Housebreaking Your New Puppy

Posted: May 28th, 2009 |  Comments Off

1. Feeding and Watering

* Set up a feeding and watering schedule. Feed and water your dog at the same times every day.

* Leave food down for fifteen to twenty minutes; even if it is not finished, pick it up.

* It is recommended that puppies under 6 months of age be fed times 3 per day. From 6 to 12 months feed 2 times per day. Dogs 1 year and older can be fed 1 or 2 times per day.

* Consider initially making water available 5-6 times per day, rather then leaving water down all of the time. (especially with dogs who frequently urinate in the home). Do not leave water in the crate, as your dog may drink it and then need to eliminate soon thereafter (except in extreme heat).

* Remove water two hours before she goes in the crate for the night (except in extreme heat).

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Finding the Perfect Dog (the Wrong Way)

Posted: May 28th, 2009 |  (1) Comment

There are no words more frightening out of a child’s mouth than, “Mommy, I want a puppy!” This sentence is usually followed by a blood oath-like pledge to take care of the puppy through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, until death do they part – or until the next Sponge Bob episode is on. Mommies across the globe shudder at these words because they know what their child really means to say is, “Mommy, I want you to get a puppy so I can play with it until I get bored.”

Upon hearing these words, the Savvy Mom will typically feign a heart attack or small stroke. This will usually buy her some time, but unfortunately for her, not nearly enough. Eventually, her above-average children, little Timmy and Annie, will figure this out and employ a more demanding approach. Similar to Chinese water torture, they will keep chanting their request, in stereo, over and over again until they get some kind of response out of Mom. Most often this response resembles a nervous breakdown.

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