Training Your Puppy

During your puppy’s impressionable months, it is important to expose your youngster to new experiences and teach him good habits. The more diverse experiences your puppy has, the better adjusted he will be as an adult.

Keep your good-byes short. Give your puppy a distraction approximately five minutes before you leave (e.g. a toy with a treat inside), then leave without fanfare. Also keep your return home low key. The less fuss you make, the less chance your puppy will develop separation anxiety difficulties.

When leash training your puppy, do not drag or pull on the leash. Keep the leash loose at all times, using a rapid, gentle tug if your pup gets out of hand. During his formative training months, using a harness rather than a collar will help control your dog and avoid stress on your dog's neck and throat. If your dog begins to pull on the leash or darts forward, try rapidly changing direction or stopping...explaining to your pet you will go no further until he stops pulling.

When picking up your pup, place one hand under his chest and the other under his under his hind legs. Lift and cradle him letting his fore legs rest on your arm for support so he feels safe and secure.

If your pup likes to jump, start training her early to curb this habit. If she jumps on you at treat or feeding time, gently take her paws and place them back on the ground repeating this action every times she jumps on you. Don't reward or praise your pet if she jumps on you. Get down on your pet's level to offer praise and rewards.

For teething tots, tie a large knot in a dishtowel, dampen the towel, then place it in the freezer to get cold. Give this to your puppy to sooth sore gums. Make certain the knot large enough to eliminate the chance of accidental swallowing.

If your pup is headed for mischief, redirect her to something more constructive and then reward your dog with praise and/or a treat.

Establish good house training habits early. Take your pup to the bathroom every 45 minutes to an hour and always provide him access to his toilet area lined with paper. Train your pup to use only his toilet area when he is in the house. Allowing him to wet in other areas will make him think such behavior is acceptable. If your pup does make a mistake, show him where he needs to go.

A regular feeding schedule will help establish a regular elimination schedule. When he is successful using his toilet area, a kind word helps establish the fact he did well. Remember, most pups aren't completely housetrained until they are 6 months old.

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A Pedicure For Your Pooch

A bit skittish about clipping your dog’s nails? Your pooch's pedicure will be a quick, painless process with just a few helpful hints.

Having the correct tools is always important. Use clippers specifically designed for dogs. Human clippers are not properly shaped and generally not sharp enough to safely accomplish the job.

Keep a styptic pencil or styptic power handy in case you cut too deeply and cause bleeding. You can also substitute corn starch if styptic is not available.

Try clipping your dog’s nails after a bath or a swim. The water softens the nail and makes it easier to cut. If your dog has clear nails, avoid the pinkish area of the nail (called the quick). This area contains blood vessels and will bleed. If your dog’s nails are dark, clip near the tip.

Accustom your dog to having her feet touched, beginning when your dog is a puppy. The more comfortable your pet is to having her paws touched, the less stress nail clipping will cause.

Speak in a calm and soothing voice clipping one nail at a time. If clipping is new for your dog, stop if there are signs of stress. Over time, you will be able to finish all four paws. A treat is always a nice way to end your beauty session.

Find a quiet area in which to clip. The fewer distractions for you both the better.

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Flying With Your Furry Friend

On the go? Many times we don’t want to leave our dog at home. Here are a few ways to make travel with your pet full of blue skies.

When reserving your ticket, tell the airline of your intentions to travel with your dog. Different airlines have different requirements, so it is always best to know what your specific airline requires. If you can, book early. Dogs under 15 lbs. may be able to accompany you in the cabin. Inquire if there is a limit to the number of pets permitted in the cabin per flight. Often, this limit is filled on a first come first serve basis.

Visit your vet. Most airlines want current medical certificates (10 days or less) stipulating that your dog is in good health to fly and is current on all inoculations. If your dog is nervous, ask your vet about sedatives.

Avoid placing any food in the crate. Not only can it get messy, eating may cause your pet to have an upset stomach.

Bring a current photograph of your dog with you. If he gets lost, having a photo can make the search easier.

Label, label, label. Place information and identification on everything. Make certain your dog has a collar with your current address and telephone number. Write your name, your dog’s name, your address, and phone number on the outside of the crate in which your dog is traveling.

When booking your flight, always travel on the same flight as your dog and look for direct flights to your destination to avoid missed connections or delays. Try not to fly midday when the weather is hotter.

Walk you dog immediately before boarding the plane and after you land to avoid accidents.

Carry your leash with you and not in the crate. Keeping the leash on your dog in the crate could cause a choking hazard for your pet.

If your dog is traveling in Class D (the area for baggage and live animals), make certain there is proper ventilation.

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