My wife and I recently purchased a changing sable female cockapoo from Mulberry Farm. (This was our second dog purchase, from the owner, Carol Bobrowsky.) Our new girl, Cassie, was 2.5 months old, at purchase, and she is a darling!
Carol is an experienced and caring breeder--which is what brought us back for our second purchase. Unlike what many puppy-mill breeders produce, Carol gives much attention to the genetics involved--leading a number of common dog purchasers to be able to recognize other dogs, from the same farm, because of a common quality look about them. But the care, Carol gives, doesn't end there...each dog receives all the necessary shots (for their age) and have been checked by a Vet. The food, Carol feeds them, is always of the best quality. Also, socializing the puppies with other puppies and humans begins at an early age--not merely leaving the puppies in crates, all day, 'til sold.
A one page set of instructions accompany every dog purchased, supplying guidance on crate care, feeding schedules, etc, for the first 12 months, for the puppy in its new home. Carol also gives phone support to new puppy owners (see mulberry farm website for hours to call)...but most of the basics are already found on the sheet provided--or get into an area of training, which (to be fair) goes beyond the responsibility of the breeder. (I recommend books or videos produced by the monks of new skete, for starters!)
A couple notes on our personal experience with Cassie--since receiving her from Mulberry Farm:
Much of the early development of the puppy, I think, has more to do with the OWNER(S) getting "trained", rather than the pup. Puppies have small bladders, etc, and require frequent emptying. (Our first dog needed to be walked 18x, a day, in the very beginning!) Owners need to watch both the schedule and learn to "read" the dog for signs it needs to go potty. Over the weeks, communication between the owner(s) and dog should grow, as the puppy's body grows and they can "hold it" longer and have less accidents. Also not feeding or watering the dog, too late, will help in reducing night-time crate downloads. (Our Cassie hasn't peed or soiled her crate, overnight, after her first week with us.) (Side note: crates shouldn't be overly large for the dog, as the puppy may designate a section for bathroom usage.)
Anxiety is the only other thing I'd remark on (which also may affect peeing or soiling)...little puppies, dragged away from their moms and siblings, into a strange environment can be scary for a pup. We learned, with our first dog, that a "snuggle puppy" (a stuffed dog with an artificial beating heart) can help the puppy sleep through the night. In Cassie's case, I also slept, close to her crate, for a couple of weeks. (Ok...I'm a softy when it comes to scared puppies, but what can I say!) Carol recommends using a Sherpa bag, on the bed, between the couple, but having a full-sized bed, etc, didn't work for us! I've gradually weened her off my sleeping next to her crate...now only spending maybe a half hour, or so, sitting beside the crate, while she settles down to sleep, then slipping off to mine (a little further away)! At first, she kept wanting me nearer, but now she accepts my being there--just a little further away!
Cassie is still very much a puppy, so we continue to keep our expectations down to her level, knowing she just needs time and understanding to get through this early learning period. But we've seen the victories in her early puppy training--and know it's all worth it, whenever we see that look of love in her eyes! read more