dogsRkewl
So here's my question: I was looking for some suggestions on bonding with an older puppy, specifically with a breed that tends to be wary of strangers. I have spoken with the breeder about this and she has given some good suggestions, however I thought I would keep the door open for some more. The breeder states that he is very affectionate and loving and feels he will bond very well.
You Know how thrilled I am for you !! I think you guys will be wonderful together. I have sent pups to thier new homes at 6 months and there was zero difficulty in bonding. It is in many ways easier. They are housebroken, leash trained and have a decent vocabulary at that point. But here are some tips I give my owners once they have picked out thier puppy and while they are waiting to get it.
first Puppy proof the house... then do it again....
Second while puppy is still at his breeders send a care package, this will work really great for you guy as he is not sharing a crate with the rest of the litter. In the care package you will want to include at least 3 t shirts for his remaining time at the breeder's home... these are t's you have slept in for a couple of nights, make sur eyou have fun in them , by that I mean wrestle with your kid, get into a tickle fest what ever it takes to work up your feel good "scent" it is waaaay different than stress scent. Ask your breeder to put a T in his crate, if possible on a pillow or big stuffed toy and every time he goes in he gets a treat that you have picked out and sent... I ask my puppy families to put the treats in thier hands or if they want ot maximize things carry a pocketful around for a day or two then toss them back into the bag ...it again makes them feel the feel good vibe and when paired with both food and your scent they begin to love it. Ask the breeder to give ONLY your treats.
Third look around and puppy proof the house... really I am not kidding this is RR they can amaze you with the wicked sense of humor they have.
Forth , request the breeder give you copies of any puppy pictures she may have of the boy and until you get him ask her to send you a few via email..WHY? because you and your child can start a scrapbook, it becomes a method to really look at the boy, you will start to think about his expressions etc... and frankly I love to scrap book.
Fifth puppy proof the yard.... escaping is a miserably terrifying adventure for everyone!! Double check your landscaping etc. Invest in two things for the summer.. a baby pool you will fill with water for summer fun games, teaching a RR to spash young is a great way to bond, since most hate to walk on wet grass , yet most will run and play in water ?!? The second is also a puppy pool BUT you might want to get a deeper one and fill it with as much play sand as you can... teach him to dig ONLY in the play box...otherwise your yard will also look like Beirut ...you would not believe some of the holes in my yard !!
Sixth, teach your child to take pictures with your camera... you will be shocked at how fast you bond when you see yourself with the baby! If you only see others with him it can become , mentally or emotionally more thier dog.
Seventh go the The RRCUS Website. If you would like to join I will happily sponsor you , ( And find you your second if you need help) we have spoken at legnth on your desire for a RR and I am convinced you are going to be a wonderful RR owner ! Read everything they have , and then get any books you can find, imerse your self in the breed , it is a powerful , intelligent and as I said before wickedly funny animal, like no other really.
Eighth Find a great Obedience class.... this is a dog who will work his heart out for you , corporal punishment will not phase him but a really strong word can crush him. Teach him early and with love...as far as clicker training... hmmm I can't carry enough to throw and make a difference .. hee hee so I stick with shamless bribes..
Ninth set up his crate, yes you will want to maintain a crate. When you are gone he is IN , when you are home he can come out but nothing sours a relationship like poo everywhere , ruined furniture and your favorite shoes redesigned.
Tenth and this is a cautionary note, find a great dog food you can afford and that will be kept in stock. I prefer all of my pups now have as little grain as possible. RRs are prone to tumors in thier later years, these are fed by grains...if I had it to do all over again Believe me I would have eliminated it from the get go.... Why take a chance? They need a solid diet, reasonable exercise and thier own toys /space. A tired Puppy is a Good Puppy....
Lastly , remember we are an eclectic club... we love to find others and meet up, RRR are as loved as the perfect specimen and all are welcomed at the Nationals and Regional specialties...come have fun , meet the rest of us and enjoy the company of the Lion Hounds...
I so look forward to hearing about your adventures with your new fur son. You have entered a new and amazing phase in your life!
Bonita of Bwana