Dog Care

Question: Help i need to know more about dog care?

(Posted by: on 2012-01-22 18:04:40)

Soon it will be my B- Day and I would like to learn more about the basics- Feeding, How to set up the dog's playing/ sleeping area, Bladder Time :o, and etc. The thing I need to know most is what should I do when I'm at school. My parents will be at home sometimes I guess but I need tips on how to train it. Please and Thank you :)

Posted by: Renee on 2012-01-22, 19:16:35

Wow, there's a lot that you're asking in this question. Hopefully I can answer most of it. Picking out a dog, Because you're in school and your parents are probably working or have their own thing, you're not going to want a puppy. Puppies require round the clock care. They need to be let out every two hours or so, they need play, they don't like when people leave, they'll chew on everything, especially when left alone. Puppies are for people that are home all the time and can devote such attention to them. That doesn't sound like you, you're going to want an older dog who has control over his bladder and is confident enough to stay home alone. Look at personalities when picking out a dog. Sure we tend to fall in love with dogs right away, they're cute. But they need to fit in our home. so their energy level needs to be your energy level. You're not going to be happy with a dog that is high energy and needs to be walked twice day if you don't do that already. Even if you say I would do it for my dog. You'll eventually stop and then the dog will get destructive then you'll get rid of him. If you're looking for a movie pal you need to find a calm dog. So you'll be looking for a dog 2 years or older, because around that time is when their personality becomes focused. So now you have picked out your dog. Read up on your dog or ask your vet how much your dog should weigh, and how much to feed him. You should feed dogs twice day, once in the morning once in the evening. Don't over feed your dog. If it's getting a little chunky cut back on the food intake. If you exercise a lot with your dog, they can eat more, if your movie pals then they need to eat less. When you feed your dog do not allow them to just start eating before the bowl hits the floor. Make the dog sit, you put the bowl on the floor, they need to look up at you not touching it then you give the command for them to take it. This shows them that it's your food, and you are allowing them to eat it. This helps prevent food aggression. Sleeping is up to you as well as toys. Do you want them to sleep in your room or in a crate? It really doesn't matter. Training is a different ball game. Some people believe you have to dominate a dog. I feel this is outdated. You do not have to dominate a dog. A dog naturally wants to please his person. what you need to do is encourage this. Treats are amazing. Not giant one. I love pupperonies because I can pull them apart into small pieces and they have a smell to them to get the dog's attention. When training a dog to sit take a treat and hold it over their heads, and move your hand forward past them. Their head will follow it back and they'll automatically plop their butts down. Training down you bring the treat down to the floor and wait for the dogs head to follow it, then bring the treat back towards yourself forcing the dog into a laying position. Reward them for everything, get excited about what they're doing. When teaching a dog a new trick you need to lead them through it and only do so three times. Then do something they know like sit and get excited over that. Lots of praise, it makes the dog to love working for you. There's a lot more to it, but that should get you started. Umm.. don't use plastic food and water bowls a lot of dogs are allergic to plastic. When you first get your dog, get it on a potty schedule. Go frequently at first. He will have accidents he's in a new place and hasn't learned to communicate with you yet. Be patient. You need to learn him as much as he needs to learn you. Good luck!

Posted by: Gloria on 2012-01-22, 18:26:36

Try reading "How to Train the Perfect Dog " it helps a lot from picking the puppy to training him to be a well behaved dog.

Posted by: Tameesha on 2012-01-22, 18:28:35

Read read read!!! I'm sure there are many good books in your library! NEVER buy a dog from a backyard breeder or from parents that have not been health tested. OFA Hip and Elbow testing is a must to ensure good bones and a less likelihood of the dog getting dysplasia. A good breeder will also test for any other health problems the particular breed is known for and will not breed dogs that do not pass these tests with flying colors. Also make sure he has been properly socialized and exposed to many people and situations prior to getting him and continue to do so after you get him. You have to pay more for a good dog but it will pay off in the end and the breeder will support and answer your questions and support you and your dog for the life of the dog. Buying a good health tested dog that has been socialized will save you thousands in veterinary bills and struggles later in life. Early training is a must. A side tip is to never cuddle or praise or talk baby talk to a puppy that is scared. You will teach it that it is okay to be scared, it is best to ignore it and let the puppy work out the situation on it's own so it can gain confidence. You can also temperament test puppies at 7 weeks (49 days) old to best determine temperament and pick the puppy that best fits your life using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. volhard.com/ pages/ pat.php Best of luck when you find your new addition! Questions to ask a breeder: 1). How long have you been breeding on a professional level? 2). Do you do this part time or full time? 3). Are the parents from proven lines? How are they chosen? 4). Do you offer a written sales agreement? 5). Do you offer a health guarantee? 6). Do you give the pups shots and also worm them? Do you give me copy? 7). Do you x-ray the parents for hips before they are bred? Can I see proof of both hip and elbow certification? 8). Are the parents registered? Will I get papers for my pup? 9). Can I see the parents? 10). At what age can I take the puppy home? (never take a puppy home before 8 weeks of age) 11). Do you socialize and condition your pups? How do you do that? (A breeder that uses the Bio-Sensor or Early Neurological Stimulation Program and sound tapes etc is a better breeder than one that does not) 12). If things don’t work out, will you take the puppy back? 13). Are deposits refundable? 14). Do you have a valid current business license? 15). What is your rating with the Better Business Bureau? Are you members? 16). Are there currently any judgements or liens against your business? 17). Can I see where the puppies are kept? (puppies should be kept in-house with the mother and human family) 18). Can you supply me with a list of referrals? 19). Are you active in clubs for your breed? 20). Do you compete and earn titles to prove your dogs’ worthiness? 21). Do you have a mission statement? 22). How many litters do you produce a year? 23). How many times has the mother been bred? ( A dog should never be bred before the age of two and should never be bred more than once a year preferably less) If money is an issue a mix breed pup from a shelter may be a good option. Mixed breeds are generally healthier than purebreds. However, extra extra socialization. Seek out an experienced positive-reinforcement trainer in your area no matter which route you go to find your new pup. This site has great information on current dog foods (5 star is the best) - dogfoodadvisor.com/ This site has information on pet health insurance from many different companies - petinsurancereview.com/ On vaccinations - This last year the AAHA updated their recommended vaccinations for dogs. This also includes giving shots less often. This the the main website for the new revisions (October 2011) https:/ / aahanet.org/ library/ caninevaccine.aspx this is the actual new manual they put out for veterinarians and owners https:/ / aahanet.org/ PublicDocuments/ CanineVaccineGuidelines.pdf Please discuss these new guidelines with your veterinarian and see what he/ she recommends for your dog. The Monks of New Skete have written 3 great books - The Art of Raising a Puppy, How to be your Dog's Best Friend, and Divine Canine. Ceaser Millan - How to Raise the Perfect Dog, Be The Pack Leader - are two good books also. Educate yourself as much as you can before you decide if a dog is right for you.