One of my puppy buyers says he is experienced with dogs but a couple of things make me wonder. He has photos of himself with his much loved dog but when I asked if he is experienced with puppies he said yes he'd had his dog 'from when he was a month'. I hope not (that young!) but at the time put it down to forgetfulness as his dog had died of old age recently so the puppy days were a long time ago. He has just emailed me asking how the puppy's toilet training is going, the pups are 5 weeks old now. Most of them but not all will leave the vet bed to use the newspaper to 'be clean' but other than that I am not toilet training the 10 puppies! I am slightly concerned about his lack of experience and would like to recommend a good book that explains good methods of toilet training puppies and care of puppies. All my knowledge is in my head as I've had dogs all my life so I could tell him my methods of toilet training a puppy but I think a book would be better for him to refer to when he needs to.

Does anyone here recommend a particular book to buyers?

Yes, the one I wrote lol.

what book have you wrote marisa? :) x

oh yes do tell!

I've just written an essay of an email to the chap with toilet training info but I still think I will recommend a book! But I have said that I am at the end of the phone anytime he needs advice about anything too.

eta http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marisa-Keophaithool/e/B004DWY5O8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0      ?

I was a first timer and a very keen one so read lots of books before we got our puppy.  But one that i liked was 'the perfect puppy' by Gwen Bailey.  I borrowed loads from dog-owning friends but I actually bought this one!  Saying that, we didn't toliet train as it suggests in the book and our puppy was trained within a week(just went with the taking her out lots, even through the night)  Hard work but worth the effort!

Lisa, having scouted Amazon and reading reviews that is the one I have recommend in the end. People seemed pleased with it!

What did they say wrt toilet training? I am wondering if it is going to contradict everything I have said in my email?!

have just looked at the book again and the toilet training bit is good, so i don't think it will contradict you. The method she explains is what we did, although she suggests having newspaper down in case you can't supervise puppy at all times.  I was a bit hardcore and never entertained one sheet of newspaper!  But the rest of it we did and it worked a treat.  Gwen Bailey's methods are used in 'Puppy School' classes that are run by franchises around the country.  My girl loved the classes(a little bit too much I'd say) and it was a good start.
there's a bit at the back of the book about 'adolescence and beyond' that i've revisited now that my golden retriever girl is coming up to a year old-it's given me a bit of hope if you know what I mean!  She is a calm little lamb at home but a boisterous pup when out with other dogs!

Yes, BenjiW, that's my book. I also like 'How to raise the perfect puppy', can't remember who it's by but an American author I think.

And also the one written by Ann Head (trainer of Pippin and Arthur the Kattomeat cat). I interviewed her for The Kennel Gazette years ago and she was so mean she made me cry lol. But still a great book lol

Thanks peeps, I'm hoping he buys a book, I think he will need it. He's a very gentle caring man so am sure he will need some guidance is settings boundaries later in pups adolescence too. Mind you, my Golden Retriever was no trouble at any age, the easiest dog I've ever had! I fancy doing some agility with her when she is fit enough after her spay. I shall need lessons in that as I've never done it.

>Saying that, we didn't toliet train as it suggests in the book and our puppy was trained within a week(just went with the taking her out lots, even through the night)  Hard work but worth the effort!

:-)  :-)  :-)

What a lovely post.  It IS hard work, but what you have put it - you have gained.  I know you probably looked like a zombie while doing it.  BUT  Well done you!