So you have your puppy.
What
next?
How does that little bundle of fluff become the obedient, loyal and
healthy companion you saw in your mind's eye when you first decided to
get a dog?
Here's our guide to
everything you need to know in those early years. 1. House training can
be a doddle or a struggle. Most pups will try to be clean, so take him
to his spot after his meal, a game or a sleep, or when he moves towards
the door. Be observant; you will soon learn when pup "feels the need" -
certain actions, certain times of day etc. Take him outside (don't send
him on his own at first,
you need to be there to praise him after he performs). Avoid getting
cross
over mistakes, and NEVER rub his nose in it. More detailed advice about
house
training appears on our house training advice sheet.
2. Teach your dog to empty his bladder or bowels on command by
gently repeating key words like "be clean" (or "hurry up" if you want
to be more subtle!) as he does so naturally, praising him when he has
finished. He will soon associate the word with the action - once he
does you can make sure he
uses the garden before you go out and avoid him fouling public areas or
needing
a "pit stop" on the motor way.
3. Even if your dog has used your garden you should always carry
a poop scoop or plastic bag just in case, and USE IT! Local bylaws are
in
effect in most places and they apply to YOU and YOUR DOG. Whether
bylaws
are there or not, it's the responsible thing to do.
4. Elementary obedience starts on the day you bring your pup
home. ALWAYS USE FUN NOT FORCE, and persuade the kids that tricks come
after basic training. Your dog needs to know his name, "no", "come",
and "sit" and later "down", "stay", and "heel". A few place words can
be useful too - "in the car", "on your bed". To stop him getting
confused, keep your commands simple and make sure everyone in the
family uses the same words in the same way. Keep training sessions
short, teach one thing at a time and use plenty of rewards - toys,
titbits or praise. If you don't know how, go to a dog training club
which will teach both of you.
5. Never allow your pet to become a nuisance. Not everyone loves
dogs - some could regard your pet as an "affliction" not with
"affection"!
You know he's being friendly, but other people may be afraid of his
"bouncing". You go out in your dog walking clothes, but others may not
want footprints on their best jacket. If in doubt, keep him on a lead.
6. Make sure your dog has a collar with an ID disc attached,
even if he has an identity tattoo or microchip. Not only is it common
sense (the discs are easier to read if someone finds your dog) but it
is also required by law.
7. Road safety with a dog is essential. Teach yourself (yet
again), your children and your dog the Green Cross Code. Your dog
should automatically stop whenever he reaches a kerb and not move on
until you give permission.
8. Form habits that will last a lifetime by getting him used to
being handled and brushed while he is still young. Grooming should
always include a check of ears, eyes, teeth, gums, claws and skin as
well as fur. You may also wish to clean his teeth with a soft
toothbrush and water or a proprietary (dog) toothpaste. Know his body
and what is normal for him. Look for signs of injuries or infections,
and for foreign bodies (moving or otherwise!) As
well as keeping you aware of potential problems, this helps your dog to
be
relaxed and unafraid during veterinary examinations.
9. Keep your dog fit not fat! A growing puppy needs plenty of
food but once he is adult he no longer needs the calories that were
being used for growth and he may need to eat less. Neutering may also
alter his metabolism and call for a further reduction of food. Remember
that the amounts on the dog food packet are just a guide - experiment a
little with the amount until you find what suits your dog.
10. Be careful about what your dog eats and be just as watchful
as to what comes out the other end. Check that your dog does not have
an upset stomach due to the family's left-over casserole or a "bug"
needing veterinary treatment.
11. Take your puppy to the vet for a check up and to arrange
worming and vaccination programmes as soon as possible after bringing
him home. Follow this up by remembering his yearly booster injections
and - most important - remember to worm him at least twice a year.
12. Check with the vet about canine "Family planning" to avoid
adding to the already large number of unwanted puppies.
reprinted with kind permission from Debbie Waller
Hon Chairman/Webmaster
People And Dogs Society http://www.padsonline.org.uk
reg charity no 1005973. Longwood, Carleton Close
Pontefract, WF8 3NB, West Yorkshire, England
Telephone: 0845 269 0093
