I am getting a female black Lab puppy in January, and I’ve decided to chronicle the process of raising and training her. My end goal will be that hopefully she is a suitable candidate for therapy dog work, so that will be an additional target in my training along with my focus on raising a calm, grounded, and well-adjusted dog. I am not a professional dog trainer, nor do I present myself as a canine expert, but I enjoy training puppies. I guess it is the teacher in me.
My scheduled puppy “pick up” date is January 11.
Fortunately, I already have everything I need and will not have to purchase anything. Crate, toys, feeding bowls, collar, leash, dog bed, grooming tools. . .
For me, it’s not so much what I need to get for the puppy but how I envision establishing a successful routine for housebreaking, training, and socialization. When the puppy arrives, and I get a handle on her demeanor and needs, the routine will quickly fall into place.
This will be my first “winter-time puppy.” The cold weather will carry with it a different approach and challenges compared to raising a warm weather puppy.
As January 11th approaches, the most important decision I need to make is her name. I do want to have a name chosen so that I can start using it immediately when she comes home.
When I consider names for my dogs, there are two things which are important to me. First and foremost, I must like the name and it fits the dog. Secondly, it needs to roll off my tongue easily. I favor 1 or 2 syllable names because they work best in training.
I haven’t made a final name decision yet, but I’m currently leaning towards Leia, pronounced LAY-ah. I researched the name meaning and discovered it is Hawaiian for “child of Heaven.” I’m sure the fact that I am a bit of a Star Wars junkie also plays a part.
Eighteen more days to wait. . .
Stay tuned.

How exciting Deb. Can’t wait to see those photos! I vote for the name Leia 🙂 I am sure she will be a heavenly puppy! XO
Merry Christmas Deb. Enjoy that precious little puppy when it arrives. I will let Kristen know. She still has her two Rottweilers & they are little Conner’s bodyguards!
Have a blessed day tomorrow. I have been to three Christmas Eve services, played for one of those & will be singing in the cantata at our 11:00 PM service. Going home to eat a bite now.
Love, Leslie
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Puppy kindergarten is every Monday night at six! Come join old York Road kpt! Peggy
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Good luck Debbie with your puppy. You must be so excited. Can’t wait to hear about your new addition. January 11th isn’t that far away. Kave a wonderful New Year. Love Jpanie B