Some probably stupid questions from a first time puppy owner

[steppingintothecanineunknown]

I am clueless about all this so in advance of my new puppy's arrival wondered if the more experienced amongst you can answer some questions:

• how can I make sure my puppy doesn't disappear in the (large-ish with lots of bushes etc to hide behind) garden and comes back when I take him out initially before he learns proper recall!?

• how many hours a night might he sleep after the initial settling in period and do they wake up as soon as it's light in summer?

• how should we transport him in the car on the way home from the breeder (around an hour's journey) and then on an ongoing basis for journeys? We have a hatchback that has space for a crate in the boot but not a lot else. Is he better in the back seat with a harness or in a soft carrier or???

• are there particular puppy treats or are any dog treats ok initially?

The trouble is a lot of people - even some not very good trainers - mistake "socialising" for "free for all".

If I get a pup again I'll be far more selective with the dogs he/she gets to meet.....when I got ddog I wasn't, and she got quite nervous of big/boisterous dogs and therefore defensive. She's a work in progress and getting better but next time, I'll do better.

Puppy parties depend on who is running them. You do need an experienced and responsible trainer running them and then they are very useful as they allow the puppies to socialise with other dogs. Groups should be small, puppies should be let of the lead in even smaller groups, usually based on size/age and the trainer should take care that timid puppies are not overwhelmed by more lively ones.

The same thing can be said for training classes as well though. There are many training methods out there and it's important you find someone whose ideas you agree with, whose classes are well structured and who is a good teacher. Most trainers will allow you to sit in on a class to see what happens (without the dog of course) before you decide on whether you want to join or not.

Agree ^

Different breeds also have different playing styles. My CollieX doesn't "play" as such - her idea of fun is to chase. Which suited her friend the lurcher down to the ground because he adored being chased and would beg and tease until she did!

However dogs with a boisterous, rough and tumble playing style like the bully breeds freak her out.

A good trainer/puppy party host will know all that and work accordingly. Surprisingly few do.