Pat Storer - Your Puppy, Your Dog: A Kids Guide to Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog

A Kids Guide to Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog

Pat Storer

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by
publishing practical information that encourages
personal independence in harmony with the environment.

Edited by Lorin Driggs

Cover design by Carol J. Jessop and Susan Bernier

Cover photograph by A. Blake Gardner

Text design and production by Susan Bernier

Photographs by Pat Storer, Isabelle Francais/Pet Profiles, Kent and Donna Dannen,
and Pets by Paulette

Line drawings by Jeffrey C. Domm, except for pages 28, by Brigita Fuhrmann

Technical review by James M. Leahey, D.V.M.

Indexed by Susan Olason

1997 Patricia J. Storer

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages or reproduce illustrations in a review with appropriate credits; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other without written permission from the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or Storey Publishing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. For additional information, please contact Storey Publishing, 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247.

Storey books are available for special premium and promotional uses and for customized editions. For further information, please call 1-800-793-9396.

Printed in the United States by Versa Press

10 9 8 7

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Storer, Pat

Your puppy, your dog : a kids guide to raising a happy, healthy dog / by

Pat Storer.

p. cm.

A Storey Publishing Book

ISBN-13: 978-0-88266-959-5 (pbk. : alk. paper)

1. DogsJuvenile literature. [1. Dogs. 2. Pets] I. Title.

SF426.5.S77 1997

636.70087dc20

97-5725

CIP

We can only guess how a human and a dog first developed a lasting relationship over 10,000 years ago. No one knows for sure, but its very likely that some orphaned wolf pups were taken in and raised by a prehistoric human tribe. A bond formed, and the two species became loyal companions. From that distant time until today, something wonderful happens when that bond of mutual trust and love develops.

Kids and puppies go together like bread and butter. Both have lots of love to share, and they will teach each other many things. Caring for a dog can be a remarkable learning and loving experience.

The decision to add a puppy or a dog to your childs life should be made by the whole family. Both the child and the family must be willing to accept a 10- to 15-year commitment to the care and well-being of the dog.

First and foremost, the dog should be welcomed as another member of the family. Like people, dogs are social creatures and cannot thrive in isolation. To be his best, a dog needs to be treated with kindness and respect. You should be available to guide your child when needed and to oversee your childs treatment and training of the puppy or dog.

Caring for a puppy or dog is a wonderful opportunity for a child to learn to be responsible. However, the dogs health and well-being should never be compromised in order to teach a lesson in responsibility.

You probably already know deep in your heart that you really want a dog of your own. But there are some things you should think about before you make the final decision.

With the pleasure a dog can bring come duties and responsibilities. If you are 10 years old, the puppy you get now will grow up into a dog that may be around after you have graduated from both high school and college. For all of those years your dog will rely upon you for food, shelter, health care, and companionship.

Because a dog is a natural follower, he will look to you for direction. It will be up to you to train him and teach him what he needs to know. You must be patient and understanding while your puppy or dog is learning what you want of him. You must be kind and fair if he does something wrong. Usually, a puppy makes a mistake because he doesnt understand what hes supposed to do.

A dog is an intelligent creature with real feelings and definite emotional needs. He can feel happy or sad, afraid or brave, confident or confused. The way you treat and train your dog will have a large impact on how he will develop physically and emotionally. The puppy can grow up to be a happy and a pleasant member of your family and community. He can also grow up to be a spoiled brat even neurotic displaying habits that no one enjoys. The outcome is up to you. You must choose the type of dog that is best suited to your lifestyle. You must teach him, care for him, love him, and play with him. I am going to show you how to do that.

A dog is a great friend.

In this book, he or him is used to refer to a dog, unless something specific to female dogs is being discussed. However, the information in the book is true for both male and female dogs.

Here are some things to think about before you make the final decision to get a dog:

A cute little puppy will grow up into a dog that can live 15 years or more.

A dog costs money the purchase price, food, neutering, housing, health care, toys, training equipment, boarding, and even training.

You must provide your dog with fresh water and nutritious food every day.

You must provide a safe, comfortable place for your dog to live.

You must walk an apartment dog at least twice a day.

You must be sure a house dog has access to a protected area outside, or you must walk him at least twice a day.

Your must give your dog exercise, play, and lots of love and affection.

You must be willing to discipline your dog firmly and fairly when necessary.

Neutering. A surgical procedure that makes an animal unable to breed.

Love and good care will help a dog live to a ripe old age.

You must clean up after your dog, no matter where he relieves himself.

You must check your dog every day to be certain hes healthy.

You must brush, comb, and bathe your dog, and trim his nails regularly.

You must teach him everything he needs to know to be a good citizen.

You must socialize him with your friends and other dogs.

You will be responsible if your dog causes problems for anyone or damages anything.