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Originally Posted by gregpark
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Double mask! GREAT CHOICE, Greg! You are in for some fantastic times!
Couple comments.....
In a perfect world your 9 year old will assume the role as Alpha. You never know but that would make things easier if pack order is established on day 1.
This breed LOVES to chew for the first full year. I actually went through some furniture here...lol...chewing damage to lower part of the legs....so be prepared for some of that.
I recommend crate training. Both of mine absolutely LOVED their crates and considered them their homes. I kept them in their crates with doors shut when they were very young and I had to go out. In time I just left the doors open and never had any problems. I used patio chair cushions as a pads. The ones with the durable covering work great. Have to find the right size.
Potty training. They go out each morning when you get up, each evening before bedtime, and immediately every time after they eat. Obviously there will be more times than just those, but stick to that schedule as a baseline.
I fed my girls Nutro kibble, 2 feedings per day. Try to get the lamb variety. Been a while, so not sure what they sell now. There are other foods but the Nutro was really good for us. Both my girls reached ~17 years of age with very little health problems.
I got both my girls spayed at around 1 year old, IIRC. Your choice what to do with your boy, of course. Never dock his tail either. Sorry had to throw that in.
Lastly.....socialization is crucial! Take your little one EVERYWHERE you go, if possible....right from the get go. Truck rides are especially beneficial.
The more other living creatures they meet and the more sights they see the better.
My girls both slept in my bed at night when they were still able to jump up and down on their own. That was nice. One at the head of the bed and the other at the foot. King size bed so plenty of room....
For toys....Kongs are great as well as tug toys and chewable bones. He will need toys!
If I think of anything else, I will share and also let me know if we can help with anything.
I realize you may already know ALL of what I just wrote but hopefully it will still be of some use.
If you are on Facebook there are a few ACD groups that might be worth considering.
I'm super excited for you and your new little baby.....
