Need-To-Know Information...

[__crazy_canine__]

What products would you say every dog needs? Things in case of emergencies? What are the best products? ...and cheapest? Im asking so I can be prepared if I ever do get a dog/puppy.

I know monthly heartworm treatment or that 6-month vaccine, but I heard somewhere that can cause health problems for certain dogs?

Toothpaste products? I know a lot of people dont brush their dogs teeth but anyone know any good kinds?

What about age to be spayed/neutered? I know you SHOULD have it done before or around 6 months but I also heard somewhere it can be done as early as 8 weeks! :o That seems REALLY young!

How often should dogs go to the vets to get a check-up? How often do their nails need to be clipped? ...bathed? ...brushed? (I know it depends on the breed)

What are common illnesses for dogs and what are the symptoms?

What should puppies be introduced to and at what age? (like new things that can be scary for them) What is the normal age for a dog to be potty-trained? Is there such a thing as too young for training?

I think this should be a sticky because this is key information in owning a dog. A lot of this I do know already but Im not sure if Im totally correct. Any help on this would be great. I want to be completely prepared when I get a dog ...even if it will be about 8 years before I do. :lol: Anything else anyone can think of besides what I put would be great! Im writing all of this down at home in my notebook too! :wink:

[imported_Cassie]

Anyone who reads this had better be prepared for a long read :lol:

Here is a link to a wealth of information for new puppy owners :wink:
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=2&cat=1670[/url]
Choosing a healthy puppy
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1670&articleid=841[/url]

Basic puppy grooming
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1643&articleid=824[/url]
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1643&articleid=785[/url]

House breaking
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1548&articleid=157[/url]

Neutering: including information on early neuters (which can be done as early as 6 weeks of age)
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1625&articleid=911[/url]
Early spays and neuters
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1625&articleid=903[/url]
Spays and neuters, lots of information
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=2&cat=1625[/url]

[quote]What should puppies be introduced to and at what age? (like new things that can be scary for them) [/quote]
It is very important to introduce a pup to many different items, noises, people (children, different races etc) before the critical period of socialization ends at about 12-16 weeks (depending on the breed.) Make sure every thing you introduce your pup to is done in a positive way and all situations are going to be "good" experiences. Some breeders take their pups to busy public places to get them used to traffic, noises, bike riders etc. You can mould your pup into a wonderful adult during the critical period of socialization and its a pity how many people don't know this. I have seen alot of fearful dogs which have been "created" due to not being socialized properly during the critical period.
I have also seen alot of pups ruined by breeders keeping them too long as well....7 weeks of age is a good age to take a pup home before it forms too many "bad" habits at a breeders kennel. Its easier to form good pups rather than try to create a good pup from one that has already "learned" some bad or dirty habits.
I have seen alot of breeders leave all the pups together and keep them with mom for as long as possible...then the pups get out into the "real" world at about 9-10 weeks of age and the critical period of socialization is almost over. I have seen these pups become fearful adults, or offensive towards things.

[quote]What is the normal age for a dog to be potty-trained? Is there such a thing as too young for training? [/quote]

Its great to get a pup so you can manage how the pup grows up.
For example if during the first thunderstorm your pup gets upset, don't coddle the pup...start doing some thing fun with your pup so it will not associate the thunder as being scary.
More fun things to do with pups and what I have done with the last 4 litters my boss has had...I play hide and seek with the pups while they are still very young. I play recall games with them...for instance I get on the other end of the exercise area and call the pup's...I get really excited and use an uppity tone of voice and call the pups to me. They then associate at an early age that coming to a person is fun and will bring happy things and perhaps treats and play :wink: of course their are some breeds that recalls are going to be a little bit more difficult when they reach maturity...I call then horizon dogs (husky's, hounds etc) 8)

Training
Training a pup not to pull on lead
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=1558[/url]
Chewing how to direct and prevent puppy chewing
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=164[/url]
Puppy biting and nipping- how to control it
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=163[/url]
Collars and leads how to introduce them
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=816[/url]
Basic training rules
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=173[/url]
When should puppy training begin
[url]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=175[/url]

I also recommend the book called:
Before you get your puppy
by Ian Dunbar
This is must for all puppy owners :wink:

Another good book is
After you get your puppy
By Ian Dunbar as well.

[__crazy_canine__]

Wow Cassie! :o Thats great and thank you! :D