House Training Puppies

You will need:

• A crate - Only large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around comfortably in.
• A schedule - For going outside. (Have treats and lead ready at the door!)
• Treats - For whenever you go outside with your puppy.
• Good Observation - To prevent accidents.
• Patience.

1. Crate

Train your puppy to love his crate by throwing treats in his crate for a few days so that he has to go in. After a few goes, close the door for 1 minute, then open and let out. Practise a few more goes of the puppy going in and out freely. (This can be over a day or a few days.) Every few goes, practise closing the door, increasing the amount of time the pup must stay inside, by a few minutes.

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Back Yard Blues

Many people think of a dog being loose in a garden as a cure-all. In reality, the garden can be a cause-all, leading to all sorts of behaviour problems. How many of you think you can't get a dog because you don't have a garden? Do you know that often, a dog will be given to someone without a garden, rather than someone with one?

People sometimes mistakenly believe that a dog, like livestock, will be happier with fresh air, grass and more room to "run around." But when did you last see a happy, relaxed backyard dog "running around" his yard? Such dogs are inevitably sad, bored and lonely, wanting only to be able to spend time with their families in the house. When they manage to get human contact, they are desperately over-excited from deprivation and are likely to misbehave. Because they behave like crazy animals, they are sent back to the yard. It's a vicious circle.

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First Aid

• Car Accident: Move dog from roadway with blanket; seek veterinary aid.
• Shock: Calm the dog; keep him warm; seek immediate veterinary aid.
• Nosebleed: Apply cold compress to the nose: apply pressure to any visible abrasion.
• Bleeding: Apply pressure above the area; treat wound by applying cotton pack.
• Heat Stroke: Submerge dog in cold bath; cool down with fresh air, water. See a vet.
• Frostbite / Hypothermia: Warm the dog in warm bath, hot water bottle or electric blankets.
• Abrasions: Clean wound, wash out thoroughly with fresh water; apply antiseptic.
• Burns: Place the affected area under cool water; use ice if only a small area is burnt.
• Bee Stings / Insect Bites: Apply ice to relieve swelling; antihistamine dosed properly.
• Animal Bites: Clean any bleeding area; Apply pressure until bleeding subsides. Go to vet.
• Antifreeze Poisoning: Immediately induce vomiting by using hydrogen peroxide.
• Fish Hooks: Removal best handled by vet; Hook must be cut to remove.

Remember - an injured dog may attempt to bite a helping hand from fear and pain. Always muzzle the dog before trying to offer assistance.