NWR- let's talk dogs!

I'm just chiming in to say I'm dying over the Corgi meme and crying over all these cute pups!!! I can't wait to get a dog!

Just for fun - get a bark box! I got a discount for the first couple of boxes. Normally it is a bit pricey so look for a coupon.

Bark boxes come monthly with an assortment of toys and treats. It was nice to get a variety of things to see what our new dog really likes.

Definitely don't go cheap on a kennel. My dogs spend a lot of time in theirs when FH and I are busy with work and other things. You don't want them to be uncomfortable

Also, crate training is super important. In may I got a 6 week old and it was horrible trying to crate train her. But sometimes you just gotta let them cry. She's good about being in it now and just whines when she needs to potty.

Congratulations! Puppies are the cutest little land sharks out there!

My suggestions would be to crate train from day one, and stick with it! Yes the puppy will cry, yes it's heartbreaking, but don't give in! You will be rewarded with a dog who is comfortable in a crate in all situations. Be very wary going to comfort the puppy when it's crying too, it will learn that is the way to get people to appear!

I'd also recommend Kong toys or any other brain toy you can stuff with high value treats. Stuffing a kong with all sorts of yummy treats will keep him/her occupied for an extended period of time. A busy puppy is a good puppy!

Find a dog trainer that YOU feel comfortable with! There are lots of different methods and techniques and everyone will have their own opinion about what is the "right" way. Training is a great way to build a positive relationship with your dog while teaching manners. If a trainer is asking you to do something that you don't feel comfortable with, turn around and walk right out the door!

Finally, socialize, socialize, socialize!

Are you getting a corgi?! They are seriously the best dogs ever. Winston is seriously my buddy. He follows me everywhere. A few tips: definitely invest in a good vacuum and some of those lint rollers. Hair. Is. Everywhere. Not even exaggerating. He looks at me and I'm covered in his hair. And I wear black scrubs to work lol. Also I would make sure you have some heavy duty toys. Winston has chewed through so many toys and 3 harnesses already and he's only 1. If we leave him alone he gets bored and chews things. He has even chewed part of our base boards and part of the carpet lol. We got a play pen off Amazon and its worked really well for us. We also trained him with a bell to ring when he has to go out and he uses it all the time. It's great! I can't wait to see pics of your baby! We live in Oregon and are a part of a corgi group with lots of activities.

SarahKay- I am! Nice to "meet" another corgi mom!!

Definitely getting a playpen for sure!

Shamelessly bumping for the evening crowd

I'm just here to say I can't wait for puppy pictures!

Yay! We just adopted this three month old pup Monday! His foster mom has been a dog trainer the last 15 years so he already knew sit, lie down, leave it, and to one when called. He's as potty trained as he can be for his age (no real accidents but you can't fully trust him since his bladder can't hold it for too long yet) and crate trained. He's been awesome!

I've got a Boston Terrier/English Spaniel mix. I got her when she was 2 years old so I have no crate/housetraining recommendations. I do agree with PPs regarding chewy.com I didn't enroll her in obedience classes because she was fully trained when I got her. But I do recommend socializing your pup. Spazz had not been around too many other dogs or people for that matter and it was a little rough in the beginning. A lot of stores that don't advertise it allow pets-home Depot, tractor supply etc and work well for indoor walking when your leash training. Congratulations on your new family member!!!!

Hello, groomer here!

Your grooming tools are going to vary wildly depening on your dog. However I caution everyone against furminator tools, as it's SUPER EASY to rip the skin with them.

Food is a broad matter. A good rule of thumb is never buy anything you can get from a grocery store. I reccomend checking out dogfoodadvisor.com. I personally feed my dog Solid. Gold and my cats Natural Balance.

I do without kennels personally, so that's going to depend on your dog as well.

I will add I only use Martingale collars, they act like chokers with the look and pattern flexibility of a traditional buckle collar. Very safe and good for dog who slip there collars or have a skull the same width as the neck, such as greyhounds.

Also, PET INSURANCE. Get it immediately. I reccomend HealthyPaws