Always willing to learn from others ... at the recommendation of my friend, fellow breeder and regional rescue coordinator, Deb Welsh ... we are adding required reading to those interested in purchasing puppies from us.
The first is The Puppy Primer" by Patricia McConnel's company, Dog's Best Friend, PO Box 447, Black Earth, WI 53515 (608) 767-2435.
The second will hopefully be even more effective, prior to picking up their puppies, I will STRONGLY suggested they read "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson.
Please purchase it from Amazon by going there from the Ridgeback rescue website at www.ridgebackrescue.org.
Making
the effort to purchase and read these books will let us know just which
puppy buyers are serious about the commitment to learn. It should become crystal
clear just who is doing what's necessary to prepare for their new puppy.
After working with rescue, I know that one of the primary reasons we get
Ridgebacks in the system is because the dogs just didn't receive appropriate
training as puppies and young adults.
I
know, that as breeders, it is our responsibility to ensure that our
puppies go to homes who absolutely understand the responsibility of raising a
Ridgeback and are willing to do what's necessary to ensure that they take it
seriously.
Thanks for the great advice Deb. I'll let you know how it goes!
Liz