Play Peekaboo with Your Dog

 Above photo courtesy of KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Playing Peekaboo with your dog is usually fairly easily taught. Be patient with your dog and before long you and he or she will be enjoying many games of Peekaboo. Your bond with each other will grow significantly.

• First, position your dog behind you. If your have a small dog, this is easier done while you kneel rather than stand. 
• Put your dog's favorite treat between your knees and bend at the waist. 
• Now....call out her name while you show her the treat you intend to give "if she follows through appropriately." 
• Give her the treat when she is between your legs and say loudly PEEKABOO. 
• Use a release word like OK or ALL DONE to end the game
• All you have to do now is this same procedure over and over until the dog does it consistently.

When you see your dog has mastered the first part of this game, try holding the treat when she is between your legs and at the same time make her sit. Either say it or signal for her to sit and then give the treat always with the surprise word of PEEKABOO. Always use a release word to get her out of the game, something like OK or ALL DONE, which signals for her to move away from you and your legs.

Now repeat the sequence as repetition is key for any kind of dog training coupled with a favorite treat when the dog does as you want him to do. 

Your end result here should be  just saying the word PEEKABOO and when she runs between your legs, she sits, looks at you and you give her a treat. Then use your release word of OK or ALL DONE or whatever release word or phrase you desire. You could even end the game with a brisk rub on the head or pat on the head.

When Should a Breeder Supplement Feed Newborn Puppies?

 Above photo courtesy of KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Your newborn puppies finally arrive. What next? Warmth and nutrition will be most important. Puppies cannot survive without proper body temperature to adequately digest their milk. For Shih Tzu puppies I found that optimum room temperature is 80 degrees. I also think supplementing the box with a pet warmer is ideal. Another great way to warm up newborn puppies is to place their box near an infrared heater. 

Large litters sometimes require help from the breeder for supplemental feeding. Other situations such as a dam who is sick may require the breeder to supplement puppies, or there might be a puppy not as strong as the others that will require extra help.

You might want to supplement if:

• the litter is very large and for example, you end up with more puppies than the dam has nipples
• you have a puppy with some kind of nursing impediment like a cleft palate
• your dam is a first time, nervous mom
• your dam has metritis or mastitis
• your dam dies during birthing process

To be sure your puppies are thriving, weigh them frequently. Weigh them immediately after birth, then twice daily at the same time each day. Thriving puppies will gain weight quickly. If you notice any who are not gaining weight, it is time to supplement.

Don't worry too much if puppies lose or do not gain weight for the first 24 hours while the dam's milk is coming in. After this time period, puppies should gain weight steadily, and they should be rooting for and obtaining vigorously dam's nipples for survival. Healthy puppies nurse with "gusto." They should latch onto and suck out their milk vigorously. Some puppies will even put their little paws on the dam as if "milking her" to get more milk out for themselves. You can hear slurp as well occasionally! Milk should not come back out of their nose. If puppies are latching on vigorously and still not gaining weight, definitely start supplementing.

What is the best supplement milk to feed newborn puppies? I personally like Esbilac. You can also find recipes online of homemade milk you might choose to feed.

What is the best way to feed newborn puppies? There are a variety of puppy feeding choices on the market today depending upon what breed of puppy you are feeding. I found several brands on Amazon.

Things to Remember During Winter Time Power Shut Downs

Above photo courtesy of KTW Wraps and Knotless  Hair Wraps

Winter is coming! What can we expect from winter conditions? There might some freezing temps. There might be some snow storms. There might be frozen power lines. Winter is just plain unpredictable. How do you keep your dog warm and safe during winter power shut downs?

Stay indoors is #1 rule. Limit outdoor trips even for potty time. Try to close off rooms you don't need to immediately use to help entrap warm air and conserve it for only the space you will immediately need to use during a power outage. Keep dog coats, sweaters and booties in a place you can easily find them during the emergency. Dress your dog in layers. Give your dog plenty of blankets and layers to curl up in. Insulate the dog crate with a warm blanket over top. As always provide plenty of food and water.

A working fireplace is ideal to have in case of winter power shut downs. Be sure to have it cleaned and inspected before the season begins and always have a safety screen in place for pets.

Remember to conserve your energy and your dog's energy during a winter time power shut down. Have toys and interactive games readily available just in case you or your dog gets bored while you wait for the power to come back on. Have your candles ready!

Watch your dog for dramatic changes in behavior or appearance. Vet emergencies include signs of frostbite and/or hypothermia. 

Have resources readily available such as warming centers that accept pets. Sometimes local pet friendly hotels will accept pets if their power is still on.

If you are in doubt about your pet's health during a winter time power shut down do not hesitate to call your vet or the AKC Vetline. The AKC Vetline is a 24/7 service staffed by licensed veterinary staff to answer your questions. 

Thanksgiving Dog Treats You Can and Cannot Feed

Above photo courtesy of KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

With Thanksgiving just right around the corner maybe we should review what we can and cannot feed our dogs as Thanksgiving dinners and treats. It is common for dog owners to want to indulge their dogs to extra tasty foods during holidays just as they do as humans. There are plenty of choices you can share with your dog. Just mark off "turkey bones" as a starter as these are NOT safe treats for Fido. Turkey bones can cause damage to your pet's digestive tract so avoid this treat altogether. 

Dogs can enjoy the great taste and nutrition of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are full of dietary fiber, vitamin B6 and Vitamin C as well as beta-carotene. A point to remember is NOT to give sweet potato treats containing extra ingredients. Try a simple dehydrated sweet potato chew.

How about plain potatoes? These are fine to give as a treat, however, give only boiled or baked potatoes. Do not add butter, sour cream, salt or pepper and always give this treat in moderation. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing for Fido.

Apples are a great choice as they are full of vitamins A and C plus lots of fiber making them a healthy and excellent Thanksgiving treat for your dog. Cut up apples into bite size slices.

Turkey meat, but no bones or skin is fine to give to your dog. Green beans is another good choice. Of course not all dogs like green beans, but if your dog does enjoy eating green beans, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to offer this treat. The key to feeding green beans as a dog treat is to leave out added ingredients like butter and spices.

Pumpkin is usually readily available during the Thanksgiving holiday. Feed canned pumpkin, not the pie mix. Canned pumpkin as a dog treat is great for digestive health and the dog's skin and coat.

You don't have to leave out dessert for Fido. Many dogs have a sweet tooth. Go ahead and satisfy that sweet tooth with something like frozen yogurt.

Do not feed your dog the following at Thanksgiving or anytime during the year:

• turkey bones, skin or gravy
• stuffing
• casseroles
• mashed potatoes
• creamed peas
• chocolate in any form like in cookies, pies or sweets, especially chocolate containing xylitol 
• alcoholic beverages
• raisins and grapes
• onions, scallions and garlic
• ham
• yeast dough
• fatty foods
• foods containing spices

Precious Names for Chihuahua Puppies

Above Photo Courtesy of Las Vegas Tiny Chihuahua

So you decided to get a Chihuahua puppy. Now you have to choose a name. The best names are chosen to reflect the dog's personality and of course for you to be able to remember when you call for him. 

What are some of the personality traits of a Chihuahua? Well, in general the Chihuahua breed is loyal and loving toward their owners. They are usually full of tenacious spirit, one of those big dog minds in a small dog body kind of dog. They fit into small spaces making them perfect for apartments. If you bring home a Chihuahua puppy get ready for lots of love, lap sitting and snuggling and oh I almost forgot, "big laughs." Chihuahuas can be extremely comical. 

Getting back to the name. Naming your new Chihuahua puppy is when the real fun begins. Here is a short list of names you might consider for your little friend in body, but big friend in spirit and mind along with what they might mean to you and your new puppy.

If you decide on "Alpha," which can be for a boy or girl it might be because you sense your little Chihuahua possesses great power. This is a name having Greek origin translated into English meaning "beginning."

I think "Charlotte" is a cute name for a female Chihuahua puppy. It means petite in French. If you feel like your new puppy is quite fancy and one that will rule the family with fancy costumes and cuteness, Charlotte may fit the bill for the you.

Faye is another good name for a female Chihuahua. It is of French origin and means loyalty, confidence and trust, which pretty much describes the basic personality of a Chihuahua. Spell this name just a little different like as "Fay, Fae or Fey" and the meaning can refer to a fairy-like mythical creature which also describes the look of a Chihuahua.

Let us look at some boy names. Griffin means "strong lord" and is of Welsh origin. Think of a mythical creature that is half eagle and half lion who will guard his valuable possessions and treasures such as YOU for one when you name your puppy Griffin.

The name Mar-teeny can be for boy or girl. Think of a playful pet with just the right amount of humor.

I like the name Ruby for a Chihuahua puppy simply because when you think of "Ruby," it makes you think of something precious and of great treasure. A red chi would be nice to carry the name of Ruby.

Whatever name you decide upon make it fun and something that reminds you of your puppy's personality or place in your life.

Camp Fire Tips for Safely Camping with Your Dog

Above photo courtesy of KTW Wraps and Knotless Hair Wraps

Do you like to camp? Your dog may enjoy camping right along with you. In this article read how to camp out safely with your dog by your side.

Healthy dogs can sit near a campfire. Practice a few precautions and all should go well. 

Place your dog a safe distance from the fire while it is burning. Sit Fido "upwind" so flames and ashes cannot reach him. Provide fresh water at all times and be sure he cannot access the fire pit. 

Watch Fido for sign of agitation that may indicate he is not tolerating the camp fire well. If Fido does not enjoy being near the fire don't force him. Many dogs like to sit farther away or to relax inside; dogs can be cautious of open fires.

Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with short muzzles may be more easily irritated by fire and smoke and are best kept inside or far away from the fire.

Watch for signs of smoke inhalation from the campfire. If the smoke irritates you it is most likely irritating Fido as well.

Time to call the veterinarian for possible smoke inhalation is when you notice Fido is:

• wheezing or has loud breathing
• dog becomes weak or experiences disorientation
• dog starts to cough
• dog has trouble breathing
• reduced appetite
• reduced thirst
• red eyes
• excessive tearing or blinking
• pawing at eyes

First Rule of Breeding

Above photo courtesy of KTW Wraps

Animal nutritionists agree that your dog's body condition before mating has an impact on the reproductive cycling success. 

A thin female may not cycle normally. An overly thin female may have limited ability to conceive as without proper nutrition the uterus and ovaries are less active. The nutrient of fat is required to form healthy eggs and later baby puppies. If the eggs are not healthy the puppies may be of low quality and will even be less likely to develop into puppies.

An obese female further complicates conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to term. Obese females have more pelvic fat which prevents puppies from easily passing out of the pelvis. Obesity can also decrease conception rates.

The first rule of successful breeding is a high quality diet given in the right amounts. Feeding should be adjusted based on maintaining ideal body condition for the pregnant female. Ideal body condition during pregnancy is having appropriate muscle and fat balance. You should be able to feel her ribs, shoulder blades and hips.

From 0 to 21 days of pregnancy feed a normal amount of her regular complete and balanced adult dog food. From day 22 to 42 gradually increase the amount based upon the female's demand for more food. From day 43 to 64 day feed one and a half times more food than before pregnancy in small feedings throughout the day. During the final two weeks of pregnancy your female will usually demand more food and you should feed her in several meals a day as she desires to eat.

Therefore the first rule of breeding is feeding your female a high quality dog food in the amounts laid out in this article.