Post by petzgirl on Aug 18, 2003 21:06:44 GMT
With credit to: homepage.ntlworld.com/k.westgate/
SO YOU HAVE MADE A DECISION?
You are going to get a dog. Just before you rush out to get one please take a minute to consider that this is going to be an extra expense on your budget. Dogs do cost - feeding, vet's bills and lots of other things will dent your finances, will you be willing to go out in all weathers to exercise your pet come what may and be able to give them the time they need for training and other activities? Will they be left alone all day, often a sure recipe for boredom resulting in destruction of your lovely home! Who will look after them when you are on holiday? Think carefully!
Well, if that hasn't dented your enthusiasm here are a few tips which may help your choice. What type of dog do you want? Is it a Pedigree, will you consider a Crossbreed and should it be a puppy or an adult? Do you want a Dog or a Bitch? What size of dog would suit your accommodation? Consider all these points.
If you want a Pedigree puppy always go to a reliable breeder, ask to see the mother because you will get a good idea of what the pup will look like as an adult. Even if it is a Crossbreed pup ask to see the mother too! Do not forget however, that there are thousands of dogs in Rescue Centres who desperately need a loving home too! Also why not consider taking on an older dog. They may be already trained and housebroken and fit in with your lifestyle. Change of circumstances, divorce or bereavement means that through no fault of their own they find themselves homeless! Sadly it is also the case that Rescue Centres are full of illtreated and traumatised animals and you should consider carefully before taking on one of these cases because they need lots of special care, understanding and patience to win back their trust and affection! See the special section on taking home rescue dogs.
Puppies are like little sponges they absorb everything! It is never too early to start training. From the word go start to get your puppy used to the Clicker Method as set out in the following Chapters. Click and Treat is the way to go to get immediate results!
However, puppies need a settling in period in their new home. Decide where you want your puppy to sleep. There is no right and wrong place in my reckoning. I know people say on no account let your pup sleep in your bedroom with you and if you feel that way too, fair enough! If however, you decide it is easier to keep an eye on them in your bedroom let them stay with you. I would recommend however, that you use an indoor kennel or crate so that pup is kept safe whilst your are sleeping and 'accidents' are kept to a confined area! Eventually when completely clean overnight you can buy a proper bed for your pet.
To get the little one used to a indoor kennel or crate use it during the day, feed him in it, put a toy or chew in it for him and leave the door open so that pup can go in and out. Put some comfy bedding down one end for them to sleep on. Soon pup will think of it as his safe place to go. Close the door from time to time with pup inside and leave for short periods before releasing. When you use it as night leave some newspaper down one end so that pup has somewhere to relieve itself as their bladders are often too small at first to go all through the night. As they grow you will gradually find that the paper will remain clean and this is a good indication that your puppy is learning to hold itself as all dogs, even puppies, hate soiling the place where they sleep!
Now some advice on toilet training. You will need to take your puppy outside to relieve itself very often when you first bring them home. Obviously first thing in the morning and last thing at night and after meals but also hourly for the first week or so. I know, that seems an awful lot of hard work but you decided you wanted a puppy and two weeks of hard work will pay dividends in the long run. If you see them circling, nose to the ground that is a good indication that they need to relieve themselves. Scoop them up and dash outside. Sometimes is it a false alarm but no matter, keep trying! When puppy does eliminate click and treat them and tell them how wonderful they are.
They need to recognise and know their name as soon as possible. So call them and when they come to you Click and Treat. In a very short time your pup will come readily to you because they know a reward will be in the offing!
Although you can Clicker Train your pup yourself as set out later remember dogs need to be socialized with other dogs as soon as possible. Find out about puppy socialization classes in your area if possible. If this is done you are less likely to experience problems with other animals. For whatever reason some dogs do start to experience behaviour problems which do not respond to training, the clicker method is not the answer to everything! If this happens to you seek the advice of a qualified behaviourist who is trained to do just that!
Feeding your pup is quite straightforward. Choose a good quality puppy food and follow the instructions on quantities and feeding schedules. Do not encourage them to be a fussy eater by giving them what you eat! Make sure a supply of fresh water is always available. Do not overfeed.
Visit your Vet and get your puppy vaccinated at the correct times, they will also get a health check. Older dogs will benefit from a medical also and should have their vaccination status verified. Also think carefully about taking out pet insurance. You never know when your dog may need medical treatment and this can be a very expensive proposition in some cases. You will have peace of mind that a good part of the cost will be met and if you insure them when they are young some companies will continue cover into old age!
All dogs will benefit from regular grooming and bathing and they are never too young to start. Remember no one loves a smelly canine!
Now a word on neutering. This can cause soulsearching in us humans but I do believe that if you are not planning to breed from your dog neutering is by far the best solution. Do you really want mess around the house when your bitch is in season and all the local hounds lining up outside your door waiting for her to appear? Or your dog mounting everything in sight and then disappearing in a cloud of dust following a scent in the park? There are thousands of unwanted animals out there and as responsible owners we should not add to the problem. It can also have health benefits as it can avoid certain ailments occurring in later life. Some pets can gain weight after this procedure but if you keep an eye on this and take appropriate action to reduce their food intake then this will not be a problem. Animals from Rescue Centres are routinely neutered. Please think about it!
Now for some do's and don'ts generally:
DO TAKE THE TIME AND TROUBLE TO TRAIN YOUR DOG AND TEACH THEM TO BE A JOY TO OWN AND A PLEASURE TO EVERYONE THEY MEET.
DO INTRODUCE YOUR PUPPY TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, INCLUDING CHILDREN ALTHOUGH DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO BE PULLED AROUND TOO MUCH,
DO GIVE THEM LOTS OF CUDDLES AND TALK TO THEM PRAISING THEM FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR AS WELL AS CLICKING AND TREATING THEM.
DO GIVE THEM PLENTY OF TIME FOR REST, HAVE REGULAR PLAYTIMES AND IF PUPPY BECOMES TOO BOISTEROUS TAKE A 'TIME OUT' PUT THEM AWAY IN THEIR INDOOR KENNEL AND LET THEM CALM DOWN.
IF PUPPY HAS AN 'ACCIDENT' DO NOT TELL THEM OFF, IT IS YOUR FAULT FOR NOT WATCHING THEM SUFFICIENTLY! PUPS HATE TO SOIL THEIR HOME JUST BE MORE VIGILANT THE NEXT TIME.
WHEN TEETHING GIVE THEM A SAFE CHEW LIKE RUBBER OR RAWHIDE TO USE.
DO NOT GIVE ANY DOG ACTUAL BONES TO CHEW OR GIVE THEM STICKS TO CHASE. BONES CAN SPLINTER AND CHIP THEIR TEETH AS WELL AS CAUSING INJURIES IN THEIR INSIDES. AS FOR STICKS I KNOW MANY PEOPLE THROW THESE FOR THEIR PET TO CHASE. AS VETS WILL TELL YOU THEY SEE CASES REGULARLY OF DOGS WITH STICKS LODGED IN THEIR THROATS SOMETIMES WITH FATAL RESULTS. BEFORE I KNEW BETTER I THREW A STICK FOR SAM AND AS HE WAS RUNING BACK TO ME WITH IT THE STICK STUCK INTO THE GROUND AND ONE END WENT STRAIGHT INTO HIS GROIN MAKING A LARGE HOLE. IT NECESSITATED IMMEDIATE SURGERY TO TREAT HIM!
ALWAYS CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG AND SCOOP THAT POOP! LAZY OWNERS GIVE US ALL A BAD NAME!
FINALLY REMEMBER YOUR DOG IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OUT KEEP THEM UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, THEIR WELFARE IS IN YOUR HANDS. THERE ARE VERY FEW UNSUITABLE DOGS ONLY UNSUITABLE OWNERS!
SO YOU HAVE MADE A DECISION?
You are going to get a dog. Just before you rush out to get one please take a minute to consider that this is going to be an extra expense on your budget. Dogs do cost - feeding, vet's bills and lots of other things will dent your finances, will you be willing to go out in all weathers to exercise your pet come what may and be able to give them the time they need for training and other activities? Will they be left alone all day, often a sure recipe for boredom resulting in destruction of your lovely home! Who will look after them when you are on holiday? Think carefully!
Well, if that hasn't dented your enthusiasm here are a few tips which may help your choice. What type of dog do you want? Is it a Pedigree, will you consider a Crossbreed and should it be a puppy or an adult? Do you want a Dog or a Bitch? What size of dog would suit your accommodation? Consider all these points.
If you want a Pedigree puppy always go to a reliable breeder, ask to see the mother because you will get a good idea of what the pup will look like as an adult. Even if it is a Crossbreed pup ask to see the mother too! Do not forget however, that there are thousands of dogs in Rescue Centres who desperately need a loving home too! Also why not consider taking on an older dog. They may be already trained and housebroken and fit in with your lifestyle. Change of circumstances, divorce or bereavement means that through no fault of their own they find themselves homeless! Sadly it is also the case that Rescue Centres are full of illtreated and traumatised animals and you should consider carefully before taking on one of these cases because they need lots of special care, understanding and patience to win back their trust and affection! See the special section on taking home rescue dogs.
Puppies are like little sponges they absorb everything! It is never too early to start training. From the word go start to get your puppy used to the Clicker Method as set out in the following Chapters. Click and Treat is the way to go to get immediate results!
However, puppies need a settling in period in their new home. Decide where you want your puppy to sleep. There is no right and wrong place in my reckoning. I know people say on no account let your pup sleep in your bedroom with you and if you feel that way too, fair enough! If however, you decide it is easier to keep an eye on them in your bedroom let them stay with you. I would recommend however, that you use an indoor kennel or crate so that pup is kept safe whilst your are sleeping and 'accidents' are kept to a confined area! Eventually when completely clean overnight you can buy a proper bed for your pet.
To get the little one used to a indoor kennel or crate use it during the day, feed him in it, put a toy or chew in it for him and leave the door open so that pup can go in and out. Put some comfy bedding down one end for them to sleep on. Soon pup will think of it as his safe place to go. Close the door from time to time with pup inside and leave for short periods before releasing. When you use it as night leave some newspaper down one end so that pup has somewhere to relieve itself as their bladders are often too small at first to go all through the night. As they grow you will gradually find that the paper will remain clean and this is a good indication that your puppy is learning to hold itself as all dogs, even puppies, hate soiling the place where they sleep!
Now some advice on toilet training. You will need to take your puppy outside to relieve itself very often when you first bring them home. Obviously first thing in the morning and last thing at night and after meals but also hourly for the first week or so. I know, that seems an awful lot of hard work but you decided you wanted a puppy and two weeks of hard work will pay dividends in the long run. If you see them circling, nose to the ground that is a good indication that they need to relieve themselves. Scoop them up and dash outside. Sometimes is it a false alarm but no matter, keep trying! When puppy does eliminate click and treat them and tell them how wonderful they are.
They need to recognise and know their name as soon as possible. So call them and when they come to you Click and Treat. In a very short time your pup will come readily to you because they know a reward will be in the offing!
Although you can Clicker Train your pup yourself as set out later remember dogs need to be socialized with other dogs as soon as possible. Find out about puppy socialization classes in your area if possible. If this is done you are less likely to experience problems with other animals. For whatever reason some dogs do start to experience behaviour problems which do not respond to training, the clicker method is not the answer to everything! If this happens to you seek the advice of a qualified behaviourist who is trained to do just that!
Feeding your pup is quite straightforward. Choose a good quality puppy food and follow the instructions on quantities and feeding schedules. Do not encourage them to be a fussy eater by giving them what you eat! Make sure a supply of fresh water is always available. Do not overfeed.
Visit your Vet and get your puppy vaccinated at the correct times, they will also get a health check. Older dogs will benefit from a medical also and should have their vaccination status verified. Also think carefully about taking out pet insurance. You never know when your dog may need medical treatment and this can be a very expensive proposition in some cases. You will have peace of mind that a good part of the cost will be met and if you insure them when they are young some companies will continue cover into old age!
All dogs will benefit from regular grooming and bathing and they are never too young to start. Remember no one loves a smelly canine!
Now a word on neutering. This can cause soulsearching in us humans but I do believe that if you are not planning to breed from your dog neutering is by far the best solution. Do you really want mess around the house when your bitch is in season and all the local hounds lining up outside your door waiting for her to appear? Or your dog mounting everything in sight and then disappearing in a cloud of dust following a scent in the park? There are thousands of unwanted animals out there and as responsible owners we should not add to the problem. It can also have health benefits as it can avoid certain ailments occurring in later life. Some pets can gain weight after this procedure but if you keep an eye on this and take appropriate action to reduce their food intake then this will not be a problem. Animals from Rescue Centres are routinely neutered. Please think about it!
Now for some do's and don'ts generally:
DO TAKE THE TIME AND TROUBLE TO TRAIN YOUR DOG AND TEACH THEM TO BE A JOY TO OWN AND A PLEASURE TO EVERYONE THEY MEET.
DO INTRODUCE YOUR PUPPY TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE, INCLUDING CHILDREN ALTHOUGH DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO BE PULLED AROUND TOO MUCH,
DO GIVE THEM LOTS OF CUDDLES AND TALK TO THEM PRAISING THEM FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR AS WELL AS CLICKING AND TREATING THEM.
DO GIVE THEM PLENTY OF TIME FOR REST, HAVE REGULAR PLAYTIMES AND IF PUPPY BECOMES TOO BOISTEROUS TAKE A 'TIME OUT' PUT THEM AWAY IN THEIR INDOOR KENNEL AND LET THEM CALM DOWN.
IF PUPPY HAS AN 'ACCIDENT' DO NOT TELL THEM OFF, IT IS YOUR FAULT FOR NOT WATCHING THEM SUFFICIENTLY! PUPS HATE TO SOIL THEIR HOME JUST BE MORE VIGILANT THE NEXT TIME.
WHEN TEETHING GIVE THEM A SAFE CHEW LIKE RUBBER OR RAWHIDE TO USE.
DO NOT GIVE ANY DOG ACTUAL BONES TO CHEW OR GIVE THEM STICKS TO CHASE. BONES CAN SPLINTER AND CHIP THEIR TEETH AS WELL AS CAUSING INJURIES IN THEIR INSIDES. AS FOR STICKS I KNOW MANY PEOPLE THROW THESE FOR THEIR PET TO CHASE. AS VETS WILL TELL YOU THEY SEE CASES REGULARLY OF DOGS WITH STICKS LODGED IN THEIR THROATS SOMETIMES WITH FATAL RESULTS. BEFORE I KNEW BETTER I THREW A STICK FOR SAM AND AS HE WAS RUNING BACK TO ME WITH IT THE STICK STUCK INTO THE GROUND AND ONE END WENT STRAIGHT INTO HIS GROIN MAKING A LARGE HOLE. IT NECESSITATED IMMEDIATE SURGERY TO TREAT HIM!
ALWAYS CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG AND SCOOP THAT POOP! LAZY OWNERS GIVE US ALL A BAD NAME!
FINALLY REMEMBER YOUR DOG IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OUT KEEP THEM UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, THEIR WELFARE IS IN YOUR HANDS. THERE ARE VERY FEW UNSUITABLE DOGS ONLY UNSUITABLE OWNERS!