Paw Talk - A Canine Blog
Paw Talk - a blog aimed to enhance the Human/Canine bond and provide exceptional Canine Care by focusing on pertinent issues, questions, aids and solutions
So you want to add a new doggie to your family?
Are you dog ready?
By Christy Jaeger and her mentor/friend Lori Beilke 2018 Great Dane Breeder of the year.
Christy Jaeger
Lori Beilke
Questions to consider before bringing your new doggy home.
Do you have time to care for a new doggie?
Having a dog is a huge commitment. You need time to train, exercise, vet visit, groom, shop for supplies and keep entertained your doggy. Doggies have needs just like you and the rest of your family, if these needs aren’t met behavior or health problems can occur and neither you nor your doggy will be happy and remember our doggy’s can’t always communicate everything they need or want, they depend on their Humans to provide for them, they do good for you, do good for your Paw.
Questions for you
- Can you afford the price of your puppy, puppy essentials like yearly vet exam, vaccines, essential care products (heartworm, flea/tick, teeth cleaning) grooming or grooming supplies, puppy feed bowls/dog beds and blankets, car seat/barriers, pet insurance, leash/collars, training (trainer or training aids eg videos/books/group classes).
- Do you have daily time for you doggy? Doggies need play, outings, and care, and in return are loyal to their human parents wanting to share their lives with them. Not spending time or putting effort into training, emotional or health needs can make your Paw sad or exhibit unnecessary behavior issues. You wanted to bring your doggy into your home, let them feel you’re glad they’re there every day by following through, Do Good, Do Paw.
- Do you have a suitable place for them to live. Room for them in your home? Depending on where you live outside conditions may be harsh some seasons for example desert summers are way too hot for a dog to be kept outside. Do you have a fenced yard or if not do you have time to take your doggie on daily outings for business, training or fun?
Questions for a reputable Breeder
- Are the puppy’s parents Health tested (CHIC #)?
- Is the breeder a reputable AKC breeder?
- Does the breeder answer your questions?
- Does the breeder offers raising tips for your puppy?
- Can the breeder show that puppies live in their home?
- Will the breeder require return of your puppy if you cannot keep the puppy?
- Will the breeder furnish initial vaccinations and provide a record of such?
- Is the buyer/breeder contract ageable and signed upon transaction of puppy?
Is your house puppy ready?
Puppy proofing thoughts:
- Gates or crates for safe area boundaries when not being 100% supervised
- Safe toys per your breed
- Safe bedding per your breed. Keep other items up away from puppies reach for chewing.
- Safe types of foods needed for optimal puppy/dog growth as recommended by your breeder and/or veterinarian
Clear boundaries need to be set in your home for any new puppy or new dog of any age. Dogs like structure, want to know what’s expected of them and thrive when their new pack leader teaches them with patience, positive reinforcement and clear correction what is expected of them. This can take time but is well worth it and includes everything from allowable lounging, bathroom or eating places, to commands. Establishing your leadership role early and supporting your new doggy with training, exercise/play and love will set the stage for a beautiful rewarding relationship for the both of you. The saying “you get what you put in” is certainly true when it comes to your relationship with your Canine family.
Doggies love to be part of the family. Let your doggy know at the beginning what is ok. For example, Harley and the other Paw Crusader Great Danes have free reign of our home which includes beds, sofas or wherever. The only requirement is coming when called or getting “off” if mom has to change a blanket or wants them not to gobble some food off a kitchen counter. Some families may have different boundaries such as doggies only on dog beds. Teaching your doggy what is expected of them establishes a routine they can follow, dogs are comfortable with routines. Man’s best friend with a Human pack leader, is a symbiotic role that’s developed for generations, one where dogs have learned that a good Human parent will lead, keep them safe and cared for. It’s up to us to live up to our doggy’s faith and trust, to earn their unconditional loyalty.
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