All you need to know about taking care of your new best friend.

Its a
2
CHAPTER ONE: A New Adventure 3
About Purina 4 About Our Products 4
Purina PetCare Product Purina On-line 5
Technology Centres 4 Questions? 5
CHAPTER TWO: Welcome Home 6
Puppy-Proong Your Home 6 Naming Your Puppy 10
Supplies You Will Need 7-9 Introducing Your Puppy to His NewHome 10 - 11
CHAPTER THREE: Puppy Behaviour 12
Understanding Your Puppy 12 Problem Behaviours 15
Behaviour Training for Puppys Safety 12-13 Playing 16
House-Training 13-14 Socialization 16
Indoor Training 15
CHAPTER FOUR: Feeding Your Puppy 17
Why Puppies Need Special Nutrition 17 Where, When and HowMuch to Feed 18
What They Need 17 What Not to Feed Puppy 19
Whats in a Label 17 When to Switch to Adult Dog Food 19
Supplements 18 When Your Dog Has Special Dietary Needs 19
CHAPTER FIVE: Keeping Your Puppy Healthy 20
Regular Veterinary Visits 20 Canine Disease & Symptoms 22
Emergency Pet Clinic 20 Neutering 23
Pet Insurance 20 Parasites Internal and External 23- 26
Your Watchful Eye 20-21 Symptoms of Illness 26
The Routine Exam 21 Giving Medication 27
Vaccinations 21- 22
CHAPTER SIX: Basic Training 28
Behaviour Training 28 Obedience Training 29-30
Training Tips 28-29 Specic Commands 30-31
CHAPTER SEVEN: Grooming 32
Brushing and Combing 32 Care of Eyes and Ears 33
Bathing 32 Nail Care 33
Dental Care 32-33
CHAPTER EIGHT: Adding Another Dog to the Family 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
A NEW ADVENTURE
Pick up your puppy, cradle his wide-eyed
eagerness and look closely: you are beginning
a great adventure. Everything your dog is to
become starts now, in puppyhood.
The length of your dogs life will be inuenced
by three factors: genetics, nutrition and care.
While genetics are determined at birth, you still
have a great deal of inuence on the length and
quality of your new pets life in many other ways.
Give himexcellent nutrition, veterinary care and
training, and your puppy will grow up to be a
healthy, happy dog and a faithful companion.
Knowing a fewbasic facts about puppy behaviour
and how to care for himwill help you establish
a good relationship. So take time to learn about
caring for your new puppy and how to make
your home safe for him. This will help make
the transition easy on your puppy and on the
rest of his new family.
Purina created this guide to serve as a handy,
factual reference tool, to help you feel more
knowledgeable about your puppy. It will help
you through your puppys rst year. This book
is not intended as a substitute for professional
veterinary medical care, but it should provide
you with valuable information about your puppy.
We wish you many wonderful years with your
new best friend.
4
ABOUT PURINA
At Purina, our passion is pets. We are committed
to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.We
have more experience in developing quality,
nutritious pet foods than any company
in the world, having invented dry dog food
in the 1920s.
Pets around the world owe their good looks and
health to the innovative thinking of one man.
Donald Danforth, son of Purina founder William
H. Danforth, saw as early as 1920 that the key
to creating excellent pet food was conducting
nutritional studies and having a facility dedicated
to that purpose.
PURINA PETCARE PRODUCT
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
Our dedication to pets, their nutrition and
care is reected in our investment behind
our products and services. The Global Purina
Research & Development (R&D) network
is staffed with dedicated scientists and
professionals from a multitude of disciplines,
including food scientists, engineers, chemists,
animal behaviourists, veterinarians, pet
nutrition experts and various technicians.
Pet nutrition and health are key areas of focus
for our R&D teams, who are located in Product
Technology Centres in St. Louis, Missouri, St.
Joseph, Missouri and Amiens, France.
Teams of experienced pet nutrition experts and
small-animal veterinarians work with product
development scientists to create new pet foods
that consistently deliver high-quality nutrition.
In addition, using cutting-edge technologies,
new products are developed which address
specic health concerns such as weight manage-
ment, diabetes, food allergies, and dental health.
Purina has operated its pet care and research
facilities longer than any other company since
1926 and is proud to say that our state- of-the-
art facilities are the largest of their kind in the
world. Through teamwork and dedication, our
Product Technology Centre associates care for
each pet while conducting carefully planned,
noninvasive nutritional studies. We train, groom
and socialize our cats and dogs in a spacious,
comfortable environment. Above all, we work
hard to make sure each pet leads a happy,
healthy life.
ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS
Because every pet owner and every pet has
different needs, Purina makes a wide variety of
delicious, nutritious foods and treats including
therapeutic diets prescribed by veterinarians.
Whatever your pets needs, youll nd a food
thats right for you and your dog. The ingredients
in Purina

brand pet foods may vary, but two

things stays consistent: quality nutrition that
has nourished generations of healthy dogs, and
a deep commitment to continuous improvement
based on the latest nutritional learning. When
you feed any Purina

dog food, you can count

on a lifetime of nutritional quality for your dog.
PURINA ON-LINE
To learn more, and to discover the excellent
selection of pet products Purina has to offer,
visit our web site at www.purina.ca. Youll
nd a wealth of useful information that
will help you select the right food for your
new puppy. While youre there browse the
entire site for helpful pet care tips.
QUESTIONS?
This guide covers the basics of puppy
ownership and care. For more information
about your puppy, or if you have questions
about a Purina

pet food, call our Pet

Advisors at 1-800-268-5345 weekdays
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. or visit our
website at www.mypuppy.ca
DID YOU KNOW?
When puppies are born, they only have
the use of the heat and scent receptors on
and in their noses, and the touch receptors
on their bodies. Their senses of sight and
hearing only develop after they are born.
6
PUPPY-PROOFING YOUR HOME
Puppies are like babies; theyre lively,
theyre curious and they teethe. This can
lead them into serious trouble unless you
take preventative measures.
Remember that a puppy has a lower vantage
point than yours like a baby who has begun
to crawl and may be attracted to things you
cannot see when you are standing.
Its practically impossible to completely
puppy-proof your home against accidents,
but for your puppys safety, here are some
suggestions:
Conne your puppy to a safe area inside.
Keep doors and windows closed and
screened securely.
Your puppy should not be left unsupervised
inside or outside. Puppies will investigate,
wander about and possibly get into mischief
(soiling, chewing, getting locked in closets
or rooms, etc.).
Keep your puppy off balconies, upper
porches and high decks.
Securely store cleaning supplies, detergent,
bleach, paint and paint thinner, fertilizer,
disinfectants, mothballs, insect and rodent
poisons, and antifreeze. Make sure you keep
these items where your puppy cannot access,
preferably on high storage shelves in closed
cabinets.
Remove poisonous houseplants or place
them in hanging baskets out of your
puppys reach, and ensure plant leaves do
not fall within puppys reach. Some common
plants which are poisonous include:
amaryllis azalea
bleeding heart caladium
clematis daffodil
daphne dieffenbachia
(dumb cane)
English ivy foxglove
holly iris
ivy mistletoe
morning glory narcissus
oleander philodendron
poinsettia potato
rhododendron rubber plant
tobacco tulip
weeping g yew
This list is not complete.
Keep toilet lids down. Puppies may play in
or drink the water. They could be hurt by the
lid closing on them. Toilet bowl cleansers are
harmful if swallowed.
Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords
in your puppys connement area. If he
chews live wires, this can lead to severe
WELCOME HOME
7
mouth burns, electrocution or res. Do not use
electric blankets or pads to line your puppys
bed. It is also a good idea to cover electrical
outlets with plug covers when not in use.
Never give your puppy any medication
without consulting your veterinarian.
Keep all medications (prescription and
over-the-counter medicines) out of your
puppys reach.
Check to see where your puppy is before
closing any doors. Make it a habit to conduct
a puppy check before leaving home to
make sure your puppy has not accidentally
been locked in an unsafe area.
Keep sewing supplies and small hardware
out of your puppys reach. Buttons, beads,
needles, pins, balls of string or yarn and
thread can hurt his mouth or internal organs
if swallowed. The same goes for nails, staples,
screws, paper clips, aluminum can tabs and
other sharp objects.
Small puppies can get tangled in plastic
six-pack beverage holders. Cut the holders
apart to prevent this problem.
Keep all plastic bags away from your puppy.
He could get trapped inside and suffocate or he
might chew and swallow bits of plastic which
could be very harmful to his digestive system.
Ribbons around your puppys neck can be
very dangerous. If your puppy catches the
ribbon on anything, he may choke. He might
also chew the ribbon and swallow it, which
could result in digestive problems.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED
You will need to get some basic supplies for
your puppy if you dont already have them.
Crate
One of the most important items to purchase
for your puppy is a crate. The crate will
become your puppys den, his special place
to sleep, stay and go to feel safe. It can be
constructed of wire or plastic and should be
large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn
around and lie down comfortably in. However,
it should not be so large that your puppy will
soil one end and sleep at the other.
If your puppy is a large breed, you might want
to purchase an adjustable crate to allow for
his rapid growth or purchase two or three
crates in increasing sizes. The crate should
have adequate ventilation, but openings
should be small enough so the puppy cannot
get his head or paw stuck. Also, be sure the
door locks securely so that your puppy cannot
push the door partially open and get his head
or paw stuck. When your puppy is completely
house-trained and does not chew things, you
might want to place a washable blanket or
cushion inside the crate.
Give your puppy a safe chew toy while hes
crated. No food or water should be left in
his crate because after eating and drinking,
hell need to relieve himself and hell have no
other choice but to soil his crate. And for your
puppys safety, be sure to remove his collar
while hes crated.
The location of the crate should be easy to
clean and draft free. Place it near or in the
family hub of activity such as the family
room or the kitchen. You want your puppy
to feel like part of the family.
This is his own home and he should feel
comfortable here. Once you choose a location,
it should be the crates permanent location.
To introduce your puppy to his crate,
place a kibble of puppy food in the crate and
gently push him inside as you give him the
command Kennel. Close the door briey.
Once he is calm, praise him. Now let your
puppy out of the crate. Repeat this for longer
periods of time, always praising him for going
inside. Your puppy should nap in his crate and
sleep there overnight from the beginning. If
you cannot crate your puppy, the use of an
exercise pen is recommended.
The key to successful use of the crate is to
always use it in a positive manner never
as a punishment. When you are too busy to
supervise your puppy, or when you have to be
away, place your puppy in the crate with the
proper chew toy. (Always make sure to give him
an opportunity to eliminate before you crate him.)
Collar and Leash
Your puppys rst collar and leash should
be made of lightweight nylon or leather. For
collar size, measure his neck and add two
inches. Check his collar frequently to be sure
he does not outgrow it. When he is older, you
will need to buy a webbed-cotton or leather
leash with a secure clasp. Six feet is the best
length for training and walking.
Training Collar
Training collars should be used under the
instruction of an experienced dog trainer.
There are many types of training collars
available for a variety of behaviours. For
example, the metal link or chain collar should
only be worn during training sessions. This
is very important because if your puppys
training collar was to get caught on something
when you were not there, his natural instinct
would be to pull away and this action could
choke him. Ask your veterinarian for his advice
on a training collar for your specic puppys
behavioural needs. And make sure to ask
for advice on proper application and use.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Chow Chow has
a blue-black tongue.
8
9
Identication Tag
An identication tag permanently attached
to the collar should give your puppys name,
your name, address and telephone number
(with area code). This tag can make all the
difference in the world in getting your puppy
home safely if he strays. Another identication
option is now available which involves injecting
a microchip under your puppys skin. Consult
your veterinarian for more information about
this method of identication.
Food and Water Bowls
These bowls should be easy to clean and heavy
enough so they do not tip over. Since some
pets might be allergic to plastic, twin stainless
steel bowls in a holder are ideal. Be sure to
wash your puppys bowls daily.
Grooming Tools
The proper grooming tools will differ depending
on your puppys haircoat. For short-haired
breeds use a brush with natural bristles, a
rubber curry comb or grooming hand mitt.
A sturdy wide-tooth metal comb and perhaps
a slicker brush are needed for long-haired
breeds. Be sure to include a ea comb.
Establish your puppys grooming program
as soon as possible so hell not only be used
to grooming, but hell look forward to this
special one-on-one time with you.
Toys
Safe toys are an important part of your pet
equipment. They can help your puppy exercise
and provide a safe way to satisfy your puppys
need to chew. Be sure to choose toys that are
made for puppies and cannot be splintered,
torn apart or swallowed. Its always a good
idea to supervise your puppy for a few minutes
when you provide him with a new chew toy.
Good Toys
Large rawhide chips, nylon chews and hard
rubber balls are fun and usually safe. Be
sure to replace the rawhide when it becomes
fragmented or worn. Rawhide chews should
be given with supervision until you know
your puppys chewing behaviour.
Toys to avoid
As a general rule, if your puppy can t
the whole toy in his mouth, the toy is too
small and could be unsafe. Tug toys are not
recommended for interactive play between
owner and puppy since they can unintentionally
reinforce aggressive behaviour.
Be careful not to buy sponge toys or items
with squeakers, whistles or other attached
parts that can be torn off and swallowed.
Also avoid anything with hard, sharp points
or pieces that can break off.
Inappropriate Toys
Dont let your puppy play with your old shoes
or clothes. To a puppy, this means all your
clothing and shoes are fair game for him.
While chewing clothing, pieces can be
swallowed, and this could lead to obstructions
in the digestive tract. You should not give
your puppy rubber bands, balls of aluminum
foil or cellophane, corks or wire twist ties.
Keep your puppy away from childrens toys
made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge or
polyurethane. If your puppy swallows a small
particle of any of these materials, it could
cause problems with his digestive system.
DID YOU KNOW?
A puppys toenails grow constantly.
If your puppy isnt walking on hard
surfaces enough to wear them down,
you may need to help with trimming.
10
NAMING YOUR PUPPY
If you havent already picked out a name
for your puppy, do so as soon as possible
and start using it. Its easy to get your puppy
to know his name and to come when called.
Repeat his name often, and when he comes
to you, caress himso that he learns to associate
his name with love. If you choose a long name,
or if he has a long registered name, you should
use a shorter version or nickname in your
training. Use a high, happy tone of voice when
calling his name and when praising him.
INTRODUCING YOUR PUPPY
TO HIS NEW HOME
Remember, your puppy looks to you for direction,
comfort and protection. Everything is new
to him, so he may not be playful and frisky
at rst. Give him time and be patient. And
talk to him. Puppies may not know people
vocabulary, but they soon learn to respond
to your voice and commands. Speak to him
gently, and always treat him kindly.
Introduce your puppy to his area as soon
as you bring him home. Put his toys in his
crate and show him where his food and water
bowls are. Your puppy will soon know which
special little corner of your house is his.
Respect his right to be undisturbed while
he is resting, sleeping or eating.
Your puppy probably will be homesick for
a night or two, so dont be surprised if he
whimpers or cries at bedtime or mealtime.
Remember, he has just been taken away from
his mother and littermates.
Avoid rough play and handling of your new
puppy. Let him make his own advances. It may
be days before he feels at home and wants to
play. Dont overtire your puppy. Play with him,
but give him plenty of time for naps.
Introducing Your Puppy to His NewFamily
Be sure to show all family members the proper
way to pick up and hold your puppy: place
one hand under his hindquarters and the
other under his chest. Never pick him up by
his front paws or by the scruff of his neck.
Introducing Your Puppy to Children
Most children love puppies and vice versa.
But its important to teach your children about
proper animal care. Introduce your puppy to
children gradually, for short periods of time.
Children must understand that your puppy
is a sensitive, living creature. They must learn
not to pull the puppys tail or ears, squeeze or
poke him, make loud, threatening noises, or
move toward him too rapidly.
Explain to your children that to a puppy
even a small child looks like a giant. If hes
frightened by a child, he might try to bite in
order to protect himself. A good way for both
children and adults to play with a small puppy
is to get down on the oor at his level to make
him feel more secure. Children should be
supervised by an adult when interacting with
the new puppy.
Older children can be given certain responsi-
bilities in the care and training of the puppy
although you must follow up to be sure that
the responsibilities are being met.
11
Introducing Your Puppy to a Baby
To a puppy, a baby is a totally different
creature than a child or adult. The baby smells
different to him, and doesnt look, move or
sound like an adult to the puppy. So it will take
more time for the puppy to adjust to a baby.
Let the puppy smell a piece of the babys
clothing or a blanket before he meets the baby.
At their rst meeting, the puppy and baby
should be kept 10 to 15 feet apart, and brought
closer very gradually, a foot at a time.
You should watch and use careful judgment
in deciding when the puppy is allowed to sniff
the baby directly. Dont leave the puppy and
baby unattended together, even for a moment.
Most puppies adjust to babies easily, but
some may not.
Introducing Your Puppy to Other Pets
Introduce your puppy to other pets in the
house with care. When an older dog meets
a puppy, it is advisable to have both pets on
leashes. Do not leave them alone together
until you are sure they are friends.
If you are introducing your puppy to a cat,
consider a wire or mesh gate in a doorway.
This allows the two animals to get acquainted
while it also gives the cat a way to jump out
and nd refuge if she needs to get away
from the puppy.
Whether your other pet is a dog or cat,
remember to show him/her extra love and
affection so that he/she will not be jealous
of the puppy. And dont force your older pet
to accept the puppy immediately. Let them
become acquainted at their own pace.
Introducing Your Puppy to Visitors
Introducing your puppy to visitors is an
important part of his socialization. It will
help lessen his fear of strangers and make
him friendlier as an adult dog.
When introducing your new puppy to visitors,
remember his collar and leash. Do not let him
jump up on people. Give your puppy the
command sit and help himinto this position.
Have a piece of kibble ready for his reward,
and dont allow guests to pet him until he is
sitting. Have him hold this position while
being greeted. This will help him to learn
how to accept greetings and praise calmly.
Also, request that other adults and visitors
respect your puppys rights, that they hold
him properly and talk to him. (To learn more
about training your dog to sit, see page 30
on Training Tips.)
DID YOU KNOW?
There are more than 500 breeds
of dogs in the world today.
12
As a puppy owner, you have a responsibility to
help your puppy grow up properly and enjoy
a healthy, happy life. You should expect certain
behaviour patterns fromyour puppy and know
how to cope with them. You will need to train
your puppy to help himt into your household.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PUPPY
If you realize that a modern dog is descended
from a wolf and retains characteristics of its
ancestors, your puppys behaviour becomes
more understandable.
For instance, in a wolf pack there is one
high-ranking animal that the others follow
the leader of the pack. You must establish
yourself as the leader to your puppy in
order to command your puppys respect
and obedience. Establishing this relationship
is vital to behaviour training.
There are a few simple rules to follow
in training your puppy:
Be rm, but gentle
Be consistent
Follow through with each command
Never hit or strike your puppy
for disobeying
Always reward your puppy for good
behaviour with plenty of praise and
positive reinforcement, or with a small
kibble of puppy food.
Puppies understand three different tones.
When these tones are used as follows,
communication with your puppy will be less
of a struggle. Never yell yelling signies
that you are out of control and may cause
your puppy to fear you.
High pitched: This tone is similar to the
sound of littermates. Use this tone to motivate
your puppy as in come or heel.
Matter of fact: This is the tone a dog would
use to bark. This is the ideal tone to use for
giving commands very calm, deliberate, and
in control.
Low tone: This would be much like a growl
which your pups mother would use to warn her
pups when shes had enough of their nonsense.
This tone should be used as a way of showing
disapproval no! or the warning ahhh.
BEHAVIOUR TRAINING
FOR YOUR PUPPYS SAFETY
Your puppy must learn to respond to his
name and come when he is called. It is vital
that you be able to command your puppys
attention and summon him immediately
if he starts doing something he shouldnt.
Use his name often and make come! the
rst spoken command your puppy learns,
always followed by praise. In this way he will
learn to associate positive experiences with
this command.
Always supervise him when he is outdoors.
When your puppy is outside, he should be
contained in a fenced area or walked on a
leash. Its not a good idea to tie your puppy
or adult dog outside. No matter how carefully
you watch your puppy, there is always the
possibility that he could become lost. Thats
why it is important that at all times your
puppy wear a collar with identication tag,
license and rabies tags. Keep a current photo
and description of your puppy on hand.
PUPPY BEHAVIOUR
13
Should he become lost, here are some tips
which might help you nd him:
Show his photo to your neighbours and tell
them where and when he was last seen.
Create a ier that includes a picture and
description of your puppy. Post these iers
at local stores and schools.
Visit your local humane organizations
often to see if your puppy has been turned
in. Post iers here also.
Go to veterinary clinics and ask permission
to leave iers.
Place an ad in the lost and found section
of local newspapers.
If your puppy has been microchipped,
call local animal shelters and rabies
control ofces.
HOUSE-TRAINING
Along with teaching your puppy his name and
to come when called, his next most important
lesson is house-training.
Your puppy should be vaccinated before you
begin teaching him to use an outdoor area
for eliminating. He should also be free of
parasites, since an infested puppy may nd
it impossible to control his bowel movements.
There are three major steps to house-training.
1. Proper diet and scheduling
The key word is consistency. You must be
consistent in both food and water, and time
of feeding. A puppys stomach is sensitive to
changes in food, so you should not vary his
diet during the house-training. This way you
can train his digestive system to become more
predictable. He will need to eliminate shortly
after each meal. During initial house-training,
remove water two to three hours before bedtime.
2. Supervision
After his meal, take him outside or to a
designated spot, each time. Stay with him
and encourage him by using your happy voice
with words such as potty time or hurry
so that he will associate these words with
relieving himself. Reward him with calm
praise or a small kibble of puppy food, and
tell him,good puppy when he has nished.
If outside, take him inside immediately. Do
not extend this period into an outdoor play
session, or your puppy will become confused
about the purpose of the visit.
Other times your puppy may need to eliminate
are when he wakes in the morning and after
naps, after he nishes playing, after he drinks
water and just before bedtime. Use the same
routine every time if you are taking your
puppy outdoors to eliminate including using
the same door each time. He will learn to
associate this door with going outside to
eliminate, and he may scratch or sniff the
door to tell you that he needs to eliminate.
Other signs that your puppy is about to
eliminate include snifng the oor, whining,
turning in circles or squatting. Immediately
take him outside or to the designated spot,
whenever he gives you these signals.
It is important to teach your puppy as soon
as you bring him home that his crate is his
den, where he sleeps and naps. Do not put
anything in his crate except a few safe, hard
rubber or nylon chew toys. Dont put food or
14
water in the crate because your puppy will
have no place to eliminate after he eats or
drinks except in his crate. Always give your
puppy an opportunity to eliminate prior to
crating him.
3. Appropriate Crate Training
First thing each morning, take him from
his crate, and carry him (or lead him on
his leash) to his elimination spot. Provide
encouragement and praise him when hes
nished. Puppies respect their sleeping
quarters and will not soil their crate (den)
provided they are taken out at regular intervals.
And dont forget to take him outside, or to the
designated spot, after every meal.
During house-training, when he is out of his
crate, he should not be allowed to have the
run of the house unless you are there to watch
him. When you are away, he should be left in his
crate or conned to one room which is easily
cleaned kitchen, laundry room or bathroom.
A puppy should not be conned in his crate
for long periods of time since he will not have
bowel or bladder control until he is older.
A rule of thumb is to add one to his age in
months to equal the number of hours he can
be expected to be conned comfortably without
eliminating. For example, a two-month old
puppy should not be conned for more than
three hours.
If you are away from home for long periods
of time, ask someone you trust to take your
puppy outside or to the designated spot to
eliminate at scheduled intervals. Try never to
leave older pups or adult dogs for more than
eight hours. They will be cheated of proper
exercise and socialization. If you follow the
crate method, your puppy should be house-
trained in four to six weeks. Some achieve it
sooner, others take up to six months, so dont
be discouraged if your puppy takes a while.
Your puppys sense of smell is much more
acute than yours. If he has a mishap in the
house and the odour is not eliminated, he will
return to the same spot later. Conventional
housecleaning products will get rid of the
odour for your nose, but not for your puppys.
Most pet stores carry special pet-odour
neutralizers that are much more effective
in removing the odours.
15
INDOOR TRAINING
Paper-Training
Paper-training may be a temporary solution
before your puppy is vaccinated and able to
be taken outside. It is also an alternative for a
small dog, if you live in a high-rise apartment
or if you have difculty taking your puppy
outside regularly.
Rather than simply placing newspapers on
the kitchen oor, it is recommended that you
use a conned area or an exercise pen, which
comes in panels and can be made into any
size or shape. Place the pen in the kitchen,
temperature-controlled garage or basement.
Place your puppys crate in one end of the pen
with the door open. Put his food and water
dishes next to his crate along with a few safe
hard rubber or nylon chew toys. Place the
newspapers at the other end of the pen, as
far away from his eating and sleeping area
as possible.
To help your puppy through his house-training
period, stick to the paper-training only when
you cannot be home. Follow the crate training
method at all times and he may housetrain
himself, even though he is in his pen.
PROBLEM BEHAVIOURS
Chewing
A puppys chewing problem is usually due to
teething, boredom or stress. Giving a puppy
ice cubes can help alleviate sore gums associated
with teething and plenty of safe chew toys
can help alleviate boredom. Remember, the
ice counts as water consumption so make
sure your puppy has an opportunity to
eliminate frequently.
Also, a puppy conned to his crate or pen will
not get into chewing trouble when youre gone.
When you catch your puppy in the act of chewing
something off limits, bring this inappropriate
behaviour to your puppys attention by saying
No! or Ahhh! and redirecting his attention to
chewing a safe toy. Praise him when he chews
the toy by saying in a high-pitched, happy
voice good boy! and giving him a hug.
To keep your puppy from chewing on the
furniture, there are foul-tasting (but harmless)
products available at pet stores that can be put
on furniture to stop puppies from chewing.
Ask your veterinarian about these products
and be sure to choose one that is safe for pets
and furniture.
Crying and Whining
Since your puppy considers your family his pack,
he will want to be with you whenever possible.
Puppies love human companionship. Although
being left alone is sometimes necessary, it can
be stressful to a young puppy. A puppy isnt
sure when you are going to return.
Your puppy needs reassurance and lots of
reinforcement. You may want to start teaching
your puppy to stay alone by letting him spend
short periods of time in his crate while you are
at home.
Praise him when he is quiet. You will be rein-
forcing the acceptance of his crate while you
teach himthat it is okay to be alone sometimes.
Try not to make a big production out of
leaving or returning as this will only reinforce
your puppys feelings of anxiety. The more
matter-of-fact you can be, the better. Your
16
puppy will soon realize that even though
you are leaving, you will return.
Provide safe toys as a distraction fromloneliness.
You might also leave a radio playing softly
in another room, so that he hears voices and
feels secure.
PLAYING
Puppies require daily exercise and regular
play times. Play is important contact between
you and your puppy. It helps develop his social
skills, provides exercise and strengthens
the bond between you. Play also provides a
constructive release for your puppys pent-up
energy. This is a great time for you to interact
with your puppy take a walk in the park, or
jog, or play a game of catch. Have fun together
and get some exercise at the same time.
Games such as fetch and hide n seek are fun
for your puppy and allow him to express his
natural instincts. Just as humans do, animals
get bored doing the same thing, so provide
variety in the games you play and the toys
you provide.
Dont let the play become aggressive. Tug-
of-war, jumping up, growling, nipping, etc.
should never be allowed. This type of play
puts you at his level; you lose your status as
pack leader. He will then treat you as his
equal or may even try to be your leader. You
must maintain your role as leader at all times.
SOCIALIZATION
You should have your pet interact with a wide
variety of family members, friends and strangers
while he is young so he learns to get along
well with all kinds of people. Reassure your
puppy that these people are friendly and
encourage himto greet themappropriately.
Introduce your puppy to different environments.
Take him for walks, rides in the car; and on
family outings such as picnics, little league
games and other outdoor activities. The more
places you take him and the more people he
meets, the easier it will be for him to take
new introductions in stride. For your puppys
safety and to be a responsible pet owner,
always obey the local leash laws and pick up
after him if he eliminates.
DID YOU KNOW?
It is a myth that puppies must be six months
or older before they can be properly trained
the younger they are, the easier it is to teach
them and the faster they learn!
17
FEEDING YOUR PUPPY
WHY PUPPIES NEED
SPECIAL NUTRITION
The rst year is critical to your puppys
development. During this time, your puppy
needs the best possible nutrition to provide
strong bones and teeth, proper development
of body functions, clear eyes and a thick,
lustrous haircoat.
At certain times during this period of growth
and development, a puppy requires up to
twice the amount of most nutrients (per
pound of body weight) than an adult dog.
At six to eight weeks of age, he requires
as much as three times the adult caloric
requirement per pound of body weight.
This amount declines to twice the adult
caloric requirement by the time the puppy
is 16 weeks old. The caloric requirements
of puppies gradually decrease to the adult
requirements over a period of time that varies
by breed. Many breeds complete growth and
development in approximately one year, but
certain large and giant breed puppies,
like St. Bernards, may not mature until
they are nearly two years old.
When youre feeding a large breed puppy,
research indicates that avoiding overfeeding
may help development. Monitor your puppys
weight, adjusting food intake as necessary
to maintain ideal body condition. Ask your
veterinarian about specic feeding guidelines
for large breed puppies.
WHAT THEY NEED
Extensive studies at the Purina PetCare
Centre, with puppies of many breeds, show
that a puppys growth and energy levels
require food that provides extra nutrition
and calories.
The food should provide the correct balance
and amounts of essential nutrients such as
amino acids, which make up protein, as well as
calciumand phosphorous in the proper ratio.
To meet the unique needs of a puppys growth
pattern, your puppy will do best on food that
is specially formulated for puppies. Purina

brand puppy foods provide all the nutrition

needed to help build a strong bone structure,
good muscles and the vitality that will take
him through this period of rapid development.
WHATS IN A LABEL?
Pet food labels provide you with information
to help you make a good food selection for
your puppy. The label provides a guaranteed
analysis stating the minimum levels of protein
and fat, and the maximum levels of bre and
moisture, as well as any additional nutrients
provided by the manufacturers.
The label also shows all ingredients used to
make the pet food listed in descending order
of their predominance by weight. The label
should indicate whether the product provides
complete and balanced nutrition for all life
stages (including gestation/lactation, and
adult maintenance) or for a particular life
stage, such as puppy growth.
18
Many snacks and treats may not be
nutritionally complete and balanced. They
should not be fed as a sole diet; moreover,
they are usually high in calories.
The label should show if the product has
undergone animal feeding studies. If you have
questions about the food that are not answered
on the label, contact the manufacturer or
check with your veterinarian.
SUPPLEMENTS
Unless directed by your veterinarian, it is
not necessary to add supplemental vitamins,
minerals or other foods to your puppys diet.
If he is eating Purina

pet food, he is getting

complete and balanced nutrition already.
WHERE, WHEN AND HOW
MUCH TO FEED
Place your puppys food and water dishes
away from foot trafc and noise, in a place
that is comfortable and easy for him to
reach. A plastic mat or newspaper under
the dishes will make cleanup easier. Do not
change the location of the dishes unless it
is absolutely necessary.
Above all, always keep clean, fresh water
available at all times. And keep food and
water dishes clean. At six to eight weeks,
you can feed your puppy at three scheduled
feedings a day. This procedure, along with
proper diet, is important in house-training
your puppy.
You may want to moisten your puppys food
with water at rst. This makes eating easier
for unweaned puppies and smaller breeds.
As your puppy gets older, you can gradually
reduce the water mixed with his dry food, or
you can continue to feed it moistened. Even if
food is moistened, you must make fresh water
available to your puppy at all times.
When your puppy is about six months old,
you should change scheduled feedings to
twice a day until your puppy is mature.
For a proper feeding program, check the
puppy food package for the recommended
amounts for various age levels and breeds.
Adjust the amount for your puppy so he does
not become overweight. You can also ask your
veterinarian for advice.
IMPORTANT: Bringing a puppy home can
be very stressful for the puppy and can cause
him digestive problems. If you change your
puppys food when you bring him home, or
at any other time, be sure to do so gradually
over a 7 to 10 day period. This will help to
avoid digestive upsets.
DID YOU KNOW?
Protein for puppies is a lot
more than just tasting good.
Protein is an essential building
block for your puppys immune
system, skin, coat and
digestive tract.
19
Start by mixing a small amount of new food
with his present food. Gradually increase
the new food in his bowl while decreasing
the old food over a 10-day period. This is
especially important when changing from
growth to adult food.
WHAT NOT TO FEED YOUR PUPPY
Do NOT feed bones to your puppy. These
can lodge in his throat or pierce the stomach
walls and intestinal tract.
Do NOT feed table scraps. These can create
a nicky eater and since table scraps are
usually high in calories, they may cause
obesity. Your puppys stomach should not
protrude when you look at him from above,
and you should be able to feel his ribs
beneath his esh.
Do NOT feed your puppy from the table or
allow anyone else to do so. This can lead
to behaviour problems such as begging or
stealing food from the table.
Do NOT feed kitten or cat food to your
puppy since these foods are not intended for
the specic nutritional needs of puppies.
Do NOT vary your puppys diet unless
instructed by your veterinarian; you could
upset his nutrient balance.
Do NOT give your puppy between-meal
snacks or treats. During his obedience
training, a kibble of puppy food can be given
as a reward for being a good puppy. But
the reward should not be people food.
Some foods, like chocolate, can be toxic to
your puppy, even in small amounts.
WHEN TO SWITCH
TO AN ADULT DOG FOOD
The general rule of thumb is to switch your
puppy to an adult dog food when he has
nished growing. This usually occurs
around his rst birthday. But if you have
a larger breed, it could be closer to his
second birthday. Ask your veterinarian
about the right time to begin transitioning
to adult dog food.
WHEN YOUR DOG HAS
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
If your dog is experiencing medical problems,
check with your veterinarian to see if he could
benet from a special diet. Purina Veterinary
Diets

offers a line of veterinarian-prescribed

diets that help meet the special nutritional
needs of dogs who suffer from certain heart
conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney
problems, obesity, diabetes, colitis and some
types of allergies.
DID YOU KNOW?
If puppies grow too fast, theyll have problems
later on. Though puppies do need more calories
in their crucial developmental years, if your
puppy eats too much, hell grow too fast. Rapid,
disproportionate growth of the bones and
muscles could lead to joint problems and a whole
host of other difculties. Feed himonly the amount
he needs to maintain proper body condition.
20
REGULAR VETERINARY VISITS
Perhaps the most loving, responsible thing
you can do for your puppy is to see that he
receives timely health care froma veterinarian.
Its important to establish a relationship with
a veterinarian right away, so he or she becomes
a trusted partner in your puppys upbringing.
Regular visits to your veterinarian should
begin as soon as you acquire your puppy.
Puppies get some immunity from their
mothers, but this immunity begins to decrease
soon after they are weaned. Puppies should
be vaccinated against canine diseases and
checked periodically for worms and other
parasites. Your puppy should also have an
annual medical examination.
EMERGENCY PET CLINIC
Be sure to ask your veterinarian for the
name, address, phone number and location
of the nearest emergency pet clinic. Write the
information down with your other emergency
phone numbers, so that you can nd it quickly.
Its a good idea to drive by the emergency
facility to become familiar with its location.
PET INSURANCE
Just as health insurance has become an essential
part of our own health care, insurance
coverage for pets is an increasingly popular
choice for pet owners. Pet insurance is
available in a wide variety of coverages, and
can greatly benet your dogs overall health
and longevity by allowing for care you might
not otherwise be able to provide. Catastrophic
coverage is designed to eliminate many of the
tough choices pet owners face when their dog
needs surgery or critical care. And coverage
for routine care and vaccinations can give the
added security of pet wellness.
YOUR WATCHFUL EYE
One simple, but very important way to care
for your puppy is to watch for changes in his
appearance or behaviour that may indicate
that he is sick. To do this, you need to become
familiar with the following signs of normal
health. You should also be familiar with your
puppys usual behaviour so you can easily
detect signs of illness and injury. This will help
you spot potential problems early, and have
your puppy checked by your veterinarian.
Eyes: Should be clear and bright. The whites
of the eyes should have no red or yellow
discolouration. If there is any discolouration,
tearing, cloudiness, heavy discharge or other
abnormal conditions, take your puppy to the
veterinarian immediately. A slight buildup
of mucus in the corners of the eyes is not
unusual. This discharge can be cleared away
with a cotton ball moistened with warm
water. If there is a heavy discharge, consult
your veterinarian.
Ears: Should be clean and free of discharge
and odour. Check the ears at least once a
week or more often for puppies who are more
prone to ear problems (such as long-haired
puppies or those with pendulous ears like
Cocker Spaniels).
KEEPING YOUR PUPPY HEALTHY
21
Trim away excess hair which might prevent
air from getting into his ears. If the ear
canal is red, inamed, hot, has a foul
odour or is sensitive to your touch, consult
your veterinarian, who may recommend
weekly ear cleanings. If he/she does, have
the veterinarian recommend a cleansing
solution and have him/her show you how
to clean your puppys ears.
Mouth: Should have pink, healthy gums
with no redness or swelling at the tooth
margins. The lips should be free of sores
or growths. Teeth should be free of tartar
buildup and there should be no bad breath.
Nose: Should be clean and wet. There should
be no discharge or sores.
Body and Haircoat: Should be free of
tumours, lumps, eas and ticks. Check
by running your hands over your puppys
coat. A normal coat is thick, shiny and
silky without greasiness, dandruff, or
bare patches.
Legs: Should be checked for swollen joints.
Inspect feet between the toes for excess hair
or objects lodged there. Check the condition
of his nails.
Anus: Should be free of swelling and intestinal
parasites. For instance, tapeworm segments
look like particles of rice. Scooting along on
the ground might be an attempt to relieve
swollen anal glands. If you notice any of
these conditions, see your veterinarian.
THE ROUTINE EXAM
During your puppys routine examinations,
your veterinarian will listen to his chest
to check his heart and breathing, feel his
abdomen, check the coat condition and
inspect the eyes, ears and mouth.
The routine check-up may also include
examination of the feces to check for internal
parasites, so you will be asked to bring
a stool sample.
Athorough dental checkup by the veterinarian
also should be included with your puppys
regular exam.
VACCINATIONS
Newborn puppies receive disease-ghting
antibodies in their mothers milk. However,
these antibodies normally last only 6 to 16
weeks. After that, vaccinations protect your
puppy by introducing mild doses of modied
disease-causing agents into his body to
stimulate him to produce his own antibodies.
Diseases are easily transmitted between
pets. Your veterinarian will recommend a
timetable for the vaccinations your puppy
needs to prevent these diseases. Most
vaccinations are given in a series over a
period of time. This usually involves several
vaccinations between 6 and 16 weeks,
followed by annual boosters. Vaccination
protocols may vary. Always follow your
veterinarians recommendation and schedule.
Disease Symptoms Preventative Measures
22
Canine Distemper Ahighly contagious viral
disease that affects a dogs respiratory, gas-
trointestinal and nervous systems. It can be
spread through the air or by contact with an
infected animal, its feces or urine, and can be
fatal. Because a puppys natural immunity
maywearoff beforeheisvaccinated, reduceriskof
exposure by limiting contact with unfamiliar
dogs until the vaccination series is completed.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis This viral
disease, also known as adenovirus, is
spread by contact with infected animals,
their feces, urine or saliva. It affects the
liver, kidneys and cells lining the blood
vessels.
Leptospirosis An extremely contagious
bacterial disease that spreads through
contact with nasal secretions, urine or
saliva of infected animals. Early signs are
not apparent, so infection can go
undetected. Recovered animals can
continue spreading the disease, which can
also affect humans.
Parvovirus This viral infection is a
common, deadly viral infection and usually
strikes puppies. It is spread by contact
with an infected dogs blood, feces or vomit.
Parainuenza A highly infectious virus
that can be one of the causes of kennel
cough. It spreads quickly among dogs
kept in close quarters and can seriously
damage the respiratory system or even
result in death.
Rabies This is an infection of the central
nervous system that results in paralysis
and death. Rabies is always fatal. It is
usually transmitted through the bite of
an infected animal. Rabies is a serious
public health threat, so it is essential to
vaccinate your dog. Most provinces have
laws requiring vaccination.
Coronavirus Ahighly contagious viral
infectionof the gastrointestinal tract. Again,
this disease is spread throughcontact with
infected blood, feces or vomit.
Bordatella This is an airborne bacterial
infection involved in kennel cough. Dogs
may catch this when exposed to other dogs
in kennels, dog shows and eld trials.
Lyme Disease This is a tick-borne
disease that affects both dogs and humans.
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing,
nose and eye discharge, fever, loss of
appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
Symptoms include high fever, thirst,
inammation of nose or mouth, diarrhea,
abdominal pain and tenderness, liver
damage, loss of appetite, hemorrhage
and depression.
Leptospirosis may produce inamed
kidneys, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, loss
of appetite and listlessness. Liver damage
can also occur. Note that early signs of the
disease may not be readily apparent.
Symptoms include severe diarrhea, fever,
vomiting, loss of appetite and dehydration.
Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough,
loss of appetite, depression, and runny
nose and eyes.
A stage of high excitability includes
unprovoked biting and sensitivity to noise.
There is also a stage of paralysis, cramps
and swallowing difculties.
Symptoms include vomiting, fever,
diarrhea and dehydration.
Symptoms include persistent coughing,
sneezing and retching accompanied
by nasal discharge. It also increases
your dogs susceptibility to other upper
respiratory infections.
It can exhibit itself as arthritis with
the sudden onset of severe pain and
lameness, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
and depression.
Vaccination is the only effective control.
Initial vaccinations are given as a series
beginning as early as 6 weeks, followed by
boosters. Distemper vaccinations are often
given in combination with vaccines for
other diseases.
Vaccination provides excellent immunity.
Initial vaccinations are given as a series
beginning as early as 6-8 weeks, followed
by boosters.The vaccine for canine hepatitis
is often combined with one for distemper.
Vaccination is available for leptospirosis.
Initial shots are given as a series beginning
as early as 6 weeks, followed by boosters.
Leptospirosis vaccinations are often
combined with vaccinations for distemper
and hepatitis (DHL).
A series of vaccinations are given from
6 to 20 weeks, with booster vaccines.
Animals that often stay in kennels, travel
to dog shows or are exposed to other
dogs, should be vaccinated every 6 months.
For most other dogs, an annual inoculation
is sufcient. Check with your veterinarian.
Initial vaccinations are given beginning as
early as 6 weeks, followed by boosters.
Initial inoculation should be given as early
as 3 months of age, with a second inoculation
later (check with your veterinarian). After
the second injection, the dog should receive
a booster vaccine either annually or every
3 years, depending on the vaccine used and
local laws.
Consult a veterinarian about a possible
vaccination, depending on your puppys
risk. Initial vaccination series begin as
early as 6 weeks, followed by boosters.
Ask your veterinarian about your
puppys need for vaccination against the
Bordatella virus. Although vaccines are
not 100% effective, they prevent many
cases of the disease and its complications.
Vaccination may be given by injection or
by nasal applicator.
Ask your veterinarian about the vaccine
for Lyme Disease.The vaccination may be
recommended depending on the risk to the
puppy in your location.
23
NEUTERING
Neutering is a generic term which refers
to the sterilization of male or female dogs.
Unless you have a purebred for breeding
purposes, neutering is recommended.
Millions of puppies and dogs, many of which
are purebred, are euthanized each year because
there are not enough homes for all the
unwanted pets.
There are also many other characteristics of a
neutered dog that make neutering a positive
choice. A neutered dog:
is easier to train because he/she will
concentrate more on you and be less
likely to ght with other dogs
is less concerned with marking his territory
with urine (both indoors and outdoors)
has less desire to run away or roam in
search of a mate
makes a calmer, gentler pet
avoids certain health risks such as pyometra,
a life-threatening infection in females
is at lower risk of breast cancer in females
and prostate cancer in males
Spaying (for females): Spaying is the
removal of the ovaries and uterus. It involves
a general anesthetic and abdominal surgery.
The veterinarian may keep your puppy in the
hospital for a few days, depending on her age
and condition. A pre-anesthetic laboratory
screening may also be recommended to prevent
any complications from the anesthetic.
Female dogs mature sooner than males,
and spaying should be done before the rst
heat cycle. The operation will eliminate heat
cycles and possibly contribute to longer life
by reducing or eliminating the chance of
many health problems. If your female puppy
is not spayed, you will have to keep her
conned or put her on prescription drugs
when she is in heat. An unspayed pet has an
increased risk of uterine infections, mammary
tumours and other health problems common
to unspayed female dogs.
Neutering (for males): Castration is the
removal of the testicles through surgery.
Neutering is a relatively safe procedure.
In most cases, it produces mild soreness
and requires only a brief hospital stay. A
pre-anesthetic laboratory screening also may
be recommended.
Consult your veterinarian about the best age
to neuter your puppy. Neutering can help
calm your male puppys temperament, make
him less likely to roam and help reduce his
risk of developing prostate infections or
prostate cancer.
PARASITES
Parasites are organisms that can live in or on
another living thing. Parasite checks must be
conducted early and often, since parasites can
be transmitted to puppies from their mothers.
If left unchecked, parasites can make life
miserable for you and your puppy. As with
most health problems, prevention of parasites
is easier and less expensive than treatment. So
be alert for early signs and symptoms.
INTERNAL PARASITES
Internal parasites usually live in a puppys
digestive system and are detected by an
DID YOU KNOW?
You can winterize your pets dry skin by
using a moisturizer and a humidier.
examination of the puppys stool. Treatment
for worms and parasites can begin at two
weeks of age and be repeated every two or
three weeks as determined by your veterinarian.
Researchers believe that many puppies are
infested by roundworms and hookworms
from their mother.
Roundworms: This parasite can be transmitted
from the mother to her pups before birth
or during nursing. The thin, spaghetti-like
parasite, about ve inches long, can cause
a potbellied appearance. The larvae migrate
through a puppys body and are sometimes
seen in the feces.
Stunted growth, vomiting, diarrhea,
dehydration, and sometimes pneumonia
can result from roundworm infection,
or no symptoms may be visible.
Hookworm: This is one of the most dangerous
of all intestinal parasites. The hookworm
can be transmitted from mothers to puppies
before birth and during nursing. This worm
fastens itself onto the walls of the puppys small
intestine. Hookworm infection may produce
lethargy, anemia, poor appetite and black
tarry stools containing blood.
Whipworm: This parasite settles into the
lower end of a puppys digestive tract, causing
chronic bowel inammation, mucus in the
stool, weight loss and diarrhea.
Tapeworms: In larva form, this parasite
usually enters a puppys body when he
swallows a ea. Rodents can also be a source
of tapeworms. It seldom causes obvious
symptoms, but small, rice-like segments can
be found around the anus and in the feces
of an infected animal.
Mature tapeworms feed from the intestines,
causing the puppy to eat more than normal
without weight gain. Because of the chance of
reinfestation, your puppy should be relatively
free of eas when he is treated for tapeworms.
Coccidia: To avoid these organisms, which
can live in a puppys intestines, make sure
your puppy doesnt eat raw or undercooked
meat. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever,
weight loss and loss of appetite. Sometimes
infected puppies show no symptoms.
Heartworm: Transmitted by the bite of a
mosquito, this dangerous parasite lives in a
puppys heart or near it in major blood vessels.
Heartworm disease can be fatal. It causes
heart or lung damage, coughing, lethargy
and fatigue. Heartworms can be detected by
a blood test. Heartworm is difcult to cure
but easy to prevent with medication from
your veterinarian.
Ablood test will ensure that the heartwormis
not already present before giving a heartworm
preventative treatment. The medicine is
administered in monthly or daily doses during the
mosquito season or, in some areas, year-round.
Never treat a puppy for heartwormexcept
under the supervision of your veterinarian.
24
25
EXTERNAL PARASITES
External parasites live on a puppys body.
They are diagnosed by physical examination
and skin tests.
Fleas: Puppies may acquire eas from their
mother or from their environment. Examine
your puppy for eas during routine grooming.
If you think your puppy has eas, consult your
veterinarian for a safe and effective treatment.
A puppy infested with eas scratches or bites
himself frequently. Small red spots may show
up on his skin. Black specks (ea dirt) may
cling to the fur on his neck or rump. Fleas may
also cause allergic dermatitis, which shows
up as encrusted lesions on the puppys skin.
Since the ea spends less than half his time
on your puppy, the only way to ght ea
infestation is to treat both your puppy and his
environment. Depending on where you live,
the ea season can last many months, and you
dont want your puppy to be in misery.
There are several ways to combat eas. A ea
bath or dip by the veterinarian or groomer is
the most efcient treatment for serious problems.
Another solution is to bathe your puppy
thoroughly, and then follow up with ea spray
or powder which is labeled safe for puppies.
But never buy these products at random.
Certain combinations of insecticides can be
harmful to your puppy. Recent innovations
have brought new, easy-to-administer treat-
ments and preventative measures for ea
control. These are available through your
veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian for a safe
and effective ea-control plan to follow.
You must also wash your puppys bedding in
hot, soapy water. Use ea-killing roomfoggers
according to your veterinarians instructions to
make sure all newly born eas are destroyed.
Clean the carpeting with a commercial rug
cleaner safe for dogs. Vacuum thoroughly
and throw away vacuum cleaner bags. Consult
a professional exterminator if the problem gets
out of hand.
Ticks: Bites from certain ticks can transmit
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme Disease
and other diseases.
A puppy is most likely to pick up ticks in
wooded areas during spring and summer.
If you live in a region that has a large tick
population, you (or your veterinarian) may
apply a tick-repellent to your puppys coat.
If you nd a tick on your pets skin, you can
reduce the chance of infection by removing it
promptly and carefully. Wearing protective
gloves, use tweezers to grasp the tick near
its head and pull the tick out. Make sure the
head is removed. Dab the spot with alcohol
or hydrogen peroxide to prevent infection.
Your veterinarian can determine if further
treatment is necessary.
DID YOU KNOW?
If left unchecked, plaque and tarter build-up
on your dogs teeth can cause inammation
of both gums and the membrane lining of the
tooth socket. Without proper treatment,
the teeth may become infected and fall out.
26
Lice: Lice can be controlled through most ea
sprays and powders. Use only those that are
safe for puppies.
Mange Mites: The most common types of
mange mites are sarcoptic and demodectic.
The mites live on the dogs skin or in hair
follicles, and are not visible to the naked eye.
Sarcoptic mites lay their eggs in tunnel-like
formations under the skin. The dog scratches
and rubs; the skin becomes dry, thickened,
and wrinkled; hair falls out and crusts form.
Itching is very severe. Sarcoptic mange is
highly contagious to both animals and humans.
It must be treated by a veterinarian promptly.
Demodectic mites live in the hair follicles.
They cause skin lesions with either bare spots
or pustular areas. Either variety of mange
mites can spread quickly and may be difcult
to cure. Follow your veterinarians advice
for treatment.
Ear Mites: Ear mites can cause your puppy
to scratch or paw at his ears or shake his head.
Ear mites can lead to secondary ear infections
and are highly contagious to other dogs. You can
detect these pests by checking your puppys
ears for dark earwax or material resembling
dried blood or coffee grounds. If your puppy
has mites, he will need veterinary care.
Ringworm: Ringworm is very contagious
and can be transmitted to humans. Ringworm
is caused by a fungus and appears as oval,
bare patches on the puppys skin.
To help prevent ringworm, limit your puppys
contact with other dogs. Your veterinarian
can treat ringworm with medication.
SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS
Even the best cared-for puppy may become ill
or injured, so its a good idea to be aware of
the following signs of illness. If your puppy
exhibits these or other unusual symptoms,
call your veterinarian:
Loss of appetite for more than one day.
Diarrhea, constipation or difculty
with urination. Take your puppy to the
veterinarian immediately if he is unable
to urinate or defecate, but continues to try,
or if there is blood in the urine or stool.
Vomiting. Take your puppy to the
veterinarian immediately if vomited material
contains blood or other unusual contents.
Fever. Fever is indicated by a dry, hot nose,
dull eyes, and a noticeable rise in body heat.
Pain. For severe or continuous pain,
immediate veterinary attention is required.
Excessive panting or difculty breathing.
Immediate care is required if there is noisy
respiration, a blue tongue or your puppys
gasping for breath.
Coughing and sneezing.
Head shaking. This may indicate an
accumulation of ear wax, an infection or
a foreign body in the ear.
Limping. Be especially suspicious of sudden
lameness without apparent cause.
Constant scratching or biting may require
immediate care if it is so severe that the
puppy risks self-mutilation.
Biting and other aggressive or unusual
behaviour by a normally even-tempered puppy.
Listlessness or hiding.
Scooting along on the ground.
Bad mouth odour.
A lump beneath the skin.
Dull hair coat.
Anything unusual for your puppy.
GIVING MEDICATION
If your veterinarian prescribes pills or liquid
medication, give it to your puppy directly. Do
not try to mix it with his food. Most dogs can
sense when something unwanted has been
added to their food and will leave the medicine
untouched. Whenever you administer medical
treatment, stay calm, be patient and speak
reassuringly to your puppy.
Giving a Pill: To give your puppy a pill,
wrap one hand over his muzzle and lift his
head up with your thumb and forenger
on either side of the upper lips. With the
other hand, gently but rmly pull down his
jaw and place the pill at the very back of
his tongue. Close his mouth and hold it shut.
Firmly stroke downward along his throat
until he swallows.
Giving Liquid Medication: To give liquid
medication to your puppy, gently tilt his head
back. Slowly place the medication into the pouch
formed by the puppys cheek and teeth. Encourage
himto swallowby stroking his throat.
DID YOU KNOW?
If your dog has a light coat or thin
skin and is exposed to intense sunlight,
he could get sunburned. Make sure
there is shelter fromthe sun available
to your pet on days when the sun is
strong enough to burn you.
28
BASIC TRAINING
A crucial part of pet ownership is teaching
your puppy proper pet manners and how
to be a good neighbour. Even the friendliest
neighbours, including those who love
animals, will be resentful if your puppy barks
incessantly, wanders on their lawn, soils
their yard or tears up their owers.
Basic training could also save your puppys
life. Knowing a simple command, like coming
when called, could help keep your puppy out
of danger. Enrolling your puppy in obedience
class is recommended.
BEHAVIOUR TRAINING
As a responsible pet owner, you need to
control your pet and discourage inappropriate
behaviour. Some corrections should begin with
a young puppy even before he is leash-trained.
Remember, your puppy is like a small child.
Certain behaviours are due to curiosity
or boredom. He does not know they are
unacceptable.
To redirect inappropriate behaviour follow
these basic steps:
Get your puppys attention by using a
low-pitched, serious voice. Say Ahhh! This
will startle him and he will stop what he is
doing and look to you for further direction.
Provide an acceptable alternative behaviour
or distraction.
Praise correct behaviour. In an upbeat,
high-pitched voice say good boy! or
good puppy! and reward him with
calm petting or a treat.
TRAINING TIPS
Chewing
Puppies usually begin chewing because they
are teething. As adults, they may chew when
bored or in stressful situations. (To learn how
to correct this behaviour, see the Problem
Behaviours section on page 15.)
Growling and Biting
Most biting dogs began as growling puppies
who were not corrected. Then the puppy tried
snapping and got away with that, and they
progressed to taking their rst bite.
Because you can never trust a dog who has
learned to bite a human, you must prevent
this behaviour from ever happening. You may
be unintentionally reinforcing this behaviour
by playing rough games such as tug-of-war.
A puppy may attempt to nip you while playing.
He doesnt understand that his bite is painful.
When he bites, yell out in pain, ouch, turn
away and ignore him. Then slowly resume
play. If he continues to nip, stop playing.
Crying
Puppies often cry when left alone. You can
help avoid this behaviour through separation
training. (See the Problem Behaviours
on page 15.)
Excessive Barking
A dog barks for a reason claiming or
protecting his territory, looking for attention
or being bored. Some barking is permissible,
but excessive barking is not acceptable
29
behaviour. In most cases, you can put a stop
to this behaviour by using a loud voice and
saying ahhh! or no followed by praise
and a treat always be consistent.
After allowing him to bark several times,
say enough or quiet and pop the leash on
the collar to get his attention. When he stops,
say good boy quiet and offer him a treat.
The more you practice, the quicker your
puppy will get the message.
Praise your puppy when he remains silent.
At least 20 minutes per day of exercise with
you can help keep him from being bored,
which may help control unnecessary barking.
If neighbours complain that your puppy barks
when you are away, provide toys, safe chews
and other distractions.
Jumping Up
Your puppy needs to learn how to greet people
calmly. If your puppy jumps up on people, he
needs to learn the commands off and sit.
Keeping your puppy on a leash when meeting
people at home or away can help in teaching
him proper greeting etiquette.
As your puppy begins to jump up onto someone,
pull his leash in a downward movement as
you say off in a low tone and move toward
him in a somewhat threatening manner (like
his mother would). As your puppy backs away,
give him the command sit while helping him
into this position. Once he is sitting, praise
him calmly. This teaches him that the way to
get attention is not to jump, but to sit calmly.
Begging
It is natural for your puppy to beg when you
eat. However, it is important never to feed
your puppy from the table since offering him
tidbits will only reinforce this bad behaviour.
Begging is a hard habit to break.
Feed your puppy before dinner time and then
ignore him when he appears at the table. Or
place him inside his crate with an appropriate
chew toy. Teach him to stay in his crate or lie
down at your feet during your meals.
Roaming
The key to stopping a puppy from roaming is
to give himplenty of attention and stimulation. It
is safest for puppies to be kept fenced in or on
a leash when outdoors. When recommended
by a veterinarian, neutering may help as well.
OBEDIENCE TRAINING
You can begin simple exercises such as
leash-training when your puppy is seven
or eight weeks old by letting him wear a soft
collar and leash around the house, under
your supervision.
Check your puppys collar frequently to see
if it ts properly. (See Supplies You Will Need
section, page 8.)
Even though you are training your puppy, dont
forget his daily playtime. He still needs vigorous
exercise to stay t and burn off excess energy.
As your puppy gets comfortable with you and
has had the appropriate vaccinations, you can
begin taking him on regular walks on a leash
once or twice a day. Consider starting in a class
thats exclusively for puppies around three
months of age. Formal obedience training can
begin when your puppy is about six months old.
30
Training Sessions
Let your puppy play rst. Otherwise, it is
difcult to hold his attention. Keep training
sessions short 5 to 10 minutes daily.
Several times per day is most benecial.
This complements the puppys short attention
span and keeps the sessions enjoyable for
you and your puppy.
To help establish yourself as the leader and the
one in command, your puppy might benet
from exercises teaching submissiveness. To do
this, pick your puppy up and when he stops
struggling, roll him over on his back. Rub his
tummy and establish your dominance smile
and speak calmly.
Here are some tips to help make training your
puppy more enjoyable for both of you:
Be patient. Keep showing your puppy what
to do until he responds, and then praise him.
Never lose your temper with your puppy or
hit him. He wont understand why you are
angry, nor will he learn fromsuch treatment.
Instead, he may fear you. When he responds,
praise and pet him, or offer him a treat.
Use puppy treats as a reward to help
strengthen the behaviour you request. His
primary motivation should be to please you,
not to receive a snack.
Be rm and consistent. Always be sure to
use the same tone of voice and the same
words when giving a command.
End each training session on a positive
note. If your puppy hasnt mastered a new
command, go back to one he can carry out
and praise him for doing so.
SPECIFIC COMMANDS
Come
This command should be introduced as early
as seven weeks and the rst you teach him.
Tell your puppy to come when you feed him
(an instant reward). Have him follow you
around while using a very animated tone,
saying puppy, come.
The Leash Method
1.) With your puppy sitting a few feet away
from you on his leash, call him in your
high-pitched, happy voice, using his name
and the command come.
2.) Tug him gently. Give him a reason to want
to come to you! Squat down with your arms
wide open to make a nice target for him.
3.) When he reaches you, he may be so
excited that he jumps on you, rolls on
the ground or even urinates. Since he has
responded to the command, dont correct
him immediately. Let his enthusiasm bubble
over a few times, then gradually encourage
him to sit when he comes to you.
Sit
1.) Hold a piece of kibble just over your
puppys forehead as you say sit .
2.) Move the kibble above your puppys
head toward his back as he falls into
a sitting position.
3.) Praise him and offer the kibble as an
extra reward.
Stay
1.) With your puppy sitting at your left, hold
the leash in your left hand above his head,
applying enough tension to restrain him.
2.) Tell your puppy stay as you swing your
31
right hand in front of his face with your
palm facing him, ngers down.
3.) Take one step in front of your puppy, while
watching him for any attempt to move.
4.) If he moves, gently remind him to sit and
repeat the stay command.
In the beginning, make himstay 5-10 seconds
before releasing him with gentle praise.
Gradually increase the time and distance
away from your puppy. The stay command
will become stronger as your puppy matures.
Heel
1.) With your puppy at your left, get his
attention and step forward with your left
foot. If he doesnt move, pop the leash
quickly and say his name. Pat your leg
to show him where you want him to be.
2.) Take a few steps with him at your side and
praise him. If he runs ahead, dont hold
him back. When the leash pulls taut and
restrains him, say his name and heel as
you make a sharp U-turn to the right. The
puppy will be behind you and run to catch
up. Praise him as he comes alongside you.
Once hes mastered the basic idea, gradually
add distance and turns. Offer a kibble of puppy
food as a reward and to help motivate him.
Every time you stop, have himsit. Eventually
this will become automatic.
Down and Down-Stay
The down and down and stay commands
can be useful when you send your puppy
to his bed.
1.) Start with your puppy in a sitting position,
then say the command,down. Help him
into position by offering a kibble of food.
2.) Move the food down to the ground between
his front feet near his chest, then toward
you while you say down. The puppys
nose will follow the kibble.
3.) Praise him when hes all the way down
and offer the kibble as a reward.
Once your puppy knows the stay and the
down commands, you can teach him the
combined down- stay. Always reward him
with calm praise and a kibble of puppy food.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dogs have been proven to respond to more than
60 words.
32
Regular grooming sessions of 5-15 minutes
do more than just keep your puppy clean and
healthy. They also strengthen your bond with
him and allow you to check his appearance to
make sure he stays in peak condition.
Grooming needs vary according to breed but
no matter what kind of puppy you have, you
should regularly check the condition of his
eyes, ears, teeth, skin, paws and nails. Some
breeds require professional grooming like
Poodles and Bichon Frises.
BRUSHING AND COMBING
Most puppies love being brushed and
combed, especially if you hold the skin tight
with one hand and brush with the other, so
it doesnt pull.
Short-haired breeds should be brushed two
or three times a week with a soft or medium
bristle brush, rubber curry or grooming
glove, and a ne-tooth comb.
Puppies with medium length hair, woolly
coats or curly hair should be groomed with
a wire pin brush and a wide-tooth comb.
Long-haired breeds require daily grooming
with a soft, natural bristle brush and a wide-
tooth comb.
Matted, tangled hair may require special
lubricants or mat combs. Groom your
puppy several times per week to prevent
this problem from developing.
BATHING
Give your puppy a bath only when he needs
it. Frequent bathing can dry out the skin
and haircoat.
Use a quality dog shampoo and rinse well
after shampooing because soap can irritate
your puppys delicate skin.
A dry bath, an alternative to regular bathing,
works well in cold weather. Dry bath products,
available in pet shops, are rubbed into the coat
and brushed out.
DENTAL CARE
Its important to care for your puppys
teeth. Plaque, a sticky, colorless lm, forms
continuously on the teeth. If plaque is not
removed, a cement-like substance called
tartar builds up at the gumline. The build-up
of tartar and plaque may lead to periodontal
disease, in which bacteria infects gum tissue
and the roots of the teeth. Untreated, this
causes gums to recede, and teeth to loosen
and eventually fall out. A diseased mouth
can also cause or worsen other conditions
such as diseases of the heart, kidney and
respiratory system.
You should check your puppys teeth regularly.
He will gradually lose his temporary or baby
teeth, and should have all of his 42 permanent
teeth by the time he is seven months old.
Provide your puppy with something to chew
on that will act as a scraper and help prevent
tartar buildup. Dry dog food and treats that
exercise the teeth and gums can help.
However, these measures alone wont clean
teeth sufciently to prevent dental disease.
Your puppys teeth should be examined
and cleaned by your veterinarian on a
regular basis.
GROOMING
Between professional cleanings, you should
take on the responsibility of cleaning your
puppys teeth. If you start while hes young, it
will be easier to get him used to the procedure.
Experts suggest brushing a puppys teeth at
least every other day.
For the rst few sessions, try gently massaging
your puppys teeth and gums with a ngertip
until he is used to having you handle his
mouth. Then begin swabbing the outer surface
of the teeth with a square of gauze.
After your puppy becomes accustomed to this
routine, you may want to switch to a pet dental
brush or a soft child-size toothbrush. There
are special toothpastes and dental cleaning
products made for pets; ask your veterinarian
or check at your local pet store.
CARE OF EYES AND EARS
During the grooming session, check the
condition of your puppys body, especially
his eyes and ears.
The eyes should be clear, bright and free
of any red spots, heavy discharge or other
abnormal conditions.
NAIL CARE
Keeping your puppys nails clipped to the proper
length is essential to his health and comfort. Get
your puppy used to the feel of your hands on his
paws by inspecting themwhen you groomhim.
In order to avoid the quick of the nails, have
your veterinarian or groomer show you how to
clip your puppys nails. Or have a professional
groomer do it. You should check themat least
every other week, so they dont get too long.
DID YOU KNOW?
A puppys baby teeth come in at three
to ve weeks of age. Permanent teeth
come in at 16-30 weeks.
33
34
If you decide to add another dog to your
family remember that, timing is crucial.
Make sure your resident dog is fully trained
before you bring in another dog. Trained
means that he knows what he can and cannot
chew on, listens to and obeys your commands,
and is completely housebroken. Its instinctive
for a new dog to take his lead from an older
dog. Thats why its especially important to
have a well-trained resident dog to show the
newcomer the ropes. Otherwise, you can end
up with two unruly pets on your hands.
Here are some tips when adding
a second dog to the family:
Buy new bedding, bowls and necessary
supplies for your new dog, so each dog will
have his own property. Youll be helping
the resident dog feel less threatened, even
though a newcomer is invading his territory.
Even if your two dogs seem to hit it off well
from the start, make sure they have time
away from each other. Spend time with
each dog separately. This makes each dog
feel special and teaches the other dog how
to stay by himself. Never leave themtogether
alone until you are sure that they have
accepted one another.
ADDING ANOTHER DOG TO YOUR FAMILY
DID YOU KNOW?
Dogs develop their relationship with other
dogs through play. This is how they discover
one anothers strengths and weaknesses.
They learn how to manipulate and hone their
social skills, and they learn just how far they
can go before the invisible line between play
and aggression is crossed.
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