Puppy Care Tips
DO’S AND DON’T RECOMMENDATIONS
DO
– Identify your pet with a tag placed on a nylon collar. Tattoos can also be used.
– Take your pet to the vet for yearly checkup and vaccines.
– Spray or neuter your pet, not only to help the serious overpopulation problem, but also to help reduce the chances of cancer. Pets are healthier and happier when fixed.
– Sign up for obedience class for your dog with a professional humane trainer who uses positive reinforcements only.
– Keep your cat indoors. If you take them outside, use a leash.
– Secure all window screens in the house to prevent escape.
– Supervise your dog when he is outside in the yard.
– Praise your pet constantly, especially when they are doing good things like chewing a dog bone.
– Provide safe toys for your pets and play with them everyday. Always supervise your dog with rawhide bones.
– Make sure your dog is fed and watered.
– Brush and groom your pets often.
DON’T
– Let your pet have a litter for the wrong reasons.
– Leave your dog in the back of an open pickup truck.
– Ride with your window down and let your dog’s head hang out.
– Switch your pet’s food. If you must change their food, do it gradually.
– Give your pet bones (chicken, pork, turkey, steak, ham, etc).
– Give milk to your pet; it causes diarrhea.
– Give your pet chocolate; it is very toxic.
– Pick up or carry any pet by the back of the neck.
– Use carpet powders or cleaners unless they are recommended safe for pets.
– Try to treat your pet with over-the counter medicine.
– Scream at or hit your pet.
– Leave your dog chained in your yard.
– Keep choker chains on your dog for everyday use. They are for training purposes only.
– Leave poisonous plants around the house.
– Let your pets run freely.
– Leave your pet in a hot car, even with the windows open.
10 PUPPY COMMANDMENTS
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me – it is crucial for my wellbeing.
4. Do not be angry with me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you!
6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I do not understand your words, I understand your tone of voice when you speak to me.
7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me, that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but that I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, of I have been out too long, or my heart is getting old or weak.
10. Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I cannot bear to watch it”, or “let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember, I love you.