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Basic Care for Your Dog

Always begin grooming as soon as you get your puppy so that he gets used to being handled by you and your veterinarian.

Every dog needs a good brushing not less than once per week.  Long haired dogs need brushing 3 times per week.

Use this time to check your dog all over.  A thorough grooming session once per week will save you a costly trip to a groomer or even the veterinarian. 

Your dog needs a bath when he smells like he needs a bath.  Make it fun.

Cleaning ears; Moisten a piece of cotton with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water in equal parts.  Wipe out ears.  ACV controls unfriendly bacteria or yeast, common culprits for causing ear infections.  Should your dog's ears get red and sore at any time, or emit an unpleasant odor, consult your veterinarian. 

Have your dog spayed or neutered after it is 6 months of age.  Neutered pets live longer, healthier lives, and make superior pets.  Whatever you do, don't bring unwanted pets into the world. 

Clipping Nails
(Items needed are nail clippers and small treats.)

You need to clip your dog's nails when you can hear him coming.

1. With your dog laying down next to you on the floor, gently take hold of one paw.  Hold for a few seconds, praise and give treat.  Repeat until you can hold each paw to the count of ten. 

2. With your dog laying down, take a paw in one hand and touch one nail with the clippers.  Do not cut nail.  Repeat until you can touch each nail with no struggle. 

3. Have dog in a "Down" by your side.  Use clippers to cut the tip of 1 nail.  (If you draw blood, you have cut to deep).   Praise and give treat.  Repeat until you can cut one nail on each foot.

4. With your dog in a "Down", take hold of 1 paw and put a little pile of treats under his nose.  Let him eat the treats while you cut the nails of one foot. 

5. Repeat step 4, giving treat after every completed foot.

6. Repeat step 4  but give treats after you complete all 4 feet.