Buying a Puppy

Things to Consider when buying a Puppy:
*Find a good vet.
*Talk to your vet about:
– microchipping (anytime over 8weeks, as long as the puppy is physically fit with enough muscle tissue)
– flee/tick control
– heart worming (from 3months of age)
– intestinal worming (ongoing)
– desexing (anytime from 2 – 6months and onwards)
*Tag your dog.  This can be a permanent/engraved tag or hand written one
Ensure your puppys ID tag includes:
– his name
– your ph numbers
– and even: $ Reward Offered
*Register your dog with the council

Home Improvements:
*Ensure all electrical cables, phone cables, computer cables are off the floor and unreachable.
*Move things that are on low shelves re puppys wagging tail
*Think of your puppy as a child ie 4month old puppy = a 2year old child

*Check for poisonous plants and put out of reach.
*Lift everything you don’t wanted chewed off the floor.
*Designate a toilet area for your puppy to use (whole yard or just a small area)
*Make sure your yard is puppy proof to prevent escaping.
If your pup is digging, try chicken wire at the base of the gate/fence.
If climbing, add height to your fence, but make sure it is tilted inwards so a paw
or a collar cannot be trapped.
*Make sure your car is dog friendly (invest in a car harness or crate)
*If you have a pool, make sure it is fenced. (sadly, many dogs drown each year in backyard swimming pools
and ponds.  Also, show your dog how to get out of the pool. Put a white flag up at the steps or purchase a Scamper
Ramp.

House Rules for your Puppy:
Decide on them and be consistent. Decide where he can & can’t go.

Housing for your Puppy:
A well-built, weatherproof kennel is ideal. Make sure it is softly-padded inside.

Puppies should be introduced to their sleeping area as soon as they are brought home. Kennels should be warm, dry and draught-free, off the ground near the house, but not in a thoroughfare.

The kennel should be protected from rain and excessive sun. Ideally the roof of the kennel should be hinged to make cleaning easier. Washable rugs, cushions or blankets should be used for extra comfort and warmth and bedding should be cleaned regularly.

Walking / Exercising your Dog – Do you have 30-40mins per day to walk your puppy? If not, have you budgeted for a dog walking adventure service or doggy daycare in Brisbane, such as Houndog Dog Day Care. The No #1 requirement for a puppy or adult doggy..is EXERCISE!

Toys:
*Some toys can be hazardous to dogs, both big and small, so don’t leave them lying around.
*When purchasing a squeaky toy for you pup/dog, make sure the actual squeaker cannot be dislodged in play or by chewing, as it can get stuck in their throat.
*As dogs love to retrieve, its better to use a plastic throwtoy as sticks can splinter or impale in the roof of their mouth.
*Leaving socks around can also be harmful – dogs have been known to swallow them.

 

FROM WOLF TO DOMESTIC DOG:
According to archaeological records the domestic dog first came into existence approximately 14,000 years ago when the jaw of a modern dog was found in Germany.

It is generally agreed that the domestic dog came from one of the smaller sub species of either the Indian or Chinese Wolf.

The process from wolf to domestic dog would have most likely occurred when the more social dogs would have slowly, over generations, got closer and closer to humans.  The animals that were submissive and/or more affectionate would have developed the closest relationships.

The ability to socially interact and take direction from humans is the obvious beginnings of real domestication.

SO WHY TRAIN YOUR PUP?
 Is there really a point? The answer is YES. Here are some important reasons for training:

 1. Teach new skills
 2. To establish ground rules and guidelines
3. To maintain Hierarchy & position yourself as alpha dog.
 4. Stop or modify unwanted behaviour
In Australia, a dog is euthanasied every 4 minutes. One of the main
reasons owners surrender their dog is because of behavioural problems.
 5. Socialisation and confidence building.
6.To recognize early warning signs. Our primary aim is to stop minor problems from becoming
bad habits and/or major issues.

 

OTHER REASONS for owning a well trained Dog
*Because of the society we live in and the laws relating to dangerous dogs.
*To have control over our dogs in public places
*Every dog has teeth and claws that can be used as weapons. Its as simple as misplaced doggy
over -enthusiasm and you could find yourself in court and your dogs life on the line.
*You owe it to your friends, family, neighbours and your dog to ensure you have a safe, reliable
and well mannered member of canine society.
*Another excellent reason is to keep your dog safe and ensure a long, healthy life.
ie being able to call your dog back to you may one day save his life.
*Being able to take him things from him  he has found, stolen etc may save his life if its a
dangerous object, poisonous or just valuable to you!
*If you want a selfish reason: a well-trained dog is far easier and more relaxing and enjoyable to
live with.
*Being dragged around is no fun, either is watching your dog jump all over the elderly or small
children.

*THE BEST REASON is that it deepens the bond between you. Learning how to train your dog is learning how to communicate with him. Communication builds and strengthens your relationship.
*The more things you teach your pup, the more he looks to you to find out how you want him to behave. Otherwise he may go self-employed!

“Dog Gone”…until next week everyone,

The Pack Leaders
Leah & Angela O’Meara (Houndog Daycare Brisbane)