Gleanings

Gleanings from the past few month’s muttering’s from me and him (Tyto).

I asked Andy if he would like me to collate a few bits from the past bits and pieces so here goes plus a few bits to help you on your way with your dog.

Always get your new pup and yourself into a good routine. This gets the day off to a good start and the pup then learns when dinner time is and a good toileting routine.

Early socialising, by being carried when still very young and then being taken to different places that aren’t too scary, to get him used to everything.

Make him sit when greeting humans and other dogs’, this stops the jumping up and mugging everything. Also get the pup used to different noises outside and different sights.

Repeat things from day to day so that the pup which is now getting bigger and wiser so that he doesn’t suddenly say, I won’t.

Teach him to give you an article so that you don’t have to bend to pick it up and also if he has something he shouldn’t have. Call him to you and get him to sit and give you the article and give him a treat in exchange. Prevents a tussle if he thinks he should keep it.

Remind him every day that ‘come’ does mean come. Put him on a long line, not a flexi lead, and re-teach this lesson if he suddenly decides that he has more important things to do. Like a good sniff or someone to say hello to, dog or human.

If he suddenly gets more hyped up than usual, look at the protein that you are feeding. It may help to either reduce it or up the exercise or bit with extra brain work thrown in.

With the weather getting warmer, even if the sun isn’t out, go earlier and later for his walk. Also make sure that if you do take him out in the car that you take extra water with you and leave the car in a shady spot, so that it is cool for your return. If you can’t leave the dog in the car safely leave him at home. When the school holidays start and it is warmer have a place that the dog can go to for a bit of peace. Playing madly in the garden with children can be a bit over whelming if they haven’t been used to it. So, keep an eye on the noise level.

Don’t always go to the same places for walks. But, if you do go somewhere different and you think he may take off, again use a long line for safety and also make sure that your recall is up to scratch.

Try to vary the places of training. A dog may sit for you in one place without being told, but he may not know that it has to sit in a different place unless told. The same as, recall and heelwork.

Extra Tips:

When going away take some extra water with you so that you can mix it with the water where you are going. Some different water sources can cause upset tums. Don’t suddenly change the food, this may also cause an upset tum. Remember if you take him on holiday put a different i.d. disc on his collar just in case he gets lost. The law states visible means of identification must be worn at all times, so microchipping isn’t enough.

If you have barbecues, don’t let the pup/dog have extras. You may think you are being kind, but if it upsets the tum, you will be the one to clear it up.

Well I am sure you can find lots that I have forgotten from the recent posts, but these may help.

More from Tyto’s ramblings in a couple of weeks.

Slack leads all. Tyto and ‘She who must be obeyed’.