Caring for your dog.         

WHAT WILL HE NEED?

COLLAR and LEAD                     
Before you bring your new puppy home it is a good idea to get some
of the things he will need.
Collars and leads come in leather, nylon, webbing etc. Make sure there is room to grow in the collar you buy for your puppy. He may need a new one but the first collar should do for six months.  A chain is useful for securing your dog outside but does not make a suitable lead for walks.
Some collars have a metal tab for identification or you could use a marker to write you telephone number in a leather collar. Plastic and metal name tags are available and you will need to check with your local council about registration for you dog.

BED                                                                                              He will need somewhere to sleep. This does not have to be an expensive purchase, unless you want a very fancy bed. You need something that can be washed or wiped after little accidents. Something that is easy to carry, not so big that you will trip over it and something that will get you puppy off the floor where he could be in a draft.
We found a piece of foam rubber, oval shaped and about twice the size of the dog was fine. Actually I got two and made denim covers for them. The foam can be washed if necessary or put into the sun and fresh air. The covers come off easily and are washed every weekend. One 'mat' is for night time, Rufous sleeps in a box in the garage, and the other is kept in the kitchen or on the verandah for day sleeps. In the early days, when we had accidents, there was always a spare.
Rufous tried to chew his 'mat' once. I used the tone of voice to tell him that was not allowed and he has not chewed it or torn it since.

BOWLS                                                                                        Plastic bowls get chewed up by puppies and will need replacing. Use old dishes if you don't plan to keep them, but there are many bowls available that are especially designed for dogs. Stainless steel bowls are good. You will need at least one bowl for food and one for water. If you dog will be inside a lot he may need a water bowl inside the house and one outside, unless you are happy running in and out with a bowl of water for him. Keep the water bowl topped up with fresh water and be prepared to wash his food bowl after every meal.

GROOMING TOOLS                                                               
Have a look at the displays of brushes and combs for dogs and choose what you feel best suits your needs. Our short haired dog doesn't have a brush. We have a glove with a ribbed rubber palm that does the job. I keep a face washer for him in the kitchen and sometimes damp it and wipe him over to remove dust and sticky bits.

DOG TOYS                                                                                  There are so many and they all look such fun. Be careful of very cheap toys, especially those with squeakers inside as small bits can be swallowed by your puppy and cause problems. Also squeakers can be very irritating and some small dogs find them scarey.
It is better to pick one or two more expensive toys that will withstand the rough treatment of a teething pup and hopefully last a while.
I have found that peanut butter spread over a flat toy or inside a cone shaped toy will keep a puppy happy for a while.

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                                WHAT WILL YOU DO?

FEEDING                                                                                    
Your dog needs proper care, just like you do.
This includes a proper diet. There are many prepared dog foods available so it is not difficult to give your dog what he needs in the way of nutrition and fibre. Read the information on the packet and take note of the quantity for the body weight of your dog. Overfeeding is just as unfair to an animal as underfeeding.
Your dog might like you left over toast crusts and other scraps, our dog seems to enjoy drinking the water we have used to cook vegetables, but he does not need sugary biscuits or chocolate. Do not give your pet cooked bones as these can cause problems. Most healthy dogs can chew up raw beef bones.
Make sure your dog always has water available.

Puppies are growing fast and using a lot of energy so they need lots of protein and vitamins. There are special puppy foods available, once again, read the information on the packet. The food should be easily digestible and pieces of a suitable size.

EXERCISE                                                                                
All dogs need exercise. Large dogs need more than small dogs. 
Two walks a day at least and preferable somewhere they can run.
You should keep you dog under control when you are near other people and their pets.
Dogs need to play, especially when they are puppies. You new puppy will have been used to wrestling and biting the other pups in the litter. Now you need to teach him that playing with you is not quiet as rough, though it can be even more fun.
Dogs like to play tug-a-war, chasing (though they can become over excited when chasing and don't know when to stop) fetching a ball or stick, jumping, hiding, running and other games that he will teach you.
As the dogs master you need to be responsible with play. A dogs mouth can be cut by a sharp stick as easily as yours can, so don't be too rough with this sort of play. Small pieces can choke him and if left alone he will make scraps of your slippers and clothing. There are many toys designed to keep your dog happy and safe.
Puppies need to chew, especially when they are teething. There are many pet treats that will satisfy the need to chew and that will keep his teeth clean at the same time.

GROOMING                                                                            
The condition of your dogs skin and coat is improved by regular grooming.
It is also a good way to spend time with your dog and a chance to bond and develop mutual trust.
Dogs with long hair need attention everyday but short-haired dogs will be happy with a brushing once or twice a week.
There are so many shampoos and grooming tools that are designed just for dogs and they are usually available in the supermarket, so good grooming shouldn't be a problem. Be careful about using detergents and soaps that are not for dogs - your bath soap may irritate his skin.
Put aside a towel to be used just for the dog and wash his bedding every week or ten days if possible.
There are shampoos, sprays and powders to help control fleas and discourage ticks.

MEDICAL TREATMENT                                                            Your dog should have his own doctor, just as you do. It is a good idea when you first get a puppy, to take him to your vet for a check up. The vet will give you advice on immunisations, worm treatments and any other problems that may come up. The vet can also give you information on feeding, training and kennels if you need it.

ACCIDENTS                                                                           
Accidents can happen to dogs just as easily as they happen to people, but basic first aid for dogs is slightly different.
If your dog is injured he will also be frightened. Even the most friendly dog can become aggressive when he is hurt. Make sure his lead is attatched and if necessary make a muzzle from fabric, a tea towel or a scarf will do. This will stop him biting and snapping while he is examined. Basic first aid starts with clearing the airway, so don't tie a scarf around his muzzle if he isn't breathing.
If there is any bleeding, apply pressure with a pad made from a towel and if possible bandage it in place.
Make him comfortable and organise to take him to the vet.
If your dog can walk to the car he will be more comfortable doing that. If he can't walk you will have to carry him. Don't forget that he is frightened. The sound of your voice can be very soothing and calming. With a small dog, put your right arm gently around his neck and scoop up the body with the left arm.
If you have a large dog carry him by putting your right arm around his front legs and the left arm around his hind legs - if this does not irritate the injury. Very heavy dogs might need two people. If you think his back may be injured use a stretcher made of something firm. Help him to feel secure by wrapping a towel or small blanket around the dog and the stretcher. Talk to him in a gentle tone.
Take care that he cannot turn and bite the people helping him.
Do not block the airway and support any limbs you feel may be damaged.

ENJOY YOUR DOG                                                               
You dog can become your companion, your friend, your helper. He offers loyalty, protection and love. He will soften your heart and bring it joy and good health. He will share the couch, walk with you for hours and listen to anything you want to say. He will give you a reason to be happy. He deserves to be loved and given proper care. I just cannot understand people who mistreat animals.
You don't need a whip, a rolled up newspaper, to rub their face in filth or to shout at them.  Most dogs will learn good behaviour without being hit - they really want to please.
A firm tone of voice and expression, removing the dog from the place of trouble or taking away things that cause problems for him will help.

He didn't leave the shoe there, he just found it and chewed it.
He needed to empty his bladder, but you didn't take him outside.
He was hungry and ate the biscuit you left on the low table.
He will bark at the cat he can see through the fence.

Remember, your dog doesn't think and reason as you do, he reacts to what is happening around him. Often you will be able to control that environment and head off problems before they arise, and with time you will be able to train him to live in your house with your family.
I think that people who are brutal to animals have not taken the time to understand the relationship. If the person establishes themself as the master the dog will take the lesser role in the pack quite happily.

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