getting my jrt sooner then planned....

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello again, I have found a litter of jack russle terriers that will be ready to go on the 16th of this month, they are five weeks now and I'm going to see them to pick one out and put a deposit on one this sunday, I found the ad in a locle newspaper..... this is how I found my lab as well. The pups tails are docked, dew claws remopved and they will be getting there first shot on the 9th, I'v got everything exept the puppy, food & I still need a few more toys. I will be getting a male and as it turns out all four pups in that litter are males! Well I am now wondering if its possible to tell the subbmissive pups from the domante ones at five weeks of age? It also turns out that I am moving in with my mother shortly after I get the puppy, now she has those two bichon-shiztuz's,  they are free fed(I'll ahev to get them on shedualed meals, they are fed table scraps... which wil need to stop as my dog doesnt get table scraps neither will the puppy. Now these two dogs don't like my lab the one snarls if she bothers her the other is more passive and will just run away from my lab..... my lab loves them but I'm afriad they just don't feel the same way lol THe two dogs are slgihtly over weight and need a diet but they are so picky.... if you have any ideas on how to get them to like a better low fat food and stop wanting table scraps that would be great, As I said the pup will be eating Nutro narutal choice ultra puppy shortly after I get him I am wondering if changing him from his old food(not sure what brand yet) will be easy as smaller dogs mainly toy's seem to be very picky about what they eat(for instant the ones treats the two bichonX's will eat are beggin stirps they turn up there noses to any hard treats lol). Also what is the best thing to clean up "acctidents" with? would pure viniger work?

Also during the night I'm sure the pup will need to "go" again before I get up.... will it cry so I can get up and take it out?

And lastlywhat is the best way to introduce the pup to all the other dogs?

THank you for any help in advance.
Answer -
Hi,

I'm glad you're getting your puppy soon, it's a very exciting thing.

I addressed your question of how to introduce the new puppy to the other dogs in my last letter. Try to have all the dogs meet while they are on leashes, in a neutral place (someplace your dogs haven't been before) let the dogs sniff one another briefly, then pull them apart and walk around a little before allowing them to smell one another again.  Offer plenty of dogs treats, and keep it a happy event. When you see they are all getting along, it will be safe to take everyone home. You can read more about how to introduce dogs to new puppies here:
http://www.phsspca.org/training/puppy_intro_to_adult_dog.htm

A submissive puppy is not a fearful or shy puppy, it's a pup that is willing to obey you. Spending a little time with the group of puppies and being observant can usually help to clue you in to the puppies personalities. They'll be in the midst of puppy play, being neither overly dominant nor submissive. If you crouch down, friendly pups will usually run to your feet. When picked up and supported well, it shouldn't fight or struggle to get down for very long. Gently roll the puppy over on its back and hold him with one hand on his chest for about half a minute. His dominant or submissive tendencies will be displayed by the amount and how long he struggles. Most pups will probably struggle a bit, you want a pup that will easily settle down.

Is one puppy more aggressive than the other or does one cry in fear at every strange movement and noise? Does one come running up to you for attention or hide behind the couch? When picked up and held securely, does a puppy struggle and try to get away, or does it relax in your arms? Pick the outgoing, not shy, a friendly pup that comes to investigate you, that doesn't hide from you. Avoid a puppy that bites fiercely, growls and backs away from you, and resists being held against it's will. If you're having trouble deciding, ask the breeder which is a submissive puppy, and take a little time to watch that particular dog.

Once you have found the pup you like, look closely at it. Are there any skin sores on the mouth, tail or ears? Part it's hair, do you see fleas, or flea "dirt"? Is the puppy pleasantly fat all over or does it have a bony back and big belly? This can be a sign of intestinal worms. Check the gums. They should be a healthy shade of pink. Pale means anemia for which there can be several reasons. Is there any discharge from the eyes or nose? A puppy should have clear, bright eyes with no discharge. If the discharge is thick, yellow or green, avoid the puppy and make sure you wash your hands in a mild bleach solution before going home to your own dogs.

From the first time the puppy is in your home, make sure the pup has a spot to call his own, someplace he can go where he will not be pestered or when he just like to be alone. This can be a crate, a purchased dog bed, or a blanket in the corner. The crate for a puppy should be a small one; an adult size crate can be purchased when he outgrows the puppy crate.

Bring a blanket or towel (even something as small as a washcloth) from the breeder's home and put it in his place along with a blanket or towel from your own supply. Dogs have a strong sense of smell; familiar smells will help him feel more comfortable.

Confine the pup to a room occupied by an adult so you have a better chance of preventing mischief and of catching him before he relieves himself on the floor. If you are distracted, leave the pup in his crate for short periods while you work. If he is confined, your relationship stands a good chance of getting off to a fine start - he can't soil the floor, chew the furniture,if he is in the crate, so won't start his life in your home being scolded.

Just before you go to bed at night, take the puppy outside for a potty break, then put him in his crate (at night move the crate to your bedroom). The puppy may cry the first few nights, but it's very important that you not take him out from his crate. If he cries, tell him firmly "Quiet", don't make a fuss, but don't let him out either. A pair of ear plugs might be needed! Letting him out of the crate won't train him to be quiet, it will only train him that if he makes a fuss, he'll get his way ... just like a spoiled child. Letting him out of the crate at night will also mean a puddle for you to clean up in the morning.

If you hear him crying after he's fallen asleep for a while, he probably needs to go outside to relieve himself, and you should take him. He might surprise you and sleep the whole night through, if not he will soon be able to. Be patient, it's all very new to him, it just takes a little time for a new puppy to learn the routine.

As soon as you wake up, even if the puppy is quiet, take him right outside... even before you've had your breakfast! He's just a baby, and he WILL have to go to the bathroom, and as you know, he can't be expected to hold it!

The puppy needs to be around people. Proximity to people will help the puppy adjust better to being without his littermates, and also help you give your attention to his toilet needs- which will make housetraining easier. During the day, move his crate from your bedroom to a more public area in your home. Remember, when he can't be supervised, he should be crated.

As far as your mom's two dog's are concerned, picky eaters aren't born, they're made to be that way. My guess is the dogs have long since learned that if they hold out for something better, they'll get it! The way to train them back into eating the way dogs are supposed to be is:

Decide on a healthy dog food diet, place the food in the dog dish and put it down on the floor for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pick up the food bowl and don't offer food again until the next scheduled feeding time... with no snacks in between meals! No healthy dog will ever starve them self. It's going to be a battle of wills, and they miss a meal or two in the first few days, but in the end it will get them back on the right track. To do anything else is giving into their whims, and the finicky cycle will continue.

Nutro Natural Choice Ultra puppy food is a fine food to serve your new friend. If that's not the food he's been eating before you adopt him, you'll want to change his diet over to Nutro Natural slowly, over a period of 4-5 days. If you switch a dog or puppy's food too quickly, it can cause diarrhea. Ask the dog breeder for a small amount of the current food, so you can change diets correctly.

Start your new puppy off right, don't train him into being finicky about food. When you pick a dog food stick with it. By the way, he needs to eat the puppy food for a full year.
Limit the puppy treats... your love is all the treat he needs!

Even though the puppy is having it's shots before you adopt it, once you have purchased your puppy, take it immediately to your veterinarian for a check up. This can't be stressed enough. A wormy puppy is easily cured; one with a heart murmur or other birth defect is a different matter. The key is to find out early enough to take the puppy back for a refund before you have had time to get attached.


For cleaning up puppy "mistakes" white vinegar works well. You can mix up a batch of 1/2 water and 1/2 cup white vinegar and keep that on hand for the inevitable. I've heard that after cleaning up urine, sprinkle baking soda on the spot & let it sit for 24 hours, then vacuum it up.
Personally, I've found Nature's Miracle to be about the best. It works with enzymes to remove odors, so the dog won't be tempted to soil in the same area. You can buy it at pet stores.

Best of luck! Happy Holidays!

Patti






Thank you so much for your help & happy holidays as well.


Do you think the pup will be settled in by the time cristmas is here? as I'd be getting him just a little over a week away from cristmas. Would all the guest's stress him or would this be a good socilizing pratice?

I have his dishes, collar, leash, harrness, crate & toys along with some viniger for spot cleaning...... is there anything else I should have other then a id tag?

And lastly aproximitly how many hours does a seven week old puppy sleep? and what kind of games should I paly with him to properly exercise him... I know tug of war isnt good as it teachs the dog to pull on things your carrying.


Thank you yet again for your help in advance.


Answer
Hi Again,

It's good you're picking the puppy up before the holidays. This will allow a little time for him to become accustomed to his new home and family before the hustle and bustle of the holiday.

The holiday season can be stressful for pets. You know what a holiday celebration is like at your home better than I. Is there a lot of people, loud music, children running around, etc.? Are you busy attending to guests and can't keep an eye on the puppy? Or is your holiday more quiet, with guests sitting around and talking?

If the new people, noise and changes in his daily schedule seems to frighten or confuse the pup, then the best place for the him is in his crate. Place the crate in a quiet part of the house. Don't forget to take breaks form the festivities so you can give the puppy potty breaks if it turns out that the best place for him is in his crate for an extended period.

If children will be visiting, see that they are supervised when handling the puppy, and that the pup isn't fed a lot of food by well meaning visitors.

Puppies are notorious for chewing. Yarn, tinsel, ribbons and other "chewables" are attractive to a playful pup and may cause internal damage if swallowed. If you can't supervise your puppy, keep him confined in a safe area.

Pets, like people, may be tempted by holiday goodies. Allowing them to have holiday treats and sweets can lead to digestive upsets. In the case of chocolate goodies, beware. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Before you bring home the puppy you'll want to "puppy proof" your home from things that they may find interesting but would not be safe for them to get a hold of. Examples, rubber bands, string, ribbon, pantyhose, poisonous plants, fishing equipment, etc. You may consider putting up some of the things that you don't want chewed until the puppy is trained as well. Get in the habit of putting dirty clothes in the hamper! The puppy is bound to chew on dirty underwear and socks!

Playing with a puppy is more than great fun. How you play can affect your puppy's future behavior. You are correct about playing tug-of-war games with the puppy.  Tug-of-war gives your puppy the opportunity to establish dominance when he "wins" the tug. Many puppies use the same tearing action with clothing and household items used in tug-of-war. A puppy cannot distinguish between items that are off limits and those that may be used for play.

Some puppies tend to be biters. You are reinforcing this bad habit if you allow your puppy to bite you during play time. Never wiggle your fingers or hand in a teasing way at your puppy or encourage it to attack you. Such "attack games" may seem cute when your puppy is little, but the end result is usually an adult dog who bites.

When your puppy attempts to bite, grasp its collar and say "NO" firmly. If your puppy continues to bite, clap your hands loudly in front of his face while saying "NO, NO!"

If your puppy still does not stop biting, confine it until it calms down. Don't yell at him or make it seem that he's being punished though. Simply pick him up without a fuss, and put him in his crate. Resume play later. Biting should never be rewarded. If you continue to play with your puppy after it has tried to bite you, it will think biting is part of the game.

You can turn play time into a fun and a positive learning experience for your puppy. Teach it to retrieve, to play with its toys (only those safe for puppies) and to do simple tricks. Take your puppy for walks. All these activities establish a bond between you and your puppy.

When a puppy jumps on visitors or climbs all over people, this behavior is often dismissed as "friendly as a puppy." However, climbing and jumping are not friendly or cute as a puppy matures. Teach your puppy to sit when someone enters your house. When it responds to the "sit" command, reward it with lots of praise.

Whenever you give a command, maintain eye contact and remember the importance of your tone of voice. Do not laugh at a misdeed as you say "no" or add in an amused tone of voice comments like "such a naughty puppy."

It's essential that all family members work together to help your puppy establish good habits. Every family member should use the same commands spoken in a firm, no-nonsense voice. If each family member uses a different command, your puppy will become confused.

Here's a web page about how to help a puppy learn how to play nicely:
http://www.101-dog-training-tips.com/Puppy_Training/Puppy_Biting.shtml

Puppies sleep a LOT. They are growing very rapidly and need to sleep for their bodies to do the growing they need to do. When I first got my puppy (around 8 weeks old) he would play for about an hour and then sleep for about two hours. That ratio changes quite a bit as the puppy gets older.

Good luck! If you have questions once you get the puppy, feel free to write, I'll do my best to help you out.

Regards,
Patti