The puppy's first
toys
Toys kept in
the cage all day may not interest the puppy. When you go to work, give the
puppy certain toys which interest the puppy as they contain food inside.
One example is Kong's toys.
A large variety of
toys in Singapore's pet shops and supermarkets. Toys can be used to
exercise the puppy mentally and physically depending on the type or as a
reward for good behaviour.
1. Chew bone - nylon or plastic. Keep teeth and gum healthy by chewing.
All puppies need to chew as they are teething.
2. Dog Pull toy. A tug-of-war toy. Will encourage aggressive behaviour.
Use only if the puppy is willing to release it when you command it to do
so.
3. Squeaky toy. Squeaks when chewed appealing to the puppy's hunting
instincts.
4. Chew toy which is made of rubber and bounces when it is thrown
stimulating the puppy to give chase.
Most Singaporeans put the toys in the cage or play pen/crate all day. Toys
can be used as a reward. To use it as a reward, limit access to
special times only and put them away.
SELECTION OF A PURE BREED
Health before
external beauty. Not usually possible to choose a puppy from healthy
well-bred stock and has a good temperament. Need to spend time.
Choose a reputable breeder or pet shop you know.
If you look for a bargain puppy, expect higher veterinary expenses and
heart aches if your puppy does not grow up into a healthy dog.
Which breed suits your life style, male or female? High energy or sleeps
all day breed? Adult or puppy? Many select the puppy for its appearance
and temperament.
Show Dog
Dog showing is
getting popular in Singapore. Conformation showing, obedience
trials, instinct tests, agility trials, tracking and others. Let Seller
know you want a championship dog if you want to be a potential exhibitor.
Pet Dog
Active, sturdy puppy,
bright eyes, clean skin condition. Friendly if possible. Not
hyperacitve or sleepy.
Sources
The top quality dogs
- go to dog shows, trials or tests. Breeders usually there.
Dog Handlers, groomers and veterinarians who do business with breeders are
additional sources of referrals.
Dog clubs. Some clubs have a code of ethics which the breeders must
adhere to in order to be recommended.
Ads in canine magazines and newspapers are usually from secure, well
established kennels. However, you need to check yourself.
New breeder. No long waiting lists.
Costs. Top quality for dog shows. Pet quality will do.
Visit Seller/breeder. Clean premises. Happy healthy dogs greet visitors at
the door. Sire and dam. If no sire, see photos.
Ask breeder. OFA1 certified for good hips and CERF1 certified for normal
eyes? hypothyroidism, deafness and epilepsy in breeding stock?
If possible, examine for entropion, earsets, incorrect bites and missing
teeth. Mismarks and improper coats.
Temperament tests. From 7 weeks old. To determine which pups
are over-aggressive or shy. Pups to be tested spearately by you in new
surroundings. Bold, shy or curious.
1. Social tests.
Pup's reaction to a stranger/strange place. Hides in a corner, Comes out
immediately or take some time to explore.
Call the puppy in a friendly manner, clapping or whistling. Walks
away and call the puppy.
2. Dominance tests.
Roll the pup on his back and hold him in place for 30 seconds.
Picks up pup with hands under the belly. Hold up for 30 seconds.
The aggressive bold pup reacts immediately, sometimes barking or biting.
The other extreme - shrinks and hides.
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The ideal one will be friendly, hesitant but is cooperative in most tests.
Alert, show curioisity, run after the toy and return it to the tester.
3. Obedience/alertness tests.
Drag an object in front of the puppy. Does he show curiosity and follow?
Puppy-proof your apartment
and what to get for your puppy.
All normal puppies chew. Some eats own stools.
1. Electrical wires often overlooked. Short-circuit.
2. Shoes, slippers, newspapers chewed and swallowed - grey stools
3. Cane furniture legs being chewed.
4. Door open, puppy runs out (wire netting at door entrance).
5. Barbecue set/plant pots falls on puppy.
6. Water features. Puppy can drown in shallow water (wire netting)
7. Store room kept locked.
8. Detergent, chemicals locked.
9. Feed supplement to stop faeces eating.
At Pet Shop - Items for
first puppy
1. Dog food. Use same brand to prevent diarrhoea. Change later by adding
10% new food per day. Caesar. Canned food usually too costly over long
term. Dry feed - teeth cleaning.
2. Water bottle. One water bottle inside play pen (toilet area) and
one outside play pen (e.g living room) for toilet training.
A water bowl may spill water unless it is heavier. Puppy gets wet and gets skin problems.
3. Feed bowl. An automatic feed dispenser. Prevents obesity. Plastic
feed bowl. Metallic feed bowl. Buy a heavy one.
4. Shampoo. A wide range. Tearless, hypoallergenic, organic,
whitening, insecticide.
5. Comb
6. Brush. Use one that is easy to use and effective.
7. Nail cutter. Nail filer?
8. A retractable leash for outdoor exercise.
9. Car safety harness.
10. Multi-vitamin, high energy paste
11. Calcium tablets for big breeds?
12. Dog treats (reward) for over 3 months old.
13. Ear wash.
14. Chew bone or raw hide (after 4 months old). Claim to reduce
plaque and tartar which lead to tooth loss and serious dental diseases.
15. Chew rope (dental health)
16. Soft toy, Squeaky toy.
17. Toilet training aids (puppy trainer for paper training in play pen.)
18. Toilet training aids (puppy training pad for cage (home) and outdoors)
19. Carrier (taxi drivers dislike puppy)
20. Bed.
21. Play pen
22. Crate (cage)
23. Tooth brush.
24. Tooth paste.
25. Breath spray.
26. Eye tearing prevention drops.
27. A hair clipper for long-haired breeds and many terriers if you wish to
save on grooming costs.
FEEDING TIMES
2 months. Wet Food (Dry feed, add water). 3 meals a day.
3 months. Wet and dry feed. 2 meals a day.
4 months. Dry. 2 meals a day.
6 months. 1 meal a day.
Home-cooked food does have sufficient minerals and vitamins. Salty. Give
not more than 30% if you want to give. If pet is allergic to commercial
feed or have urinary stones, may need a balanced formula for home-cooked
feed or a prescription diet.
Twice a day usually recommended for 3 months old by pet shop owners.
Puppies have small stomach and may need small amounts three times a day.
"Vomit food" - eats too fast and too much at once. Feel the ribs and
top of body (spinal bones).
No milk or chocolate. No house plants, bones, grass eating.
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