I’m an avid dog lover, so this comes from the heart. Some are borne of decades of experience with dogs and some are from a special fur-friend whispering in my ear, some thoughts from a canine’s perspective.
Don’t Get a Puppy on a Whim
We know, puppies are super cute and it’s hard to resist their (often) big brown eyes … but a puppy is a huge commitment. They often live 15 years (if you’re lucky) and you are their whole world and their whole life. Puppies grow up, lots if you’ve a big breed dog. They cost money, they need attention, walking, care, love and can’t just be shoved in the laundry when you want to go on a holiday or they are annoying you. For some of us, they are like our children, and just as you couldn’t boot a baby out the door because it’s crying or annoying you, so you shouldn’t boot a puppy. So think long and hard about getting a puppy (think of it more like a dog, not a puppy) and especially about choosing the right breed for you. Big dogs eat more, take up more space, sometimes malt more due to larger body mass and need lots of exercise, whether it’s sunny and warm, or cold and raining.
Crates are Not Cages
I’ve read on FB of people using crates all day and letting their pup out for an hour as a ‘treat’ or ‘reward’. A crate is fantastic for dogs, especially pups, as it’s a cozy and safe place, somewhat akin to a den. It’s fabulous at night, again that safe place, and yes does stop potty accidents during the night. However, it should never be used as a cage so you don’t have to bother potty training, or as a punishment. A properly crate-trained dog will go to their crate on command, for security, or to have a nap. It should be their haven and somewhere they want to be.
Rubbing Their Nose in an Accident Doesn’t Work!
Potty training can be frustrating sometimes, but it’s a part of puppy life. If you really can’t manage accidents, then either remove precious rugs, or close off rooms, or get an older dog which is already potty trained. Yelling or, as bad, rubbing their nose in it (literally) only makes them go backwards and slows the process. Patience and regular outside trips to ‘wee, wee, wee’ works well and they learn pretty quickly, especially larger dogs. I found that after an accident, I would spray double-strength vinegar on the spot, just to block the smell, so they don’t think “ahh, this is the spot to go”. Plus, of course, then they do go outside, lots of praise and cheerfulness. When it’s inside, just be quiet, clean it up and spray that vinegar.
Socialising is Fabulous; but Remember To Be Safe
Naturally, dogs shouldn’t be socialised outside until they have had all their immunisation. My workaround with this is inviting my sons and a friend’s dogs over for a play. All these dogs, I absolutely knew were immunised and my yard was safe … and my pup got to socialise with both different people and different dogs. I feel this is an important aspect of their development. The other thing I did was go to Bunnings. I’d carry my dog (prior to being fully immunised) and pop them on a mat in a trolley – of course, clipped in so they wouldn’t accidentally fall or jump out. This is a fabulous way to socialise a dog; they get to see both genders, people of all ages and different sights. Sure, the first time, the rattle of the trolley wheels was a little scary, but thereafter, Bunnings became our favourite place to visit. People would say hello which was lovely too. Just time your visit so a potty break can occur just before going and keep it short; you don’t want to have to stop for a wee break on public grass.
Grooming From Day One
Dogs can get funny about someone putting their hands in their mouth, or holding their paws (especially the front paws), or touching their ears. But think about it. Vets look in mouths and ears, if they get groomed, or you do, someone has to hold a paw to clip nails. The sooner you start (and continue) to touch your pup in different places, the better they will be later. Clipping a dog's dew claw is a safety grooming aspect, but if your dog won’t allow their front paws to be held, that makes it difficult. Cleaning ears, checking teeth is all part of dog care – so start early and get them used to it. Even using an electric clipper around their pads can be really good for dogs with furry feet. Unclipped, they can slip on smooth surfaces which can cause injury, hip problems and more. Start them early getting used to the paw trimmer, and by the time they are older, they will almost go to sleep during a trim.
Do Train Your Children
Whilst my children have now grown up, I was always careful to teach my boys to respect the other members of our family. No riding the dogs (they thought they were miniature horses), no pulling tails, don’t interfere with them eating, don’t hurt them or pull on their ears. Even now, it’s lovely when young children approach and say, “May I pat your dog?” and I always respond firstly by saying, “Thank you for asking!”. However, some dogs are a bit wary of children, so don’t be afraid to decline. Some people will get narky about being declined, but hold your ground, do what is right for your dog.
Do Buckle Your Dog Within Your Car or Vehicle
Besides it being the law in Australia, it’s actually about safety. At 4BD, we sell seatbelt clips. They are super easy and simply clip between your dog’s harness and into a normal seatbelt point. Always use a harness in the car; not just connected to their collar around their neck. Imagine a high-impact stop, you’d be essentially hanging your dog or snapping their neck. I always keep the seatbelt at a length that they can sit comfortably, but not move around. I always also ensure they have lots of fresh air, but can never get out or lean out the window. And a final point, in our Aussie summers, cars get so hot so quickly; never leave a dog in the car. You might think, I’ll only be a minute, and then there is a holdup at a cash register, or you bump into someone you can’t extricate yourself from. And on that note, regular and short rides whilst your pup is young will get them used to the experience of car rides; something most dogs adore.
Do / Do Not Allow Them on Beds & Furniture
Start early with your rules. I’m not saying one or the other is right. I’ve always allowed my dogs and pups on furniture (and beds only when potty trained), but that’s my choice. Even pups, never on a table. Sometimes the kids would need a reminder about that one. Be clear about your rules, ensure the family know them and be consistent. It’s hard for a pup to learn that when mum is not around, it’s ok to jump on the bed, but when she is home, no beds. Educate children that by ‘cheating’ they are just making it harder for their canine friend to understand the rules. Same goes for house sitting. I’ve a friend who doesn’t like dogs on beds and furniture, but sometimes her house sitters apply their own rules. Know the rules of the house you’re in and respect them.
Do Train Your Pup
A pup is an excellent learner, so make the most of this time to start training. Sit, Leave It, Come, and Stay are all critical. If they learn Shake or some other commands, great, but ensure you get the basics right pretty quickly. There are lots of puppy and dog training places you can go, but the real trick here is consistency. Just training for a ½ hour once a week doesn’t do it – you need to be training every day and often multiple times a day. A well-trained dog is a happy dog and has a happy owner. It keeps them safe and keeps others safe.
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