Puppy Care Education, the dog ebook specialists.
The Complete Q & A Book on Dogs has been built as an ebook, complete with links to the hundreds of questions asked and answered.
It’s not always easy to find knowledgeable answers to questions about buying, raising, loving, and living with dogs in today’s world. The authors of this 200 page book have managed to provide straightforward and practical answers to most questions that prospective and new owners are ever likely to ask, while always having the dog’s welfare at the forefront. The book also features delightful hand drawn illustrations.
Most of those who are lucky enough to share their lives with dogs know they are privileged, and do not take the relationship lightly. This books is for all of those people who feel this way about their dogs.
Excerpts
Should I buy a puppy or an older dog?
Most people want to start with a puppy, just as most hopeful parents want to adopt an infant. They want to enjoy and guide their little one through the first shaky steps. There is no such thing as an ugly pup, and new “parents” wish to cuddle and hold their bouncing bundle. Second-timers realize the joys of parenthood are tempered by puddles and nighttime yowls. An adult is often housebroken and trained in the niceties of doggie manners. It can stay by itself for a longer period and is through with teething. Moreover, what you see is what you get. No suprises.
Occasionally a dog becomes available when it does not turn out to be a sensational show winner, but it still can excel at winning hearts. Now and then an overflow causes a breeder to seek a good home for a retiree who is no longer able to be shown or bred. A kennel owner might feel Old Magic deserves to spend the rest of her life in the luxury of a one-dog home, receiving all the attention of doting owners rather than having to share the pats.
I don’t like the name the breeder gave her; can I change it?
You may call her whatever you want as a nickname; however, you must use her complete registered name whenever you participate in any activities that are under the jurisdiction of the kennel club, such as breeding, showing, or selling her.
UKC does allow a name change until the dog has attained a title or whelped or sired a litter.
Does an older dog need less or different food?
Senior dogs are often less active and require smaller meals with less protein. Sometimes they prefer having their portions divided into two or three snacks, rather than the full banquets they enjoyed as youngsters. Health changes such as heart disease or kidney problems must be considered. Softened food may be needed for a dog who has lost teeth.
If your “golden oldie” has lost her appetite, you may try to spark it up a bit by heating her meal or adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or some other goody she adores. Watch her figure and consult your vet if you notice a severe weight loss or too many extra pounds.
Should I paper-train first?
Two situations may make paper training more convenient: if you live in a twentieth-floor apartment or if you are away from home all day. Otherwise, there is no need, and this only causes you to train twice.
If you decide to paper-train, confine your pet to a small area or room. Cover part of the floor with several layers of newspaper. When it is soiled, strip off and dispose of the top layers, leaving only the very bottom paper. This emits a slight scent noticeable only to the dog and encourages her to return to the same spot. Gradually decrease the area covered by papers until your dog is completely dependable.
