Q. Do we leash the puppies when we take them in the backyard for their walk? Most of the backyard is fenced in except the driveway part. We have plans to install a temporary fence when they are out back for their exercise.
A. When an enclosed yard is available, I suggest starting leash training by letting puppy run around with the (6ft. min) leash dragging behind it. Pups are not going to be very fast at 6-12 weeks old. Stepping on the leash if somebody heads into unsafe area and then picking the foot up once pup heads in the right direction is a simple way to gently correct. Of course, you will want to say "no" or "good puppy" as they go the wrong and right way. Begin picking up the leash and following puppy as he leads once the leash seems to become uninteresting. Again, just stop if pup heads in an unacceptable direction and say no, then follow once pup changes direction with a "good puppy". Once he adjusts to this aspect you can start to use the leash as an instrument of direction. Gently tug occasionally to take the pup where you want him to go. As a rule dogs usually come to accept the leash after a few outdoor excursions.
Q. Should we line the crates with newspaper, a blanket or leave blank during our journey home.
A. Line the crate with newspaper...plenty of layers so you can throw away some if an accident/vomiting occurs. Were it winter I would suggest a blanket but newspaper is fine in the summer/warm weather.
Q. We want to have a “Puppy Shower” – how soon can we expose them to other people? We plan on having a party of 5-10 (Close friends of ours) guests with two children (one year old and a 9 month old). Please advise.
A. A "Puppy Shower" is fine at any time, although I would give them a week or so to settle in before you have a crowd. Give pups a chance to rest (crate in a quite room) during party as they can become over stimulated and ornery or frightened if they grow to stressed/excited. Monitor all time with the smaller children educating both children and puppies to be gentle. Neither child should be allowed to pick up puppy as dropping could lead to injury or permanent traumatizing. If puppy sits with child, have child sit on the floor and adult sit next to child. If puppy should wriggle away, the distance from a child's lap to the floor is much safer than from a chair to the floor.
- How long can I stay in touch with you with questions about the puppies?
A. We are here for you as long as you need us. We have made wonderful friends since the inception of Absosengkye Kennels and try to be available to all of our Lhasa's friends. If you do not hear back from us immediately, it probably means my internet is on the fritz or we are away for the weekend, etc. Give us a couple of days and resend the email, or recall if you still hear nothing. We "always" respond. We post all of our contact info. on the website because we really do care after you make your purchase. If I can't answer your question myself, I will try to research it for the correct answer.
