Raising a Puppy

INTRODUCTION

My name is Patricia Button.  I live in Saskatchewan, Canada.

There are many books published on this subject but I wanted to help new puppy owners in my own way.  I have owned, bred and competed with dogs since 1983.  In 1983 I took our first dog to obedience training.  Shortly thereafter I became an assistant and then went on to teach my own classes for a well known and established all breeds dog club.  I have successfully competed in obedience trials. I have had over a thousand dogs go through classes I have taught over the 23 years I have been in this sport of dogs. All dogs in this household have had obedience degrees, all have won "high in class" awards as well.   

I originally started out with English Springer Spaniels.  I had 4 of them at one time.  I truly loved each and everyone of them greatly.  Next I became involved with Shetland Sheepdogs and own 2 of them. 

I decided to take up this task of creating a web site to help the new puppy owner.  It can be a daunting challenge to most novices.  As in anything there are right things to do and wrong things to do.  I hope the list of "Things to do" and "Things not to do" help you to have that wonderful companion you want to have.

My intent is only to help.  I do not profess to know everything there is to know about dogs but I think the experiences I have had over this long a time has taught me valuable lessons I want to pass on to you. Having a wonderful companion doesn't just happen for most people.  To have a well trained, well behaved dog takes hours of training, supervision, direction and committment. If you think you are going to get a dog for your children but not put any time into training I can guranatee you will not have a dog who will be welcome to join you and your family wherever it is you may want to go. Training is essential. And the sooner it starts the better!

Please go to my "Things To Do" & "Things Not To Do" pages for what I hope will be helpful advice. 

To navigate through this site use the menu across the top of the page; Home, Things to Do, Things Not to Do, Classes & Pictures.

I can be contacted at: