This week’s question is about your changing relationship with your puppy through his teenage months:

"I was talking with a very respected breeder about my ten-month-old Bull Terrier and she told me that this is the age where I need to start being ‘firm’ with him. What does she mean by ‘firm?’"

In this episode I explain:

• What we mean by “firm”
• Your process for deciding when and how to be “firm” as your puppy matures.
• Why being “firm” is important as puppies mature into teenagers, but inappropriate and harmful for young puppies.

Visit our website, madcapradio.com for further reading.

This week’s question is about Breeder-Puppy Buyer contracts:

Our puppies are 7 weeks old now and will be going to their new families in 3 weeks. I have been following along each day and this experience with the puppies has been incredible.

Thank you for "holding my hand" throughout. We are getting to the part that I just feel I am not prepared or knowledgeable enough....THE CONTRACT. I, too, want to keep it simple.....feed healthy, train in a positive way, and bring back the puppy if something changes.

Would you be able to share an example or a template perhaps? I would appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Episode highlights:

• How to decide what should be in your contract, and what should be in your puppy application
• How to screen out some puppy buyers who would not comply with the terms of your contract
• Why having a written contract is important

Visit our website, madcapradio.com for further reading.

This week’s question is about using temperament testing to help match puppies with owners:‌ Temperament Testing: I have someone interested in our litter and training the pup for a potential therapy dog.

They want to train him to do deep pressure therapy for her anxiety.

She grew up helping train hunting dogs and they have trained rescues, so I know she can do this if we get her a good match.

​So how do you find someone to do temperament testing?

In this episode I explore:

• The origins, benefits and limits of puppy assessment tests
• How to use the information gained through the tests​
• How to find a good puppy tester

Visit our website, madcapradio.com for further reading.