You and Your Dog

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After some comments on my recent post "Can I Kill My Sister" regarding her dogs, @dhoyalahoy asked me to post an article that may be helpful to dog owners. A lot of owners are aware of what it takes to be a good dog owner. Since dogs are not just 'things', they require as much attention as a child would have. It is critical that they receive their yearly or tri-yearly shots to prevent certain diseases. The most common two are Leptospirosis and Rabies. Considering that dogs use their noses and search the ground and water sources, they can pick up a virus that can be deadly. Ear mites are extremely common in dogs. Check the inside of your dogs' ears for what looks like dirt. If it's there, they have mites. If not treated, they will work their way into the dogs brain and kill them. The simple treatment is to buy a bottle of ear mite med; place a few drops into the ear and make a mooshing movement at the outside base of the ear. Usually a 7-day treatment will kill the mites. Always check for fleas and ticks on their body. If the dog is constantly scratching, it is fleas and if untreated can cause Dermatitis (skin rash). If it is a tick, the head of it will bury itself inside the animal and start to suck its blood. Removal is simple. Take a pair of tweezers and get as close to the skin as possible to pull the tick out of the dog. Crush the tick once removed. Spaying and neutering is a must. It can avoid certain infections and diseases beside the fact of unwanted 4-10 puppies on a constant basis as dogs will go into heat every 2-3 months. Training is key to having a good, well-behaved dog. It doesn't matter the age of the dog; they can be trained, even if it is simple commands. Sit, stand, stay, come are the 4 most important. Using 1-word vocals along with your hand as an indicator of what you want them to do. Sit: Have them look at you and as you say the word 'sit', drop your open hand down towards the ground. Stand: Have them look at you and say the word 'up' and raise your open hand upwards. Stay: Have them look at you and say the word 'stay' with your open hand facing towards them. Come: Have them look at you and say the word 'come' and wave your open hand towards you. You will have to do this several times over about 1 month and do this 3 to 4 times per day so they get use to the "words" as well as the movement of your hand. One other key word is "NO". If when you are starting to train them they don't pay attention, say the word "NO" and start over with whatever motion it was that you were working on; sit, stand, stay, come. I don't believe in giving treats while doing the training. If they accomplish what you are working on, say, "Good Boy (girl)" and spend a minute petting them as you repeat that. So there you have it. My thoughts on you and your dog.