Tips for New Owners?

Tips for new Puppy Owners- Not Politically Correct but Heather approved.

   

Dogs make the most wonderful companions, but the first-time dog owner needs to understand that caring for a dog companion is a commitment for the life of the dog.

 Dogs are not playthings to be left tethered out in the yard, only to be given attention at the owner’s whim. Your dog should be considered a member of your family, and given the same care, consideration and respect you would give your own human family members. Your dog will depend on you to care for his needs and to teach him to be a loving, faithful companion. All of our dogs are bred to be raised indoors. Part of the contract you sign with us states that your new puppy will have a blanket available at all times and is to be raised inside.

 NEVER LEAVE YOUR/OUR PUPPY OUTSIDE. PEOPLE STEAL AND HAWKS WILL EAT. FROM THE AIR YOUR BABY LOOKS LIKE A RAT. If you are buying a puppy from us you can expect your new love to live at least 15 years. That is a long, long commitment.

1. Choose a puppy instead of a full-grown dog. Puppies are clean slates; they haven’t had any training yet. An improperly-trained adult dog can be taught to behave, but it will be a more difficult task for the inexperienced owner. Yes, I'm aware this is so politically incorrect. I should be telling you to go to the dog pound and get an adult dog. (Nah, I'm not politically correct, never have been, to plan to be, ) When you get a dog from the pound a lot of the time that dog has been to many homes and has very bad behavior problems.


2. Teach your puppy good manners right from the beginning. Puppies only know how to act like puppies, and they’re absolutely precious! But you must not allow him to misbehave, to nip or bite people, you’ll reinforce his misbehavior and may end up with a dog that is not a good companion and may even be a threat. When you hear of little dogs the idea runs though your mind of a little biting, barking ugly puppy. Those bad behaved puppies come when the dogs are put higher than the other pack members in the house and from bad behavior that is not corrected immediately. Even very young puppies can be taught the sit/stay, down, and come commands. Get a good book on dog training or enroll yourself and your puppy in a dog obedience course. I always tell my customers that the second best $100.00 they spend is for behavior classes. What you put into your new companion it is what you can expect to get out of it.


3. Choose a dog breed with a reputation for being submissive. Research the various dog breeds before choosing your puppy. Most breeds will generally have either dominant or submissive personalities, although there are variations within a breed. We in the co-op only raise "toy" breed dogs. Our dogs are known for their submissiveness and are their eagerness to please. These dogs tend to be easier to train and of course to control. Our dogs aren't going to protect you from a stranger sufficiently,  but they won't take up the whole bed climbing in and will appreciate every snuggle they can get.


4. Use voice commands to correct; never hit your dog. Striking a dog only makes him fearful and distrustful of humans. Use a high-pitched voice to praise him when he’s being good, and a low, gruff voice to gently scold (never yell) when he’s misbehaving. Healthy snacks help to reinforce positive behaviors.


5. Learn about dog nutrition and health. We Feed your dog a high-quality dog food for his optimum growth and a healthy immune system. He is eating Eukanuba Petite bites for puppies mixed with Nature’s Choice Puppy Kibbles. Remember to have your baby checked out by your vet, and regularly as your vet recommends as this will help catch any potential health problems early.


6. Socialize your puppy***. Dogs who are exposed to a variety of people, other animals, sights, and sounds while they’re young will be less fearful of new experiences as they grow older. Take your dog on car rides to fun places at an early age, so he doesn’t learn to associate a car ride with a trip to the vet! Nobody likes a shaky, scared little dog. (*** Only when your dog has had all of it's puppy shots.) You do not want to have strangers touching him who have the possibility of making your dog sick. Be prudent, protect your puppy like you would a newborn baby.


7. Have patience when potty-training. Puppies are like children; some take right to potty-training, and sometimes it seems like it’s never going to happen! You can help your puppy become trained more quickly by confining him to a small space, or a crate, when you are not able to supervise him. So, if you are not eyeballing him he has to be put somewhere he can go potty and not stain any of your carpet or furniture. Clean up all accidents immediately with a urine removal product. It’s a dog’s nature to go in a spot that has been previously soiled with urine or feces, and stained carpeting can greatly hinder your efforts to house break your dog. Your puppies come to you well on their way of paper training. So, if you read the newspaper and throw it on the floor your new one thinks that is the new "potty" area.


8. Give your puppy his own toys. If you don’t care to have your new shoes chewed up, don’t give him your old ones to play with! Puppies should have their own dog-safe toys to play with, and may have a preference for either soft or hard toys. You may have to experiment to find out which your dog prefers. I like my puppies to play with a lot of teething toys. I especially like the rope toys because as the puppies chew and gnaw on them the rope material actually acts like dental floss. When you catch him chewing on something that is not his, simply replace and distract  him with an  object of his own toys until he learns the difference. Praise him when you see him playing with his own toys instead of your belongings. Keep your things up high.


9. Handle your puppy gently. Don’t allow anyone to play roughly with your puppy. Your dog needs to understand that all touch is good. A dog who is shy of being touched will be difficult to handle if he requires grooming or must be given first aid treatment. Get him used to having his mouth, feet and legs, ears, and other body parts handled. While you sit with your baby in your lap play with their ears, push their paws and manipulate their toes. Be extra careful when young kids are in the home. You are not being a good doggie owner if you don't watch your little one with your little one. Puppies are fragile.


10. Protect your dog from household hazards. Just as you would with small children in the house, look around your home and yard for potential hazards. Keep electrical cords tucked away where they can’t be reached. There are many poisonous plants you have to be wary of. Place household cleaners and chemicals on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Avoid houseplants and landscape plants that may be toxic to your dog. Pick up small toys or other small objects that may be a choking hazard. Your dog’s safety is your responsibility! Dogs love to chew on cords. I have had many computer cords chewed in seconds. Please, please, please be a good puppy owner. They count on you for everything. If you kill one of my dogs because of your laziness, inattentiveness or lack of protection please don’t call me. I will not sell you another dog.