
We have seen this image too often. A pup is brought home to a giggling child too happy to have a cuddly little puppy with furiously wagging tail while kissing the child all over the face, a happy contagiously funny scene.
The excitement though wears off easily. Soon the dog will be peeing on the carpet, needing to be fed and watered, jumping on people, begging for walks, creating noise, uprooting plants, digging in the yard and messing around as all dogs do. Adopting a dog entails responsibilities such as grooming, taking it out for exercises, training and caring as well as feeding and watering. This is the bigger scene not usually imagined but just as real.
When decided to adopting a dog, plan for the following:
Supplies
The basic supplies that the dog will need are bowls for water and food, a dog ID tag with name address and phone number, a bed, a comb, a collar and a leash, and dog food.
Setting Limits
Even before the dog is brought home, the family should agree on tasks, assignments and other dog duties for the caring of the dog. Assignments should include who should feed the dog on particular days, who should take the dog for walks, and who should groom the dog. Agree on areas that are off limits to the dog and areas where the dog is allowed. If the dog is not yet trained, do not allow the dog to sit on the furniture or sleep in the bed with people.
When limits are not set and the dog is allowed to do as it wants, the dog will attempt to dominate. This is an old pattern of dog behavior that is carried over since the dogs were still in the wild. To prevent this, do not play games with the dog that will teach him to challenge you. Roughhouse and tug of war are some of the most popular examples.
When the dog starts to nip, it is a signal that the dog have had enough, let the dog rest and do not allow another occasion to reach that point as it also teaches the dog to become dominant. Likewise, do not allow nor encourage wild behavior.
The dog also appreciates hierarchy. If it learns from the start that you play dominance or is the alpha male, it would be easier to make the dog follow your commands.
Dog Training
Dog obedience training must start as early as possible because the dog has to learn manners and to follow commands. Excessive barking, jumping on people, quarrelling with other dogs and house pets, chewing on furniture, scratching the carpet are just some of the examples untrained dogs do that often results to embarrassment to their owners.
Different dogs have a variety of temperaments. These do not only differ from one dog to another, it also differs depending on the breed and the size of the dog. While dogs are generally lovely and lively creatures, there are some negative traits that surface after a while. Negative traits, however, are reduced if not removed by training.
Check out some great recipes:
Multi-Grain Dog Biscuit TreatsIngredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups whole-wheat flour 1 cup rye flour 1 cup cornmeal 2 cups cracked wheat (bulgur) 1/2 cup non-fat dry milk powder 4 tsp salt 2 cups chicken stock 1/4 oz active dry yeast (one package) 1 egg 1 Tbsp milk Directions: Preheat... [Read more]
Liver Brownies2 lbs chicken livers 2 C corn meal 2 C wheat germ 2 eggs 2 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic (not salt) 1/2 C dried parsley Liquefy livers in food processor, pour into mixing bowl and add other ingredients. Mix until smooth like... [Read more]
Buddy Boys Dog BiscuitsBuddy Boys Dog Biscuits 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1/2 cup oats, rolled (raw) — quick cooking 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1 teaspoon sugar Cut in 1/3 cup shortening until mix is coarse crumbs. Stir... [Read more]
Boo’s BiscuitsBoo’s Biscuits 3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 cup Quaker oats 1 cup milk 1/2 cup hot water 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes 1/2 cup meat drippings Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat. In a separate bowl, mix flour... [Read more]
Canine Cookies #2Canine Cookies #2 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 egg — well beaten 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion salt 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar 1/2 cup water 6 tablespoons gravy 2 jars baby food,... [Read more]
Barking Barley BrowniesBarking Barley Brownies 1 1/4 pounds beef liver — or chicken liver 2 cups wheat germ 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour 1 cup cooked barley 2 whole eggs 3 tablespoons peanut butter 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt — optional Pre... [Read more]
Chicken Garlic Birthday CakeChicken Garlic Birthday Cake 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 cup Whole-wheat flour 2 cups Wheat germ 1/2 cup Cornmeal 2 Eggs 1/2 cup Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon Minced garlic 2 cups water vegetable oil spray — Garlic Flavor Preheat oven to 375 degrees.... [Read more]
Flea Hater’s Dog BiscuitsIngredients: 1 cup flour 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, chopped medium, or 1 teaspoon powdered garlic (optional**) 1/2 cup chicken... [Read more]
Dog Biscuits #2Dog Biscuits #2 1 envelope dry yeast 1 cup rye flour 1/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk 1 pinch sugar 4 teaspoons kelp powder 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 4 cups beef or chicken broth 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups cracked wheat or 1 c. cornmeal GLAZE:... [Read more]
Dog Biscuits #5Dog Biscuits #5 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup white flour 1/2 cup powdered milk 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons shortening 1 egg — slightly beaten 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 cup cold water Stir dry ingredients well and then cut... [Read more]