If we keep our puppies healthy, they will be happy and so will we.  A healthy eating regimen starting with food products for puppies, and proper medical care, including at least one visit a year to a good local vet, is basic to puppy health. 

Your first visit to the vet should take place as soon as possible after he comes home with you. Most breeders, animal shelters, and animal rescue and adoption groups will give you a guarantee – usually about 48 hours - so you will want to schedule that first visit during that time period. The first visit is the best time for your vet to talk with you about proper nutrition, needed vaccinations and what you can expect over the lifetime of your dog.

Puppies need five vaccinations commonly referred to as DHLPP.  The vaccinations include Distemper, an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain; Hepatitis, a viral disease of the liver; Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease of the urinary tract; Parainfluenza, infectious bronchitis; Parvovirus, a viral disease of the intestines. Puppies will also need a Corona shot, to prevent this viral disease of the intestines; and a Rabies shot.  Carepets.org, recommends the following  necessary vaccination schedule for new puppies:

New Puppy Owners: First Trip to the Vet

• 6-8 weeks……….    First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
• 11-12 weeks…..Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
• 15-16 weeks…..    Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
• Over 4 months..    Rabies (repeat 1 year later)
• 7-9 months………First heartworm test

If your puppy has fleas be very careful about treating him. Ask a vet you can trust. Most flea and tick products are not safe for puppies and could even kill them. Consult with your veterinarian for a safe product for your puppy.

Puppy play time will be much more fun this spring when he has the proper vaccinations and his owner sees to it that he has the proper nutrition for his breed. Have fun!
 

When the weather is great, who doesn't look forward to getting out-of-doors for some serious play time with a new puppy? No one we know!  Here in Washington, DC--especially on and around Capitol Hill--dog owners and passionate pet owners abound! You and your pup will be in great company.

Check out the outdoor activities available in your community. Is there a “dog park" nearby? Learn what the leash laws are in your area, and always keep your pup on a lead when it is still in "training" and learning its puppy manners. This will give both you and your puppy added confidence about venturing into new situations where other dogs, kids, smells, sounds, and "opportunities" may beckon and entice.

Remember, your puppy will enjoy having pals of his own species, own size, and own temperament.  Choose their friends wisely and seek out opportunities for puppy play time with your puppy’s new friends. In addition to being fun, play time develops good socialization habits and those are critical to your pup's--and your--long-term relationship and well-being.

The AKC recommends these tips to keep your puppy safe when he is out and about:

• I.D. Tags with your name, address, and phone number should be on your dog at all times when he is outside the home. Chances are you will have better success at recovering your good buddy in case he gets lost.
• Consider Microchips or Tattoos which are invaluable when attempting to locate your lost puppy. You may also wish to enroll your dog in AKC’s affiliate, the Companion Animal Recovery service, which is the nation’s largest database of micro chipped pets.
• Provide shelter and a shaded area when your puppy is in an enclosed area outdoors by himself. Also make sure he has plenty of water available to him.
• Watch the heat.  DO NOT leave your puppy closed up in a car in the summer heat. It only takes a short while for the temperature to get too high for the dog to stand.
• When your dog is traveling with you in the car or truck  secure him inside a crate or attach him to a seat belt. Never allow your dog to hang his head out of the window of your car when it is moving; and never allow him to be loose in the back of an open pick-up truck. All it takes is for the dog to see something along the road he wants to chase for a disaster to happen.

You may want to find a good kennel for boarding to ensure that your dog is well looked after while you are away overnight. Be sure to check out the boarding facility before you consent to leave your best friend with them. Ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Ask your vet for suggestions; they will always have your pet's health and well-being in mind, and good local vets are plugged into their communities and know who's who.

Puppy Sitting and a good dog walk service are a great solution when you are away for hours (not days or weeks) at a time. Both you and your pup will get through the hours of separation more happily, healthfully, and comfortably!

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Metro Mutts offers one of the DC area's most highly trusted dog walking services. Check out our dog walker plans and rates, then give Jackie Cook, Metro Mutts Pet Services Manager, a call at 202-450-9258 or send her an email.

Puppy play is more fun than ever when going outdoors also feels great. Playing with puppies out-of-doors opens up a whole new world of fun, but brings with it some seasonal tips and precautions. 

Following these simple tips will help to ensure that puppies and owners alike will enjoy some serious play time as the weather warms up and the opportunities abound for fun, day trips, and neighborhood exploration.

Outdoor Activities

Check out the outdoor activities available in your community. Is there a dog park* (official or unofficial) where you may have fun with your puppy while working on his socialization skills with other dogs at the same time? Remember, your puppy will enjoy having pals of his own species, own size, and own temperament.  Whether they meet up and play at a dog park, or participate together in a supervised indoor Puppy Play Spot, make it a priority to socialize your pup with canine friends and puppy-to-puppy play time, as well as time with you.

Flea and Tick Season

Fleas ands ticks are not just annoying, they are a health hazard to pets and owners alike, and unfortunately are a fact of life when the weather warms up. Mild winters create the conditions for particularly heavy flea and tick populations in the Spring, so be prepared and stock up early on flea and tick control products like Frontline, shampoos, and powders; grooming tools; and "bomb" products for keeping your indoor spaces free of these critters. Crossing your fingers won't work, and it is more difficult, more uncomfortable, and more expensive to get rid of them after they strike, than to take preventive measures up front.

Safety Tips for Your Puppy’s Outdoor Time

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends these tips to keep your puppy safe when he is out and about.:
    •    I.D. Tags with your name, address, and phone number should be on your dog at all times when he is outside the home. Chances are you will have better success at recovering your good buddy in case he gets lost.
    •    Microchips are invaluable when attempting to locate your lost puppy. You may also wish to enroll your dog in AKC’s affiliate, the Companion Animal Recovery service, which is the nation’s largest database of microchipped pets. Ask your Vet.
    •    Provide shelter and a shaded area when your puppy is in an enclosed area outdoors by himself, like a backyard. Also make sure he has plenty of water available to him.
    •    Watch the heat and  DO NOT leave your puppy closed up in a car. It only takes a short while for the temperature to get too high for the dog's system to tolerate; it can be fatal.
    •    Travel safely when your dog is with you in the car or truck. Secure him inside a crate or attach him to a seat belt. Never allow your dog to hang his head out of the window of your car when it is moving; and never allow him to be loose in the back of an open pick-up truck. All it takes is for the dog to see something along the road he wants to chase for a disaster to happen.

Enjoy the change of seasons and all the joys that come with spending quality outdoor time with your pup. Before you know it, he'll be all grown up with great social skills, travel smarts, and a love for adventuring with you in the great outdoors!

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*Dog Parks for our Capitol Hill and H Street NE neighbors:

Here on Capitol Hill in DC, Lincoln Park (NE/SE), Stanton Park (NE), and Garfield Park (SE) are all popular gathering places for dogs and owners from the surrounding neighborhoods; none of these is fenced in, however, or "official". Kingsman Field is an "official" Hill dog park in NE, and it is fenced in such a way that dogs with different levels of sociability can run free, apart from each other. Soon, there will be another official dog park in SE Capitol Hill near the intersection of Virginia Ave, and 11th St.

Dog walking -- whether Lady, the Tramp, or both--is an important daily regimen for both you and your favorite pal. Early training of your dog by daily dog walking is important in order to maintain a healthy relationship with your pet as well as the relationships he develops with other dogs and human friends in the neighborhood.

After all, you will both benefit from the exercise and fresh air during the dog walking routine. Be prepared to wait while your dog stops to expand his scent vocabulary of the neighborhood. Meanwhile, you might as well stop and smell the roses, too, while you’re at it.

Early training of your new puppy by dog walking will bond you and your new friend. You are his whole world and he wants to please you. You just have to show him how.

When he meets up with a new canine friend while you are out walking you need to show him the appropriate way to say hello. Similarly, he must learn how to greet the human on the end of the other leash or another neighbor who is just out for a walk by himself.

Dog walking will also acquaint your pet with the neighborhood you live in, in case--heaven forbid--he should get lost somehow. Be sure your dog has the appropriate dog tags at all times, and that the tags include your home and cell phone numbers. You may also investigate a chip insertion by your veterinarian.

If dog walking becomes more of a chore than a fun experience with your dog, or if you simply are not on hand throughout the day or evening, you may need the help of professionals in the field.

Metro Mutts offers dog walking service, including a special Puppy Break package as well as other training and pet sitting services. Visit our site to get more information, including dog walker rates.

Happy dog walking!
 

Socializing Your New Puppy—Kids and Dogs 

Most kids love animals. Growing up with a dog provides memories they will treasure for the rest of their lives. From the very beginning, the very first day a new puppy arrives in your home, the child should know and accept the rules. Dogs are not stuffed animals. They must be treated with respect and take their special place in the family structure.

Before you bring a puppy into your home, do a little research. Is this breed known for its gentleness and patience when around children? How big will it grow? What puppy supplies do you need to purchase to make the new puppy comfortable?

Besides the obvious needs of the new puppy: food; a training crate; a sleeping bed; toys; you need to prepare the people in your home, especially the children,  as to how they are expected to treat the new member of the family.

If your children are still toddlers or very young children, you will need to supervise their contact at all times until both dog and child know what is expected of them.

Rules for children to follow…should be discussed before and after the puppy arrives. You should teach them how to approach, handle and speak to a puppy. For example:

Puppies will most likely be at eye level with small children. A puppy is afraid of anything new, including a child in his face. Teach children to greet and speak to the puppy gently and not to pick it up (at least right away).

Explain to them that puppies are not toys and they will feel pain if you pull their ears or tail.

Instruct them not to go near their food dishes when they are eating or try to take a toy away from them. They should not scream at them; chase them; or do anything else that will provoke the puppy. Dog bites can be prevented if the child understands these rules and follows them. If you see them abusing the puppy, do not let them play with them until they can play nicely.

Kids and other dogs in the neighborhood. Children should learn to never go near a strange dog without permission from the owner. If a dog is penned in or attached to a running line, it should be left alone and not teased. If your child sees a loose dog they should report it to an adult immediately. They should never try to catch it. At the very least they should not go near it.

Kids are Kids and Dogs are Dogs…Remember never leave kids and dogs unsupervised no matter how gentle and well mannered the dog is. Any dog can become excited if the situation is right resulting in harm to the dog or to the child.

Best Friends. By setting up a mutual respect between your child and your puppy, a great friendship will be formed. A dog will always be faithful if they are socialized properly and treated humanely. They deserve it.

Puppies grow into dogs and if all goes well, become four-legged friends we can count on for companionship and joy, for a very long time. At least, that's what we'd all like, right?

It doesn't just happen, though. It all starts with early and positive socialization. Here are some Do and Don't Tips to help you and your new pup develop the relationship and mutual respect you both want.

Walking a puppy is a good way to socialize your new pup. However, avoid dog parks during the first weeks of his life, to avoid disease. Do not let him sniff feces or play with dogs that may be aggressive. Do not impose on people to socialize with your dog. Ask for their help first. Not all people like dogs or animals—even cute little puppies. By the same token, take some care with strangers that may want to hold or come in close to “ooh and aah” over the puppy. Start with small groups of people or other animals at first. When he is comfortable with those situations, you can move on to larger groups.

Don’t leave your puppy alone for long periods of time. Dogs like to be around people. They desperately want to be part of your “pack.” Leaving him alone will induce feelings of abandonment and may even lead to more aggressive behaviors when you finally do return. Metro Mutts has a Mutt Break plan for new puppies, which includes walking if you cannot always be there for your puppy. If a dog does not get out often enough he will be overexcited when he does, leading to bad behaviors like jumping on people; pulling on the leash; or chasing after objects or other dogs.

Ask for help…if you need it. If your socialization regime is not working or if you just aren't sure, ask about puppy classes at your local pet shop. It’s a great place to introduce your puppy to other dogs. Metro Mutts partners up with Spot On Training to offer free PlaySpot (puppy play group) for pups from 8 weeks to 6 months. Great opportunity to work on socialization.

Introduce your puppy to his caregivers as soon as possible. Be sure to explain the rules to pet sitters or others who will care for your pup in your absence. If they let him get away with behavior you don’t approve of, it may slow down his socialization process. They should use the same rewards and reinforcements that you use, for consistency. If your puppy’s caregiver is more knowledgeable about dogs and puppies than you, be sure to seek and follow their guidance.

Your puppy likes companionship…and friendly pats on the head…and being included in your daily activities. Dogs are highly social animals. If you can take your pup with you, do so; increasing a young dog's awareness of the world goes a long way in his socialization. If you isolate him too much; if you don’t interact with him; your puppy will regress and you may never be able to gain his trust back.

Treat your puppy with respect…and demand the same from other people and other animals. Never expose him to torment or aggression from other dogs or other people either. Reward him for good behavior. Be aware of his moods; learn how he lets you know he’s fearful or not happy about a situation. Don’t tie him up outside and ignore him. Be respectful and he will reward you with a faithfulness and companionship you will find nowhere else.

Sounds like a Best-Friend kind of thing to us. Let us know how it goes, and bring your pup with you to Metro Mutts so we can get to know him or her, too!

 

This post by Metro Mutts co-owner Kelly Hartshorn, is also published online at ArticlesBase.com. Read more of Kelly's articles there, including Socializing Your New Puppy: Kids and Dogs

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Here's the scenario: Your daughter's cat, Minx has been with the family for almost a year. She has claimed the entire house as her "territory." She owns everything in it, including you. Enter Prince, the new puppy in the family that your son can't live without. What happens next?

This post by Kelly Hartshorn, Co-owner at Metro Mutts, was first published on ArticlesBase.com.

Things to Consider About Giving a Puppy as a Christmas Gift

Before you give a puppy to someone as a gift this Christmas, consider the following:

The Humane Society; the American Kennel Club; behavior experts; PETA; Animal Rights Activists; rescue groups; vets; training instructors; and most reputable breeders agree that it is definitely not a good idea to give a puppy as a Christmas present.

If you see a pet store advertisement that says "puppies ready for a new home this Christmas," there is a good chance that these puppies are coming from a puppy mill. No reputable breeder will release a puppy to a family on Christmas Day.  In fact, some local shelters and Humane Society facilities will not release a puppy at Christmas time. Those puppies for sale are just given to the first person who comes forward with the money. They don't care if the puppy is healthy or if it is suitable for the family it is going to. A good breeder questions a potential owner extensively before he releases a puppy to a home.

Why Christmas Day is the wrong time to introduce a new puppy to your home

A new puppy is already stressed out because it has just left its mother, its litter mates, and a different living arrangement. To be thrown into a household full of people (especially small children); loud noises; and frenetic activity is naturally frightening. Your new puppy should be introduced at a calmer time, when you have the time to pay attention to its needs and have time to train and socialize him.

If a puppy is given to a child on Christmas, s/he may view it as just another toy. Most toys are discarded within a few months as interest wanes. Children should be helped to realize that a puppy is a member of the family and should be treated with respect. It cannot be played with at their whim like a toy can.  We've all seen those pictures of a new doggie popping out of a box to the delight of the child who opens the box. The real picture is usually quite a different scene.

As a matter of fact, puppies given as presents seldom remain in their first home.If the owner doesn't take the time to train and socialize the new puppy it can become an "uncontrollable" dog through no fault of its own. These dogs are usually "given up" between the ages of 7-14 months and are either euthanized or given to a shelter in hopes that someone will adopt them. Sadly, no one wants an "uncontrollable" dog and they often end up being euthanized.

Puppies need commitment…

and should be chosen by the prospective owners themselves. Would-be owners should be questioned by the shelter or puppy store or breeder to determine if they will take full responsibility for the pet; have the means to care for it properly; and will give it a home for its entire lifetime.

If you are determined to give a puppy as a present, do not introduce an animal into a new family on Christmas Day (or other peak day of celebration); especially to an unsuspecting family. The puppy will have a mark against it from the very beginning.

If you are parents to a child who wants a dog as a pet, discuss it at length with each other. Research the best breed; best place to obtain puppies of that breed; and whether or not your child is old enough to be responsible for some of the care of the puppy.

After you have researched and agreed as parents, give the following to your child at holiday time: puppy supplies that may include a dog collar; a leash; a gift certificate for puppy training classes; books or video about selecting the right dog; or a gift subscription to a doggy magazine.

The child will soon figure out what s/he is "really" getting for Christmas and will be glad to have your assistance in making that possible.

The right thing to do…is nothing…until the holiday season is over. Pick a better time to add that very special new member to your family and make it a very Merry Christmas!

This article by Metro Mutts co-owner Kelly Hartshorn, was originally published on ArticlesBase.com, where you can find more great information for passionate pet owners.

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Pet shops that sell puppies very often get their puppies from puppy mills. It is a good idea to understand this, know what it means, and make a conscious choice if you are about to make the important decision to bring a furry four-legged into your family.

Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations that exist for the sole purpose of making a profit at the expense of the animals' well-being and basic needs. Litter upon litter arriving every day, conditions in puppy mills or puppy farms are typically cramped, crowded, filthy, dark, and airless or over-exposed to the elements.

And it goes without saying that love, care, and affection are nowhere to be found in a puppy mill. Puppies are separated from their mothers far too early in these businesses, so that they can be taken to market as soon as possible--typically 6-8 weeks--freeing the mother up to be serviced for another litter.

According to the ASPCA, illness, disease, genetic defects, fearful behavior, and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are common among dogs from puppy mills. Because puppy mill operators often fail to remove sick dogs from the breeding pools, puppies from puppy mills are prone to congenital and hereditary conditions that may include:

    •    Epilepsy
    •    Heart Disease
    •    Kidney disease
    •    Diabetes
    •    Blood disorders
    •    Deafness
    •    Eye problems
    •    Respiratory disorders

Additionally, puppy mill puppies often arrive at pet stores with conditions that can include:

    •    Giardia
    •    Parvovirus
    •    Distemper
    •    Upper respiratory infections
    •    Kennel cough
    •    Pneumonia
    •    Mange
    •    Fleas
    •    Ticks
    •    Intestinal parasites
    •    Heartworm
    •    Chronic diarrhea


What can you do to help?

• Do not buy a puppy from a pet store or over the Internet. While it might seem like buying a puppy that very likely came from a puppy mill would be a kindness and a "rescue" of sorts, the tragic reality is that supporting the businesses that exploit these animals in this way, just keeps them in business and abusing more animals every day.
• Get involved and support groups like the ASPCA and the Humane Society, to help pass legislation to ensure that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions.

"We still want a new dog; what can we do to be sure we are not supporting puppy mills?"

Here are some great options:

    1.    Adoption: Every day, dogs and puppies are given up, abandoned, rescued (sometimes from mills that get shut down), or otherwise find themselves without loving "parents: they can make great pets and they desperately need and want loving homes. Furthermore, most animal shelters and rescue leagues tend to injuries, illnesses, and basic dietary, immunization, spaying/neutering, dental, and skin care needs, providing a clean bill of health at the time of adoption.
    2.    Buy directly from a small and reputable breeder. If you go this route, be sure that you can see the entire facility, meet the mother dog, and feel confident that everything is above board. Ask for and get documentation of veterinary care, shots, and pedigree if applicable. Reputable breeders and other animal lovers will actually want to meet you and sometimes even conduct a home visit and/or get references, as they will be just as eager to ensure that their prize puppies are going to good homes.

Public awareness of puppy mills has increased over the last few decades, leading most small independent pet stores to focus on selling pet care products, food, toys, training supplies, as well as providing services like dog walking, pet-sitting, training, and even puppy play time--but not selling animals in their stores.

Many work cooperatively with local animal rescue leagues, shelters,  and other animal advocacy groups to sponsor adoption events at their stores. These are wonderful opportunities for anyone who truly wants to give an animal a loving and healthy home, a chance to finally "come home"--forever.