Puppy Nail Trims

Keeping puppy's nails trimmed is key to keeping you and your family from getting scratched by those sharp puppy toe nails. This is a great video explaining the importance of getting your puppy comfortable with having his paws and toes touched, how not to hurt puppy by cutting into the quick, and even how to desensitize a pup who is already fearful of nail trims.

Microchip Migration

Should your puppy and you get separated, the idea of permanent identification implanted just under his skin around the shoulder blades is reassuring. You bring your puppy home with his microchip number. You are his registered human to be contacted in case of emergency. Everything is as it should be.

And then the unthinkable happens. Your puppy gets away from you. He is lost. You are comforted because he has a microchip. Someone finds your puppy and turns him into the animal shelter, where he is scanned. But they find no microchip. You never see your puppy again.

Microchips are tiny and can migrate in a puppy's body. To anywhere. When a puppy shows up at a rescue or a dog pound or a shelter, the person doing the scanning may not scan everywhere on the puppy. They may simply scan down the puppy's back, where the microchip should be. Or, as happened with a client on vacation, the pup can be scanned almost everywhere. In this case she was not scanned under her armpit, which was where the microchip was found much later by her veterinarian. The puppy was reunited with her family because of phone calls to the right agency in a small town, not because she was microchipped.

So... be prepared.

• Have your veterinarian scan your puppy's microchip on puppy's first visit to confirm that the microchip number matches your microchip paperwork.
• Have your veterinarian re-scan your pup every year during his annual checkup to make sure it is still where it belongs.
• Always include an I.D. tag on your pup's collar. 

One last thing: If you move and/or change your home number, contact the microchip company with your new contact info.

Your pup's first aid kit

Bag balm is like a medicated band-aid for your pup's cuts, scratches, and paw abrasions. Years ago, two of my female Labs had a bit of a disagreement and one of them ended up with a cut on her ear. That's when I learned how much dog's ears bleed. Every time she shook her head, blood flew everywhere - from a very small puncture wound. I went in the house, grabbed the Bag Balm, and slathered the cut with it. It stopped the bleeding immediately and kept the small wound clean. There was no need for a vet visit. No need for stitches. They even make small tins of the stuff for traveling. Definitely include it in your pup's first aid kit.

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We're almost there, Murphy. Soon there will be less writing and more walking in the woods!

The amazing, incredible Kong

Kongs are the best interactive toys ever. Get the Kong shaped like a snowman. Start with a red one that is appropriate for your puppy’s size. The pink or blue ones made specifically for puppies will last a large breed puppy about five minutes. Black Kongs are for puppies/dogs who can destroy anything, anytime, anywhere (this is the definition of a heavy chewer).

Here is my favorite Kong-stuffing recipe:

In a container with a lid, pour a cup or more of dry food. Cover it with water. Put the lid on and put it into the refrigerator. Wait until the food has absorbed the water (you now have moist food about the consistency of turkey stuffing). Too wet? Add more dry food. Too dry? Add more water.

In the bottom of the Kong (where the little hole is), drop something really smelly and tasty like a dried liver treat. Your dog will be able to smell everything you put in the Kong so make it enticing.

Start stuffing the Kong tight with the moist food. Stop about mid-way and put something yummy in there like a drizzle of honey, a bit of tuna, or small pieces of apple. Fill the rest of Kong with moist food and cover the big hole with peanut butter or yogurt. Most important of all: freeze the Kong. This is terrific for teething pups — the frozen Kong feels great on their teeth and gums.

Stuffed Kongs are also good for when company comes. They can keep puppy busy while you are visiting with your guests. A stuff Kong can also help ease the anxiety of your leaving the house. Going out for the day? The very last thing you do is give puppy a yummy smelling frozen Kong.

Basics: Watch Me

"Watch me" is eye contact between puppy and you. It teaches puppy to look to you for guidance. Warning: if your puppy looks at you and you ignore him, he will stop trying. He will do what he chooses rather than what you prefer.

Teaching it. Start with the name game. When your puppy is looking away from you, say his name. If he turns and looks in your eyes, reward and praise. Repeat, this time saying your puppy’s name, then “watch me”. When eye contact is made, treat and praise. Increase the time your puppy looks at you by withholding the treat for a few seconds. Practice every time you want your puppy’s attention.

Testing it. Turn your back to your puppy, say his name and "watch me". He's got it if he moves in front of you and makes eye contact.

When? Start teaching "watch me" no later than the second week puppy is in your home. Spend the first week on potty and crate training and getting acquainted.

Prefer using your pup's name like "watch me". Do it. The important thing is focus through eye contact, not what you call it.