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
reg charity no 1005973. 45B Ashgap Lane, Normanton, WF6 2DT, UK
