Thursday 28 February 2013

are you ready for a dog?


BEFORE YOU GET A DOG...ARE YOU READY??

Is dog ownership right for you? Sure, that cute little bundle of fur and puppy breath is irresistible right now, but the wrong decision can result in a disaster down the road. If you want to be sure you are making the right choice, consider these factors before you finalize those dog adoption papers!

Do you have what it takes to be a responsible dog owner?
Responsible dog ownership means more than just adoring your dog. It is a serious lifelong commitment that requires time and close attention. Before you get a dog, be sure you are ready to commit to responsible dog ownership. Don’t forget -- when Fido misbehaves, you are the one who will have to take the blame.

Can you afford a dog?
Basic dog expenses can range from $700-$3000 per year. Plus, consider all the little extras that you may want to splurge on for your pampered pooch. If your dog suffers from a health condition, you could be looking at spending several more thousand dollars per year. Consider purchasing pet insurance after you get your new dog – a large percentage of medical expenses may be covered. Then, make a monthlybudget that you can stick to.

Is Your home appropriate for a Dog?
Pet-proofing is not quite the same as child-proofing. Our four-legged companions tend to be a bit craftier than kids when it comes to off-limits areas (especially those with edible components). You can hardly expect your dog to be fully trained on arrival, so there is bound to be the need for confinement and restraint. Do you rent your home? There is no reason renters cannot be dog owners, but you will need to work with the landlord. What about size? A studio apartment may not be ideal if you get a Great Dane. Do you have children or other pets? You cannot be certain everyone will get along.

Can your lifestyle fit a dog?
If you work very long hours or travel frequently, your lifestyle may not be appropriate for a dog. Though a social life is important to many people, do friends and dating take up the majority of your free time? Consider whether or not you are willing to make adjustments to your lifestyle to accommodate a dog in your life. If not, now is probably not the right time to get a dog. If you are willing to make changes, consider the time it will take to provide basic needs such as training, grooming, exercise, and veterinary care. Then, decide if you can make the time.

Do you have limitations?
A chronic health condition or injury can make it difficult to care for a dog - especially a larger breed. Be sure you have someone else who can help when necessary. What about dog allergies? Allergies can seriously debilitate a person, often resulting in the choice to give up the dog. If you or someone in your household has allergies, spend some time around dogs to see if the symptoms can be managed. It is simply unfair to give up a dog for this reason if it can be prevented. If you are disabled in any way, consider getting a specially trained assistance dog - then you will have a companion and built-in helper!

Tuesday 26 February 2013

ohhh puppies

Day 1 in the Living Room, even did some kennel training...well kindof!







Monday 25 February 2013

The day I brought Clover home

My family had talked about getting a Staffybull for 5 years, and we had been on the wait list for 3 years.  Then the time finally came...
When I got to pick my puppy, I had 3 choices...
I went with this dog, as she was the goofiest looking of the bunch
A few weeks later I drove down to Oregon to pick her up. 
Looking back at this picture, I should have known she would be trouble,
but how was I to know, she was just so sweet.


So now this little puppy is mine...what do I do with her. 
 It was a 3 hour drive south to get her, so I had organized my life; passport, US dollars, directions and road snacks.

Right away I knew that I loved her but quickly I realized that I wasn't really prepared for a puppy.  
She was shivering the whole car ride, I should have brought a blanket...
Maybe she is hungry? Shit, I don't have any food, AND I don't know what to feed her.
Luckily we found a Petsmart and I went and bought up the store.
Thankfully I learned quick...but there is a lot of stuff to consider when getting a pup.

So I thought I would take a moment for all the new puppy owners to have a point of reference, to either help you be prepared, or to have a list to compare to!


Food: 
I will be sending home a list of the foods your puppies have tried and other types of food for you to include in their diet.  Check out the 'Natural Diet' link on the right hand side     ------------->
Also Simply Natural is a great raw food store, they are very knowledgeable and helpful (and it is where puppy kindergarten is held)
You will also want to make sure you have supplements like probiotic, bone meal, salmon oil, mineral powder.  
Oh and meaty bones, have a freezer full.  It will help with the teething process!!!!!!!!

Vet/Vaccinations:  
Your pup will have had their worm meds, first round of shots, and also be microchipped (I hate the microchips, but it is a necessity to be CKC registered).  We take the pups to Vancouver Animal Wellness Center (http://www.vancouveranimalwellness.com) where they are cared for my Dr. Kramer.  She just might love your puppy as much as you do.  She saw Clover thru both pregnancies, and she saw your pup on day one of life.  
here is some info on her in case you are interested.
Feel free to find another vet, but make sure you have one in mind, cause your pups will need booster shots around 12 weeks (I think... ask your vet). 

Training:  
We will do clicker training with your pups. Check out the 'Training" ink on the right hand side--> 
It will be the basics, to get them primed for you!  We will work eye contact, submission, and house breaking.  This is the beginning of Puppy Kindergarten.  We start with them at 5 weeks, but you will want to continue and advance.  The extra effort you put in with your dog in the first 6 months will last a life time.  And these are tenacious dogs, they need strong handlers!
We have used, and like to recommend Shannon at Zen Dogs.  She worked with us to train Clover and Frisco, as well as 3 puppies from the last litter...

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN
Offered in Kerrisdale. Designed for puppies 10 to 18 weeks, our Zen Puppy K classes are a great way to get you and your pup off on the right paw! Based on Dr. Ian Dunbar's methods, our action-packed classes will help you put an obedience foundation on your puppy, plus teach him or her proper social skills and play etiquette. Contests and games, tricks and a puppy agility course round out this interactive class. Each lesson is supplemented with handouts and homework sheets for the week and comes with training supplies for your dog.
Our next set of classes is February 23rd. Contact Shannon at 604.812.8802 or k9@zendogtraining.com for more details or call Simply Natural at 604.266.1125 to register.
**Because this class has become so popular, please phone early to book your spot for the next session.
Check her out http://www.zendogtraining.com/index.html


Socializing but NO PARK:  
Your puppy needs to meet 1500 people before it is 6 months old...or so they say!  They also need to meet other dogs.  But they cannot go to places where there are other dogs because they are not fully immune to parvo and distemper (it is found in dog faces especially in dog parks).  So how do you do this?  UMMMMM, I don't really know, you just figure it out.  Granville Island doesn't have many dogs. Maybe you have friends with dogs (that have their shots).  Puppy Kindergarten is good for this too!

Toys:
Have lots of em!  Have kongs, kongs with peanut butter, treats, meaty bones, bully sticks, hard rubber, soft rubber, balls, squeeky toys, plush toys.
I order boxes full from www.dog.com it is a little cheaper, especially bully sticks!  (Best if you can order it to a USA address.  Check out The Letter Carrier in Point Roberts)

Accessories:  
Including but not limited to...
Leash, collar (probably have to start with a choke collar, but also get a cool one!) kennel, dog bed, dog blanket, clicker, rain jacket, poop bags, food bowls (metal over ceramic, as ceramic can hold bacteria), puppy pee pads, nail trimmers...the list goes on.  Take a walk around the dog store and see what they offer.
Don't forget to register your dog with the city 


Whoa, that is a lot of information...and there is still so much more to know.  It seems intimidating, but I promise you, once you bring your new puppy home, you just figure it out.  Any other info you need, you can ask me, or look it up online.  There are also alot of great books out there.  I will post info on literature for anyone that wants to brush up and be better prepared!







Sunday 24 February 2013

Perfect Papa

It must have been a dogshow weekend cause the owner of this litter's stud Rocky just let me know that Rocky has won Best Of Breed  .....   AGAIN!
I knew he was a good looking dog, but I didn't realize he was the best!

Saturday 23 February 2013

Sunday 17 February 2013

Meet the Gang

Rufus, The Doofus
He is a wild one, always pawing and biting the other pups.  
When he isn't playing, he wraps himself in blankets and sleeps on his back.
Olive, the runt.
She is small, but quicker on her feet cause she doesn't have a big puppy gut holding her down.
Oh, she is sweet, you can't help but fall in love with her.
Moose, cause he is BIG.
He is the gentle giant, a bit of a scaredy pants.
He is so soft and friendly, always wants to play with the other pups.

Jersey, named because of her cow-like appearance.
Sometimes you wouldn't even know she was there. 
 She can be quiet and well mannered, but a real trouble maker when she feels like it!
Bear, named after 'The Frizzy Bear'...
He is the sweetest little thing, loves to play with his big sis Nugget.  
He likes to sit and stare, and wag his tail.

Friday 8 February 2013

First Slurp

Eat up Pups!
  Today the puppies had their first slurp of goats milk.  Everyone got the idea quick and began to lap.  Just a little taste, before Clover helped herself to the rest...Its ok Clover, you deserve it!

Saturday 2 February 2013

First pictures of litter #2

We would like to introduce Clover's 2nd litter of puppies, born January 23rd in Strathcona.  
There are 3 big boys and 2 sweet little girls.

Here is MOM Clover
and DAD Rocky


And here are the pups, they don't look much like dogs yet, but you get the idea!