What Your New Puppy Wants You To Know

10 Dog Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you get me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.

3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my wellbeing.

4. Do not be angry with me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you!

6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I do not understand your words, I understand your tone of voice when you speak to me.

7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

8. Remember before you hit me, that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but that I choose not to bite you because I love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, of I have been out too long, or my heart is getting old or weak.

10. Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I cannot bear to watch it", or "let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember, I love you.

"A Dog's Plea"

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world
is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.

Do not break my spirit with a stick or yelling for though I should
lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding
will more quickly teach me things you would have me learn

Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds sweetest music.
as you know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep
falls upon my ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory
than than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to rump and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life
should your life be and any danger.

And, my friend , when I am very old, and I can no longer enjoy good health,
hearing and sight, do not make the heroic efforts to keep me going.
I am not having fun. Please see that my trusted life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw
that my fate was always safest in your loving hands

I love my little puppy; she makes my house a home.

She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone.

She makes me smile; She makes me laugh; She fills my heart with love . . .

Did some person breed her, or did she fall from above?

I've never been a breeder, never seen life through their eyes;

I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticize.

I've never known their anguish; I've never felt their pain,

the caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.

I've never waited the whole night through for babies to be born,

The stress and trepidation when they're still not there by morn.

The weight of responsibility for this body in my hands,

This darling little baby, who weighs but 60 grams.

Should you do that instead of this . . . or maybe that was wrong?

Alone you fight and hope, one day, he'll grow up proud and strong.

You pray he'll live to bring great joy to someone else's home.

You know it's all just up to you; you'll fight this fight alone.

Formula, bottles, heating pads, you've got to get this right,

two-hour feedings for this tiny guy, throughout the day and night.

Within your heart you dread that you will surely lose this fight,

To save this little baby, but God willing . . . you just MIGHT.

Day one; he's in there fighting; you say a silent prayer.

Day two & three, he's doing well, with lots of love and care.

Day four & five . . . he's still alive; your hopes soar to the

heavens.

Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands, day seven.

You take this little angel, and bury him alone.

With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan,

You ask yourself, "Why do this? . . . Why suffer through this pain?"

Yet watch the joy your puppies bring, and everything's explained.

So, when you think of breeders and label them with "Greed,"

Think of all that they endure to fill another's need.

For when you buy your puppy, with your precious dollars part,

You only pay with money . . . while they pay with all their heart.

.... Author Unknown....

"Just a dog; is it?"

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or,
"that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the
distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a
dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did
not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought
about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch
of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably
understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of
friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the
compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a
dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the
future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an
embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories
of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out
what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the
worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
woman." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile,
because they "just don't understand."

Puppy Nutrition, Exercise and Rest

1. Take him to the vet yearly, making sure that his shots are up to date and that his health is good.

2. Does he ride in the car a lot? Sometimes, little ones can get sick from extended trips.

3. Careful with the activity level. VERY young puppies, must be treated as a babies. This includes requiring some rest during the day.

4. What dog food are you using? Use a proven high quality dog food. This will make a tremedous difference in the beauty of the coat, eyes, energy level and life span.

5. Changes in diet can cause a puppy to have an upset stomach, even changes in water can sometimes cause tummy aches for a few days (some water is more hard or soft than others) . Clean the water container every day-- this will help also. I recommend using a stainless steel or glass water bowl, as the plastic food and water dishes harbor odors and even bacteria's that we cannot see.

7. Don't make a habit of feeding people food to your puppy. In fact, I never give mine ANY except an occasional piece of cheese or liver. Both grapes and raisins can cause vomiting, diarrhea and kidney failure. Candies and gum often contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause a rapid drop in your dog's blood sugar. A chemical in onions damages dogs' blood cells and can cause anemia; One small onion may be fatal. Never leave macadamia nuts within your pet's reach. A compound in macadamias may leave your dog with temporary paralysis in his hind legs. And, chocolate can be deadly. Never feed it.

8. Stay clear of pig's ears and other PORK based chews. The compounds in pork can interfere with the pancreas and make your pet sick. Beef and Chicken based chews are perfectly acceptable, under supervision.

Potty Training

1. Begin now, paying attention to the times "when" your puppy successfully relieves himself outside. Try to take him out, as close to the same times as possible. Pups tend to have the bowl movements at the same times of day also.

2. Notice the puppy sign of sniffing the carpet and circlilng. This will tell you that he's searching for a place to potty.... So rush him to the door!

3. Take him to the SAME EXACT spot to potty every time. He will smell it on the ground, and this will encourage him to do the same. He will also know your purpose in bringing him there.

4. You must also remember to give him PLENTY of opportunities to potty outside. His bladder is no bigger than your fingernail, therefore, he will be unable to "hold" it.

5. Praise, Praise, Praise! Every time he relieves himself outside, you must make a HUGE fuss over it. He needs to know how much this pleases you.

6. Be sure you get your puppy spayed or neutered before 6 months of age. This will curb its desire to "mark territory" considerably. And, males are not the only ones who mark territory, unspayed females mark their territory by urinating as well.