Dog care tip's!

[tinker22]

Hey there, so I might be getting a dog for my b-day but as much as I whant one I don't know a single thing about them! I just want to make shure i'm ready for one. But I woulg get a small one, NOT A CHIWAWA, or how ever you spell it. But I mean a really tiny, tiny one! So any tips and tricks you know from experience would be awesome!!!!!!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

The most important thing if you must own a purebred is to get one from a reputable breeder. Not a petstore, not craigslist, from a neighbor, etc. A reputable breeder is one that does health testing, and has records of the parents in this database: www.offa.org. Otherwise, please consider getting one from your local pound or humane society. Chihuahua's are in high supply in most areas of the country because people wanted purse dogs. Many of these dogs are already trained and just waiting for someone to love them. Otherwise, find a good trainer and stick to classes. www.apdt.com Although small dogs don't seem like they could be much of a problem, most have an alpha dog syndrome and need to recognize you as one before things get out of hand. Here are some guidelines for choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder:

http://sekcszoo.web.officelive.com/puppybuyersguide.aspx

It uses a Boston Terrier as an example, but this applies to all breeds. There are many people that I know that ended up getting a puppy from an ad, or a backyard breeder, or even a petstore who thought that what they were doing was okay, but then are faced with a lot of veterinary bills because those breeders only care about getting money, not the overall health of the breed or furthering it in any way. I almost went that route, but was lucky enough to come across a truly great breeder who educated me about health testing and breeding to further the standard. I also have a rescue pup we got from the pound. She was hours from being euthanized due to a Parvo outbreak (which she ended up having). So, we have animals from both spectrums and I love them both.

It is a difficult search, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Sassy23]

Make sure you start training early.

 

[dancer4life22]

dont get a purebreed! those dogs are not treated well and they end up getting sick (unless its a really good breeder!) and they have problems! also if its your first dog i wouldnt get a puppy. they are a lot of work and you will get very sick of them if you have never had a dog!

adopt an adult shelter dog! they are normally trained and they will have trouble finding a home as it is. go to:
www.petfinder.com
They have soooo many dogs from shelters that all need homes! and there are plenty of adult dogs!

if you get a puppy train it early! if you get an adult it will probably be trained for the most part!

another reason to get an adult dog: its easier for first time owners! puppys have endless energy: they wake up in the middle of the night, they take a long time to housebreak, and you have to have your eye on them 24/7! i have a puppy and although i love him to death it is very hard to take care of him and hes my 4th dog! (i have three currently). so ya check out that website and get either an adult dog or a young dog.

 

[DarlingDisneyGirls]

my little dog chews everthing flip flops stuft animals ect and make shoure trash is up and you should be good to go

 

[MusicalDisneyDreams]

Puppies take a tremendous amount of work, as do dogs in general. They're very costly, between supplies, vet bills, grooming, and training, if you decide to get it trained. My sister got a golden retriever puppy at the beginning of the summer. She gave up doing things this summer, Christmas, and almost all of her savings to pay for her puppy.
They have lots of energy and will eat/chew on everything. Our table and chairs have been chewed raw in places. She steals stuffed animals and things off of shelves and out of baskets, unless they're covered.
It was easy to train her to go to the bathroom outside because we already have 3 dogs (cocker spaniels) that helped.
A puppy can never be left alone. They "cry" whenever everyone leaves the house, and mine often destroy things when left alone for over an hour. Even if you get toys, your dog will need a playmate almost constantly. They must be plated with.
You must make sure it constantly has food and water. Especially in summer, it's very easy to not realize ho little water they really have.
They create a ton of mess, between getting them house-broken and shedding. You have to be willing to clean up after them.
Be very careful when you pick a dog. Golden retrievers and other large dogs must be walked daily or they let their energy out in a destructive way. Cocker spaniels and other smaller dogs also have lots of energy, but mine aren't as destructive as the golden is. I find cocker spaniels to be the perfect size, but my sister prefers larger dogs. My uncle prefers huge dogs; it all depends.
You also must consider if it'll be a member of the family vs. a pet, an indoor dog vs. an outdoor dog, and all of that stuff. Our dogs are spoiled, they get table scraps, sleep on all of the furniture, and basically can go wherever they want to. Obviously, when they do something they shouldn't, we punish them accordingly-- they don't have free reign of the house.
You must know how to discipline a dog, as well, especially a puppy.

Sorry this is so long, but I hope this helps. I'll try to answer any questions you have.

 

[tinker22]

Thanks, but I ment a small dog that stays sall for adult hood. But if You know any types (small, not a purebreed) then put a picture up and the max sixze it rows up 2! i know its alot to ask but it would hlp ALOT!!!!!!!! and if u could put some nportant facts about them like how 2 take care of them....THANKS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

 

[dancer4life22]

Thanks, but I ment a small dog that stays sall for adult hood. But if You know any types (small, not a purebreed) then put a picture up and the max sixze it rows up 2! i know its alot to ask but it would hlp ALOT!!!!!!!! and if u could put some nportant facts about them like how 2 take care of them....THANKS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

check petfinder!
and the aspca guide to dogs

 

[softball chick]

Ok first off I totally suggest looking for your local Humane Society and adopting from there. All the dogs there need good homes and many of the societies take really great care of the dogs before they are adopted so you can avoid some of the bad treatment breeders/stores/etc give.

If you are going for puppy beware of the first few months. They need constant attention/watching. They will eat everything, pee wherever, get into a mess of trouble, and just want your love. And they have insanely small bladders, especially little ones like your talking so they will have to be let out often. But the plus side they also sleep a lot so you do get some breaks.

Small dogs are amazing. Mine is a total snuggle bunny; she will crawl into my lap and just fall asleep there but then will run around and play with me. Great choice on getting a small one. As for breeds, here is a pic of my dog who is a Schnauzer Yorkie Mix:

 

[aherzog]

shih-tzu

Weight (M): 9 - 16 lb Height (M): 8 - 11" Life expectancy: 11 - 14 years


great dogs my grandma had one and i loved it