CARING FOR YOUR NEW DOG

A new dog in the family is very exciting each and everyone in the family. But it covers a range of issues and needs to be taken care of to be able to enjoy your pet. They are the following:

SETTING RULES
The dog, as a descendent of the wolf, retains most of its wild instincts and so has very different needs to those of our own. Wolves live in structured social groups so a new owner needs to set rules about a dog's position within the human family pack by establishing routines for sleeping, feeding, attention and games.

TRAINING
Training is very important for dogs because it aids understanding and strengthens the bonds between you and him.

INTRODUCTIONS TO CHILDREN, OTHER DOGS AND CATS IN THE FAMILY
How you make introductions will set the scene for future contact so approach it in a way that will not overwhelm, intimidate or scare your dog.

TOILET TRAINING
New dogs should be praised when they go to the toilet outside for the first time - they are creatures of habit and so once the habit starts, it is likely to continue. Establish regular eating and walking habits as soon as possible to assist with the housetraining process, but be prepared for the occasional accident while your dog gets used to the new routine.

THE FIRST FEW NIGHTS
To help your dog get used to being on its own at night, put it in its bed half an hour before you go to bed for the first few nights. This will allow it to settle in while your reassuring presence is nearby. In the morning, only go to your dog when it is being quiet - if you go in when it is barking you will be rewarding your pet for this and it is likely to wake you up earlier in future.

FEEDING
While your dog is adjusting to a new environment the last thing it needs is a change in diet too. If you want to change the diet, introduce it gradually by mixing it in with your pet's normal food. It's important to know how much your dog should eat - don't overfeed it as fat dogs are unhealthy dogs. Bones and chews help to keep dogs' teeth healthy and clean but don't allow your pet to have cooked or small bones as they may splinter and cause an injury or obstruction.

EXERCISE
All dogs need to be taken out for a walk at least twice a day although the amount of exercise required depends on the individual dog. During the first few days exercise your dog in a secure area or keep it on the lead so that it does not slip away and get lost. Take toys out with you on walks so you can play with your dog - this will help to build a stronger bond.

SOCIALIZATION
It is important that puppies are exposed to as many different experiences as possible, including different people of all ages and a variety of everyday sounds and smells, so that they grow up to be well-rounded dogs. The most crucial time for socialization is between three and 16 weeks of age although this process should be continued throughout your puppy's first year.

SEPARATION PROBLEMS
Many dogs become anxious or bored when left alone at home for long periods of time. If you have to leave your dog at home while you are at work, be sure to make up for your absence with lots of activities your dog can join in with when you are there.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM:
If your dog starts to display behavior problems it is important to tackle it before it becomes an established habit. Ask your vet for recommendations. In case you have adopted your dog from a shelter or from a friend or have bought it, you could speak to its earlier owner to find out about its history.

VACCINATIONS
All dogs need a basic course of vaccinations against the four major diseases which affect dogs - these are distemper, canine viral hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. All of these are serious diseases and a booster vaccination will be needed every year to keep your dog fully protected against them.

WORMING
Roundworm and tapeworm are the most common types of worms found in dogs. They can weaken your pet and be transmitted to humans so it is important to treat your dog for worms every three to six months. Ask your vet for advice about treatment.

FLEAS
If your dog is showing signs of irritation, check for fleas among the hairs at the base of its tail and around its neck. You may find one or two fleas, and you will usually find flea excrement which is black and comma shaped. If your dog has fleas, you will need to use a long-acting treatment to kill adult fleas on all animals in the household as well as treat the whole house to kill the other stages in the flea lifecycle. The dog's bedding should also be thoroughly washed or replaced. Ask your vet about appropriate treatments.

NEUTERING
Male and female dogs should be neutered to prevent unwanted puppies. Please note that is not true that female dogs should have one litter before they are spayed although it is advisable to wait until after their first season (the time when they can become pregnant).