Before Getting a Pupy.

WHICH PUPPY?

Raising a puppy is fun and can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Time and care taken during the first year to train and mould your puppy into an ideal adult will be well rewarded. So selection of the right breed is helpful to anyone embarking on this adventure.

If you want a bold puppy that will have a strong character but may prove to be a bit of a handful, then choose the one in the litter that comes straight up to you.

However, if you want a puppy that may be a little more reserved, choose one that is more cautious. A puppy that does not march straight over to you, but comes over quite quickly after weighing the situation, may be easier to control and more willing to do as you ask. If you want a dog that is suspicious of anything new, or is shy with anyone outside the immediate family but will develop a very strong attachment to you, you should choose the puppy that is most reluctant to interact with you.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD A PUPPY BE TAKEN HOME?

The best age to take a puppy home is at about seven to eight weeks. By this age, he will have spent enough time learning social skills from his mother and littermates and should be robust enough to begin life in a household full of humans.

If you take him home any later than nine weeks, the puppy will get less of the vital one to one interaction with humans that will help to ensure he grows up friendly and confident.

An exception to this is when the breeder or rescue shelter has taken time and care with each puppy on a individual basis.

Breeders of purebred puppies often keep puppies until they are about six months old to see which one will have the best conformation for showing. Do not be tempted to take an older puppy that has not lived as a pet dog in a busy household. Such dogs often find it very difficult to adjust to normal family life.

ONE OR TWO?

Do not be tempted to take two puppies from the same litter, no matter how appealing or how hard the breeder tries to sell them. Puppies that grow up together will form a very strong bond with each other. As a result, they are likely to be less obedient, less attached to their owners, and more unruly than dogs that are raised singly.

SOCIABLE PUPPIES

Dogs that really enjoy being with people make the best pets for sociable owners. Whether a dog will be sociable or not depends on the following:

• His genetic make-up.
• His upbringing, including the amount of socialization he receive, and the environment in which he lives.

A puppy that has parents and ancestors that were good-natured and friendly will be easier to socialize and raise than a puppy that had aggressive or fearful parents.

Puppies with a poor genetic make-up will be more difficult to socialize and are likely to be predisposed to being afraid, shy, or aggressive. Puppies like this can turn out all right but will take more time to socialize and are more likely to require expert help.

Even is his genes predispose a dog to be friendly and unafraid, good behavior is not guaranteed unless the puppy is raised well. Of all the influences on future behavior, socialization and upbringing have the biggest effect. Being raised with care, with plenty of social contact and exposure to the world in which we live will usually turn most puppies into happy, friendly adults.

As well as good socialization and upbringing, how a dog lives as an adult will also have an effect on his behavior. A dog that finds himself in a hostile world with aggressive, nasty owners will rapidly develop strategies for coping and his behavior will deteriorate as a result. Similarly, shy, unfriendly dogs kept in a happy, safe environment will usually change their behavior and become better pets.

PUPPIES FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

If your dog is to live with children or have frequent contact with them, it is particularly important that you choose the right puppy at the beginning. A puppy that has been bred to be good-natured and that has been well socialized and brought up with children has the best chance of being friendly with them as an adult.

For families with young children, dogs from breeds in the Sporting group (See http://netpet.batw.net/dogs/group.html ) may be most suitable. These dogs have been bred to work closely with people and to be biddable and trainable. Of all groups, the Sporting group possesses dogs with the most friendly of natures and this may explain their popularity with owners.

FAMILIES WITH TODDLERS

Puppies need a lot of time and attention and, for this reason, it is not advisable to take on a new puppy if you have babies or several very young children.

If you have very young children, and have enough free time to raise a puppy, one of the more placid breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, may be a good choice. Obviously, it will depend where the puppy comes from, but, if the breeding is good, this may be one of the best options for families with young children.

FAMILIES WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

These families need a robust, active dog that will be good with visiting children as well as those in the family. Labrador/Golden Retrievers often make ideal dogs for these conditions, which helps to explain why they are the most popular breed of dog in both the United Kingdom and the United States. As with all puppies, the experience the puppy has with children early on, both in the litter and in the new home, will set the scene for his future behavior. If all experiences with children of all ages are pleasant, non-frightening, and fun, the puppy is likely to grow up to be tolerant of their attentions and to enjoy their company. School-age children and their friends are likely to want to play with the dog and members of the Sporting group are usually very playful. Any problems experienced with Labradors/Golden Retrievers are likely to be those of over-exuberance, such as jumping up or play-biting and chewing, since they have been bred to enjoy using their mouths.

FAMILIES WITH TEENAGERS

For families with teenagers, it is less crucial that the puppy acquired has “safe” genetics since teenagers are more adult in their behavior and are therefore less likely to interact inappropriately. Teenagers are often more interested in life outside the home and are likely to quickly lose interest in a new puppy once the novelty has worn off. However, they will often still expect their pets to take an interest in them and their friends from time to time, but these moments are likely to be rare. Dogs that will cope quite well with this are those of a more independent nature who also have a strong character of their own. Jack Russell Terriers and Beagles fall into this category and thus would make good pets for a family with older children.

ARE YOU A SUITABLE OWNER?

Puppies are very cute, but needs lots of love and care. They will return in kind to you. Some people are disarmed by the cuteness and exuberant of the puppies that they forgotten to count the cost of caring for them. It is a lifelong responsibility. There will be much headache and joy in cleaning after pooing/peeing, taking to veterinarian when s/he fall sick, vaccination, feeding etc.

Some good breeder will want to ensure that you will be a suitable owner. Answer questions honestly and try not to be offended if a breeder genuinely feels that you would be better off without a breed. It will save you from lots of headache and unwanted puppies/dogs latter on.

There are no bad puppies/dogs. Only bad or unprepared owners.

Dog Speak

Dog Communication

A dog can tell a lot about another dog just by looking at him and noting what the different parts of his body are doing.

Eyes
• Direct eye contact means a dog is feeling bold and confident
• Casual eye contact means he's contented
• An averted gaze means deference
• Dilated pupils indicate fear

Ears
• Relaxed ears mean that a dog is calm
• Erect ears show that a dog is alert and attentive
• Ears that are up and forward mean a dog is challenging or being assertive
• Ears that are laid back indicate that a dog is worried or scared

Body Movements
• Pawing is an appeasing gesture
• Licking another dog's face is an invitation to play or a sign of deference
• Play-bowing (front legs extended, rump up, tail wagging) is an invitation to play and a sign of happiness
• Draping the head over another dog's shoulders is a sign of boldness
• Freezing in place means a dog is frightened
• Rubbing or leaning against another dog is a companionable gesture

Mouth and Lips
• Panting means that a dog is feeling playful or excited, or maybe he's just hot
• A dog with the mouth and lips closed is uncertain or appeasing
• Licking the lips is a sign a dog is worried or is being appeasing
• A relaxed mouth means a dog is calm
• Lips pulled back are a challenging or warning sign

Hackles
(the hair on the shoulders and hips)

• Raised hackles indicate arousal, either because a dog is frightened or is challenging another dog
• Smooth hackles show a dog is calm

Tail
• A relaxed tail means a dog is calm and at ease
• Tail held straight out, wagging rhythmically and slowly, means that a dog is cautious or on guard
• Tail down indicates worry or uncertainty
• Tail held up and wagging fast indicates excitement
• An erect tail is a sign of alertness
• A tail between the legs is a sign of fear

Here are some examples of Dog Speak as discerned by dog psychologists. Human dogs are not that good at controlling ear position or their tails - however they can augment these features.
Like the butt would be in a given position for the tail to have been in that position.

Barks ^
Gather together, there maybe something we should be looking into...
Rapid strings of three or four barks in a mid-range pitch with pauses in between.

Danger is very close
Continuous Barking which is a bit slower and lower in pitch.

Hello there - I see you buddy :)
one or two short sharp barks in a high or mid-range pitch spoken quietly.

Stop that and Back off!!!
Single, Short, Loud and Sharp bark in a high pitch.

Lets play :)
Stutter-bark (ar-rufff).

Growls ^
I'm upset and will fight if pushed. Pack mates rally round and protect me for defense.
Growl-Bark, low Pitched (Grrrr-ruff)

Back off-beware!
Soft,low-pitched growl that seems to come from the chest.

Howls ^

I'm Lonely - is anybody out there?
Yip-Howl with prolonged howlllll.

I'm worried and alone. Whys doesn't anybody come to be with me?
Bark-Howl.

Whines ^

I want, I need.....
Whining that rises in pitch at the end.

Come on lets go :)))
Whining that drops in pitch at the end.

Whimpering ^

I'm hurt and really frightened - need Master to make it better.
soft gentle whimpering

follow me, I'm on the the scent trail so stay close
Baying

Ear Signals ^

Consider your next move VERY carefully - I'm in a 'pissy mood' and up for a good kicking - if you want some, "bring it on!"
Ears forward, combined with bared teeth and wricked nose - Snarling.

I accept you as Topdog and my leader. I know you wont hurt me because I am no threat to you.
Ears pulled back against head, teeth not visible, forehead smooth and body held low.

Hi there - we can have some fun together
Ears pulled back against the head, tail held high and relaxed, mouth open

Eye Signals ^
I challenge you - Stop that now. I'm Topdog here so back off !!
Direct eye to eye contact stare.
The underdog breaks eye contact and accept the Topdog as my alpha dog leader.

Ok, lets see if we can avoid a challenge
Blinking Stare

Facial Signals ^

This looks interesting :)~
Mouth closed, dog leaning slightly forward looking in the direction that has captured his interest.

I'm tense right now
Yawns.
Same behaviour as in humans.

I'm your slave, Underdog friend
Licking the neck and face of alpha dog or Master.

I'm hungry - and beg alpha dog or Master to feed me.
Licking the face and side of mouth.
This is where the Alpha dog can puke up food for the underdog or feed him his waste.
If the other dog is feeding then this is a request to share the dog bowl.

Tails Signals ^

I'm topdog around here and Everybody know it!
Tail up and slightly curved over the body - strutting proud walk.

I'm scared - don't hurt me
Tail tucked between legs, butt shaking (not wagging but insecure in position - not sure what to do)

You like me don't you? or Hey buddy I'm here.
'Yip' and a slight tail wag.

Body Language ^

I'm a bit anxious and concerned.
Dog sits with one front paw slightly raised.
This is dog seeking reassurance from puppy brother or Master.

I'm fab and groovy - everything is perfect.
Dogs rolls on its back rubbing its shoulders into the ground.

About My Dogs - Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever has a kindly expression, pretty dark eyes, and a wagging tail, the Golden Retriever has captured the hearts of many. Known for their temperament, a well-bred Golden Retriever is gentle, kind, loving, loyal, happy, confident and outgoing.

Neither lazy nor hyper, today’s golden retriever blend easily into many family settings. They strive to please their owners and, once taught what the owner desires, the Golden Retriever will astound you with their willingness to please.

That is what Sky & Rainbow my dogs are.(in Picture above) Both dogs are a pure pedigree because he is not conceived with other dog breed. That is not to say that a mixed breed (a mixture of s number of breeds), or a cross-bred (usually the first cross from two purebred dogs) is of lesser “worth”. These dogs have their intrinsic value of their own and characteristic too numerous to mention here. Their individuality makes each of them unique are just as valuable as family pets.

Sky (male) fur coat is copper brown and has big bone structure. Rainbow (female) on the other hand is beige in colour. They are very smart – all that they knows, they learned by looking at us. Always at the gate waiting when I comes home from work and will jump unto me waging their tails in expectancy. He is also very playful and naughty at times, they will "attack" and chase all moving things, butterflies, toads, and yes even our garden plants. Sometimes quite a headache for me & my wife. After scolding him, they will look very sad and will try to win our favour again by coming close to us and wagging tail.

Food: Thier food comprises California Natural, (an all natural, holistic pet food that uses only the finest human-grade ingredients with NO preservatives, NO by-products, and NO fillers.) which we feed him twice a day. Every weekend he will be given a bone and raw food. The California natural and raw egg has done them good as I notice that he is more energetic and his fur thicken luxuriantly.

I will also supplement some carrots and fruits as well. I believe this is the ideal diet that mirrors their natural state as in the wild (before domestication) the canine species though hunts and eat animals, they are omnivores. Their intestinal features and digestive system is very different from human.

Not only human cook their food and add plenty of flavouring and spices to suits our taste bud. Animal pronominally eat food in its natural state. Our colon is about 30 feet long wounded up, with a slow digestive process and discharge systems. Too much processing in our instant food industries has depleted the nutrients and enzymes that our body needs. I also BARF him once a week during weekend, usually raw chicken.

PUPPIES (up to 6 months)
New born puppies grow at a rapid rate for about the first six months. Frisky little puppies partake in a lot of activity, and generally need twice the energy intake per kg of body weight as compare to an adult dog. Also, remember at this age the little pups are at a growing stage and proper nutrition is essential for future growth. High level of protien, carbohydrates and fats are required together with balanced essential nutrients in a palatable form that is more calorie concentrated than adult food. Puppies characteristically eat little and often as their stomach are smaller.

IMMATURE DOGS (6 to 12 months)
After six months, puppies develop into immature dogs – not quite young anymore, but not quite an adult either. In the intervening dog years when your pet is in his teens (one human year is equivalent to seven dog years), he continues to grow, developing muscle and bone tissue, but at a slower rate. Food for these junior animals must take into account to prevent excessive weight gain.

MATURE DOGS (more than 18 months)
Once your dog reaches adulthood, it is important to reduce the concentration of calories in his food to avoid obesity. Think of your dog everyday routine and try to gauge how much energy he would need to carry out his daily activities. Typically, mature dogs eat to provide energy for exercise, body maintenance and repair.

I have learned much from caring for my dogs

We think that we are the ones who train our dogs and teach them, yet never realize how much they teach us over the months or years. We think they are the ones who take our time and care, but never realized how much they give in return and how much we take from them.

Caring for a puppy assures us that we are not alone in the world, that we are loved unconditionally. There are times when I punished him for misbehaviour. Maybe, left on his own he expands his energy by chewing on my favourite shoe. (Remember puppies do not know how expensive your shoes are) In my anger I schooled him harshly and used the shoe to beat him on his buttock. He was frightened and confused, Oh! master is angry, Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Pain… He looks sad and dejected and confused and been left alone and ignored. (I hope I will not be accused of dog abuse.) Yet after a little while when we approached him, he will ran joyfully towards us wagging his tail and licking our hands excitedly. All is ‘forgotten’ our dog shows his love for us unconditionally.

It helps to bring out the better qualities in a person. It reminds us that we are nice and beautiful people, not selfish, not self-centred, not inferior, not wanting. The fact is, our dogs make us more sensitive, more caring, more secure, calmer, and happier…in fact, undoubtedly better people than we would be without them. With their relentless overtures and displays of love, they can restore our faith daily in a world that can sometimes be cruel and disappointing.