The Know Insider Weblog

When most people see a puppy, their heart melts and they start yearning to get one. They see how cute the puppy is, how playful and how affectionate it is but what about the basic dog training that it requires?

What am I talking about? Well, for starters, your new puppy will need to learn a few things such as: becoming potty trained, to walk on a leash, to go to sleep at night without howling and certainly not to chew everything in site, including you.

Like a baby, a puppy has a lot to learn and limits are one these things. First of all, your puppy has no intention to displease you so when you see it has an accident on your carpet or on the floor; it is not its fault. Why? Simply because its bladder is so small and the muscles responsible for helping to control it or his bowels are not strong enough to do it yet. As it grows bigger and older, you will see the difference.

As for howling at night don’t forget that your puppy is missing the presence of its mother, it feels lonely and needs to cuddle up. As it will grow up, and that he starts feeling comfortable and at home, this behavior will come to an end.

And what about chewing? Well, he is basically teething. Also don’t forget that it is how it learned to play with its mother and siblings. Humans are more sensitive and so are their belongings so once again, basic dog training is required.

What can you do to train your dog in the best and most efficient way possible? Well, ask any veterinarian, dog breeders or experienced dog owners, using a crate is the solution.

Several people think that putting a dog in a cage is cruel and selfish but what they do not know is that later on, even the dog itself will enjoy it. It will become a safe and comfortable place where it can relax and sleep just like a doghouse.

Also, your puppy will not always be in its crate as it will be only at night and when you are gone to work or any other event where your dog will be left alone. At first your puppy may not like it, but believe me only time and patience will prove you the opposite.

Before purchasing a crate, you should consider a few things. For example, some crates are made of metal and are foldable and others are made of plastic and have a handle to carry it around if small enough.

The plastic one may be better for air travel or in some cases; car travel depending on its size but the fact that the view is limited due to the solid panels is one disadvantage as your puppy will feel lonelier. Also, if your puppy has an accident in it, the bad smells tend to seek in its surface due to a lack of aeration plus not having a removable tray, the cleaning is more difficult to do.

The metal crate tends to be bigger, especially if you have a bigger dog like a labrador retriever which makes it more difficult to find a space for it. They are solid, foldable which makes it easier when traveling and your puppy has a great view which helps against loneliness.

Also, a metal crate has a removable tray which makes cleaning a lot easier. Since it has great air circulation, the bad smells only follow the dirty newspapers in the garbage.

Another thing that you should not about crate training is that it helps the dog training of your puppy in several areas. For example, at night, it solves the problem of finding little accidents on your floor by stepping in them. Also since a dog does not want to sleep where he relieves itself, your puppy will try its best to control its bladder and bowel movements which will help to develop these muscles as well.

Don’t buy a crate too large for your puppy but make it large enough to accommodate your puppy when it will be fully grown.

When you are preparing the crate, make it inviting and as comfortable as possible for your puppy. Cover the bottom with newspapers if desired, put a blanket or basket in the opposite end and your new puppy’s home is ready.

To help you with the howling, as more than likely it will happen for a while, you can also take a clock that ticks loudly to remind him of its mother’s heartbeat and a hot water bag filled with hot water to allow him to cuddle against something that reminds it of the softness and warmth of its mother.

Another thing to do to help it feel less lonely, is to put either a radio, some music or the television set on so it can hear noise and voices in the background. Another thing that can help to prevent it from peeing in his crate is to control his water intake by removing its bowl at 8 p.m. or approximately 2 hours prior to your time going to bed. This advice was given to me by my dog’s veterinarian.

And last but not least, chewing will be controlled by keeping your puppy out of trouble. This way you will prevent him from being harmed by chewing electrical wires or simply from your frustration of having to replace damaged goods.

My name is Sylvie Leochko. If you wish to learn more about dog training or labrador retrievers as they are great service pets as well as wonderful with children, I invite you to visit the following sites: http://dogtraining.findoutnow.org and http://labrador-retrievers.findoutnow.org

Most families have a first aid kit in their car and another at home. It is important because you never know when someone will cut a finger, bump their head or come down with a fever. Likewise most people would consider their dog as an important, loved member of the family. But what is in the human first aid kit could be of little use when your dog needs help. People medicines can even be deadly.

A portable Canine First Aid Kit is an important tool for all dog owners. And as your dog matures, it becomes essential. A well-stocked and organized box with supplies will be invaluable if your pet needs immediate care and may save you from having to make a trip to the vet. It could even save your dog’s life.

Remember that when giving a dog first aid, they are in pain and do not always understand that you are trying to assist them. Even if your pet has a great temperament and has never bitten anyone, you should put on a muzzle before trying to give first aid.

20 Essentials of a CANINE First Aid Kit

(And common uses for the items.)

1. Rubbing Alcohol (Tick and thorn removal.)

2. Antiseptic Lotion (Clean out cuts or scratches.)

3. Antibacterial Ointment (Prevent infection.)

4. Bandages or Rolled Gauze (Temporarily binding of wounds.)

5. Cotton Swabs (Remove debris from cuts. Antiseptic Application. Ear cleaning.)

6. Elizabethan Collar (Prevent dog from chewing bandages and licking wounds)

7. Non-sticking Adhesive Plaster (Apply to wound to keep dressing in place.)

8. Eye Wash (Wash debris from eyes.)

9. Rectal Thermometer and Petroleum Jelly (Take Temperature*.)

10. Muzzle (Prevent biting when treating the dog.)

11. Kaolin Pectate/Milk of Magnesia (Treat diarrhea.)

12. Top Quality Nail Clippers (Trim nails.)

13. Tweezers with rounded ends (Remove thorns or debris from wounds.)

14. Thermal or Regular Blanket (Maintain body temperature.)

15. Styptic pencil, cotton wool and gauze (Stop blood flow.)

16. Scissors (Trim hair near wounds.)

17. Flashlight (See in ears, throat etc.)

18. Eyedropper (Administer medications.)

19. Strong Packing Tape and pieces of wood or stiff cardboard (For Splints)

20. Towels–Paper and Regular (Stopping blood, drying etc.)

21. Veterinarian’s Phone Number/Emergency Number

It is also a good idea to ask your veterinarian for any recommendations on medications that should be kept on hand for emergencies.

*Normal Canine Temperature is 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3-39.2 degrees Celsius)

Copyright 2006 Dave Eckholm/Old Dog Paws

Dave Eckholm is the owner and creator of http://www.olddogpaws.com, a site dedicated to the care and comfort of our old friends. As our dog Tikki began to lose his eyesight and became grey around his muzzle, we were concerned for his quality of life. As a senior dog, he started to have special needs. We searched for new ideas, resources and products to enhance his life. Old Dog Paws shares this information, including a national pet sitter directory, with all dog lovers so your friend can enjoy wonderful senior years too!

The lights, the ring, the glamour! Ever think you might like to
become involved with showing dogs? If so, then starting with
“toy” or small dogs can offer a great way to enter into this
hobby with fewer demands on your time and space than a larger
breed might involve.

The purpose of a dog show is to compare all entered dogs of a
specific breed against a pre-established, written breed standard
of perfection. The winners, or Best of Breed dogs, then compete
against each other for Best in Group within one of the seven
basic groups to which their breed has been assigned (the Herding
Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, Sporting Group, Terrier
Group, Toy Group or Working Group). The winner of each group
then goes on to compete for the coveted Best In Show title and
hopefully, earn more points toward a Championship.

As a new entrant to the world of dog shows, you’ll find there
are advantages to showing small dogs over larger dogs.

Sitting Pretty

First, small show dogs generally take less time and effort to
bathe and blow dry before a show. You may think this detail
almost inconsequential, but after you attend a number of shows
it becomes more important. Small show dogs are also easier to
lift in and out of a tub, and require less water, soap and
conditioner. With the exception of long-coated breeds, less dog
equals less hair, which equals less drying time. As a result,
it’s possible to thoroughly bathe and groom six toy-sized show
dogs, like Chihuahuas, in the time it takes to groom one large
Standard Poodle show dog!

Git Along, Little Doggies

Secondly, showing small or toy dogs means you can show more dogs
because they take up far less space. Each small show dog
requires a small traveling crate, but crates of that size are
light to transport and simple to store. Small show dogs also
require the use of grooming tables, but as long as they get
along, two small show dogs can share one table.

Easy Does It

The third factor is, showing small dogs requires less
physicality on the part of the person handling them. You’ll
seldom see small show dog handlers huffing and puffing as they
race around the ring. Instead, small show dogs work harder to
cover ground and keep up with the handler, whereas large show
dogs cover ground in great strides, requiring the handler to
work to keep up. In addition, “setting up” a small dog for
viewing is a simple physical task, whereas a larger dog can
involve much more effort.

As you can see, showing small dogs enjoys a bit of an advantage
over showing large dogs. As a result, you may find that showing
small dogs makes a very rewarding start to a downright addictive
hobby that you and your mini champ can enjoy together for years.

In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits early. Part two focuses on the types of people you want on your dog’s ‘team.’

Create a Good Team of Advisors

□ Find A Great Vet. One of the best ways to find a great vet is to ask for referrals from friends and neighbors. It is best to ask people whose relationship with their dog is similar to yours. The Humane Society of the US notes some other things to keep in mind would be the convenience: are their hours amenable to your schedule? Is it easy to get an appointment? Do they have an effective emergency system in case your dog slits her foot on a holiday? How many vets are in the practice? How about parking and space to load and unload your dog? If you have an unusual breed of dog, or one that is generally accepted as a ‘difficult’ breed (like a Pit-Bull, Chow Chow, etc) how comfortable are they handling your pet? Once you’ve narrowed down your list of vets, schedule an appointment to meet with the staff, take a tour of the facility and ask them for references from their clients.

□ Be a Good Vet Client. When you’ve found the right vet for you and your dog, it’s important that you work hard to maintain the relationship. Know your dog. By understanding his personality and when “not right” is more than just a pulled muscle from an invigorating game of Frisbee you can help your vet isolate and catch diseases such as Lyme Disease. If you are aware of the nuances of your pet’s regular behavior, you will not spend more time than necessary calling or visiting your vet. Keep up to date on preventive care and keep your doctor in the loop if you are trying new or holistic care options. If you have an appointment, be sure to show up on time and make sure your dog is on a leash.

□ Find a Good Groomer. If your dog is of a particularly furry breed and prone to matting, or you are not comfortable setting aside regular ‘home grooming’ time, it’s important for you to find and use a good professional groomer. You can find a groomer through referrals or through the National Dog Groomers Association of America. Before making your dog’s first appointment, see if you can stop by and see their facility. During your tour reflect on the following questions. Is it well-lit? Does it smell and look clean? Are its holding cages adequately sized? How does the staff handle their current clients? Do they seem to act gently? Does the groomer keep updated medical and grooming history?

□ Be a Good Grooming Client. Prepare your dog for his trip to the groomers by continuing your in home ‘handling’ routine. If he’s used to people touching his ears and paws, he will be less stressed when a stranger touches him in an unusual environment. Make sure that your dog is up to date on all his vaccinations and veterinary records. Prepare the groomer for your dog and make them aware of any particular needs he has - if he is geriatric, tends toward nervousness, or if he has any chronic medical problems.

□ Find a Reliable Pet-Sitter. Because you will need to leave your pet at some time in your relationship, it’s important that you have found a reliable person or company to care for your pet in your absence. You may be lucky enough to have family or a neighbor who is reliable and always available to care for your pet. However, if you are new to town and don’t have any nearby people to call, you should take time to interview and find a reliable pet-sitting company. Ask your vet or neighbors for referrals and be sure to interview a few companies to make sure you have the right fit. Important questions include: are they bonded and insured? Do they have experience with your breed of dog? Do they have back-up plan in case of illness or emergency? If you travel frequently on short notice, it is also important to ask how far in advance you must book to guarantee service. Perhaps most important is to take notice of how they interact with your pet. A couple of places to search on-line for a professional pet-sitter are The National Association of Professional Pet-Sitters or Pet Sitters International.

□ Be a Good Pet-Sitting Client. Whenever possible, book with plenty of time to assure your place on the company’s schedule. Many pet-care businesses are run by a single person who may book up early, so once you know your schedule, make an appointment for your pet’s care. Be clear about your expectations, if you don’t want your pet-sitter to give your pet treats, make it clear. Be sure your dog is up-to-date with all vaccinations and complete all required paperwork prior to your first appointment. You will be asked to provide all pertinent information regarding the health and medical history of your pet. Do not make it difficult for your pet-sitter to park or access your home - have parking passes and keys ready for your sitter at the time of your initial interview.

About the Author

Peggie Arvidson-Dailey is the founder of the Pet-Care Business Success University and the author of several articles, books and classes on running a successful home-based business. Go here: http://www.peggiespets.com/wst_page9.html to get your free copy of “243 Tips for Running a Successful Pet-Care Business.”

You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it is the right size for your yard, home, or lifestyle, but a little more in-depth knowledge is necessary to determine if westies have the personality for you.

Westie terriers are exuberant little dogs, but owners do report that they are usually content to lie at their side throughout the day. However, once they are let outside, westies will want to run and jump and play. Like any dog, they require outside playtime every day. Westies are not dogs that perform well when left alone all day.

Some people describe them as obstinate and naughty. This is a trait of many terrier breeds, but westies dogs usually have it to a lesser degree. They are very independent, but they are also intelligent and easy to train if they handled in a firm, consistent way. Westie terriers are considered easy to housetrain, because of their natural desire to remain clean.

Most are not described as cuddlers. They are not lap dogs. However, they are extremely companionable, and want to be with you no matter what you do. You can take westie dogs just about anywhere that dogs are allowed to go.

They will bark to announce that a stranger is approaching. They make good guard dogs. They can be trained not to bark, or to bark once and then stop. Although they announce strangers, they are also extremely friendly with everybody.

Your westie terriers will get along with your children if they respect the dogs’ boundaries. One that has been poked and pulled to the point of irritation will nip or become aggressive. Some authorities on westies do not recommend the dogs for homes with children under six years of age.

West highland white terriers were bred to chase down small prey. If a cat runs away, it will chase it. Westie rescue organizations report that the terrier’s inability to tolerate cats can be a problem. Other small pets, such as rodents and birds, are not safe to run loose in a home with a westie terrier. Your westie will usually accept other dogs, although males are less likely to accept another unaltered male of any breed.

All terriers are also bred to dig prey out of the ground. They enjoy digging and will do so if they are allowed to learn the behavior when they are puppies. Older dogs that have already learned the behavior can be trained out of it.

Westie terriers’ physical needs are fairly simple. They do not shed much, but require regular brushing, and grooming every six to eight weeks. It is better to let the hard, stiff coat shed dirt and debris naturally, rather than frequent bathing.

(Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing the health of any animal. You should always consult and check with your own vet or veterinarian.)

I do hope that you have found the article of use to you.

Good health and happiness

Jeff Cuckson
webmaster@madaboutwesties.com
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Want To Know How To Have The Healthiest,
Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of! Then Visit NOW
http://www.madaboutwesties.com

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About the Author

By Jeff Cuckson

Author of….

“Mad About Westies!” .. How You Can Have The Healthiest, Happiest and Most Well Behaved Westie You Have Ever Dreamed Of!

“101 Kind and Positive Thoughts For Westie Owners On Rough Days!” - How to put a ray of sunshine into a Westie Owner’s dull grey day

“100 Top Westie Sites!”

“115 Travel Tips For Having a Successful Trip With Your Westie!”