How's it going with your Christmas puppy or rescue, now that kids are back in school and everyone's busier than ever? It helps to remember that dogs, often abused and neglected, can experience further trauma by being uprooted from what we knew as home, which may have been awful or okay, but still it was home and familiar. Lucky are the dogs that stray but end up reunited with their humans. The rest of us live in uncertainty. We don't know what's going to happen to us. Most of us want to be good, to be your best friend and faithful companion, but we need time and patience — lots of both. Here's France Bognon of PetConnectRescue.org to help you and your new "furbaby" to survive and thrive. Pets need tending, but we are so worth your time!

FRANCE: Puppies are like infants—they need pretty constant attention. They're also harder to train because they don't have the mental capacity to hold the information you can convey to an adult dog. Puppies have tiny bladders so they can't hold their pee as long; many can't make it through the night without you getting up to take them outside. They have tiny sharp teeth [capable of great destruction while teething]. Adults rescues come with their own baggage, but they're generally easier to train, can be expected to stay alone longer (require fewer potty breaks), and don't cost as much. Puppies need all their shots and to be spayed or neutered. When the dog has been in a foster home, you get a much better sense of their personality than if it's a puppy. It's much easier to match an adult dog with the right temperament to your family's needs. If you're set on raising a puppy, the owner needs to be home most of the day for the first several months. The question is whether you can truthfully commit to the time, the finances, and the effort.

BeeZee: Why is crate training important?

FRANCE: The crate becomes the safe space for the puppy or dog, a familiar comfortable safe place to retreat to when they've had enough kids, family, other animals, etc. It's also safer for the family because the puppy or dog can't get into any real trouble in the crate where they don't have to be on strict surveillance like when they're loose. The crate is critical for potty and housetraining if that's necessary. It's good for them to feel comfortable in a crate if they ever need to be boarded at the vet for medical care, to travel by car or airplane, or to wait their turn with the dog groomer.

BeeZee: What are the basics of crate training?

FRANCE: The most important thing is not to leave them in the crate for too long. Depending on the puppy's age, anywhere from 1-4 hours maximum (tiny bladders need more frequent potty breaks!) and if adult, 4-5 hours maximum. Never use the crate as a punishment (it will have a negative association for the dog). The crate is like a crib – a training tool that you use in the beginning when the dog is adjusting, when you need it. Eventually, most dogs mature out of the crate and can be left free to roam the house.

BeeZee: How can people make potty-training easier for puppies and rescues?

FRANCE: Consistency. Patience. And a crate. For puppies, it's a matter of time and being consistent about taking them out frequently and giving them a reward every time they "go" outside. They learn quickly that pottying outside is fun. Be sure to distinguish between the trips outside for potty and those for play. If the puppy gets busy playing outside, it won't remember to potty until it's back in the house. It's important not to let a puppy run loose in the house – always keep them under surveillance or contained in a crate or pen. Puppies will wander off and have accidents, but you'll have no way of controlling it, so they'll think it's permissible. Most adult dogs have been trained at some point. Treat them like puppies in the beginning and keep them under surveillance in the house, take them out frequently and give them positive reinforcement every time they go potty outside.

BeeZee: The bottom line is that we rescues are worth our weight in gold. France and my human both agree that we know somehow that we have been rescued. I speak for many dogs when I say that we live every day of the rest of our lives grateful to the humans who save us. We mutts tend to be very smart and we're blessed with hybrid vigor, thanks to a mix of characteristics from different dogs.

FRANCE: It's important to work with a reputable rescue to help place the right dog in your home. I always say there's a home for every dog and a dog for every home — it's matchmaking!

For more information: www.petconnectrescue.org