So, this is it. You’re bringing home a new puppy!
What a magical and wonderful time for……hey, wait! No, no! We potty outside, not on the carpet! Nooo, don’t chew that. Why are you making that face? Are you gonna puke? Are you puking? What did you eat?
Sound familiar?
Eight years ago, I brought home the love of my life, a handsome little boxer/beagle mix with floppy, velvet ears and big, clumsy paws. I was walking on air…until later that night, when he was crying so loudly in his kennel I thought the neighbors would complain. Or at 3am, when he needed to go potty. Or, the next morning, when he pooped on the carpet, and while I was cleaning it up, he crossed the room and peed into my purse. Not on my purse, INTO my purse. “What have I done?” I lamented.
Sadly, this is where a lot of new pet owners give up and this is how our local shelters become populated. Thousands of new puppies and dogs are surrendered because of undesirable behavior. Owners become overwhelmed with their new dog’s constant energy, barking, potty accidents…the list goes on.
What’s even more heartbreaking is the majority of these dogs simply need basic training, but they are euthanized before they ever get a second chance. This is why the veterinary community must step up!
As veterinarians and veterinary technicians, we are the first line of defense. We are the first individuals new pet owners bring their dogs for their initial exam and tests.We know the importance of dog behavioral training and how a little time teaching a dog to “sit”, “stay” and “come” goes a very long way. However, what seems obvious to us, doesn’t mean our clients are aware, too. Sharing behavioral training programs, such as The Good Dog! One-der Class, is vital to our client and patient’s success as a new family.
Being able to speak to behavioral training is also a skill every veterinary professional should possess. This is why The Good Dog! One-der Class offers 8 hours of CE credit for those who complete the online course.
Educating the veterinary community, as well as the general community, about the importance of canine behavioral training is at the heart of who we are at IGNITE. Why? Because we want all dogs to stay with their forever families. We want to see a dynamic shift in the statistics of surrendered and euthanized dogs. We want to help owners love their new pet, and we want every good dog to be the “goodest dog” he or she can be.
Training is the answer.
Oh- and about that crazy pup who came into my life, tested my patience, and challenged my reality? With a lot of consistency and commitment, he grew into an obedient, happy dog who loves to chase squirrels in the backyard, nap in sun beams, and will always be my best friend.
