how to care puppy in Winter

Into the cold winter, martina puppies have weak digestive ability is poor, body temperature adjustment function is not perfect and physiology characteristic, death is caused extremely easily. So, do the puppy's feeding and management in winter is very important.

Autumn is a dog rut, mating, the breeding season, the bitch pregnancy average for 60 days, gave the small dog is general into cold winter, for puppies have weak digestive ability, poor, body temperature adjustment function is not perfect and physiology characteristic, death is caused extremely easily. So, do the puppy's feeding and management in winter is very important.

A warm, cold

Winter temperature should be kept in the kennel in 13 to 15 ℃ between, if the temperature is too low, and give the dog in heat will be increased, and strengthen the dogs have to use more body metabolism, energy to maintain body temperature, the energy consumption also increased while the dogs feed intake, improve the keeping costs. In addition, puppies not hardy, low temperature easy to cause the puppies freezing, so the key is do well in the winter puppies thermal insulation. Specific mention measures are as follows:

1, the door of the kennel will hang with grass, the window to use plastic seal. Puppies can also modeled after up plastic canopy methods to keep warm, and also blocked to prevent cracks in walls, ZeiFeng to invade.

2, the conditions can adopt the following measures, such as infrared heating lamp, wall built between, general should configure threshold in dog bed, bed mat have felt, soft grass, and frequently change frequently, sun dry.

3, puppy to can not only help to warm puppy in the sun, and the ultraviolet ray in sunshine and sterilizing effect, and the absorption of calcium can also puppies, be helpful for puppies bone growth and development, prevent puppies happen rickets. Therefore, RiNuan sunny, want to let puppies sunshine, strengthening the movement to enhance the physique, improve the disease resistance.

Second, puppies raising management winter

1, do well "two maintain, three transition" : "two maintain" refers to maintain in the original circle, breeding and maintain the original feed up raising; "Three transition" refers to feed, raising system and environmental transition.

(1), feed excessive: puppies after weaning 1 week or so, still and lactation feed formula for the same material, and then gradually transition to 2 weeks or so after weaning, can feed to puppies.

(2), feeding system transition: stable life system can promote the growth and development of puppies, reduce the happening of the disease. The puppy's feed appropriate is fine, timing feeding, little more than a quantitative feed meal, every eat only 7 to feed into full, in order to keep the puppies exuberant appetite and digestion ability.

(3), environment excessive: puppies after weaning still use the original circle breeding, not victims unfitting circle, not mixed group of and nests, will the bitch out of the can. So, a few days later can adapt to the puppy. Then according to the size of puppies, strong or weak, with meat, such as raising puppies group-dividing, 3 ~ 5 days can adapt to the new environment.

2, training "at 3 o 'clock position" : 3 o 'clock positioning refers to food and drinking water place fixed; Sleeping place fixed; Row of feces fixed location. Raising the personnel should be food, drinking gear in the fixed place, do not often exchange the position. Puppies into the new fold, first slept place is very important, that the most security after the puppies, can be in this place to sleep. So, to enter new fold the first night the puppies to shut in sleep or tied to the designated place, 3 ~ 5 days after general puppies to place to sleep can be fixed down. If puppies defecate, management personnel can everywhere will waste collected and piled up in the designated place. So, general 3 ~ 5 days, puppies will in this anchors defecate.

Three, drive bug preventing

Winter is a dog infectious diseases, especially of the multiple season distemper and canine parvovirus disease harm such as the puppy's prone to disease, in order to prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease, should be well drive bug and food slot, utensils and kennel and environmental disinfection job, to eliminate the cause, cut off the transmission way, strengthen the dog's body resistance. Puppies drive bug general in the 20 ~ 25 day age, every month after 1 time, drive bug after the dog dung and insect body to focus on stacking fermentation processing, in order to avoid pollution of the environment and infect other dogs. Every day one clear water. Food slot, cistern weekly a but boil disinfection, 20 minutes, also can use 0.1% of the new jie destroy solution for 20 minutes or with 2 to 4% of the caustic soda water soaking liquid and, finally, rinse it.

Winter Dog Health Hazards

Winter's seasonal dog health problems loom now that the weather is turning cold, meaning we must watch out for sick dogs and winter hazards that could affect our beloved pets.

Major Dog Health Problems: Antifreeze and Windshield Wiper Fluids

Antifreeze is a wonderful tool for getting your car ready for the winter months, but it's deadly for your pet. To make matters worse, antifreeze has a sweet taste and smell, so dogs are highly attracted to this substance. Ethylene glycol is the component in antifreeze that cause sick dogs, making it a major winter hazard.

If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately, or get your pet to the nearest vet clinic. Caution is the key to preventing dog health problems resulting from this harmful poison. Do not allow your pet in the area where you store antifreeze. Wipe up any spills from the antifreeze container or your car. Windshield wiper fluids also contain methanol or ethylene glycol, the toxic ingredient in antifreeze.

Holiday Plants Can Become Dog Health Issues

Many plants associated with the holidays are harmful to our furry friends. This means sick dog winter hazards can put a real damper on your holiday festivities.

Mistletoe - You may want to kiss your beloved under this parasitic plant but keep it away from your pooch. Mistletoe can cause diarrhea, vomiting, shock and death within hours of ingestion.

Poinsettia - Many families decorate the hearth and home with this colorful Christmas favorite, but if you have pets, you may want to decorate with the artificial version. While research has been done that shows this plant is not as harmful as once believed, it does produce an irritating milky sap that is harmful when swallowed.

Holly - The leaves and berries of the holly plant are harmful if swallowed. Signs of ingestion include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

*Lilies - These plants can cause irreversible kidney damage.

Food Items That Cause Dog Health Problems

Chocolate - Chocolate is abundant during the holiday season when everybody is baking for friends and family. While all types of chocolate are hazardous to your dog, baking chocolate is the most lethal. Baking chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine, an ingredient in chocolate that is hazardous to dogs. In high doses, chocolate causes epileptic seizures and death.

Coffee - Liquid coffee, coffee beans, espresso and other coffee products are harmful. The caffeine in these products does not react with a dog's system the same way it reacts with a person's system. Caffeine causes seizures, diarrhea, erratic heart rates and death in canines.

Macadamia nuts - These nuts, often found in cookies around the holiday season, cause muscle weakness, tremors, and vomiting.

Yeast dough - The ingestion of raw yeast dough can lead to serious alcohol intoxication due to the fermentation process. The rising of the dough in your dog can also cause bloat, a potentially deadly disorder.

Cold Temperatures Are Hazardous To Your Dog's Health

Hypothermia - If your dog is left outside for any extended period of time during the winter months in cold weather climates, be alert for signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a severe drop in body temperature. If you suspect your dog may have hypothermia, wrap him up in a warm blanket and bring him inside. A warm bath may help as well.

Frozen Water Dish - If your dog's water is left outside in the cold, chances are the water in his water bowl will freeze. Without fresh water, dogs can dehydrate.

Exercise - Pets, like people, tend to get less exercise in the cooler months. Create indoor activities you can perform with your pet to keep you both in shape.

Sick Dog Winter Diseases | Dog Winter Care Tips

Sick Dog Winter Hazards:

With a change of season, both humans and their pets become susceptible to many illnesses and disorders. Therefore, to ensure a healthy run through a season, especially during winter, humans should take special precautions for both themselves and their dogs. There are some common dangers that pet owners should look out for. These winter hazards for dogs are bad, but are especially dangerous for older dogs and dogs that are already ailing.

Dog Winter Ailments:

• Antifreeze:

Though this is a potential problem in both summer and winter, it becomes more evident in the winter season. Antifreeze smells sweet due to its chemical composition, and because of this smell, dogs can resist it. If you spill some antifreeze or if you have a container full of antifreeze within reach of your pet, chances are the dog will ingest it. Antifreeze gets absorbed very quickly and is highly toxic. Ingesting it can cause death within minutes, depending on the amount ingested. Some heat exchange fluids and transmission fluids contain this toxic chemical. Other chemicals which contain antifreeze are brake fluids and fluids used in the processing of camera film. Some of the common signs of anti freeze toxicity are lethargy, depression, intoxicated effect and vomiting. The kidneys are affected first, and the dog may die soon after due to kidney failure.

• Arthritis:

Humans and their pets who suffer from arthritis or any other degenerative condition, find it difficult to live comfortably in cold and damp weather. In winter, even younger pets could get affected by arthritis. However, older pets are more susceptible to it. Cold and damp climate can also cause fractures to heal slower than usual. If you notice your pet struggling to lie down or get up from the floor, it is possible that the dog suffers from arthritis. Dogs may also cry often or snap when they are picked up. In any case, don’t try to avoid going to the veterinarian in such a condition.

• Flu and Pneumonia:

Pets that are housed outside are susceptible to dying from cold or developing infections and disorders. If your dog’s kennel is outside, make sure that the kennel is adequately protected from wind and cold. In case it snows, bring your pet inside. Also make sure that your dog is always supplied with warm water. You can also opt for non-electric warm bedding for your dog. Alternatively, you can also get heated floor mats.

Symptoms of a Sick Dog

Sick dog symptoms are often subtle and happen to even the best cared for animals.

Dog Health Care and Illness

So, since acquiring your pet, you've followed a regular health care program, including giving your dog veterinary recommendedvaccinations and routine de-worming, combined with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise. This means you should never have to deal with a sick dog, right?

Not necessarily. Even the most cared for canines will occasionally display symptoms of illness, and these signs can range from fairly mild to severe, depending on their cause. The question then becomes what to do when you notice your dog is under the weather?

Sick dog symptoms are an outward sign of an inward disorder, be it an injury, infection, or disease. The key to deciding whether veterinary intervention is in order lies in recognizing the symptoms and having a general idea of their causes.

A Variety of Sick Dog Symptoms

The following table is only a general guideline and is not meant to replace a diagnosis from a qualified veterinarian.

While there are possible causes listed for specific symptoms, this doesn't confirm your pet has a particular illness, and there may be other causes not listed for each specific symptom. Your vet will consider your dog's symptoms and perform any testing necessary to give you the most complete and accurate diagnosis.

Sick Dog Symptoms and Possible Causes

Symptom	Causes
Bad Breath	periodontal disease
Bleeding Gums	periodontal disease
Bloody Stools	worms, intestinal blockage, anal fissure caused by constipation
Blood in Urine	urinary tract infection, kidney disease, internal injury
Brownish Ear Discharge	ear infection, ear mite infestation
Constipation	change of diet, intestinal blockage
Lumps	ulcerations, cysts, tumors
Coughing	windpipe blockage, kennel cough, pneumonia, heartworm, heart disease
Diarrhea	change in diet, stress, dog flu, Parvo virus, Corona virus
Hair Loss	parasitic infection, dog skin allergies
Head Shaking	ear infection or infestation
Increased Drinking	canine diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing's disease
Inflamed Ears	ear infection or infestation
Irritated Skin	parasitic infestation, allergic reaction
Less Frequent Bowel Movements	constipation, partial bowel blockage, loss of appetite
Less Frequent Urination	kidney stones/disease
Lethargy	caused by any number of illnesses and disorders
Lameness	injury, canine hip and elbow dysplasia
Loss of Appetite	numerous causes ranging from dislike of diet to serious illness
Pale Gums	shock
Pale Tongue	shock
Panting	over-heating, dehydration, respiratory infection, heartworm infestation of the heart and lungs
Pot Belly	worm infestation, canine obesity
Scratching	parasitic infestation, dog skin allergies/infections
Stiff Movement	injury, canine arthritis, canine dysplasia
Smelly Ears	ear infection
Temperature above 102°F	viral or bacterial infection, dehydration/heat stroke
Vomiting	dog flu, worm infestation, gastrointestinal disorder, algae poisoning
Watery Eyes	allergies, in-grown eyelash
Sudden/Dramatic Weight Loss	worm infestation, cancer, Cushings disease

When It's Time to Call the Vet
Most pets will display one or more of these symptoms of illness at some point during their lives, but there isn't always a need to rush them directly to the vet. Symptoms that only last a day and do not seem severe may simply need to run their course. However, a consultation with your vet is in order when:

• Sick dog symptoms increase or intensify over a 24 hour period.
• Symptoms persist more than a day.
• The animal in question is in obvious distress.

Conclusion
In the long run, it's better to be safe than sorry, so if you believe your dog may truly be ill, don't hesitate to call your vet for advice and an appointment. After all, doesn't your dog deserve as much care as any other member of the family?.

Dogs : Cold Weather Tips

The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife. 

During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape. 

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags. 

Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. 

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. 

Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself. 

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape. 

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information. 

Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Winter - Cold Weather Care for Dogs

What does the winter mean for your dog?

Winter can be a time of great fun or great distress for your dog. I have always owned dogs that love the cold and playing in the snow. However, even with breeds bred for colder climates, with coats bred to repel wet and insulate the body, I have to prepare them for winter. Many of my clients have dogs not bred for cold weather. They have to take greater care with their dogs. What should you do to help prepare your dog for the coming winter?

What type of dog do you have?

A Siberian Husky is better suited for cold weather than your neighbor’s Chihuahua. Short coated, wire-coated dogs and dogs with a single coat (no undercoat) will not stay as warm in winter and a double-coated dog will. Look at the age of your dog. Very young and older dogs are less able to manage cold than dogs in the prime of their lives. Even if your breed was developed for cooler weather: age is a concern. 

Where will your dog live? Inside or Out?

If your dog is to live mainly outdoors or spend a good part of the day outdoors, you must prepare proper shelter for him. If your dog is only going out to relieve himself and then coming right back in or will be exercised by walks with you or games at a dog park, then you do not have to be as obsessed about proper shelter. The more time your dog spends outside will determine the type of preparation you need.

What to do if your dog will be outside a lot

You need to prepare proper shelter. This does not mean putting his crate in the back yard with a tarp over it, a pickup truck cover or big box. Your dog should have a house that is wood or heavy plastic. The shelter should have ventilation but not be drafty. It should be placed out of prevailing winds. A doorway, in the middle of the house without any flap will allow winds and rain to blow in. You can buy outdoor heated beds that you can put on a timer if desired. Though these beds may seem expensive at the start, if you compare the price of a heated bed to how much you would spend a winter in straw or other beddings, the investment may be worth it. If you use straw, blankets or other bedding, ensure that it is dry and clean. Check the bedding morning and evening: wet bedding will hold no heat and can freeze.

Is it possible to let your dog spend cold nights in the house?

As night falls temperatures plummet. Dogs are no different to you or I when it comes to feeling cold. Spending freezing nights outside in the cold throughout a bitter winter is a miserable existence. Many people don't realize this. They go outside in the morning and see their dog wagging it's tail and looking quite happy. Well, that's because he is happy to see you. He has no way of telling you that for the past 12 hours he has been cold, miserable and shivering.Next time you are snug and warm in your bed at night give a thought to your dog. Do you want him to suffer outside in the cold? Bad things can happen to dogs out in the cold such as hypothermia and frost bite. Dogs can also die.

If you don't want to give your dog the run of the house maybe you can find somewhere in your house where he can sleep such as a utility room, laundry or bathroom. Buy him a snug dog bed and he will probably be so comfortable, warm and contented that he will sleep the entire night and cause no problems from being inside the house. If your budget doesn't stretch to a dog bed then at least a blanket to sleep on is better than a cold floor.

What about food and water?

Make sure you change the water several times a day or use a heated bowl that helps prevent freezing. A dog can dehydrate in the winter as well as summer if adequate water is not available. If your dog has hanging ears or a “beard”, check for icicles and even frostbite. You may want to increase how much your dog eats or change the type of food. Outdoor dogs are going to expend more calories in the winter. Use plastic bowls. Tongues may stick to cold metal!

What if your dog will be out for shorter periods or just going for walks?

Most pets live indoors but spend part of the day outside or are only outside for walks. Make sure your dog has shelter or is not allowed out for long periods. Once a dog stops moving, he is going to chill faster. For safety, do not leave dog coats on your dog unless you are going to be closely monitoring play. A coat can snag and a dog can become injured during an attempt to get loose. If your dog needs a coat, do not go for the cutesy ones. Most important is function and not fashion! A coat must allow for freedom of movement and bodily functions. If the coat is to cover the legs, make sure your dog can fully extend his legs. Coats that restrict movement can build stress and make wearing the coat unpleasant. If you choose to use booties on your dog, again, think function and less fashion. 

What about winter grooming?

Continue to groom your dog regularly. Dirty and matted hair does not hold warmth. If your dog has long hair, check for ice and snow accumulation. Trim fur between the toes as ice and snow can build up there too! If your dog gets wet, dry thoroughly! If you regularly have your dog shaved, ask the groomer to keep the coat a little longer for the winter or consider using a dog coat.

What are other winter concerns?

Many chemicals used mainly in the winter can be hazardous and even deadly to a dog. Antifreeze can kill in very small amounts. Even the “pet-safe” antifreezes are not 100% safe: they are just lower toxicity. If you know or suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, call your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic immediately! Rock salt and other de-icing agents can cause foot irritations. Wipe your dog’s feet off after walks and urban dogs or suburban dogs that regularly are walked in areas where people apply de-icers may benefits from booties. Another concern many may not think of in regards to winter safety is piled up snow. Snow piled against a fence due to your shoveling or high snowfalls can provide a great means of escape for your dog.

Winter can be a great time for our dogs. It can also be a time of discomfort and even danger. With some planning, your dog will not have to suffer through the cold. If in doubt, discuss specific winter needs for your dog with your veterinarian.

Winter Care for the Outdoor Dog

Some people, due to space limitations or personalpreference, choose to keep their dog outdoors. Inareas where winters can be harsh, these petsneed special care. Even though the dog livesoutdoors, you should prevent your dog fromroaming through the neighborhood. A fenced-inyard works well, but if this is not possible,keeping your dog on a long tie-out can alsorestrict unwanted roaming.

Housing and Shelter

In the winter, adequate shelter is essential to provide warmth and keep

the dog dry. Dogs need to have a comfortable and safe place toescape the cold snow and harsh chilling winds. A large doghouse with blankets or straw bedding works well. Make surethe opening to the doghouse is not facing the wind. Some people choose to equip the doghouse with heat. Thisshould be professionally done. Heating pads or heating lights powered by electric cords is not recommended. Curiousdogs can chew the cords and create a serious hazard.

The bedding within the doghouse will need to be changed periodically. The straw can become moldy and the blanketscan become dirty and wet. Moldy straw can create a variety of skin and respiratory problems. Dirty and wet blanketscan make the dog very uncomfortable and lead to illness.

Grooming

Keeping your outdoor dog regularly groomed will help maintain a healthy hair coat and provide proper insulation. Shorthaired dogs will have a difficult time in cold weather and it is not recommended to keep these breeds outdoors. Long thick hair coats provide excellent insulation but mats and debris caught in the hair will diminish the insulation effect. Keep the coat brushed and free of mats.

Feeding

Dogs kept outdoors in the winter will use more energy to keep their body temperature regulated. In order to keep your dog healthy, extra calories will be needed to supply the extra energy. Make sure your dog is offered a good quality dog food. Offering more food in the winter will help supply the extra calories.

Water is also important in the winter. Provide fresh water daily. Snow and ice are not acceptable substitutes for fresh water. Check the water every so often to make sure it hasn't frozen over.

Health Concerns

In the wintertime, dogs are more susceptible to illness. Carefully monitor your dog to catch any illness early. Frostbite is a potential hazard, especially for dogs not offered proper housing. The tips of the ears, tail and feet are particularly susceptible.

Exposure to salt and ice melts can be a hazard if these products are used near the dog. The dog may walk in the salt and ingest some while licking paws. Ingestion of salt or other products used to melt ice can lead to gastrointestinal upset, burns of the esophagus or stomach or burns on the pads of the feet.

Exposure to cold weather, especially associated with high winds, can result in a low body temperature. Hypothermia can be fatal if not treated promptly. 

Keep all automotive items away from your dog. Many people change antifreeze in the fall; exposure to antifreeze can be deadly. Make sure your dog is safely confined away from any toxic or dangerous chemicals.

Veterinary Care

Annual physical exams are very important in the outdoor dog. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of illness is important. Make sure your outdoor dog is adequately protected from disease by vaccination. Have your dog checked for intestinal parasites and properly dewormed.

WINTER CARE FOR DOGS

General Concerns

1. Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:
2. Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.
3. Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
4. Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
5. Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.
6. Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.
7. Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
8. Don't leave your dog alone in a car without proper precautions. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

Health Tips

1. Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Remember the following health concerns:
2. Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
3. Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.
4. Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
5. Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.
6. Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
7. Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
8. Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.

Holiday Safeguards

• The winter season brings lots of fun holiday festivities, but pet-owners should keep in mind the following special precautions:
• The holidays are not ideal for introducing a pet into your family. New puppies and dogs require extra attention and a stable environment, which the holiday season doesn't permit. Also, a puppy is not a toy or gift that can be returned. Instead, the AKC suggests giving a gift representative of the dog to come, such as a toy, a leash, or a bed.
• Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.
• Review holiday gifts for dogs to make sure they are safe. Items such as plastic toys and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.
• Remove holiday lights from lower branches of your tree. They may get very hot and burn dogs.
• Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try to chew them and may get badly shocked or electrocuted. Place wires out of reach.
• Avoid using glass ornaments. They break easily and may cut a dog's feet and mouth.
• Refrain from using edible ornaments. Your dog may knock the tree over in an attempt to eat them. Also, commercial ornaments may contain paint or toxins in the preservatives.
• Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. Don't leave your dog unattended in the room with the tree.
• Tinsel is dangerous for dogs. It may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.
• Alcohol and chocolate are toxic for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep unhealthy, sweet treats and seasonal goodies out of reach.
• The holiday season is a stressful time for dogs. Try to keep a normal schedule during all the excitement.

About Skyline's Dog Agility Classes:

Agility is one of the fastest growing dog sports - you may have seen it featured on television. Needless to say, nothing is ever as easy as the pro’s make it look, but agility training is a great way for you and your dog to work together as a team. It may be one of the only times each week that you and your dog get to spend one-on-one with each other. Yes, it is fun to learn the obstacles but the desire to want to work and learn with your dog is the key.

Our classes are small and each team works at their individual pace. All training is positive with the use of many rewards such as food and toys, no choke chains or corrections. The aim of the class is for you and your dog to have fun together, this is not “puppy playtime” between dogs.

FAQ:

1) Do I need to have done obedience before doing agility?

2) Will my dog be off-leash?

3) What makes me the most interesting thing to my dog?

4) How old does my dog need to be to start agility?

5) Is agility class about playing with other dogs?

6) Do I have to want to compete in agility to participate in classes? 

7) Is agility easy?

8) Do I need to practice at home?

9) My dog is very nervous, is agility suitable for her?

10) My dog does not like other dogs, can he do agility?

11) My dog does not like strangers touching it or coming near them, can he do agility? 

12) How fast will my dog progress?

Do I need to have done obedience before doing agility?

Although you do not need to have attended a formal class you do need some basic skills. Your dog should understand commands for sit, down, stay and come. He need not be 100% reliable but this is a good place to start.

Will my dog be off-leash?

YES. Only one dog is off-leash in class at a time. It is important that your dog has a good “come” command as he may be distracted and want to run over to other dogs. YOU must be more interesting to your dog than all the other dogs in class.

What makes me the most interesting thing to my dog?

Now is the time to find out. Keep a really favorite food just for training e.g. cheese, hot dogs, bologna. Try a favorite toy to tug with. Make really exciting noises. Practice, practice, practice.

How old does my dog need to be to start agility?

Dogs can start agility at any age but the class must be tailored to the age of the dog. Young puppies can learn many important skills for agility without being introduced to any of the obstacles. Your dog needs to be physically developed to jump & weave and mentally developed to understand the obedience skills already discussed – this age will be different for every dog. Older dogs need to be physically healthy. Yes, an old dog can learn new tricks.

Is agility class about playing with other dogs?

NO. Agility class is for you and your dog to play and learn together. Your dog should feel that YOU are much more exciting than any other dog in the room. This is not a puppy play session.

Do I have to want to compete in agility to participate in classes?

NO. Most students start agility classes just to have fun with their dogs. Some get bitten by the bug and go on to compete.

Is agility easy?

NO but learning can be fun. It is not just a question of telling your dog to jump, do you know how to communicate with your dog? Performing each obstacle is not the most difficult thing to learn but how to communicate with your partner is much tougher. Your instructor will teach you how to be a team. Yes, it is difficult at times that is why we use lots of food rewards to help your dog. Yes, it can get frustrating and that is when it is time to stop and go and play with your dog.

Do I need to practice at home?

The more you can practice what your learn in class, the faster you will improve. Many skills do not require equipment, especially improving your obedience commands. Some things can also be taught using items that you have around the house, your instructor will tell you about this.

My dog is very nervous, is agility suitable for her?

Agility can be a great way to socialize a dog. It introduces them to a new environment, new dogs and people, different noises and objects. It is very important to only progress at the speed of your dog, this dog will take longer to get it’s confidence. You may even want to repeat the initial beginner class to overcome your dogs fears.

My dog does not like other dogs, can he do agility?

A class situation is not appropriate. You should seek the services of a qualified behavior specialist to evaluate your dog. Your dog may be able to do private lessons.

My dog does not like strangers touching it or coming near them, can he do agility?

In training, the instructor will need to hold your dog to help it learn so it must be friendly to strangers. You should seek the services of a qualified behavior specialist to evaluate your dog.

How fast will my dog progress?

That depends on many things and will vary from team to team. The speed of your progress does not matter. What is important is learning the fundamental skills at the beginning properly. Once you have trained your dog to make “mistakes”, it is very hard to go back and “fix” them. Remember, your instructor probably made those same “mistakes” with the very first dog they trained so learn from their mistakes!

Can my dog do agility?

Age. Two common questions people have is "Can I start training my puppy?" and "Can my older dog do agility?". The answer is yes to both questions, within reason. To compete in agility your dog needs to be at least a year old, but you can start to train your puppy earlier than that. Keep in mind, however, that your dog's joints are still forming, so jump heights should be about elbow height for the first year. Puppies will also be more awkward and their attention span shorter. So be very patient and keep the lessons brief. The same principles apply to older dogs. Their joints are weaker, and they will tire more easily, so lessons should be shorter. The jump heights might have to be lowered. Many of the organizations now have special classes for older dogs. AKC calls these "preferred" classes, which is a class that feature lowered jump heights. But be careful that you do not get so caught up into competing that you are not sensitive to your dogs aging needs. Dogs are so anxious to please that they may push themselves one day, and pay for it the next.

Breed. You will see all shapes and sizes of dogs (and people) doing agility.... this is one of the wonderful things about the sport! You may think to yourself, "my dog can never do that, he's too small", but in agility classes and trials, your tiny little guy will have lowered jumps, a lower table, and will be competing against other dogs his size. For example, he might be running in the 6" or 8" jump height division, and that class will have lower time limits (because it takes longer for small dogs to run a course than big dogs). Large breeds also can do agility, but their bulkier size requires negotiating some of the obstacles more carefully. Also be aware that some breeds take more patience than others. Even a bull dog can do those obstacles, providing you find the special treat or toy that really motivates him. Some dogs are highly motivated simply with praise.

Obedience. Can crazy out-of-control dogs do agility? Yes, as long as you make your training sessions more exciting than the other things around your dog that typically makes him go crazy! See the article on "Problem Dogs" for tips on how to do this. It is not necessary that your dog has formal obedience training if you want to do agility just for fun. If you want to be more successful at it, however, your dog must know some basic obedience commands such as stay, sit, and lie down. Heeling is helpful. While taking a class is invaluable, you can (at home) train obedience and agility at the same time. Some people train their dogs to sit for the first time using the pause table obstacle, for example.