filled world started with the question "where on EARTH will I buy my puppies from?"
Given I had done huge amounts of research to find a breed that would suit my lifestyle, I found 3 options- Find a breeder, a private seller or go to a pet shop.
In the end, I did all 3. Harley, my first, was from a pet shop (which I would never ever do again- but that's a whole different story) Jack I got a month later from a woman who sold Doxie pups for breeders, recommended by my vet, and Ozzy I got last week from a KUSA registered breeder in a different province.
So this got me thinking- are their personalities influenced by those first 8 or 9 weeks of their lives?
In my experience, absolutely!
Take Harley- he was kept in a glass and wire cage most of his first few weeks with virtually no interaction with anyone or anything. He's a loving puppy, but very nervous, skittish and can throw the most amazing sulks. He was a terror to house train as he could pee and poop in his cage. Hates being handled too much, but will give lots of love cuddles and kisses once he knows he can trust you.
Jack lived his first few weeks in a house, with a garden, and his parents and siblings. Thanks to beautiful South African weather, he was in the garden a lot. As a result, he was easy to house train (6 weeks!) is sociable, adventurous and much braver than H. He does however get super jealous and constantly seeks to be the centre of attention- something he would have had to fight for with his original pack mates.
Ozzy came from a breeder, and lived in outdoor kennels with his parents and other puppies, and no-one watching him full time. He's a total adventure monkey! He has to be watched carefully to make sure he doesn't leap off or into things as he got used to being able to do whatever his puppy-senses tell him! He's going to be a challenge to train that's for sure. He loves attention, but isn't sure about this kisses malarky!. I'm really looking forward to seeing how he turns out.
Maybe I just have crazy, lovely, gorgeous boys!!
L x
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Location:Far Ln,Mt Edgecombe,South Africa
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