CNBNews

Pet Tip of the Week

By Dawn Watson

Related Category Pets are the Best

 The presents are all opened and that one ‘special’ gift, the one that the kids all cried, begged, and petitioned for, is sleeping angelically underneath the tree. Yep, you broke down and got a puppy. Ah, sweet peace. The perfect gift. Kids are happy, life is good.

Photo Darby Tussey

But wait! What’s that on the bottom of my slipper?! Eewww! And, hey! What happened to the leg of the coffee table? Why, it looks like it’s been chewed! Now Baby Fido has to be walked and the kids are upstairs playing with their Wii… (you get where this is going, right?)

It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a family to raise a dog, folks. If you, as an adult, have made the commitment to adopt a dog make sure your entire family joins in on the upkeep and training of this new member of your pack. Find a reputable trainer before you adopt and see if he or she can give you some advice and offer training classes or at least, a session or two, within a couple of days after you bring the puppy (or adult dog) home. It may make the difference between peaceful co-existence and a sad return to the shelter or breeder.

Here are a few tips that may help you ease the transition immediately after you adopt:

• Dogs need a consistent schedule for eating, sleeping, and eliminating.
• Never hit, slap, or physically punish your dog; dogs do not respond to this treatment and will become fearful. Instead, use a firm tone of voice and praise for a job well done.
• Allow your dog to be part of the family; do NOT make your dog “live” outside. This constitutes cruelty!
• Make sure your new family member receives his shots on time so that he can enjoy good health: some behavior problems occur because of illness or discomfort.

Feel free to call me with any questions at 856-349-2508 or email me at [email protected] . There is never a fee for a phone or email

consultation! I will be happy to help you and your family enjoy your dog for life!

Next week’s topic will be entitled, “Your Dog’s Prey Drive—Fact & Fantasy”. As always, Cleary’s notebook encourages dialogue so your comments are welcome! Have a wonderful holiday!

Wado, udohiyu, (thank you very much, in the Cherokee language)

Dawn Watson

Brother of the Wolf, LLC

700 Market St, Gloucester City NJ 08030