2. Puppies are babies. They need to eat more often and eliminate more often than a full-grown dog. They sleep a lot and play in bursts. Puppies should have three meals a day. Most puppies will need to eliminate every three hours, and also within thirty minutes of eating. Knowing this little fact can help you potty train your puppy. Take your puppy outside thirty minutes after eating, and keep him outside under your supervision until he eliminates. You may want to add a phrase, such as, “Do your business,” when he eliminates. This will train your puppy to go on command when needed. Repetition is the key. It takes about three hundred repetitions for your pet to concretely learn a new command. Therefore, after a couple months, your puppy may have this one down pat.
3. Get your puppy in for a physical exam with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to set up an appropriate vaccine protocol, perform initial deworming and parasite testing if warranted, check for undescended testicles and umbilical hernias (which can complicate the spay and neuter process), and answer any questions you may have regarding your new puppy.
4. Socialize your puppy. It is really important in the first months of your puppy’s life that he is well socialized with people and other pets. Make sure to introduce him to people of all ages, sizes and shapes. If he shows a marked dislike for a certain person, say a child, you should consult your veterinarian ASAP to nip any behavior issues in the bud. Stay away from dog parks for socialization until your puppy has finished his full vaccine series – usually by the age of sixteen weeks.
5. Get your puppy fully vaccinated. Puppies require a series of vaccines during the first 16 weeks of their lives. Parvo is a potentially life-threatening disease for a puppy and is transmitted through fecal material or contaminated dirt that your puppy ingests. Spending the money on the DHPP vaccine series now can save your puppy and your wallet from a world of hurt down the road. Rabies is a legal requirement as it is a disease that can be passed from your dog to a human through saliva. Your veterinarian can perform a risk assessment to help you decide if your puppy needs other specific vaccines such as Bordetella, Lyme, or Leptospirosis.
6. Handle your puppy. Handle your pet’s muzzle, body paws and ears as much as possible. Getting your puppy used to being touched all over can minimize the stress of having a paw or an ear checked at the veterinary office.
7. Take your puppy to school. Good manners are a must! Teaching your puppy basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘off’, ‘come’ and ‘lie down’ are helpful in the clinic, at home or out on the town. In addition, there is usually some puppy playtime and socialization built in to these classes.

There are volumes to be written about puppies, but taking these few steps will definitly make the transition to having a puppy much smoother. Oh, the fun to be had!

More than 4 million pets are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters each year simply because they have no home. Many are puppies and kittens less than 6 months old.

Help stop this needless loss of life. Spay or neuter your pet.
Common myths

Spaying or neutering your pet does not:

• Cause laziness or hyperactivity
• Postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity
• Reduce its instinct to protect your family and home
• Alter its personality in any manner
• Cause immature behaviors

Our staff members can answer your questions about spaying or neutering your pet or any other procedure your pet may undergo at our hospital. Please don’t hesitate to ask.

Spaying your female pet (ovariohysterectomy)

Removal of the ovaries and uterus. Ideal age is 4 to 6 months.

• Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.
• Eliminates unwanted pregnancies.
• If spayed before the first heat cycle, your pet has less than 1 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
• If spayed after one heat cycle, your pet has an 8 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
• If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26 percent. After two years, no protective benefit exists.
• Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication.

Neutering your male pet (castration)

Removal of the testicles and spermatic cord. Ideal age is 4 to 6 months

• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common tumor in male dogs.
• Greatly reduces the risk of prostate infection.
• Reduces the risk of perianal tumors.
• Reduces roaming and fighting.
• Eliminates or reduces spraying or marking in males neuteredbefore 6 months of age or before the onset of these behaviors.
• Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Eliminates unwanted litters.

The first step in turning an adult dog into a reliable house pet is to embrace a key concept: There’s no such thing as a “partially” house-trained dog. He either is or he isn’t.

Why is realizing this important? Because if you have a dog who is “sometimes” reliable, you have a dog who doesn’t understand what’s required of him, probably because no one taught him properly in the first place. Punishing your pet isn’t fair, and it isn’t the answer: You have to go back to square one and teach him properly. No shortcuts here.

Before you start training, though, you must be sure that what you have really is a behavior problem and not a physical problem. This is especially true with a dog who has been reliable in the past. You won’t be able to train your pet if he’s struggling with an illness. So check with your veterinarian first for a complete checkup.

If you’ve ruled out medical problems, house-training an adult dog uses the same principles as house-training a puppy, except you have to be even more diligent because you need to do some untraining, too. And a lot of cleaning: You must thoroughly clean any soiled area with enzymatic cleaner (available through pet-supply outlets) to eliminate the smell that invites repeat business.

You’ll need to teach your dog what’s right before you can correct him for what’s wrong. To do this, spend a couple of weeks ensuring that he has nothing but successes by never giving him the opportunity to make a mistake.

Here’s how:

– Leash him to you in the house so you can monitor his every move during his training period. If he starts to mess, tell him “no,” take him outside, and give him a command for going (I use “hurry up” with my dogs). Then praise him for doing right, so he starts to understand what you want.
– Put him in a crate whenever he’s not on leash with you. It’s not unfair during training to leave him in a crate for four or five hours at a stretch — assuming, of course, that he’s getting his regular daily exercise.
– Take him outside first thing in the morning, as soon as you get home from work and just before you go to bed (when you put him in his crate for the night). Always remember to give your “go” command, and praise him when he does as you wish. I find that people never seem shy about punishing their dogs, but too often forget to praise them — they take it for granted the dog should do the right thing. Never, ever forget the praise!

If you’ve been consistent, your dog likely will get a good idea of what’s expected of him within a couple of weeks, and you can start to give him a little freedom. Don’t let him have the run of the house yet. Keep his area small and let him earn the house, room by room, as he proves his understanding of the house rules.

Accidents happen. If you catch him in the act, tell him “no,” take him outside, and give him the chance to set things right. Give your “go” command, and praise him if he does. Clean up the mess inside promptly and thoroughly, so he won’t feel inclined to refresh his smell there. Don’t punish him for any messes you find.

If you aren’t catching him, you’re not keeping close enough tabs on him. Go back to the crate and leash, and start over.

If you continue to have problems, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. One-on-one assistance can pinpoint the problems in your training regimen and get you both on the right track.

Small dogs, big problems

A St. Bernard who messes indoors is a much bigger problem than a Chihuahua who does the same, which is why some people just never get serious enough when it comes to house-training a tiny dog.

Consistency and persistence are important, but so is understanding the special challenges that sometimes make little dogs difficult to house-train, even with the best of intentions. Some additional tips for the little guys include:

– Provide more frequent potty breaks. Little dogs haven’t as much “capacity” as big dogs do and may need to be taken out more often.
– Make the area where you want your dog to relieve himself inviting, comfortable and safe. Look at the world from the point of view of a 10-pound dog. What may seem like a lawn that needs mowing to you may look like an impenetrable jungle to a little dog. A big yard, or one with even a small amount of snow, can likewise make a tiny dog feel insecure about his surroundings, and no one likes to feel insecure at such times! Consider an indoor potty area if you can’t provide an appropriate outdoor one. A handful of companies now make “litter boxes” for small dogs.
– Shrink the territory indoors. Your home may seem so big to a little dog that he thinks the next room is the next county and is OK to use as a potty. Keep tabs on your little dog during house-training, and don’t give him the run of the house.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

If you choose a puppy, be prepared for several weeks to months of house training and some initial medical expenses for wellness exams, vaccinations and neutering. If you plan your puppy’s arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and house train it, your puppy will learn faster and more likely grow into the adult dog you’ve always wanted. If your community offers puppy classes, they are a great way to socialize your new companion and help it learn some basic commands. Frequent, positive contact with people and other dogs early in the puppy’s life enhances its future interactions with your family, other people, and their dogs.

Any dog can become bored and potentially destructive if left alone all day without an outlet for its exercise, exploratory, and social needs. Therefore, set aside time each day for activities that are fun for you and your dog such as walking, playing, petting, grooming, etc. Remember that dogs are highly social creatures, and isolating a dog to the backyard with no interaction is one of the worst things you can do. More

• Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home.
• Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.
• When possible, meet the puppy’s parents—their temperaments are often good indicators of what the puppy’s temperament will be.
• If you are getting a puppy as a second pet, remember that some older pets may be less tolerant of a puppy’s behavior. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer about introducing your puppy into its new animal family.
• Crate training can be an effective method for training your puppy. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for more information.

Pets are an important part of the American household. Your pet owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason dogs are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions: What’s special about dogs? The saying that “dogs are a man’s (or woman’s) best friend” has a lot of truth to it. Dogs have been faithful companions for tens of thousands of years. They are friendly, affectionate, and entertaining. They are also capable of doing extraordinary jobs—and seem to enjoy doing them.

What choices do you have? Dogs have been selectively bred for generations to highlight specific physical and behavioral traits. The amazing diversity of dogs includes varied sizes, haircoat lengths, colors, temperaments, and activity levels. A dog’s size may affect its lifespan: the lifespan of a large-breed dog tends to be shorter than that of a smaller dog. What are the special needs of dogs? Some dogs may be at greater risk for certain medical conditions, while others may require more training, exercise and patience to help them to become good companions. Ask your veterinarian about health conditions and behaviors that may be common in the breed you are considering.

As its owner, you will ultimately be responsible for your dog’s food, shelter, companionship, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. While families should involve their children in caring for a pet, youngsters need the help of an adult who is willing, able, and available to supervise the daily care of a pet. Does a dog fit into your lifestyle? Feeding, grooming, exercise, play and elimination are daily needs that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy dog. Think about the following factors when deciding if you should get a dog and in determining what breed would be the most appropriate for you and your family:
• Do you live in the city, suburbs, or country?
• Do you rent or do you own your home?
• Do you live in an apartment or single-family home? Do you live at ground level or on the 21st floor?
• How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work?
• Who will care for your dog(s) in your absence?
• Do you have other pets?
• Are there any restrictions on number or types of pets where you live?
• What future changes might occur in your living situation that would affect your ability to keep your dog in years to come?
• Are you prepared to meet the grooming needs of a dog — whether at home or at a professional grooming facility?
• What are you looking for in a dog (e.g., jogging or hiking companion, cuddly lap dog, or high energy companion)?

Should you look for a puppy or an adult dog? What size of dog should you get? Puppies require additional time for housetraining, socialization, and obedience training, as well as more frequent feeding, exercise, and supervision. Consider the possibility of an adult dog; older pets are often already housetrained, know some basic commands, and usually adapt very well to their new home. Larger dogs require more space than smaller ones, and they may be harder to maintain in an apartment or condominium. Whatever the size of your dog, it must be provided with access to the outdoors multiple times a day for elimination and exercise.

Can you afford a dog? The purchase price for a dog can vary tremendously by breed and source, and is only the initial expense for a dog. Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, licensing, identification, sterilization (spaying or neutering), training, and accessories. Pet health insurance is available and can help defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.

Where do you find a dog? What should you look for in a healthy dog? A healthy dog has clear, bright eyes; a clean, shiny haircoat; and does not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea. When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling and not exhibit signs of aggression. The temperament of a puppy’s parents may be an indication of its future behavior.

What must you do to prepare for your dog? Before bringing your new dog home, prepare an appropriate place for it to eat and sleep and have ready the necessary accessories such as a collar and leash, ID tag, food, and water bowls. Be sure to pet-proof your home to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your possessions. For example, make sure that electrical wires and cords are out of the reach of curious mouths. Ask your veterinarian about other ways to make your home safe for your pet.

Schedule a veterinary examination to assess the health of your new companion as soon as possible to ensure it receives the appropriate vaccinations and any needed health care. If you have medical information from your dog’s original owner, including its vaccination and deworming history, be sure to take this information with you on your first visit to your veterinarian. Not only is your veterinarian best qualified to evaluate the health of your new companion, but he/she can advise you about proper immunization, parasite control, nutrition, sterilization, socialization, training, grooming and other care that may be necessary to protect the health of your new pet.

Purebred dogs can be obtained from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred dogs can be obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations. In many communities, there are rescue groups dedicated to finding good homes for specific dog breeds and their mixes. Who will care for your dog?

— New Puppy Tips —
• Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home.
• Spaying or neutering your new pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.
• When possible, meet the puppy’s parents—their temperaments are often good indicators of what the puppy’s temperament will be.
• If you are getting a puppy as a second pet, remember that some older pets may be less tolerant of a puppy’s behavior. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer about introducing your puppy into its new animal family.
• Crate training can be an effective method for training your puppy. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for more information.