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You just picked your new puppy, your new puppy picked you or perhaps puppy was picked for you, Congratulations
There is nothing on earth more adorable and humorous than a Cardi puppy. Especially your Cardi puppy.
Remember Cardigan Welsh Corgi adults are generally laid back, willing to watch your favorite show in the evening, hang out in the garden during the day, or take a nice long hike with you and your family. Please take note I underlined the word adults, as puppies are a different ball game entirely. They are ornery, mischievous, high energy little heel nipping spitfires. They'll nap for what seems an eternity only to awaken literally full of energy and in need of pottying and sustenance. They haven't learned your body language, the subtle nuances of your home and it's rules. Oh, and they can't tell time either! Those things they learn and generally learn readily but, it does take a lot of patience, time and in particular love to acquire your "dream" Cardi.
Let's assume you've puppy proofed the house/yard. You and your family have talked and everyone realizes they MUST keep toys, shoes, socks, laundry, pens, fingernail clippers....picked up and put away. Puppies don't realize wires aren't for their chewing pleasure, so please take extra care here. They can squeeze under and around just about anything so look behind and under all furniture for anything puppy "will" get a hold of. We've had one actually dig a hole under the couch, crawl into couch from below and take herself for a walk among the wire springs, hubby was quite surprised as he felt bumping from below!!! Gotta have a sense of humor with puppies.
You have a crate set up for pupster, with bedding, newspapers, paper towels, odor neutralizer at hand. You've made sure you have a few days off, and have had a good nights rest! Toys of various sizes, shapes and materials (no latex please) Chewies for crate time, nylabone...There are various dog catalogs where you can find these much less expensive than your local pet store. Yes, like children pups get bored with the same old, same old, making Grandma's antique dresser or those rug fringes look quite fun. Shoes, shoelaces, just about anything that doesn't move and even things that do move are a fav for chewing. Oh, did I mention bitter apple". You'll need some of that too. Puppies, especially Cardi puppies being a herding breed can and will be heel biters/chasers. Young children running as they do are great targets to practice herding skills. Picture this, child running gleefully across room. Puppy awakes sees fun, goes after child, grabbing bare ankle or pant leg. "Bang" child falls hitting head on coffee table, oops trip to ER. At the very least child has small tooth marks in heel, pup yelps having been kicked in face, you have a terrified child and equally frightened pupster. Children should be old enough to understand that running is like a magnet, inviting chase and be able to make an attempt to move cautiously during training phase. We'll go into ankle biting further on. Am I making raising a pup not sound like it's all fun and games? It isn't. God made them adorable for a reason, so no matter how mad or impatient you may feel at their latest misadventure, you just can't really get angry or stay that way for long. If you feel you might, try a stuffed animal as they may be more suitable for you, no offense but, not everyone can survive puppyhood.
On the trip home please consider transporting in a suitable pet carrier. Can you imagine braking only to discover a pup crawling under the pedal!!! OOOPS! Take a long a few toys, a delectable chewy to help pupster settle down for the ride. If you have a long road trip bring extra bedding along. You do not wish to potty a new pup at a roadside rest stop. Puppy most likely has had only one to two of his vaccinations. The diseases picked up here could be quite serious to say the least. Puppy may be happy, playing, may nap the majority of the ride (they do that a lot), may cry, may throw up. Did I mention extra bedding?
Things you'll need to get and do:
Vet appointment: try to make your Vet appointment for puppies first exam either prior to picking up your pup or immediately after. Some Vets appointments can fill up well in advance. Take a stool sample along on your visit along with all shot records I've supplied. Your puppy will have been wormed but, don't be surprised by a few survivors. Your contract states a time frame please follow it. You should also discuss your Vets Neuter/Spay protocol at this time.
Crate:
Water bowl: these aren't just for water people. Their fun as well, 5 month old Coach proves this by bringing me (as I write) a HUGE non spill water bowl "full" of water and "spilling" as he rolls it across the room!!! Just proves the fact that if a Cardi doesn't have something to do, they'll create it!!! OK back to business, don't forget a bowl outside as well. A must have at our house as if Ms. Promise doesn't have access to ample water she'll get "in" the pond for a drink. Answers the question "can Cardis swim".
Food bowl: I prefer stainless steel as the plastic is fun to chew and ceramic tends to break when puppy finds it fun to "roll" across the room. Or pull down from what you've thought to be a safe place.
Puppy food: one bag large breed puppy food. As you get to the end of the bag start weaning to adult food. Please no people food. Several such as grapes, onions, chocolate can indeed prove toxic to our canine children. Watch your Cardis weight as an overweight Cardi is an unhealthy one.
Treats: I find that having ample easy to chew treats makes training so much easier. The chewier the better as it takes time to crunch a biscuit, you can move on faster with training if they don't have to stop forever to crunch it up.
Collar: I prefer a non slip nylon type collar found at most Pet Supply stores and in Pet Supply Catalogs. Please don't use a choke type collar on a young pup. Do allow pup to wear collar as during supervised play...it can take time for them to get used to this new uniform if not used to it. Do not leave collar on while crated. Puppies grow quickly check fit often, and plan to purchase several as they grow.
Lead: I prefer nylon/leather, chain type leads are uncomfortable and difficult to manage when puppy wraps it round your legs :) Allow pup to drag lead during supervised play, find a time when you know pup is happiest to see you (after work, school, feeding time...) this aides in lead training as they are more likely to happily follow along, hence training themselves. Don't force or drag puppy while lead training, you want your puppy to enjoy this time, not feel it's a bad thing. Some soft treats held at a low level (remember they're short even as adults) will help puppy "want" to walk along with you. If there are other dogs in the house, you'll find lead training much simplified as puppy will usually follow new buddy happily.
Toys: Puppies need a wide variety of toys to keep them occupied, exercised, and out of mischief. These can be anything you choose, but be sure they are safe, without buttons or strings that can be chewed off or swallowed.
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Avoid balls made of soft material that can be chewed apart. Your Cardi has great strength in it's jaws, even as a puppy, and can easily demolish things other dogs of it's size cannot. |
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Avoid hard plastic toys that can splinter. |
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Make sure all toys are to large for puppy to get in it's mouth. Small toys can become lodged in the mouth and caught in the throat (pick up those legos). |
Never give your Cardi puppy old discarded shoes, or socks to play with. A puppy is unable to determine the difference between "old" and "new" and unless carefully watched will think it's perfectly fine to add your new shoes it's collection. Socks and other "non puppy" items can cause intestinal blockage requiring surgery if chewed and swallowed.
BATHTIME / GROOMING:
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Towels: Not just for puppy bath time. Remember you fell in love with how short and low these guys are? Well, that means they don't just get mud on their feet on those wet, rainy, Ohio days. That means a muddy belly too. I keep a pile of old towels (treats as well for pup in training) near the door for just this purpose. My crew know the routine, some even stop/drop and roll when they see the towel in my hand. To start, I offer a treat for puppy as I begin wiping down, then another when finished. Knowing their is a reward in store really helps. |
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Brushes/combs: Following that, you'll need some grooming tools to help control that shedding. I use a zoom groom (pink soft rubber version) to loosen up the unseen loose undercoat. I follow that with a pin brush to collect all the coat that's come to the surface. Then a slicker brush to get even more of the loose coat that's been waiting to fall on the carpet. Comb thru for any hanging on for dear life, then once again with the pin brush. I try to do this at least once weekly, sitting spread eagled in front of the TV listening to Dr. Phil or what have you. The Cardis and I find it very relaxing, they know who's turn is next and as one is finished the next comes and assumes their position. I then pick up the majority I've brushed out, and run the vacuum as I usually have quite a pile of fur laying on and around me |
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Scissors: You'll want a pair of smallish, curved, blunt tip scissors for trimming foot pads. I prefer to do this when I know their feet are good and dry, I do it once a month or prior to a show. While still laying between your legs for brushing simply take feet, trimming excess fur growing up from between paw pads. This can feel ticklish to some dogs causing them to pull back till used to the feeling. Keeping paw pads trimmed isn't just for the comfort of your dog. Just think less mud/snow to wipe when they come in from outside! |
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Nail trimmers: First off Corgis can be stinkers about this. So, you'll want to make a habit of playing with their feetsies so their used to having them handled and messed with. I do this while they nap in my lap, while their eating dinner, while brushing, while playing, I do it often, I do it gently, I make it fun and pleasurable. |
I use a dremel for my crew, they've let me know they much prefer the humming grinder over the traditional nail clipper type of tool. First off, use dremel only for 3 seconds per nail, longer will create a burning sensation and you'll have created a dog afraid of having their nails done. With a pup I simply tip them off every 2 to 3 days, not because their nails need it but, because they need to get used to it and intervals much longer than this won't do it. Depending on the pup, I treat after each paw, if your pup requires after each nail then do that. The figure out pretty quickly that this nail thing actually has rewards and adjust happily.
I cradle pup in a comfortable position (for both of us) in my arms. If you have an assistant to do the actual trimming your one step ahead of the game. Prepare for some struggles even screeching at first. Tip the first nail (don't let dremel come in contact with but nail, not the pup or your fingers OUCH), treat if necessary. Finish paw, treat, either go on to next paw, or wait for another time for this. Right now your more interested in getting pup used to it all than actually get all nails done. It can take as long two weeks following this regime but, your pup will eventually not only put up with it but, will relax and perhaps enjoy it. My Reej actually takes a short nap while having his nail done!!! I dremel some dogs weekly, others bi weekly, some tend to have more nail growth than other.
As far as other nail clippers, there are many books describing the method. As I don't use them I won't describe the procedure other than do it often and gently while training. Otherwise you'll have a dog who needs to be muzzled by the vet to accomplish this task.
Last on this, it's only a chore if you don't get started at a young age.
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Shampoo: On a positives note, Cardigans don't get a "doggy" odor that most dogs seem to. So unless they manage to become exceptionally dirty, bath time isn't necessary more that occasionally. Even when muddy a wipe off normally suffices as they really are a wash and wear breed. Yes pups can and do get muddy, they also like to roll in a variety of essences we don't find particularly aromatic! For these times you may wish to bath your pup. There are no rinse dry shampoos for small touch ups and/or on cold days when you know you can't dry pup thoroughly enough. You do need to make sure you use a shampoo specifically geared for dogs. Humans shampoos can dry out coat, and aren't formulated for them. Remember dogs have fur, not hair. There are a variety on the market to choose from. Use a tearless version for the face. Begin by wetting, starting at the head, wet entire coat, lather well. Don't use to much as the most important step at bath time is a "complete" rinse. When you think you've rinsed enough, go back and rinse again. Leaving any shampoo can cause itching and hot spots, sometime requiring treatment by your Vet. On a positives note, Cardigans don't get a "doggy" odor that most dogs seem to. So unless they manage to become exceptionally dirty, bath time isn't necessary more that occasionally. Even when muddy a wipe of normally suffices as they really are a wash and wear breed. Once again treats, with pups I always treat during the coarse of their bath. |
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Bath matt: When using your bathroom tub you'll want some type of non slip footing for your dog. This will make bath time much safer and less frightening for you dog. |
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Cotton Balls: Insert cotton ball in ear canal to keep water from running in, causing discomfort, panic, and perhaps infection. With pups tear in half as their ears are small. Keep a few spare nearby as when shaking (they'll do that) cotton balls will fly out. I normally remove cotton ball after wet down, lather, replacing with fresh during rinse. |
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Eye drops: There are several specific eye drops to put in eye prior to bath protecting eyes from the irritation of shampoo that occurs no matter how careful you are. |
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Drain net: Couldn't think of the specific word so drain net will suffice. You will need something to keep fur from going down your drain. Otherwise a plumber will be needed. |
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Towels: You'll need one for your knees :) Chamois clothes purchased at an auto shop or dept. store are great for getting up initial excess water. Afterward, towel dry well with several other regular towels. You may wish to mention to hubby and children that the guest towels are not meant for bathing the dog!!! |
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Dryer: *Optional as these are quite expensive. Dog blow dryers literally blow the water off coat, using little if any heat. Not something you wish to use in your living area as not only will fur be everywhere and I mean everywhere. But, some have the power to blow your coffee cup across the room. "DO NOT" use your human dryer unless you have a cool setting. These are not meant for dogs, they will burn their sensitive skin and quickly. |
Be prepared, as directly after bath your dog will suddenly seem crazed rolling on the floor, furniture, a dry lap, I've had lamps crash to the floor. No one knows why but, I prefer to think their celebrating being clean :)
Vacuum cleaner: You know all those breed books telling you that Cardigans shed twice yearly??? They didn't mention this meant from Jan thru June, then July thru Dec did they? True, their big sheds are limited by the change of season, but they still continuously shed undercoat throughout the year. For proof ask me not to vacuum prior to coming for a visit :)
PS, I make it a rule to brush before vacuuming, otherwise why bother?
FIRST DAY, FIRST NIGHT:
Leaving his family of dogs/people the familiar sights, sounds, smells of what pup deems as home can be quite overwhelming. Pup may or may not wonder about not just getting to know and get a feel for where he/she is but, perhaps searching for where his "family" has gotten too. Pup may or may not be very tired, make sure the first few days you have plenty of time to just sit with a sleeping pup in your lap.
Puppies Bedtime: Last thing at night take puppy out to potty, you may actually have to awaken pup to do this :) . Make sure "business" is completed. I keep a "bedtime crate" next to my bed. A familiar object with scents of "home" will be sent with pup to new home. When pup objects to all being quiet and dark in this strange place, you are right there and can offer your finger to let pup know he/she isn't alone and all is well. Sleeping next to "master" like this, I feel also aids in the bonding process. your right there, pup can hear your breathing, sense your presence and hopefully fall asleep feeling safe and secure. Be prepared for a raw finger for a few nights to a few weeks. I usually expect pup to awaken at some time during the night for a potty as well. Get up quietly, scoop pup up from crate, then carry outside, for business. Normally business is accomplished relatively quickly (10 minutes perhaps). Quietly scoop pup up again, quietly let pup know he/she did well. Off to bed again. Notice please the repetition of "quietly" this isn't play time, you need your sleep, getting pup rowdy now won't aid in this. Pup may have a bit of crying when returning to crate, the finger thing again. I've had pups need this from a few days to perhaps a month. Just hang in there, like a human child they will eventually sleep thru the night. I also keep pups crated at night till "at least" a year old. Nothing starts a day out worse then stepping in a pile of cold "applesauce" or "lemonade" in the morning, or worse a pup who's electrocuted itself chewing happily away at an electric cord!!!!
Potty training: Potty training really isn't all that difficult. The first thing you must remember, you have accidents the pup doesn't. Any potty training mistake is caused by you. Please before you loose your temper, rub your pups nose in it's potty remember it's not his/her fault. IT'S YOURS!!! And dogs do not urinate or defecate in the house for spite, it's not in their make up, spite is an entirely human trait. When housebreaking you must reward for going potty outside, ignore boo boo's inside. My reward method works like this, you take pup out, quietly walk about along with pup as it explores, have treat in pocket. As soon as you see pup "assume the position" (watch closely or you'll miss it, remember these guys have short legs so their position as pups aren't as obvious of dogs with legs) now as they squat (female) stretch out (male) you give your command (empty, potty, doo doo, whatever...) treat and praise. I give urinating and defecation different commands. It helps on rainy walks when you know they have to go but, you and they prefer to head back in right away. Don't forget an umbrella by the back door is a must have. To do this you must go out with pup each and every time and not just for a day or two, anywhere from a week to several weeks. You can make this training go on forever by slacking because your fav show is on, or the dryer goes off. Basically potty training if you wish to be successful must be your very top priority. I know with a fence how easy it is to slack off and just send pup out on it's own in hopes that pup somehow knows they've been sent on a mission. Pups don't know this by the way!!! Example you send pup out, it finds a grasshopper, lighting bug what have you, mmmm does it go potty? Does it even think of pottying? Nope, it stops to investigate, to chew, to play with whatever is in it's path. Pup comes in, what happens? You guessed yet? It potties in the house? Why mmmmm not because it's a bad pup, but because it's a pup and it's owner isn't training it. When pup does it's business in the house do not reprimand for your mistake, first take pup out perhaps it's got more business to deal with? Remove pup from the scene of the crime, have spouse hold, put in crate....clean up and move on. Write on back of hand, on forehead "take pup out, take pup out", don't forget to "take pup out". Pups bladder is very little, when they gotta go they gotta go, holding it is next to impossible. They potty when awakening from nap, after playing, when playing, approx. 20 minutes after a meal....they just plain old potty a lot. Pup will eventually find a way to tell you "it's time", you may not catch on right away to the little ones signal as pups don't speak english well. So watch for it, and believe me you'll miss it 9 times out of 10 for a while. One way to help pup tell you is a bell.
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House training aid:Attach a bell on a string to the door you exit most often for potty time, make sure it's low enough that puppy can reach it. Every time you take pup out to potty, shake that bell. After a while pup will ring the bell on it's own to let you know it's potty time. Do keep in mind it might very well be chase the squirrel time, bark at the neighbor time...but do always take puppy out when it's gotten the idea that the bell means out. Notice I said "take" as you still need to go out "with" the pup as your in training. |
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Pet Urine on carpet: Blot up what you can with paper towels. Use commercially made neutralizers, I use Nature's Miracle here. And no I don't sell it so this isn't an advertisement. Follow instructions on bottle. Recipe for stain remover solution; 1 16 ounce bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tbs. of baking soda, 1 tsp of liquid dish detergent. mix ingredients into a plastic or glass bowl (do not use metal). Stir with plastic spoon (not metal) until completely dissolved. Place in plastic squirt bottle. Test the solution on small hidden area of our rug, carpet, furniture. Completely saturate the stain and allow solution to soak in. Do not blot. Do not scrub. Do not walk on the spot. Allow to air dry. Once dry, vaccuum residue left by baking soda. There are a multitude of various recipes to reduce and eliminate urine odor stains via the internet that you might wish to check out as well. For other "potty accidents" I clean up stool with a baggie that's taken to the outside trash as soon as I'm done. You'd be amazed at how a stool filled baggy can smell the house up in kitchen trash. The spray and clean with paper towel till spot is gone. Remember not to allow pup to watch as you clean the mess. |
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Please never tell anyone till the pup is at least 6 months old that the pup is 100% accident free. This will invoke "Murphy's law" and pup will go potty inside. Somehow they always know :) If you think I'm kidding just tell one person your pup is potty trained you'll have not one but, two messes to clean up before the day is done. |
To be continued, check back frequently...
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