So what is the fascination? There are more people wondering what dog the Obamas are going to get than there are wondering what healthcare policy’s he implements. It is a little crazy, isn’t it? There has always been interest in what dogs the First Family would have but in this case there is a huge interest.

I believe a big part of the interest comes from knowing that this will be their first dog. That makes it so exciting as we remember our own first puppy. We are so excited for the kids to get those first puppy kisses, excited for the first time the puppy learns a trick, excited for the first time the puppy lays at their feet.

I think another reason for the interest is that we know the president of the United States has no limits on his options. He could get any breed from any breeder. He has so many resources at his disposal to find the perfect dog. With all those resources, one has to wonder what dog they will choose?

I hope that everyone understands that they may not have the unlimited funds or people to do the homework for you, but if you are willing to do the things I have suggested you will have as many options as you need to find the perfect dog. No matter what your resources the puppy will not come obedience trained. You (or a trainer) will still need to give dog training and doing the right homework up front to get the dog that will best fit your family will make it much easier.

Good luck to the Obamas and anyone else looking for their next family member.

It would seem there has been enough information on the news and other outlets to get the warning out about puppy mills but people just keep on supporting them. I have to assume its still an education issue. I read today about one of the large pet stores that sales puppies in malls for extremely inflated prices are now under investigation for knowingly selling sick puppies. These stores have huge signs in their store that they puppies are not from puppy mills and assume we will just believe them. Thankfully there are passionate dog lovers that dont just take their word and actually did some invesigation. The results were that the puppies do come from puppy mills.

Puppy mills are big business and we need to get the word out. I have been to those stores and just want to shake people that are looking or actually buying one of these poor puppies. I know its not their fault. They dont know any better. The fact is for half if not a third the money you could get a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder. Not only are you rolling the dice with the dogs health if you buy from one of these stores (puppy mills) but you are also very likely to have a very poor representation of the breed.

The demand for dogs are always going to be high. They are an amazing pet and a blessing to mankind. We have to stop the demand for puppies from puppy mills. We have to educate people to go to the dog shelters or reputable breeders only. Until that happens this story will continue on its tragic path. There has to be hope. Lets keep spreading the word!

This seems to be one of the most asked questions so I thought I would try and touch on this a little more today. Lets first understand why they jump up on people? I think there is multiple answers for this but in general it has to do with the instinctive desire to greet pack leaders by jumping on them to get food and to play.

The problem is when these dogs are cute little puppies, this behavior is usually incouraged as the owner picks up the pup and gives it all the love and attention it was looking for. We dont stop and think about the adult version of this dog and the problems that will arise if we dont start the training now. We have to remember that the dogs dont speak english, the speak dog. We need to understand how to speak dog. If we know that the dog is excited and looking for attention than what can you do to help correct it. Is yelling and scolding the dog do the trick? No, the dog just got your attention.

I suggest that you turn and walk away, completely ignoring the dog. You will be surprised how fast they get the hint. Especially with the puppies. The older dogs may be a little more of a challenge but if you stick with it and can get your guests to do the same, you will get the results you want.
If you can, get some neighbors and/or family to come over and do some practicing. You can excelerate the learning with multiple repititions. Remember to praise like crazy when your dog gets it right.