Chosing a Breeder that Breeds Properly Raised, Healthy Puppies

Once you have decided that you are ready for a puppy, you need to decide upon a source. There are many options available, and breeders are not the only choice.

Unfortunately today, there are all too many dogs in rescue centers, adoption facilities, pounds, kill centers, and shelters. If you have your heart set on a certain breed or type of dog, you may have a chance of finding one in a local shelter. I know a woman who has rescued two chihuahuas over a 10 year period from a shelter in her area. The adoption fees are generally much less than the "price" of a puppy through any breeder.

If you decide that a breeder is the choice for you, begin doing some research on breeders in your local area. It is not recommended to find breeders in distant areas, because you cannot see the puppies, the living conditions of the dogs, you cannot meet the breeders and see the interaction they have with the puppies, and there could be unforeseen issues, health concerns, or other problems. It is always best to visit the breeder on-site. If they won't allow this, there may be an issue. Likewise, expect that a breeder may wish to see the future living conditions of the placement homes.

The puppies' parents are good indicators of the possible temperament of the puppy you choose. Of course each puppy will have an individual personality, but if the parents are unhealthy or have aggression or depression issues, the breeder is may not have high standards of care. Look for a breeder who shares interaction with all of the dogs, not just the puppies. Puppies should not be overly timid or afraid, should display curiosity, playful behavior, a healthy coat, clean, clear eyes and ears, and a healthy appetite.

Preventing Fear and Aggression in Small Dogs

Small dogs often suffer the consequences of a bad reputation – some people lovingly refer to it as “Little Dog Syndrome”. While it is not necessarily a personality trait found in nature, it is a type of aggression that stems from the upbringing of the dog. Similar behavior originates in nature for different reasons, and they are usually not met with the same results as we see in the domesticated canine world.

The behavior can range from aggression to fearful and antisocial, and can be triggered by a wide variety of situations, which can prove to be very stressful for the dog and the family he or she lives with. For some dogs, it is caused by factors that are present in the home.

When your pup is young, be sure not to caudle the dog, or prevent your dog from experiencing the surprises that life brings us. Many small dog owners unwittingly create fear in their dogs by picking them up when larger dogs or when other dogs are perceived as a threat by the owner. However, if you allow your dog to explore new situations in a calm manner, most dogs will naturally be more comfortable in new situations in the future.

Don’t be afraid to expose your pup to many people and many other dogs, enabling your dog to adapt a sense of comfort and ease. You and your dog will be much more relaxed in the future – and that’s something to look forward to!

A Few Words About Dangerous Foods for Dogs

I recently read a story posted on Craigslist.org about a few of the most dangerous foods for dogs. While this story is incredibly sad, it's also a very real and true story. Many dogs die each year from the toxic effects of everyday human foods. Please be aware that onions, chocolate (especially baking cocoa), raisins and grapes, as well as certain nuts and squash can be dangerous - or even deadly. Pumpkin, while having the ability to cure a dog of diarrhea or constipation if taken in the proper doses, too much (even a few teaspoons) can adversely affect your dog's digestive health. Read the following warning from a concerned veterinarian, and pass the information along to others who may save the life of even just one dog.

Written by:
Laurinda Morris, DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville, OH

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but . . .

Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours. The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids.

At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care. He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting.

Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220 ... He continued to vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize. This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin.

Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern. Onions, chocolate, cocoa and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too. Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.

Confirmation from Snopes about the above:
http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins

Human Sentenced to Up to 25 Years of Love and Affection for Adopting a Dog

Deciding to bring a dog into your life is a bit like deciding to have kids. Sure, you may not think that they will live as long as kids, and you can leave them home alone - unlike kids. But what happens when you come home from work to find your favorite silk pillows shredded to bits on the floor? Or your pup has a medical emergency and needs immediate attention? Will you be prepared to take action?

Dogs, just like humans, suffer from medical issues, behavior problems, emotional issues such as depression or aggression, and more. Because of the intensity of being responsible for another life, you must be willing to take on all of these responsibilities and more.

I recently met a breeder who has 28 small breed dogs of her own, who all live in the house with her. She cleans all of their ears twice a week, trims their nails and treats for fleas once a month, keeps them groomed and brushed, fed, bathed, and gives each one personal attention in their own special way. On the flip side, she has faced thousands of dollars in emergency medical care, and spends at least $500 a month in maintenance and care costs for basic needs. On the flip side, she has a relative who has only one dog, and keep it in a dog run 23-hours a day, allowing it to potty only twice a day, but says they could never part with the dog. I wonder if you were to ask the dog - if it would feel the same about them!?! YOU SEE THE CONTRAST? If you take on the responsibility of a pet, you are going to need to make changes, adaptions, and TIME for your pet. He or she is depending on you, and didn't choose you - you chose your pet.

Whether you are considering caring for just one single pup - or an entire pack of loving followers, you must be prepared for 10-25 years of love, care, and responsibility in your future. This does not mean to say that if you are a small income family, that you should not have the right to have a dog in your family. Sometimes a dog is a homeless man's best friend, and to break that bond would break the spirit of both the man and the dog. But in any case, you need to be willing to give the same care to your dog as you would to a human family member, even if it means hawking the wedding ring over a broken leg! Much like kids - they do not choose to be yours. They more or less wake up one day to find that you are in charge - so it's up to you to provide a safe, friendly, and healthy environment. Not only will they be happier for your choices, but you will find a great many personal rewards through the experience.

Choosing Appropriate Play Toys and Chew Toys

Choosing the appropriate toy for your pet can be important for safety and behavior. It is essential for you as the leader of the pack to know which toys are right for certain activities, and which items you should not allow to be used as toys at all.

Chew Toys: Something your dog can chew on UNATTENDED. This means that your dog should be able to chew on the toy without you around, without fear that your dog will suffer injury or choke on the toy, and that you can be sure the dog cannot chew parts off of the toy.

Play Toys: Something that you will be playing with or using WITH your dog. This means that you can play with toys you would not otherwise allow your dog to play with unattended. For example, squeeky toys are not toys that you should allow your dog to play with alone, however they make wonderful fetch toys or training tools.

Toys that cause Confusion: Stuffed animals, old shoes and socks are often used as toys, but this can lead to confusion, and could get your pup into trouble! Your dog can't tell the difference between your brand new shoes, socks, and a child's favorite stuffed animal - and that old knotted sock give your pup - and what you are saying is that it's okay for him or her to chew on your clothes, shoes, and other random household items!

Immunize Your Pets to Prevent Diseases

As we enter into the new year, I can't help but send out a reminder to everyone to be sure that your pets are immunized. We recently had an encounter with Canine Parvovirus, and have been encouraging neighbors to take their dog to their local veterinarian to be vaccinated against the deadly disease. Our neighbor's dog spent the night in the hospital after moving into a home nearby. The house was the home of a dog that died from Parvo, and could be buried nearby. Since the disease commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea, there could have been some dangerous organisms in the floor or yard.

If you have a puppy, or have a dog that has not yet been immunized, it is highly recommended for your dog's safety that you get the appropriate vaccines for your pet. This is also true for cats, and if breeding is not a factor, then you may also consider spaying or neutering your pet as well. That way you don't have an unexpected litter if your pet escapes - or worse yet, your neighbors get an unintentional litter of young ones! Be a responsible pet owner, and be prepared.

Preventing Dog and Puppy Behavior Problems from Day One

All too often, dog behavior problems stem from when they are first brought into our homes. This is especially true when bringing home a puppy or adopting a dog who has been through a traumatic experience. Because puppies are cute and young, new owners assume they should allow the puppy to do things that they would not allow an older dog to do. This can be the start of future behavior problems, and puppies should have the same rules, limitations, and boundaries as any adult dog would have.

When dogs are adopted after a traumatic experience, they are often given special treatment.`People generally tend to try to spare the feelings of the dog, not wanting to further the suffering that the dog has already been through. However, this can lead to unwanted behavior, and these owners are unknowingly enabling bad behavior.

Dogs and puppies, just like kids, actually want to know that you have everything under control. It prevents worry, and keeps stress at bay. But with dogs, they are especially in tune with our behavior, our emotions, and our expressions. By establishing yourself as the decision maker, you are becoming the leader of the pack. You must dominate the scene, such as passing through doors first, eating first, and choosing whether or not to allow the dog on the furniture. If you let your dog sleep on your bed, you can establish your role as the leader by first choosing your place on the bed, and then extending an invitation to your dog or puppy. If your dog makes the decision to do these things on its own, you may have a dominance problem, and you should work to correct the issue at hand.

I Go First - Method of Establishing the Pack Leader Role

These "firsts" that you will be showing your new pup will establish your role as the pack leader. Practice this "I'm first" behavior on a regular and consistant basis, and develop an excercise (such as the front door) that you can repeatedly practice. Spend at least 15 minutes at a time on the excercise, and then repeat it randomly throughout the day. But definitely remember to do things first. If he or she attempts to begin something first, before you, then correct the behavior and have him or her sit while you do the action first.

• When it is mealtime, YOU should eat first, feeding the dog second.


• Sleep time, if she sleeps with you, YOU should first find your comfortable spot on the bed, and then invite your dog to find his or her place after you.


• Entering or exiting doors, YOU should walk through first, then your dog can enter or exit through the door. If you are opening the front door, the dog should be made to sit several feet from the door and wait. This is perhaps the most important excercise, and should be repeated over and over, even if you're not planning on actually going through the door.


• When any treats or toys are given, make sure you have the dog either sit, lay down, or if your dog knows any tricks, have him or her do one before you give the treat or toy to your pup. Be sure to also eat (or at least pretent to eat) a snack first.


• Regular walks (daily) would be best, and use the opportunity when you leave the house to go through the door first. While walking, switch directions unexpectedly and say "Come". The dog will see you in front (because you have changed directions) and hear you say "Come." This will put your dog in a following position, and puts you in the "I'm first" position again. After a short distance, turn around and say "Come" again, repeatedly putting him or her in the following position, letting you be seen in the "I'm first" position. This will help to enforce your role as the pack leader.

Choosing a Breed that's Right for You

Before you go out and adopt the first dog you see, or buy that cute little puppy, you just might want to research breeds a little bit, especially if you don't know anything about your "favorite" breed. Many people choose a pet based on the "cuteness factor". This can lead to all sorts of personality conflicts, as well as behavior and training difficulties. Some breeds aim to please, however, others can be very stubborn, and much more work is involved when trying to change undesirable behavior.

Your first decision should be whether or not you wish to go through puppy potty-training, which can test the patience of even the most forgiving human! If that is not for you, consider adopting an adolescent or adult dog, and be sure to ask all of the right questions. If you have pet peeves, you should make a list of them and ask about all of them, this involves "choosing" a member of the family, so choose wisely.

Be mindful of the personality traits that are common to certain breeds, and match that with your personality and habits. If you are an active person, who enjoys walking (a lot), then you may do well with a working breed. However, if you lack the gumption to get outside and get a little exercise, you'll definitely want to look for a less active breed. All dogs should be walked daily, or least several times a week. But some breeds will tear your apart the house, your things, or the garbage, and even could display other negative or aggressive behavior if you don't give him enough exercise. Some breeds are particular to certain types of weather, and can become sick in weather that's too hot or too cold. Others don't like water, and refuse to potty in the rain. Some breeds are extremely stubborn and hard to train, others display a desire to do anything you wish. These may sound like simple personality quirks, but some quirks are more prevalent in certain breeds than in others.

Help - My Puppy Chews on Everything!

Puppies are cute, but they are just like human babies - they love to explore everything with their mouths. Since they don't have hands, they usually bite something to find out what it is, and if it feels good, they'll keep biting. It's good excerise, it's fun, and it can be relaxing. Chewing is one of the few things that keeps puppies self-entertained.

But what if your puppy is chewing on things he shouldn't? You'll have to set down the boundaries, and let him know you are serious. It is important to establish your role as the leader of the pack, but when you find your favorite shoe being torn to small bits, you may be tempted to lash out. There is hope, so try a few techniques before you get too annoyed.

Come to the battle armed with lots of chew toys or bones. When you find your puppy chewing on something that is not his or hers, just reach down and take it, and replace it with something your puppy is allowed to chew on. Be persistant, because your puppy sure will! If this means knowing where your puppy is at all times, then that's what it will take. Otherwise, clear out a room, puppy-proof it, and throw down some play toys. Bring whatever you're doing into the room, that way you can spend time with your new friend, as well as get a little work done!