i need help fast

Question
I have just recently adopted 2 chow german sheperd mixes from the pound they are about 7 weeks old, and at the time i didnt know that getting two could completly ruin everything, i am freaking out about what to do? do i keep them both? do i give one  away? what training do i need to take? please help me!!!

Answer
Hi Jaclyn,

Thank you for writing to me about your new furry family.  I can answer just a little of what you are asking now because there is so much involved...but know that you can learn a tremendous amount from the internet, books and tapes.

First and foremost, get yourself two crates immediately. Rather than write about how to crate train your dog or how to house break your dog which this site will not support as the information is so long, I am sending you to a site that I partially helped co-write.  

http://www.inch.com/~dogs/

Read the chapters on puppy housebreaking and crate training and follow the suggestions carefully.

There are other chapters with wonderful guidelines.

When you have gotten the crates and need more help, please contact me again.  You won't be able to handle two new puppies that are so young without crates and without following the housebreaking guidelines religiously.

Is there anyone who can help you in this venture?

Try to stay calm.  Your puppies will feel your distress and start becoming hysterical themselves.

It is very important to give them a lot of exercise.  The blessing in this is that they can tire each other out playing the way that only puppies can play. This will save you a lot of time having to take them out for very long walks.

Be sure to give them appropriate toys to chew on, including raw marrow bones from the butcher's shop.

If you can give me a bit more information, I will try to help you, but please read the website I have recommended and use that as your guide.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis