1. In preparation for both puppy and adult dog, you need to identify the locations you will need to go to train with your pup or dog.
Make a list of the 10 most common places and at least 2 events that you do or will be doing over the course of the next 6 to 10 years-the dog's working lifespan.
Go sit in them and watch and listen for the sights and sounds that occur.
Make a list of these but your dog needs to be good with.
If you're in a working spot, video three of the locations for two minutes each from a dog's eye level and play them back.
List all the sights and sounds you can detect that might capture a dog's attention. Share the videos and the lists on your homework thread. You might eb suprrised what the video camera picks up that you don't when you are in the location!
Some common recurring examples include:
grocery store,
mall,
medical office,
car rides,
visiting friends,
work, school,
recreation facilities,
walking along roadways,
wilderness areas,
downtown square,
farmer's market
and others.
2. Take the breeds you identified from Homework 1 and rule out any that might not be able to adapt to these environments. For example, herding breeds tend to be motion sensitive. They might not be a good fit if you are around many bicycles or running children.
3. Take the breeds that are still on your list from number 2 above and ask around to find at least 3 breeders of each breed who are in your region.
Fill out information in the first 14 questions (you may be able to find answers on websites, word of mouth, friends etc or by email conversations) and use this information to rule out any that do not meet your needs. (If the answer to any of these questions is no, they are not suitable).
The breeders left on your list will get a closer inspection. And you can contact them by phone for more in depth information. Ask the 18 questions in section 2, then the remaining 12 in section 3.
Get the information directly from them, their references or by visiting their physical site rather than relying on their website. Websites can be outdated and they can also misrepresent the truth on websites. You can also get more details by talking directly to them as some people do not like to fill out questions by email etc. This is where you start building a relationship with them as well. Be polite and honest. If after talking with them anything 'feels' wrong, it probably is. Ask questions to clarify.
