it fair to them to take in another pet? Make sure you consider the pets you have when considering bringing another pet into your home.
• Who will be the Dog’s Primary Caretaker? One person must accept responsibility for the care of the dog – i.e. feeding, walking, bathing, and exercising.  Others can help but there must be one person who guarantees the work is done.
• How much money can I spend? – Not just the initial purchase, but food, treats, toys, training classes, grooming, boarding, vet bills, etc.
• How much time can I spend? Every dog deserves to be exercised, walked, played with and loved on for at least a couple of hours every day.  High energy dogs need at least an hour of exercise a day, every day, rain or shine, hot or cold, even when you are tired.
• Where will the dog stay? If the answer is outside, rethink your decision to get a dog.  How much time do you currently spend outside in your yard?  Outside dogs can often be “forgotten” and neglected because owners think they don’t need exercise or attention.  In fact, an outside dog still needs as much time as an inside dog.  Are you willing to spend that much time outside every single day?

What Kind of Dog is The Right Dog for Me?

• Personality – Laid back or always alert?
• Energy Levels – Couch potato or running mate?
• Appearance and Upkeep – Is daily brushing required, how often will you need professional grooming? Long silky coats require regular work on your part to keep them looking and feeling good.

Where do I find the Right Dog For Me? 

Should I Adopt from a Shelter or Rescue?

 How do I find the right shelter or rescue group?

Should I buy a puppy from a breeder?

How do I find a responsible breeder?

Once I find the right source for my dog how do I choose from the dogs that are available?

I can help you answer these questions and assist you with locating a dog or puppy. Please call 770-789-1280 or email info@BarkAndLaugh.com for assistance. 

Don’t know if you are ready to be a dog owner? Consider providing a foster home so you can “try it on for size.”

If you are considering adopting or providing a foster home, please check out Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.  They are great folks who I work with on a regular basis.