Life with my puppy - where to now?!

I had intended to write about my puppy's first few days at home and all the exciting events, but as you would know if you've had a puppy.... they pretty much take over all your time and when they are not demanding it you can happily sit for ages just watching them play, sleep, eat or any other cute things they decide to do! lol

Once I had my furbaby home and settled in my attention was quickly drawn to training. I have trained a few dogs in the past and each time, I felt something was "not quite right". I started doing some research on the net and discovered there are better methods, more in line with the relationship I would like to have with my dog being widely used to train dogs. Excited at this discovery I then went in search of a trainer using these methods in my area.... then I did a wider search in my state... then I resorted to searching my country. The depressing reality was that there was no-one in my area that I could find who was using the training methods I would like to use to train my boy.

I am currently doing a LOT of reading both books and research on the internet and as I am doing this my puppy's formative weeks are rushing by but we are making good progress.

This has not only been a steep learning curve and a time consuming process but it has been a journey of discovery for me, which has lead to thoughts about a career change and reignited the passion I have always had for dog training.

If I could go back in time I would have done more research prior to having my little bundle of joy in the house, but we are learning together and somehow I think this is making our journey more special and creating a deeper bond between us.

Thank you for this wonderful site full of information.... I have become determined to bring this training method to Australia... This has been a life and career changing discovery for me and as soon as I have saved enough money I will complete the Karen Pryor academy and spread the word in this part of the world....

Thanks again to all those who have devoted so much of their time and willfully share information for free in order to improve the relationships we have with our animals and give them the life that they deserve!

Shani Saint-Aulbins

Tasmania Australia