Study Time

In the meantime I knew I had to begin some serious puppy care and training research.  The first book I read was Cesar Milan’s “How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond.”  It was a great book; I learned so, so much.  (However, I have since learned that you cannot command a puppy to do something simply by thinking about it and maintaining a “calm-assertive energy”- ha!!  Props to Cesar for being able to do so, but it’s clear that I’m no dog whisperer!)

And So It Begins!

So, after moving into a dog-friendly apartment building I started my research.  I loved the idea of adopting from a shelter or rescue, and did peruse the online listings often.  But I knew that I was much too picky in terms of the canine criteria I was seeking, and that unless I was willing to dismiss some of these factors (such as wanting to adopt a young puppy, good for allergy suffers, could live contently in an apartment, wasn’t super high energy, etc.) I was probably not going to find my “dream dog” at a shelter.  Much credit and admiration to both my parents and brother for adopting a shelter dog though!


My search for the perfect breed commenced.  After researching purebreds I began looking at various mixed breeds that piqued my interest, such as Maltichons, Cavapoos, Morkies, Shorkies, etc.  I finally decided that my first puppy was going to be a Cavachon, which is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix.  Once I settled on this breed I began looking for breeders in the area.  This proved somewhat difficult, as I could only find two in the state, both of which were several hours away!  I contacted both and immediately decided that I liked and had a much better feeling about one over the other.  I told the breeder what color and gender I preferred, and then it was just a matter of waiting for my puppy to be born!

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Bichon Frise
(please pardon the awesome 'fro!)

Family of Pups (where have you been all my life?!)

I have always, ALWAYS wanted a dog in my life.  Unfortunately, growing up my parents always came up with excuses as to why we couldn’t/shouldn’t get a puppy, i.e. “dogs are a lot of work” and then “who’s going to take care of the dog when you and your brother leave home?” etc, etc.  The ironic part is, a few years after my brother and I were off on our own, my parents got a dog!  But it was actually my brother who beat us all to the punch.  A couple years prior he brought home a little guy of his own.  After spending time with Rocko (my brother’s mixed pup) and Baxter (my parents’ energetic beagle) I realized I was still passionate about getting a dog of my own.

Baxter

Rocko