C.A.R.E.™
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Frequently Asked Questions
Puppy Tips !!!
Remember anytime wanting to get a puppy that the old cliche "A puppy is for life " definitely rings true. Even when I'm not working I volunteer my services to the LADACC (Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control). While working there I get to see some beautiful dogs that have been discarded by people who can no longer take care of them for one reason or another. Puppies are as cute as they can be for sure, but they grow rapidly and can become a handful. Here are a few things to think about;
- Dogs Grow Up !!! Laker (above) is a Shepherd mix, he is two months old and weighs about 10lbs. In another 3 months he will weigh around 50-60lbs. That's a LOT of dog !!! Make sure you can take care of your potential pet and he or she will FIT in your home and life.
- Personality is everything !!! Hey ! Nothing could be truer ! Puppies can be laid back when you first see them, but once you get them home and they get comfortable ..... things change. Research the breed you want and it's demeanor/personality. If you have small kids you probably don't want a bouncy Great Dane jumping all over the house and knocking them over.
- Health Check !!! Pups do spend a lot of time sleeping, but when active they should be alert and energetic. A bloated tummy could indicate worms (best not to check right after a meal though). Eyes and nose with excessive mucus discharge could be a sign of viral or bacterial infection. Your best bet is to take your puppy to see a vet after you get him for a checkup, nothing is more heartbreaking than taking home a sick puppy !
- Papers Please !!! Make sure you get records of inoculations especially rabies shots. Make sure you register your dog (Some States and Countries may not apply). More importantly get your dog chipped. For information on chipping your dog visit http://www.avidmicrochip.com/
- Gimme Stuff !!! When you bring your puppy home he or she needs "Stuff" !!! You should have bowls for food and water. Food, collar, leash and a few safe chew toys as well as a safe place for him to sleep and play.
- Keep Me Safe !!! When you bring your puppy home nothing is more tempting than showing him or her off to your friends and relatives. Try and avoid the temptation to do so until all of the shots and treatments have been administered - Your puppy is very susceptable to several canine diseases some of which can be transmitted via shoes or clothing.
I have a dog at home and she is great, but I want to add another. How do I do that without creating jealousy between the two dogs ?
L.D. - Brooklyn, NY
L.D. - Brooklyn, NY
- Focus on personality, what would be good for your dog and what would be good for the new one.
- Both dogs should be spayed or neutered.
- Make sure your dog is free of any behavioral problems, you definitely don't want to duplicate behavior if it's bad
- If the new dog is bathed before bringing them home, they may smell less threatening to your existing dog.
- Separately exercise each dog before introduction.
- Don't fall into the trap of giving your new puppy more affection than your existing dog.
- Give them separate food bowls.
I have a Pit Bull and with all the hype on TV I see people avoid her like the plague. Some folks will cross the street, at the pet store they avoid the aisle I'm in, parents pull their kids away, it's just very disconcerting. What can I do to show people that my dog is a loving affectionate dog ?
D.C. - Beverly Hills, CA
Wow .... this is an awesome question ! although the answer quite bluntly is "Not Much". Apart from saying "it's ok", "she won't hurt you" what can you do in such a short period of time? People have already made a decision at a glance, and as bad as that is, it's a fact. Having a totally socialized, well behaved , balanced and loving dog is the key. I have to smile when I take my Pit Bulls out and see the same reaction, truth be told, my pit bulls are better behaved than their dogs and it is more than evident. Nothing feels better than having a perfectly well mannered dog and having everyone notice, even comment to you !
Two questions ... Some of my friends tell me that I shouldn't let my dog lick my face, I just think he's being affectionate, is it ok that he does that ? Why do dogs lick like that ?
S.T. - Houston, TX
My answer to the first part is ..... it's up to you! Some people like it some people don't. There are debates for and against. A dogs mouth carries bacteria just like any of us, however, the adage that a 'dogs mouth is cleaner so it's ok' is a false statement. Having said that the only disease known to be transferred by dog saliva has been strep throat and even that is a very rare occurrence. If your dog has strep consult a vet.
Why do dogs do that? .... well there are many reasons why a dog would lick your face .... submissive behavior, affection, requesting food. I can go into all of these in a lot of detail but if you look at it as a dog's way of showing submission and affection, that would be a fair and general answer.
Roly is my Rottweiller, 6 months old and the light of my life. I have been watching some shows about dogs and read a few books, but I am worried that he may turn aggressive due to his playing habits. He jumps and bites, not hard bites, but he will catch my hand from time to time. How can I fix this problem ?
P.A. - Los Angeles, CA
Remember Roly is still a puppy and will play a little rough from time to time. This is the perfect time to make sure he understands that YOU LEAD, HE FOLLOWS. You need to take charge of your pet and correct** him when he puts teeth to flesh, this is not acceptable. When a dog jumps up on you it can indicate that you are not the "pack leader" and again you should correct** your dog the second he displays that behavior. It may be boredom or frustration, so maybe more exercise (longer walks) are called for as well.
**A "correction" is not a hit ! It can be a firm "No" to a distracting tap. If you train your dog through fear, chances are, he may become aggressive towards you and/or others. **
**seek professional help with your pet especially if you have doubts about your own ability to prevent this behavior, or would like hands on instruction.**
**seek professional help with your pet especially if you have doubts about your own ability to prevent this behavior, or would like hands on instruction.**
This site is dedicated to Dylan, a true 'best friend'