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Meghan Carter's podcast

What is important to know before buying a purebred dog?

Season 1, Ep. 2

Having a puppy in the house is a responsible event. Preparing for it begins with the choice of the future pet with information about the breeds, health, and behavior of different dogs https://true-dog.com/. When buying a dog with papers, it is important not to meet with scammers.


Dog documents

Many people don't understand the difference between the pedigree and the passport, and it's huge. Pedigree tells about the origin of the pet and can only be a purebred. The passport is issued to every vaccinated dog, it contains only information about vaccinations. A pedigree dog will necessarily have both documents. It is important to understand that one litter may not contain puppies with and without papers. If the breeder offers to sell the dog cheaper, but already without a pet sheet, it means that it simply does not exist. After all, even a rejected puppy is not deprived of the pedigree.


A decent breeder will certainly draw up a contract of sale, which will help define the rights and obligations of the parties. If there are disputes, you can be guided by this contract.


Tests

Each breed has its own genetic diseases. About what diseases the chosen breed is susceptible to, it is necessary to learn in advance. The puppy's parents should have certificates of testing for these diseases. This is very important!


Age

You should take the pet only after vaccination. A responsible dog owner himself will not give the animal away until it is two months old. If circumstances are such that the puppy has to be taken earlier, the buyer should be aware of all the additional risks. Lack of vaccination is a dangerous factor, you should not refuse vaccinations in favor of your own impatience.


Choosing a puppy

Start the search for a four-legged friend with the study of kennels and breeders. You can, for example, find a forum or a social networking group dedicated to the breed. There you will find the sellers and owners of such dogs. You can always consult experienced breeders.


It is better to give up the idea to buy a pet from a seller, who breeds several breeds at once, as a good breeder is a true fan of a single breed. There are, of course, exceptions.


Having decided on the place of purchase, it's time to study the parents of the interested litters. You should not look only at their exhibition titles; that's not the main thing.


It is not necessary to be limited to your city or region, especially if the breed is small. If you choose a well-known breeder with a good reputation, you can not be afraid to buy a pet remotely, but you will need to pay extra for shipping and pay for the puppy in advance.


If you want to buy a puppy responsibly, we recommend reading these articles:

https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-are-chihuahuas-so-mean/

https://true-dog.com/behavior/how-to-stop-dogs-from-fighting-in-the-same-household/

https://true-dog.com/health/dried-dead-tick-on-dog/

https://true-dog.com/health/why-does-my-dog-sound-congested/

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  • 5. WHY A DOG LICKS ITS LIPS

    02:33
    Have you ever wondered why your dog might lick his lips and then keep licking his lips https://true-dog.com/health/dog-keeps-licking-lips/? This article has information for dog owners exploring why their dog keeps licking his lips to the point where it may seem excessive.In general, some dogs tend to be more "licking" than others. Some dogs lick the lips, face, hands, floor, doors, etc., etc. of their owner. Some dogs will lick their bowls for a few seconds even after they are empty, while other dogs will go away and not lick at all. There are dogs who will also lick the air. On the other hand, some dogs lick rarely.In some cases, licking and licking the lips may be normal. Dogs will do this when they are bored, nervous, anxious, have something on their face or lips, or even when having dental problems or oral pain. The problem is when lip licking becomes excessive or is caused by a medical problem.WHAT IS LICKING AND WHY DO DOGS LICK?Licking is a natural part of life, starting with puppies licking their mothers at birth. Licking stimulates breathing immediately after birth, removes fluids and blood, and creates bonding.Licking is a normal part of grooming. Dogs' tongues are rough, and licking helps remove dirt and germs from their skin, fur, and paws. In some cases, it also helps dogs clean themselves after urinating and defecating. Keeping odors to a minimum is a natural protective instinct.Licking can be a natural way to comfort ourselves. For example, if we hurt our wrists, we may rub them. Dogs may lick a wound or sore spot in an attempt to soothe that area. From a physiological point of view, it can also improve blood circulation and promote wound healing if the licking is not too strong.Licking can also be a way to get attention. For example, if your dog licks your face, pet owners will often respond. Depending on your response, you can give your dog positive reinforcement that will encourage him to keep licking.Other dogs lick...simply because they like it. Some dogs like the sensation of licking and find comfort in the sensation.WHEN IS THERE A PROBLEM?Dogs that just like licking and don't touch anything may not be a problem. Some pet owners don't mind. However, licking is a problem if it is excessive and causes harm or seems out of control, such as because of a seizure disorder.Read more here:https://true-dog.com/https://true-dog.com/health/why-does-my-dog-sound-congested/https://true-dog.com/behavior/how-to-stop-dogs-from-fighting-in-the-same-household/https://true-dog.com/health/dried-dead-tick-on-dog/https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-are-chihuahuas-so-mean/https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-is-my-dog-growling-at-nothing/
  • 4. Description of the Chihuahua breed

    03:12
    CharacterThe Chihuahua is usually very attached to one or two people. With them, she will be curious, lively and intelligent, and deeply and constantly loving. However, without proper socialization, members of the breed will not be kind to strangers and may appear nervous, and aggressive https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-are-chihuahuas-so-mean/, "yapping" or even aggressive. Chihuahuas need as early socialization as possible. Otherwise, they will be restless in their new environment and will not be able to interact adequately with strangers, children, and other pets. They are a "clan" breed and enjoy the company of other Chihuahuas.BehaviorAlthough it is the smallest of all the breeds, these dogs are active and fun companions. Their favorite thing to do is to spend time at home with their owners. They often become very attached to their owners and enjoy the comforts of home. They can make good little guard dogs. However, they also need regular exercise outside the home to keep them fit, healthy, and toned. Many of them are excellent trainers and tend to be very fond of games.Health (Problems)Like many small breeds, smooth-haired Chihuahuas can have problems with their kneecaps, which can temporarily slip out of place (dislocated kneecaps) and problems with their trachea. Due to the shape of their head, they are predisposed to the occurrence of cerebral hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus) and some eye problems.Physical exertionChihuahuas can adapt to the amount of exercise you suggest, within reason. Chihuahuas often show bursts of energy when they begin enthusiastic play. However, they don't need to walk for long periods of time - half an hour a day is enough for them. It is recommended for Chihuahuas to wear a helmet rather than a collar because of the fragility of the trachea (windpipe).NutritionDogs of ornamental breeds have a fast metabolism. This means they burn energy at a high rate. Since their stomach volume is very small, they need to eat small portions, but often. Small-breed foods are specially formulated to meet a dog's special needs for essential nutrients. Foods are broken down to fit the small size of a dog's jaw, which in turn makes chewing easier and improves digestion.Read more here:https://true-dog.com/https://true-dog.com/health/why-does-my-dog-sound-congested/https://true-dog.com/behavior/how-to-stop-dogs-from-fighting-in-the-same-household/https://true-dog.com/health/dried-dead-tick-on-dog/https://true-dog.com/health/dog-keeps-licking-lips/https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-is-my-dog-growling-at-nothing/
  • 3. Prevention of respiratory diseases in dogs

    02:20
    Brachycephalic breeds require special attention: they can develop a respiratory syndrome - progressive shortness of breath (prolonged rapid breathing with open mouth) - when exposed to high stress, overheating, or stress, which can lead to adverse effects for the dog without treatment.First Aid for Severe Breathing in a DogFirst of all, a four-legged friend is necessary to create peace. Excitement, physical exertion, and overheating must be avoided. It is mandatory to provide fresh air by opening a window and ventilating the room. Do not try to put the pet down or force it to drink more water, because it may be dangerous. You should not use medications that stimulate breathing on your own; in most cases, this is not effective and may cause your pet harm. If the dog's condition worsens, his breathing becomes more labored, the dog sounds congested https://true-dog.com/health/why-does-my-dog-sound-congested/ and his gums and lips turn blue, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.Preventing Breathing Problems In DogsAvoid drafts. Place the dog bed in a warm, dry corner away from the front door and windows.Provide a safe outdoor environment. Limit access to small objects, sharp bones, and sticks that can get lodged in the throat.Follow a vaccination schedule for treatment against parasites. Vaccinations against common canine viruses are given annually. Deworming is quarterly.Strengthen immunity. Fortify their diet with veterinarian-approved vitamin and mineral supplements.Avoid heat and hypothermia. Reduce exercise in the blazing sun and extreme cold.Provide unrestricted access to clean water. Change water 2-3 times a day. If he doesn't drink well from his bowl, buy a fountain drinker.Prevent allergic reactions. Don't walk your dog on lawns with flowering plants or give him food off the table. If the dog begins to pant frequently after a change of food, introduce a nonprotein diet. If the condition returns to normal, reintroduce the old food and if his allergy symptoms return, see your vet. He can help you find a hypoallergenic diet that is appropriate for your pet's age, weight, and physiological needs.Read more here:https://true-dog.com/https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-are-chihuahuas-so-mean/https://true-dog.com/behavior/how-to-stop-dogs-from-fighting-in-the-same-household/https://true-dog.com/health/dried-dead-tick-on-dog/https://true-dog.com/health/dog-keeps-licking-lips/https://true-dog.com/behavior/why-is-my-dog-growling-at-nothing/
  • 1. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OWNERS OF CONFLICTING DOGS

    03:59
    Behavior ModificationI. The first cycle of the behavior modification program focuses on teaching the dogs skills to help them relax and focus on their owner. Using the method of positive reinforcement, teach all dogs the commands "sit" (or "lie down") and "wait". The dog should quietly, relaxedly watch the owner while waiting for further commands. Until each dog individually learns to sit and wait under all circumstances, he should not, without the owner's supervision, encounter his relatives to whom he reacts in an undesirable manner. The next step is to gradually teach the feuding dogs to sit quietly at first in the same room in opposite corners, and then, reducing the distance, and next to each other, generously rewarding non-aggressive behavior in each other's presence with a treat.II. In all situations where you cannot control the behavior of conflicting dogs, they should be separated. Arranging to keep dogs living in the same house apart is difficult enough, it requires careful planning. If the aggressor is identified, it should be kept in the least convenient and desirable part of the house (the guest room, not your bedroom where the dogs usually sleep, the pen in a well-heated and lighted basement or garage, not the kitchen where the dogs are fed). All other dogs should be able to move freely around the house. If more than one dog is problematic, all of them should be locked up separately from each other, and the trouble-free ones should be left free. If each of the animals provokes conflicts, they should all be locked in cages or in separate rooms so they cannot see each other and visually threaten each other. Keep in mind, if the dogs are separated so that they cannot get close physically but can still see each other, they cannot be considered "mentally" separated, and the aggressor continues to send and the victim continues to receive threatening signals. Make sure that the victim of aggression does not accidentally get stuck in the cage, fence, or entangled in the ammunition - this should not happen under any circumstances! If your dog is afraid of the cage and is very stressed in it, please do not lock it until he has learned to be calm in the cage! Feeling trapped will increase your dog's fear and reactivity and will only make the overall situation worse.III. Hang different-sounding bells for the dogs to identify all their movements around the house by the sound. If the bell sounds are indistinguishable, hang the bell only on the aggressor. The bell will tell you when he's approaching and help you avoid confrontation. Confronting dogs can approach each other ONLY when you are sure you can control them from a distance and prevent harm. Don't forget - harm can be both physical and mental, and mental trauma is much harder for many dogs forced to live in a state of constant terror.If a dogfight has already started, follow the recommendations in the article https://true-dog.com/behavior/how-to-stop-dogs-from-fighting-in-the-same-household/Read more if you want to knowhttps://true-dog.com/behavior/why-are-chihuahuas-so-mean/https://true-dog.com/health/dried-dead-tick-on-dog/https://true-dog.com/health/why-does-my-dog-sound-congested/https://true-dog.com/