Are dogs easy to train?
Yes, dogs like to perform and to please their owners. Some dogs can be challenging and require more effort. They love to manipulate their owners. With positive training methods, confidence, and consistency even strong willing dogs will respect you as their leader.
Are older dogs trainable?
Yes, dogs learn a lifelong. Dog training is nothing else than making experiences.
Older dogs with strong learned habits may need a bit time, until they are willing to obey you.
Does every dog learn tricks?
Basic tricks you can teach every dog. Some of the most popular tricks are shake hands, give a kiss, sit high, roll over, wave, catch food, catch toys, and find hidden items.
What dog toys are the best?
The best toys for your dog are hard rubber toys, knotted rope toys, and action balls on a string.
How much is a puppy?
Prices of puppies depend on quality, availability, trend, and personal opinion of the breeder. Responsible breeding cost a lot of money. But, the result is visible in the puppies! And, responsible breeders will answer all your questions clear and honest.
Which puppy I choose from a litter?
Puppies of a litter should not be afraid of humans! Well raised puppies are willing to come to you, sniff at you, play with you, nibble on your fingers.
Let them chase your foot or fingers, make some soft squeaking noise, touch them.
Finally choose a puppy that is playful and inquisitive but not demanding; brave but not aggressive. Take the one that has a bit of all. Do not choose a shy, nervous, or fearful puppy!
How old should a puppy be before I take it home?
Ideally, puppies should stay with their littermates until 10-12 weeks of age.
The mother weans them by about 6 weeks of age. Now they learn important social behavior as body language, or send and interpret signals.
They learn patience, and self-confidence. Playing with littermates helps puppies increase their physical coordination, social skills, and learning limits. It teaches them "to be a dog". Humans cannot teach them this!
By eight to ten weeks, puppies have a fear period. During this time, they should not experience any ominous, threatening situation! Fears developed during this time last forever. Change of owner, transport, change of home, loss of littermates and mother is threatening for a puppy!
What should I choose, a male or female?
For beginners I recommend starting with a female. They are easier to handle, and more compliant. Females are more gentle than males, but also more emotional theatrical.
Male dogs will constantly defy their owners, and keep in dominance challenges. They can be very active and energetic. But, male dogs are stable in their emotions, with a reliable spirit.
Is there a guarantee that the puppy is free of HD?
NO! HD may not be visible in any litter previously. Be cautious if breeders say their puppies are free of hip problems!
Look at the pedigree of mother and father! There you see the results of the HD tests. If both parents are free of HD, the puppies are probably free as well. However, you never have a 100% guarantee.
What does purebred mean?
It means that the parents of a dog are from a registered breed. In addition, the lineage consists of this certain breed over many generations.
Are purebred dogs better than mixed breed dogs?
The benefit of a purebred dog is that you know how he will look as an adult. In a puppy's mother, you realize the final size, coat type, and specific characteristics. This helps you, to find and choose a dog that fits your purpose and lifestyle. However, mixed breed dogs have less genetic disorders.
When can I take my new puppy for outside walks?
You can take your puppy for walks or to other (vaccinated and friendly) dogs after the first vaccination. Always be around to prevent rough play by older dogs!
Outside walks are necessary for successful housetraining. If you are not sure about the health condition of other dogs, carry your puppy until the other dog is gone.
You may start to introduce various new things and experiences. Take your puppy for short-time car rides; let other people hold him, take puppy to the crowded supermarket.
When will my puppy's ears stand?
Usually, dog-ears stand between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Some Dogs' ears stand already pretty by 10-12 weeks of age. Your dog's ears may stand but wiggle at the tips when the dog runs. This "friendly ears" are not a desirable trait for Show dogs.
When do puppies get the permanent teeth?
Starting with four months, the puppy teeth fall out gradually. At 5-7 months, the permanent teeth are usually full grown.
When should I change to adult food?
There is ABSOLUTELY no need to feed commercial puppy food. Your puppy is a carnivore so feed him like one. Feed your puppy natural, fresh foods as meat, oats, barley, vegetable, and fruits. And you never will need a vet!
How often a puppy must eat?
Puppies from 10 weeks to 6-8 months get three meals daily. Then you can feed two times a day , depending on the breed, activity, and appetite. Adult dogs get one meal a day.
To prevent bloat, I feed even adult dogs 2 small portions a day, instead of one big.
Will spaying or neutering change my dog's personality?
Spaying or neutering does not affect your dog's natural character and instincts. A dog's basic personality is formed by genetics, live experiences, and environment not by sex hormones.
Spaying and neutering makes dogs calmer. They become better, more affectionate companions. It stops the reproductive-drive. This drive is the cause to roam, run away, dog fights, and aggression. Dogs do not suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis after spaying or neutering.
What is the best age for spaying or neutering?
There is no limit. However, the ideal age for spaying or neutering is between 6 months to one year of age. You do not have to wait for your female's first heat.
How often does a female go into heat?
Females go twice a year into heat. The cycle starts at about 6-9 months of age. Dogs may skip a heat occasionally, if their mental or physical condition is weak.
Can I breed my female straight with the first heat?
Same as in humans, the first cycles is just the signal that your dog biological matures. It does not mean the female is ready to raise puppies. Do not breed your female before she is 1 1/2 year old. Some dog breeds like the Golden Retriever should not have puppies before 3 years of age!
How long will my dog be pregnant?
The average gestation time is 60 - 63 days.
Should dogs drink milk?
NO. Dogs cannot digest our normal milk, it causes diarrhea.
But, dairy products as cottage cheese or plain yogurt are excellent.
How many meat should my dog eat?
Dog food should ideally consist of 60% meat (poultry, beef, lamb, and fish), 15% Offal (heart, stomach, rumen, or liver), 10% Vegetable (carrot, fennel, paprika, avocado, or artichoke), 10% Fruits (Watermelon, apple, banana, or papaya), 5% Herbs and Supplements (kelp, garlic, carrot, parsley, celery, alfalfa, and yogurt).
What about bones?
Dogs are carnivores; their stomach is prepared to digest raw meat and raw bones.
How often dogs need a check for worms?
A checkup every 6 months is advisable.
How often I must bath my dog?
Bathing your dog every 3 to 5 months is usually enough to keep the skin clean and healthy. Brushing and combing is more important. It activates the metabolism, removes dead hair, and reduces shedding.
Why dogs shed?
Dogs shed to replace their thick winter fur with thin summer coat, and reverse. Dogs that live in a constant climate shed more than they normally would.
How do I take my dog's temperature?
Measure your dog's temperature in his rectum using a lubricated thermometer. Insert it only 2 cm and leave it for about 1 minute. A digital thermometer works faster.
What is a dog's normal temperature?
Normal body temperature for adult dogs is 37,2 to 38,7 °C. For puppies a temperature up to 39,5 °C is still normal.
How do I take a urine sample from my dog?
Obtaining a urine sample from your dog can be difficult. It may take more than one try but a relatively small amount is enough for your vet. For male dogs, place a wide plastic container into the dog's urine flow. For females, use a flat container. Decant the urine into a clean bottle.