HINTS & TIPS

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A DOG IS FOR LIFE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

Image: DOG TRAINING DORSET DEVON WILTSHIRE AVON

Preparation is key to a happy relationship.

CHOOSE CAREFULLY - Puppy, rescue or stray?

PUPPY
How much time do you have for a new puppy? Training, play, feeding, toilet timings…….All very time consuming AND puppies are so cute they are total time wasters!!
They are also expensive! Not something I like to taint puppies with but they need routine vaccinations, micro chipping, possibly castration or spaying, loads of good quality food, toys, bedding….
That’s before you even think of going on holiday……Pet passport, pet sitters, kennels……….

RESCUE OR STRAY
Do you have the time and commitment to re-train a more mature dog? If you do, excellent, “Thank You” from me.

You CAN teach old dogs new tricks but it may take a lot of time and commitment and, dare I say it…..Money!

YOUR EXISTING PACK
Do you have other dogs in your family? Will their characters clash or will they compliment each other?

TIMING
If you have recently lost a dog, moved home or suffered a bereavement you would be advised to wait a while before introducing a new dog. Dogs sense stress. They find this unsettling and it may bring about unwanted behaviour problems which will only add to your stress……..

DECISION MADE
Once you have decided to go ahead consider the breed, its size and character. Always research and seek advice.

A good breeder or rescue/stray centre will help you choose. If you get the feeling that they don’t care and just want you to take something WALK AWAY!
Always try to see a new puppy with its mother (ask about the father - He may be local). If you can see the mother you can be sure that the puppy is not from a puppy farm. It will also enable you to judge the temperament of the adult. If the mother is very nervous there is a strong possibility that the offspring may inherit or learn this from her.

BREEDS
EXERCISE - Some breeds need lots of exercise others are happy to laze around all day needing little exercise.

BREED CHARACTER TRAITS
We have bred dogs to excel at certain tasks……Herding, coursing, protecting, hunting, tracking and I hate to say “FIGHTING”. Make sure that your choice is compatible with your lifestyle.

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER TRAITS
Like humans, puppies are born with a character: Nosey, Playful, boisterous, dominant, quiet…….

The wrong choice could mean that your crystal gets knocked off the table with regularity or your zest for football in the garden is lazily observed from a distant armchair!

Remember - The one at the front demanding attention is not necessarily the right choice for you!

MORE HOMEWORK
Before your new dog or puppy joins your pack you need to have some idea as to how to ‘Act like an Alpha’. After all, you don’t want him to turn up and think “Well, this lot don’t know what they are doing, best I show them!”
Your dog needs to calmly enter and think “Mmm…….I see, So, You must be the Alpha, yep, I get the message. Phew….What a relief, I have just been dragged away from my pack and I found that really scary but I can see that maybe I am going to be ok here”

Alphas are calm, knowledgeable, decision makers.
They are not loud, panicking, aggressive bullies.

If you don’t act like an Alpha, it doesn’t matter what you tell yourself and everyone else, you simply will not be given the job by your canine pack. To them, you will be a subordinate (Heck!)

DON’T PANIC
The most important thing for you to do is be prepared and have a plan for your new dog’s arrival. Give them a routine to work to -Yours not theirs!
Ask the breeder or Rescue or Stray Centre about their normal routine

BASICS

Puppies to garden for toilet immediately after food, play and on waking.
Sit and wait patiently for their food
Allowing you out of the door first
Remaining calm whilst you get ready for a walk

Read a few books and seek advice from people who have experience with dogs.

Books:
Jan Fennell – The Dog Listener
Jan Fennell – The Seven Ages of your Dog

DVD:
Jan Fennell – The Dog Listener

Enrol for a Dog Listening Consultation

Enrol yourself for Puppy Classes

JOINING YOUR PACK –
Calmly introduce your new dog or puppy to the family and new home. Show your dog that it is you, the Alpha of the pack that provides all the care, fun, stimulation and discipline required.

BOUNDARIES
We all need boundaries, whether we are young and at school, finding our way in a new job or headlong into a new relationship.

Dogs are no different.
If you don’t show them they don’t know. They are not born with an in-depth knowledge of what you, their future owner will and won’t allow.

Never hit or scare your puppy whilst enforcing your boundaries. Be calm, gentle and guiding. The best leaders are the calm leaders, not the bullies.

FIREWORKS

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Some dogs absolutely hate fireworks.

The best thing for you to do is act normally.

Consider a Dog Listening Consultation. This will show you how you can significantly help your dog in such a situation.

Short Term Action to be considered:
Draw the curtains
Put the TV or radio on
Do not leave your dog alone - Ensure they have company

If your dog wants to crawl behind the sofa or under the cupboard let it - It probably feels safe there.

In severe cases, if you have sufficient time, you can visit your vet and seek their advice regarding medication to see them through a week or two.
Consider herbal alternatives if you prefer.

DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS

On a warm day the temperature inside a car can quickly soar to 120'F / 40'C or higher.

Leaving a window open or a bowl of water DOES NOT help!

BE KIND - LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME IN THE COOL