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Puppy Rules
Puppy Rules
This is part of a letter that was sent with a puppy that we shipped. It explains what to expect with a new Seagull JRT:
You should plan on taking this guy in to the vet to have a base line evaluation done.
WHATEVER your vet wants you to do with your pup, do! Do not wait to meet the vet in an emergency, go get a base line evaluation of your pup in a healthy state as soon as you can get an appointment, preferable yet this week.
Remember, everybody should be looking out for the welfare of this little guy. If you do not feel that your vet and his/her staff, first concern is for the happiness and welfare of YOUR dog, than find someone else to trust health care issues to.
Your puppy has been wormed every two weeks since two days of age and will need wormed again when you take him in for his shots. There are usually a series of three shots, 30 days apart, which will need to be given. These include: Parvo, Distemper, Corona, etc. (a seven way shot). They also will give a Rabies shot when it is due, as well as heart worm preventative. DO NOT let this puppy around other dogs or walked in areas where there are strange dogs until he has had all three shots. Parvo has some new strains going around and is very serious and often times result in death.
Remember, he is used to being with his litter mates and will need companionship to get over that stress. I would recommend putting an old tee shirt or some article of clothing in his crate so that he has a scent he could associate with you. He is going to sleep a lot and will be cranky if his nap is interrupted.
We feed free choice, where he can eat when he wants. We feed 27% protein puppy food until 1 year of age. A good quality puppy food should be all right. He has enclosed some food for the transition. He will need constant fresh water, free choice feed and access to his crate or some place that is his own where he can go when he wants to get away from everything.
With as many stairs and various heights that are in your house, you are going to have to really watch him that he does not fall. He will want to be where you are and will seek you out wherever you might be. Be careful. These dogs think they are `superbeings' and will try anything…
The best way to potty train him, is when he wakes from a nap, or is playing hard, he will need to be taken out side to use the restroom immediately. Also, if he has just eaten or drank a large quantity of water, take him outside. He will soon learn to associate the word "outside" with going and doing his duty. Positive reinforcement is VERY important at this point. You should be encouraging him with lots of "good puppy/dog" when he does his duty.
Unless you catch him within 1.3 seconds of his going to the bathroom, he disassociates himself with the "mess". (Yes, his 'evil twin', or something else did that, "not me!") Never rub his face in it, that is disgusting and unsanitary! Emphasize the positive...
The word "NO" is important. When he does something wrong correct him verbally with "NO" than distract him with another activity. Along those same lines, remember to be encouraging. Let him know when he has done something well. These dogs thrive on positive reinforcement.
Remember, he is a puppy and will chew on things left around. This means you have to keep things picked up if you do not want them destroyed! I would suggest a chew toy rope and a rawhide 'swizzle stick' chew. Also, I like the fuzzy critters, for the puppy/dog to snuggle with in the crate or just to have around. You don't need to go crazy buying toys, recycle things you have around the house that are suitable for a puppy to chew on or play with. Just remember not to get something that might have little eyes or attachments that might come off and become a choke hazard.
When he is a bit older, enroll him in a puppy obedience class. It will be good for him to socialize and for you to realize that your pup can take positive direction from another being. Same as seeking out a vet, look for someone who enjoys the Jack Russell breed and has a positive attitude towards them. Remember, you can interview the instructor to find out their true feelings. Don't grab the first warm body! Get recommendations from other dog people and ask for a list of references from the instructor.
Yes, it is like having another child around the house!!!!!
Probably the most important thing to remember is, spending quality time with him. These dogs THRIEVE on human contact, they are NOT a toy that can be put away when you are bored. They love to be with you at all times. The more time you spend with him, the better dog he will be. I joke around that these dogs will get your attention one way or another. It is not always through positive actions that they get you to pay attention to them!
Good luck and call or email us if you have ANY questions……Remember we like updates and photos!
Seagull Kennels
1139 CR 417
Lexington, TX 78947
jrgull@hotmail.com
Voice: 512-446-7137
Fax: 512-446-7137
Kailee Carver
Debbie Ruetenik
"Ok, NOW who is in control?"
'My nest?'
They can be soooo peaceful....
****The following is something to think about BEFORE you get serious about getting a dog. Any dog....
By Jim Willis, 2001
Pre-note from Powerpets: This story was one of the first incentives to create Powerpets, to bring attention and awareness to animals....
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.
Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."
As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.
There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.
Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."
You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.
After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream ... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief.
The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.
She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself --a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.
And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
A Note from the Author:
If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a noncommercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Jim Willis
Why Crate Training?
Dogs in the wild are "denning" animals by nature. An enclosed space is a snug cozy place for protection, to keep warm, and to raise puppies. With most dogs, a den-like space has a calming effect. A dog crate, which is a wire enclosure to safely confine pets, are often utilized to toilet train puppies at the appropriate age. Crates are also an excellent way to transport both dogs and cats, especially if the crate is securely fastened to the vehicle. And if you bring the dog's "bed" (the crate)with you when you travel with your pet, you're bringing a friendly familiar place that your dog will feel "at home" even when you're away from home. Once you reach your destination, if be conflicts arise between other animals or people, you have a very effective, safe and comfortable way to confine your dog for everybody's safety.
There are many different styles of wonderful crates that are made these days, and in all colors to match your décor and your dog's eyes. A very popular type is the tough-but-light plastic "enclosed-type", some of which have handles and wheels for easy transport. These easy-to-clear carriers not only are very light, but they often come apart for easy storage in the attic. The type that I prefer to use for toilet training is the wire-type kennel that folds up in about 30 seconds. These are easy to carry, quick to set up, and take very little space to store. The plastic "enclosed" kennels can be used to toilet train pets, but I feel that the wire-type are cooler for the dog, a little less confining, and the dog can feel like they are more a "part of the action" since they can see, hear, and smell what's going on around them. I have actually sat in both types to see what it was like for my dogs and have decided that if you plan to put me away for safe keeping, please put me in one of the wire type.
Properly used, a kennel is an excellent way to toilet train a puppy. The key to use of the kennel is to be sure that it is SMALL enough. I would go ahead and buy a kennel that will be the proper size for your puppy when grown so that you can get many years of use, but put a cooler or cardboard box in it for now to take up space. The space available to your puppy when toilet training should be big enough that he can stand up and turn around, BUT NO BIGGER. The problem with a kennel that is too big is that the puppy will consider one side of the palace his bed, and the other side of the kennel his bathroom.
Take the time to make the crate a comfortable, familiar place for your puppy. Leave the door open so he has a safe place to go when he wants to get away from you. Put favorite toys and a nice blanket to lie on in it, and spend a little quality time with him playing with him while he is in the crate (You can even climb in it with him, if you'll fit!) The crate is a safe, happy place for your puppy. Do NOT use the crate as punishment, and avoid crating you dog only at the times that you leave.
Once he is toilet trained, you can fold up the crate and put it away. It's also a good idea to try to time things so that your dog goes in the crate 5-10 minutes before you leave, and wait 5-10 minutes after you arrive home before you let him out. This will lessen the excitement and anxiety associated with the crate because it is not directly associated with your coming and going. And, if possible, your dog may prefer that you leave his crate up in a quiet place so that he has a safe haven for peace and quiet.
Author Dr. Jim Berg
302-322-6488
Seagull Erin
packed and ready to go!!
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