Advice: Dog and Cat Care

Owning a dog – A big responsibility for life

See our FAQ page to answer some of the basic pet ownership questions such as vaccinations and neutering.

A dog can live for up to 10 years and the smaller breeds tend to have even longer lives. So think carefully before you buy that cute little puppy with the floppy ears, as it means long-term commitment.
During those early puppy days, house training, chewing and separation anxiety can sometimes make you want to tear your hair out, even if your puppies look at you with those big brown eyes after they have done the naughty deed! We can help!

Chewing

This is often just a way for puppies to ease the discomfort of teething or to explore their environment. Persistent chewing can be due to boredom, but some dogs, such as Labradors, are more ‘mouthy’ than others.
Do not ever give them something you do not want them to chew. For instance, they do not know the difference between your old takkie and the brand new Nike trainer you’ve just bought to look hot in the gym!
Avert is a nasty tasting but completely harmless citronella based spray that will deter the most persistent chewer. To distract puppies from chewing the chair legs and your shoes, why not buy a toy scientifically designed for teething puppies - safe and soothing for their gums and little teeth?

Separation anxiety

This can manifest itself in various ways such as destructive behaviour and barking. If you allow your dog or puppy to be with you 24/7 when you are at home then, when you leave them, of course they are going to be devastated!
Teach them that being alone is only temporary and not a bad thing. Start by shutting them outside or in a different room from you when you are at home. Leave them for only about 10 minutes. Give them something to keep them busy – a Kong toy stuffed with food, a rawhide chew bone or a favourite toy. Do not go to them if they are whining or barking; allow them to settle before letting them out. Do not go wild with hugs and kisses when you open the door as this will just underline the difference between the ‘alone’ time and the ‘happy’ time with you. Just open the door, tell them ‘good dog’ and then go back to whatever you were doing. You can increase the time you are apart and puppies will learn that you do return and they get a treat to ease the pain of your leaving.
A training cage will stop any destructive behaviour or messes in the house. These come in various sizes and can collapse down flat when not in use. A training cage must be a happy place with a bed, drinking water and a treat. Do not use it to punish your puppy. This is a safe place for your puppy to be. Use the cage when you are away from home for short periods or at night.

House training

Cages can be used as part of house training, as puppies will not often soil the place where they sleep. You must remember to take your puppy outside often.
Good times to take your puppy out are after it has been eating, sleeping or playing. Take the puppy to the place where you want it to go to the toilet and praise it when it performs. You could also use a command word as the puppy relieves itself, in order to train it to go on your request – great when you are in a hurry or away from home.
If you do not have a training cage you will need to make a place for your puppy to use in case it is ‘caught short’! This is only an emergency place, as you will be taking the puppy out often. Most people use newspaper but there are also puppy training pads that are waterproof on the back, to save your carpets. Most puppies learn very quickly but if you experience any problems please call us for advice.

Barking

Barking dogs drive even the most ardent dog lover crazy. There is nothing worse that being at home listening to the neighbour’s dog woof, woof, woofing all day long! Dog behaviourists can help you with this but an instant cure is a Bark Control Collar. These collars use a static shock to deter barking and they are very effective. They do not harm the dog and, used correctly, can be an invaluable training aid. 

Exercise

Many of us think of the exercise we will do when we get our new puppy, of the fun games and long walks we will take. Often within a few months we stop because it all becomes too complicated or unpleasant. It does not have to be so. Make sure you train your puppy: to come when called, to walk on a lead and to understand that you are the boss. Life will be much more pleasant. For dogs that persistently pull on the lead - so that you wonder who is taking whom for a walk - try a Halti. This is a harness that fits over the nose. The dog can't pull - he has to literally follow his nose!
Unless in a safe place, like an enclosed dog park, your dog should be on a lead. Even the best trained dog can rush in front of a car after a cat or get in a fight with another dog that is not on a lead. Once you have got your dog under control you can start walking. Don’t forget the poop scoop bags to pick up after your dog.

To start off on the right foot with basic training and puppy socialisation we run puppy classes at the practice. For older dogs or more advanced training we recommend Edupet Training School, which is run by Dr. Sonntag. The training school can be contacted on (012) 480 2021.