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TACO TERRIER DOES AND DON'TS

 

Rules for children      HOW TO IDENTIFY A GOOD BREEDER      QUESTIONS TO ASK A KENNEL OR DOG DAYCARE

     
FEEDING  SCHEDULE      CANINE BODY LANGUAGE      TEN TIPS FOR  BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS      OBESITY DISEASES

CHILDREN AND DOGS      EMERGENCIES! WHEN YOU NEED TO ACT FAST      PET INSURANCE     NATURAL FLEA REMEDIES

SIGNS YOUR PUPPY/DOG NEEDS VETERINARY CARE

All of the information below has been copies from the book “The Chihuahua”

Rules for children and Chihuahua’s

Above and beyond the universal rules for the interaction of dogs and children, there are some special things to consider when the dog is a toy breed.

Never leave a child with a toy dog unsupervised EVER

The most important word to teach your child is gentle, gentle, gentle. The child must understand that no matter how cute they are toy breed dogs are NOT toys

Only allow a child to hold your dog when the child is sitting firmly on the floor. (The couch doesn’t count) Under no circumstance should the dog be picked up or carried by a child. 

Teach your child to stay out of the dogs face. This is a good rule with any dog, but a closely approaching child can easily frighten a small dog, and frightened dogs tend to snap or bite in order to protect themselves.

Look before you sit!!!  This is a good rule for all family members, but children may need extra reminding as Toy Dogs can easily hid behind pillows, stuffed animals… virtually anything.

Keep food at the table. While parents often encourage their children to share, this is one time when it can be a bad thing. Many human treats like chocolate, which is toxic to all dogs, are especially dangerous for smaller breeds. To avoid the possibility of accidental poisoning, keep all food where you can supervise its consumption.

Whenever appropriate, involve your child with the care of your puppy./ Teaching your child about brushing, feeding, and walking your dog…as well as gentle play…will also teach your puppy that children can be enjoyable companions.

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HOW TO IDENTIFY A GOOD BREEDER

Look for a breeder who at minimum:

Has dogs that appear happy and health, are excited to meet new people and don’t shy away from visitors.

Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time…an area that is clean and well maintained. 

Encourages you to spend time with the puppy’s parents (or at a minimum the pup’s mother) when you visit.

Breeds only one or two types of dogs and is knowledgeable about breed standards.

Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you records of veterinary visits for the puppies; explains the puppy’s medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.

Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent to the breed (there are specific genetic concerns for every breed) and explains to you what those concerns are. The breeder should have the puppy’s parents tested (and should have the results for the parents’’ parents) to ensure they are free of those defects. He or she should be able to provide you with documentation for all testing she has done through organizations such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) (OFA)

Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.

Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from him or her.

Feeds high-quality , premium-brand dog food.

Doesn’t always have puppies available, but rather will keep a list of interested people for his or her next available litter.

Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy before you take your puppy home.

Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you use a specific veterinarian.

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QUESTIONS TO ASK A KENNEL OR DOG DAYCARE

Do staff members possess a broad working knowledge of canine behavior? What type of training do they receive? Beware of anyone who tells you that this isn’t a job requiring much experience or instruction.

What is the staff to dog ratio?  The lower the better, but an ideal ratio would be at least one staff member for every 10 dogs.

Are toy breeds allowed to interact with larger dogs? What is the procedure for introducing new dogs to the program?

Are toy breeds allowed to interact with larger dogs? What is the procedure for introducing new dogs to the program?

What kinds of discipline are used? Voice reprimands and timeout rooms may be acceptable, but anything physical is not.

What is the protocol for an emergency? Do the employees know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid for pets? If a veterinary is needed, to whom will your dog be taken?

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SAMPLE FEEDING SCHEDULE FOR THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF YOUR TOY DOGS LIFE

Puppies less then four months

Toy puppies need three meals per day… in the morning, at midday, and in the early evening. Water should be offered with each meal and then once more a short time after the last meal of the day. While housetraining, be sure to remove your puppy’s water bowl one to two hours before bedtime.

Puppies between four months and one year

Around the time older puppies are transitioned to adult food, they should also be switched to just two meals per day…elimination the midday meal. Once housetraining is mastered, water can be offered at all times. Watch your dog for excessive drinking, though, as this might be a sign of a medical problem

Adult dogs

Adult dogs should also be fed two meals per day, but variety can be added by offering a mix of wet and dry food…or some raw vegetables to either meal. Since dogs’ metabolisms slow as they get older, stick to only healthy treats and swap to a weight reduction diet if your dog becomes overweight.

Senior dogs.

Dogs sometimes lose their zest for eating as they age. Try offering several smaller meals each day or warming up your dog’s wet food to make eating more fun. Since raw vegetable may be more difficult for your older dog to chew, try offering softer treats like cottage cheese or an occasional hardboiled egg instead.

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COMMON DISEASES AND INJURIES RELATED TO OBESITY

Arthritis..Cruciate ligament injury…Diabetes…Gastrointestinal problems…Heart disease…Kidney disease…Luxating patellas…Musculoskeletal diseases…Respiratory problems…Tracheal collapse

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CHILDREN AND DOGS

It is important not to underestimate the damage a toy breed can inflict. As small as they may be, Toy breeds may bite and wound even a much loved family member. Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites, so be sure to teach your child that it is never okay to tease a dog.  Any dog can bite when provoked.

Teach your child some basic obedience commands, and practice them together, instructing your dog to sit before putting his bowl down , for example. Viewed through a dog’s pack mentality, children are often considered the easiest family members to challenge for a more dominant position in the household hierarchy. If taught proper consideration and also empowered with the tools to assert themselves appropriately, your children can enjoy positive relationships with your puppy while Still maintaining their proper positions as your dog’s superiors.

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CANINE BODY LANGUAGE

Elbows Lowered With Bottom In The Air

Often referred to as the play-bow, this most adorable stance that usually includes tail wagging and a good natured bark is an invitation for play. You toy dog may use this gesture with his human family members or other animals within the home.

Exposed Belly

To show his submissive position, a dog will lie on his back and raise one leg when a dominant member of the pack arrives. With his ears back and belly exposed, this dog is telling you he is not a threat.

Sleeping On His Back

While your toy dog ‘s exposed belly indicate4s submission when your dog is awake, a dog lying this way before going to sleep is essentially telling you he doesn’t have a care in the world. Since lying on his back this way leaves him extremely vulnerable, only a dog who feels completely secure will sleep in this position.

Ears Forward or Back, Tail Straight Up, Teeth Exposed

With or without the teeth exposed, this is an aggressive posture. It also may or may not be accompanied by growling, loud barking, or even snapping. An angry dog will usually hold eye contact challengingly.

Ears Down Tail Hanging Limp

A dog lying in this position is bored. Perhaps it’s time to break out the squeaky toys.

Cowering or Hiding Behind Furniture

If your dog is frightened, he may hide behind or beneath a chair or other piece of furniture. This springs from you dog’s natural instinct to seek the safety of his den when danger is present.

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TEN TIPS FOR PREVENTING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Set rules immediately and stick to them.
Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.
Observe the pet and provide what he needs to be cared for and attended to
Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided attention and training, and restrict the pet’s access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.
Encourage good behavior with praise and attention
Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives – a toy for a slipper, for example.
Never physically punish or force compliance to commands, This may lead to fear biting or aggression.
Don’t play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.
Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.
See your veterinarian if serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.

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EMERGENCIES! WHEN YOU NEED TO ACT FAST

The following situations are considered medical emergencies, if your dog experiences any of these problems, get him to the nearest veterinary hospital as soon as possible.

Animal bites or insect stings
Breathing difficulties
Broken bones
Choking
Frequent vomiting
Paralysis
Poisoning
Scalds or burns
Seizures
Severe diarrhea
Sever trauma (from a fall or traffic accident for example) 
Temperature-Related injuries (such as heatstroke, frostbite or hypothermia)
Wounds with excessive bleeding

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PET INSURANCE

The cost of health care can be a demanding part of dog ownership. Advancing medical technologies have lifted veterinary medicine to a level more comparable to human care then it has ever been. Especially if you have more than one pet, the price of every routine care can be draining. Chronic conditions requiring frequent veterinary visits and costly medications can be particularly taxing both emotionally and financially. Because of this, many toy owners decide  to protect their pets with medical insurance. 

Similar to human health insurance carriers, several national companies offer pet po9licies that reimburse owners for such expenses as emergency care, prescriptions,

And in some cases even routine physicals and preventive medications (such as heartworm and flea control). Unlike human health plans, though, many of these policies do not require that you use a specific doctor. No owner should ever have to base a life-saving decision for their pet on their finances, so ask your veterinarian about this option if you think it might be helpful to you. If you wait until your dog is sick or injured, the problem may be labeled a pre-existing condition, resulting in higher premiums and possibly even denial of coverage for the problem.

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SIGNS YOUR PUPPY/DOG NEEDS VETERINARY CARE

 

If you notice any of the following signs, schedule an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian. 
Shortness of breath or coughing, prolonged or heavy panting
Weight loss or gain
Decreased appetite
Increased thirst and urination
Uncharacteristic housetraining accidents, diarrhea, or blood in the stools.
Recurrent vomiting
Unexplained trembling
Change in sleeping habits
Weakness of fatigue 
Lameness or discomfort when moving
Bad breath
Dullness of coat, dry flaky skin, or hair loss
Any unchecked lumps or bumps
Any unexplained changes in behavior

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NATURAL FLEA REMEDIES

 

Natural and environmentally friendly products are available for treating both animals and their environments. Herbal alternatives containing no pesticides can be purchased in such forms as collars, sprays, and shampoos. These organic treatments repel fleas rather then kill them. For this reason, flea-trapping devices should be used in conjunction with these methods. In addition to using natural repellents, such

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Page Revised December 08, 2008 04:18 PM
Send e-mail to pups@usatft.com  with questions or comments about this web site.

 



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