Temperament VS Training
Discussion on Temperament and Training.

New! Happy House Training -
(Prevent accidents instead of waiting for them to happen.)

New! No Bite! -
(A Link to a good article on teaching your pup not to bite or "mouth" you.)

Information on PANOSTEITIS -
(Frequently referred to as "Growing Pains")

The Change & Science of Your Dogs Vaccination Schedule -

Vaccinations: Less is More? - An Article from the ACC Bulletin Mar/Apr 2007

Canine Facts, Tips, & Trivia -

OBEDIENCE

Every dog must know five basic words to live a happy life. The words are: heel, sit, stay, come, and down.

SIT AND STAY -
Use three fingers pressed together in a curving motion over the dog's head. As the dog follows the motion of your hand and his rump sinks, say "sit" and then praise. Use a leash to teach the "stay". Start from heel position, dog on your left, leash straight up and down, with a slight amount of tension on the lead. Hold the taunt lead with your left hand and bring your right hand down in from of the dog's face. As your hand nears the dog's eyes, flash it open, fingers closed and say "stay." Step in front of the dog. If he moves, give a zip on the leash and repeat. If not, praise and return to the heel position. Go half-way around your dog, return, and go all the way around. Say "stay" each time you leave the heel position and flash the stay signal in your dog's face. Now, loosen the tension on the lead and lengthen the distance that you go away. Repeat these steps until you can walk completely around your dog using a 5-foot leash while the dog stays put.

HEELING -
It is the dog's job to listen for commands. When you give a command or reprimand, lower your tone, not your volume. If the command is for an active exercise, pitch your voice higher (heel, come, etc.). If the exercise involves movement, up your voice, if it doesn't, keep voice low. When heeling, keep dog on left side. Keep hands palms down on the leash. Use a metal training collar, keeping it up high around the dog's neck with the rings of the collar placed under the ear closest to you. Step off, saying, "Sport, heel", stepping with the left foot. If our dog lunges or lags, give a quick snap on the leash, not a restrained choke action. When he is in a "sit" next to you, give lots of praise.

COME -
Start with a solid sit-stay, using a 6 foot leash. Say "stay", walk directly away, no backing up, keep an eye on him in case he breaks the stay. If he does, wheel quickly and flash the hand and "Stay" signal. If the dog doesn't re-park itself, return, scold and try again. When you get to the end of the lead, turn and face dog. When you're ready him, bend all the way down, open arms wide, smile and call, "Sport, come!" Pitch voice higher a bit. If the dog doesn't launch, give a firm snap on leash to enforce command. If it does, do not repeat the word "come" or say "c'mon". Offer encouragement as dog walks toward you -"Good boy! You want the dog coming into you happy and quickly. As he comes, raise your body, guiding gently into a sit( in front of you). Make eye contact. Praise a bit but not too much (no playing here). Do 6-7 recalls each day, a longer distance each time.

DOWN -
Teach from the heel position with the dog seated. There is a spot on the dog's back that is sensitive. Pressure here folds the dog into the down position. Put left hand on dog's shoulder blades and, with thump and index finger, trace down the scapula to where spinal column begins. You will find an indentation into which your thump and finger will fit. The ‘secret spot" is the upper thoracic vertebra. Push gently forward and down on this spot. Most dogs will go down readily. If dog doesn't down quickly, grasp one or both paws and ease him into down position, saying "down," and pointing the index finger of right hand to the ground. When the dog stays down and you can walk around it then you are ready for the long down. Insist on at least 30 minutes! At the local obedience class, downs will be 3-5 minutes because that is the amount needed for getting a title. Avoid placing the dog underfoot or in passageways for practicing the down. Be fair to him while he is learning.

PROOFING -
Set up situations to distract the dog. He must be committed to following commands, knowing he has to obey. Proof against movement, going out of sight, food and friends. Throw a magazine in the air, say and give the "stay" just as you throw. Out of sight-Flash the" stay" and leave room. Listen carefully. If he moves, return and place dog in his spot. Repeat going out of the room, longer each time. Food - Put a glass of water and a cracker on the table with dog sitting or downed. Eat slowly, slurp the water, correcting when necessary. Some people do not like being mauled, goosed or jumped on by your pet. Teach dog to sit to get petted by strangers when they come into your house or meet on the street. Have stranger pet them in the downed position as well. Your release word after training is over is a loud "okay", then praise your dog!
Sit, Heel, Come, Stay, and Down These are "gifts" you give your dog, so that the two of you work happily together as a team

The Crate

For Housebreaking
For Sleeping
For Traveling
For His (and Your) Safety When You Are Away From Home
For A Convalescent Dog Whose Activities Must be Restricted

If your dog has been crate-trained before you bring him home, just continue with the schedule for housebreaking as suggested below. If you are initially introducing a puppy or older dog to a crate, follow these instructions first. The crate should be just large enough for your dog to be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in it. You can buy a full-sized crate for your puppy, but make sure to partition it so that he just fits it and move the partitions back as he grows. Place the crate where your dog will see and be part of your family's activities. Place a favorite toy inside the crate. Line the bottom with newspapers or indoor-outdoor carpeting. introduce your dog to his crate gradually, for short periods several times a day. if your dog howls and barks when he is introduced to his crate, do NOT remove him until he is quiet for a short period. Then, remove and PRAISE. All meals should be served to your dog only while he is in his crate. Gradually lengthen the time he remains in his crate. Soon he will quietly sleep there every night and while you are away from home.
NEVER USE YOUR CRATE AS PUNISHMENT. REMOVE ALL COLLARS FROM YOUR DOG BEFORE PLACING HIM IN HIS CRATE.

Housebreaking Schedule

MORNING: Your puppy has slept in his crate all night. Get dressed. PICK puppy up and CARRY him outside to where he will relieve himself. Give a LOT of PRAISE as soon as he has performed, then CARRY him inside IMMEDIATELY. He can run free in the kitchen while you are preparing breakfast. After you have eaten, feed him. CARRY him outside again. PRAISE him for his accomplishments and CARRY him inside right away. Don't use this time for playing. Put him inside his crate to nap while you are busy.

NOONTIME: Carry your puppy outside from his crate to the same spot he had used in the morning. PRAISE him for his accomplishments. Carry him inside and allow him playtime in the kitchen while you have lunch. If he is eating 3 meals a day, you can feed him at this time. Repeat the morning schedule. Remember to restrict his freedom to one room and his playtime to 1 to 2 hours.

EVENING: Repeat the morning schedule. Let the puppy play in the kitchen while you prepare dinner. After his dinner and playtime, again place him in the crate for a nap. Carry him outside to relieve himself at about 8:00 p.m. and once again before you go to bed. Remember to use the same work/phrase whenever you take your pup out to relieve himself. Restricting him to his crate (which he will want to keep clean) and praising him for relieving himself in the right place will teach him by association and repetition. Gradually allow his free periods to be for a longer period of time. If you notice him sniffing and circling during one of his free periods, CARRY HIM OUTSIDE IMMEDIATELY. If he makes a mistake occasionally, correct him only if you catch him in the act. Smack the pup on his bottom, saying "stop it," and carry him outside to his spot. Praise him as soon as he relieves himself where he is supposed to.

IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS HOUSETRAINING, HAVE YOU CHECKED THE FOLLOWING?
Does your pup have worms? Take a stool sample to your vet. Your pup must be in good health to form regular habits. If you have started housebreaking on newspaper, take the soiled papers with you when you go out. Your dog learns by association and he will have to be retrained. Have you restricted his intake of water and food? Offer your dog water after meals and after his play. During the initial training period, no food or water should be offered after the evening meal. use this schedule for 2 weeks. Gradually allow your pup more freedom, always being ready to go back to the more rigid schedule if the pup regresses. Don't lose your sense of humor. Your pup will be a housetrained adult very soon.

Socializing Your Puppy

The activities listed below will help your new puppy become incorporated into the household. This process is called socialization. Your new pet will become strongly attached to your family during his period of socialization: between 6-12 weeks of age. This bond will last a lifetime. It is important that your puppy learn he/she is the subordinate member of the family. This will minimize the potential for bad habits and behavior problems such as dominance or aggression. It is especially important to work with the male for he will have a greater tendency to want to become dominant when he matures. It is vital that everyone in the family practice these exercises. Younger children should have adult supervision. The following activities should become part of the normal routine for your dog.

1. While the puppy is small, pick it up frequently.
2. Look into the dog's eyes until it looks away.
3. Rub the puppies stomach while it is on it's back.
4. During grooming or petting, use moderate pressure from the to tail.
5. During play don't allow puppy to stand on or over you.
6. Avoid tug-of-war games. Encourage fetch and retrieve.
7. Teach the dog to sit. Use short but frequent sessions for young dogs.
8. Practice taking food away at mealtime and then giving it back again. Praise compliance.
9. Displace dog from sleeping area. Praise dog for compliance.
10. Teach pup to relinquish toys or objects on command. ( Give, leave it, etc.)
11. Praise dog for good behavior even when resting quietly.
12. Practice manipulating the ears, paws, tail, and mouth.
13. Never use a command unless you're sure the dog will obey or you can make it obey.
14. Have your pet obey commands prior to everyday activities. Incorporate obedience commands. (Sit before feeding, heeling before playing, sit before going outdoors. )
15. Use effective punishments. - Grab scruff of neck, shake and say "no". Along with the "no", put them in a sit or down position for a short period of time. This way they have to stop what they are going, sit and behave. Never let a puppy/dog growl. If it is a larger dog, slightly lift up on the leash, straight above the choke collar, hold for a moment, advise dog "no-sit", release pressure. It dogs continues to growl or jump around, choke up again for a moment, do the no-sit, and release pressure. When dogs responds by stopping the misbehavior and sitting quietly, then immediately say "good-dog" and pet him while he continues sitting for a few moments. Show him that is what you want him to do.
-Jane Pappler

General Care

Tails of the Tooth Fairy:
Teething in puppies is a process which occurs over a period of months. Most infants have 28 baby teeth, however this number may vary. The first baby teeth usually appear between 3-4 weeks of age. The first to erupt are the canines followed by the incisors and the premolars. Puppies do not have any molars. The last baby teeth to a sense led to development of having the ear drums set deep within a protective ear canal. In some cases, the canal is then covered by hair and an exteranl earflap. With this type of design and covering, the ear canal becomes a long dark moist tube with limited airflw. Wax builds up and cannot escape. With little airflow and lots of wax, the canal and drums stay moist. All of this adds up to a great home of bacteria, yeasts, and fungus. To help prevent ear canal infections and hearing loss, it becomes very important to routinely clean and sanitize the ear canals.
Toenails:
Nails should be kept short to maintain a well knuckled up feet. Once a month or more often is recommended.

Puppy Shots:
New! The Change & Science of Your Dogs Vaccination Schedule -

In my shot and worming program, I have a schedule that works well for me. It is an intensive program, but it provides the surest protection for your puppy.

5 weeks: Prevent/Vac parvovirus (modified live )
6, 9 , 12 weeks: Fort Dodge Puppy Shot..... DA2PPtCVK
Contact your vet for further shot schedule
18 week: Rabies Vaccine

For those who want protection from Lyme Disease:
13 & 15 Weeks Lyme Vaccine by Fort Dodge

Worming:

Almost all dogs require a routine worming program to stay healthy. Pets going outdoors should be wormed at least four times a year to help indentify the type of worms present.
3,4,6, & 8, weeks Nemex 2 Droncit for tapeworms as needed. Ivermectin is what I use for my once a month heartworm preventative medication. It also aids in the control of hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

Baths:
You can bathe your puppy if needed, but to much bathing can dry their skin. Use a mild shampoo like a puppy shampoo and rinse well.

Housing:
Your puppy must be kept fenced in except when under your direct supervision or when on a leash. Your puppy should be trained starting as a puppy to obey Basic commands. They become set in there ways very early and if not taught right from the beginning you could have trouble with being very hard headed later. Be firm and reward when he is correct. Puppies are known to chew and eat almost anything- be very careful not to leave towels, plastic objects, nylons, or any small objests where he may chew them. Do not leave the puppy loose while not at home, the method of crate training is Highly recommended.

Bloat:
There are several precautionary daily routines we follow that may reduce the risk of bloat:

1)Put his food dish on a raised surface suitable for his heaght so he does not have to stoop.
2) Avoid excerise an hour before or after his meals.
3) If you change his diet, do so gradually over a period of time.
4) Keep his water bowel clean.
5) Soak his food in warm water for 5 to 10 mins before feeding. This helps to cut down on the gases the food produces.


If your dog shows signs of discomfort, swelling of his abdomen, attempts to vomit repeatedly and can't give him an antacid-antigas liquid such as Mylanta, Digel, simtacone and get to your vet IMMEDIATELY!!! BLOAT IS DEADLY and QUICK!!!!! Early detection and possible surgery may save his life. Please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions concerning general care, tracking, obedience, etc. We are always interested in the process of our puppies. Your Chesapeake is a gently affectionate animal who will respond to patient, consistant, lovong care. I hope you enjoy being Owned by him or her.

This is a TRUE EMERGENCY!!!
DON'T HESITATE to get to the vet!!!

20 Signs that your dog may be in trouble from bloat or torsion:

(1) distended abdomen
(2) rigid (hard) abdomen
(3) painful when touched in the abdomen
(4) vomiting foamy or liquid material
(5) unproductive attempts at vomiting or retching
(6) arched back
(7) praying position (down in front, rear standing)
(8) laying down on belly - crouched position
(9) curling up in a ball
(10) laying or sitting in an unusual location
(11) seeking a hiding place
(12) looking at their side
(13) frequent swallowing (aerophagia)
(14) hypersalivation (drooling heavily)
(15) drinking excessively
(16) lack of appetite
(17) quiet, any abnormal behavior
(18) lethargy, weakness
(19) panting, breathing rapidly or heavily
(20) red gums, or white gums (not normal pink color)

You know your own dog the best and you know when things aren't quite right.

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, call your vet or take him to an emergency clinic as soon as possible. Not all dogs show the classic signs of bloat or GDV, some may be very subtle or be at a pre-bloat stage.

Keep a copy of this list, your vets phone number, an emergency clinic phone number, and you pet's medical history in a convenient place in case of an emergency.

Bloat and GDV occur very quickly, and a dog can be in shock within minutes. Keep it handy.