PET TIPS
Picking out a new dog (puppy): (TREATING YOUR DOG LIKE YOUR CHILD IS A GOOD RULE OF THUMB)
I. Doing your Homework: Breeds (Research each one carefully, they are very different and Please don't just go on looks)
Allergies: Only Poodles, Bichons, and Bearded Collies have hair vs. fur and are hypoallergenic and don't have dander.
Consider the Age of your Kids, (future kids in the next 15 years) 1. small breed dogs will not be safe with children under 8 yrs old. and are high maintenance with grooming and veterinary costs and best with older adults 2. Active dogs like Jack Russell and other Terrriers, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and others need active adults with lots of time to train and do activities with. 3. Large Dogs bred for protection need constant socialization with strange dogs, cats, kids, and people for the first two years or they will become aggressive towards strangers and strange dogs they don't know because they naturally protect their family (including the dogs in the family)
II. Owning a Home: Wait until you can offer the permanency of being the home owner, since very few landlords allow pets, and even if the current landlord does, the odds of finding another rental that allows pets is very slim. The number one reason for owners giving up their pets is moving to rentals that don't allow pets. A COMPLETELY FENCED YARD IS A MUST FOR ANY SIZE DOG TO GO POTTY SAFELY IN AND EXERCISE. DOG RUNS ARE TOO SMALL, TYING UP A DOG IS DANGEROUS AND CRUEL. PADLOCKING YOUR GATES CAN SAVE YOUR DOG (AND CHILD) FROM BEING LET OUT ACCIDENTALLY BY STRANGERS AND GETTING HIT BY A CAR!
III. Time for Training: Having a dog is like adopting a child. They need the daily attention, training, care and activity. If you are already busy with small children, there is not much time left for the dog. The bills of new children, new home and other costs of a new family require many hours of work and not much time for the dog.
IV. Plans for next 15 years: Consider your plans for the next 15 years before you make that 15 year plus commitment to a dog.
V. Males and Females, Alpha and Submissive: Dogs are ANIMALS! They are not humans and have behaviors and instincts particular to the Canine Family. They need to be socialized with their mother the first 8 to 12 weeks of life. They need to be socialized the first 6 months of their lives with strangers, other kids and other dogs and cats so they won't attack or fear them. Taking them out in public after 2nd set of Booster shots is very important. It is not a good idea to have a male and another male or a female and another female together. Dogs are territorial and will fight for dominance.
VI. Doggie Proof the House: Just like a Toddler, a dog needs protection from: No dangerous chemicals and cleaners where they dog can get them. No trash where the dog can get to it. No electrical wires, toxic materials or small objects they can swallow.
VII. Seek out Professionals you will need: Seeking out a Good Veterinarian, Doggie Day Care, Dog Park and other Activities, Obedience, Agility and Advanced Training:
VIII. Travel Plans for your pet: Don't plan on leaving your dog with a neighbor, relative or friend. Many dogs have ran away and ended up in the shelter and sadly been euthanized while families went on vacation because they just wanted to go home. Find a reputable Pet Sitter, Doggie Boarding Facility or Doggie Day Care/Boarding Center. Also look up look up places to take your dog with you on vacation at www.petfriendlytravel.com. AAA also has a free book for pet friendly travel.
IX. Get ID tag at Petco/Petsmart stores with your last name, street address and 24 hr. phone number
X. Dog Carrier big enough for the dog/puppy to stand up in and turn around only
XI. Proper bowls, toys, bedding, buckle collar and 4 foot leash.
XII. NEVER CARRY A DOG IN THE BACK OF AN OPEN BED TRUCK! You brake or swerve and they will fly out. It is not a pretty sight. Get a dog carrier for them and tie it down.
Housetraining Your New Dog (puppy) (ONLY POSITIVE PRAISE GETS THE DESIRED RESULTS) (If you want a happy, well behaved, calm and well adjusted dog!)
I. Crate Training teaches your dog a routine of going potty outside, keeps him from learning to bark, chew and dig outside. NEVER LEAVE A DOG OUTSIDE UNATTENDED (Would you leave your toddler unattended?) They are not human, they are Canines and like the Wolf, they feel safe and secure in caves. No they would not rather be outside all day all alone. That is where they learn to bark at noises, get bored and chew, dig and run away. Inside in their crate, they feel secure, are supervised while growing up, and know they are part of their new pack (your family), and that you are coming back. Many trainers have written about "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN OUTSIDE DOG, (your "valuables (family and jewels), are not outside, what is the dog guarding outside?)." Dogs are "Social Animals" and therefore desire to be with their family in the house, or wherever the family is, and dogs left outside and seperated from their family are sad and lonely. Inside dogs also live longer. Inside dogs that are well trained and adjusted are given up less in shelters. Get your dog (puppy) on a consistent routine that fits your lifestyle. For puppies you need to let them out to potty every 2 hours during waking hours. For adults once they learn the crate training, it is ok to let them potty 4 to 5 times a day. But you also need to have training and exercise time outside the crate with you at least twice a day if not more. The more play time, exercise, and positive praise time you give your dog, the better behaved and happier they will be. The crate training is only temporary, and gradually your puppy or housetraining dog will graduate to a supervised room and then the entire house. But they will always appreciate their open crate to take a time out in private when they want to. (As your puppy grows, you need to graduate to larger crates, or a good tip is to buy one large enough for him when he is full grown, but use a box to make it small enough for the puppy to only stand and turn around in, or else he could learn to potty on one side and sleep on the other). Make sure to have an outside dog water feeder bottle, a good and safe hard chew bone or toy just for the crate and a warm bedding in the crate. The crate experience should not be used as punishment ever or else they won't want to "kennel." Many Obedience Classes give crate training instructions.
II. Proper Food and Feeding: Add water to dry puppy food so it doesn't expand and bloat their stomach. Puppies need 3 to 4 small feedings a day and adults only 2. Dogs are allergic to many ingredients due to all the overbreeding: Corn, Wheat, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors are just a few. Some good ones are NUTRA Nuggets at COSTCO, Precise at Wild Oats, and California Natural. Look at the ingredients just like you do for yourself. Don't feed the new puppy or dog with any other dogs. This is where the crate comes in handy. Don't give Chew Treats except in seperate places like the crate. Dogs will fight over them.
III. Proper Dog Toys and Treats Ask your Veterinarian and Obedience Trainer for tips, some are not safe for dogs.
IV. Getting your puppy comfortable with nail trimming, laying on his back showing you trust and submission (you are the Alpha dog in your family, and after all the kids, the dog is last), brushing him weekly and walking on a leash regularly will prepare your puppy for his expected behavior as an adult. Teaching your puppy to allow every human in the family to remove his food, treats and toys is very important. Have all the kids work with and train the puppy/dog.
V. Teach your kids to always ask the owner if they can approach a dog and teach them to be gentle and calm.
Training Your New Dog (puppy) (ONLY POSITIVE PRAISE GETS THE DESIRED RESULTS)
I When to start: 1. You may start at home once you bring your dog or puppy home. Prevent learning to jump on people by only having everyone pet the puppy or dog when he is on all fours. 2. Yelling "ouch" when the puppy or dog bites hard or touches you with sharp teeth will prevent them from hurting your hand and teach them to take things gently. 3. Calling their name and giving them a praise or reward (treat or toy) will start the first step in listening to you. 4. Allowing strangers, other kids and animals that come into your home to meet the puppy socializes him. 5. Be careful not to take your new puppy in public places before they have had 2 sets of shots or they could lick up diseases just like a human baby. 6. Remember to praise your puppy/dog for doing good things you want him to do, not rewarding or praising him for doing anything you don't want him to do, and saying "No" or punishing does not work with dogs. BE CONSISTENT! That is the key! If you don't want them on the furniture, teach them where their place is. Once your puppy has had 2 sets of shots, start him/her in Puppy Class with other puppies and other people they don't know. The more distractions and strangers around when you train your puppy the better behaved they will be outside the home. Yes even if you are the most experienced trainer yourself.
II. Socialization the first 6 months and after: Most people think that Obedience Training is just to train to sit, stay, come and heal, but actually the most important part of training is socialization. Isn't your childrens' and other childrens' safety the most important thing? To make sure your dog, whether small Chihuahua or Saint Bernard and in between, is safe with all children for the rest of his life, you need to thoroughly socialize your puppy/dog with other dogs, cats, strangers and kids they don't know the first 2 years of their lives. Group classes, group dog activities and taking your dog around other dogs and people are all necessary. Just because your dog is safe with your family doesn't mean he will be friendly with strangers, other kids and dogs. Dogs are "Pack Animals" and they protect their Pack. Your family and its pets are their Pack!
III. Basic Puppy, Advanced Obedience, Agility and Clicker Training: Basice Puppy Training Class is only the beginning and without more training, you won't have a well behaved and socialized dog. Continue training with a professional and with other dogs is necessary. The more training a dog has its first year, the better behaved it will be the rest of its life. The more activities you can involve your dog in the better behaved it will be. Most dogs are active and need activity. A reputable Doggie Day Care gives him a lot of activity and continued socialization.
IV. Continued Activities: Fly Ball, Agility, Competitions, Therapy Dogs and other involvements are great things for your dog to do. Most dogs need a job. You will value your dog more if you give him a job you will be proud of and he will be proud to show you he can do. Dogs have so many benefits to humans as Therapy Dogs to help kids, elderly and sick and disabled people. Find out all the opportunities for you and your dog to join. The more you value your dog, the more you will want to keep him for life.
Proper Health Care for your Dog (puppy) (PROPER PREVENTION WILL SAVE FUTURE COSTS AND HEARTACHE)
Puppies 1. 3 to 4 sets of shots: Puppy Boosters 6 weeks, Add Bordetella for Obedience Class 9 wks, 12 week, 16 weeks Boosters and Rabies
2. 3 dewormings with shots
3. Spay/Neuter at 4 months is easier on them and saves them from Cancer
4. Microchipping will save his/her life!
Dogs 1. Boosters, Bordetella and Rabies shots
2. Spay/Neuter
3. Microchipping to save them and get them home!
* Are you prepared to spend at least $500 a year on your pet for possible Veterinary emergencies?
* And don't forget the cost of grooming, boarding and training!