Bloodhound Diary Day 14 – This morning started off with rain, followed by more rain. Daddy is out in the barn seeing if he has enough wood to build an Ark. I don’t know what an Ark is, but I can guess it has something to do with the rain.

If he gets to building one he will probably want my help. Which he can have ; )

While I was eating my breakfast daddy came back inside. He said he would hold off on the Ark for now because he needs more wood. He said if it is still raining tomorrow we will have no choice but to build it or we may float away. I agreed with him cause he is daddy and he always knows whats best.

He gave me a smile and a pat on the head and I finished my breakfast. MMmmmmmm breakfast.

Time for a 2 week puppy review – Part 1 of 2

It has been two weeks, so daddy and I figured it was time for a review of what I have learned. So much time has passed where do I begin? Ok, two weeks may not seem like much time to you, but when you are only 10 weeks old (like I am) it seems like forever. Lets get started.

Let’s review the important things that every puppy must learn.

On Day 1 : I learned who my new mommy and daddy would be and that they loved me.

Every dog must learn that they are wanted and loved by their mommy and daddy. If they don’t have 2 new parents then they need to know they are loved by whoever their single parent is (either man or woman).

Daddy says : without love, how can you ever expect your dog to reach it’s full potential as a member of the new family.

On Day 2 : I learned how important it is to have a regular potty schedule every day.

The easiest method of potty training a puppy like me is to establish and maintain a regular potty schedule. It helps your puppy to learn both the correct place to potty, and when he can potty. I like a reward after I potty outside (praise, treat or both). The positive reinforcement helps me learn things faster.

Daddy says : Dogs, like people learn through repetition. Positive reinforcement is a booster to the dogs learning process. In addition to maintaining the regular potty schedule, you also need to ensure your dog is on a consistent and agreeable diet. This helps yield more predictable results for you and the dog helping to reduce the chance of a potty accident.

In addition, keep in mind the current developmental phase of your dog. Example: expect a 7-8 week old puppy to need to potty at least every 2-3 hours. Sometimes sooner. At that age they will usually require time for both kinds of potty (liquid and solid). They process solids and liquids at about the same rate. Time intervals will gradually increase as the dog grows older.

It is NOT GOOD to withhold water from your dog unless it is required for medical reasons and you are directed to do so by your Veterinarian. Withholding water for the sake of making the dog less likely to interrupt your schedule, having to let the dog out to potty is wrong and harmful to your dog. A chronic state of dehydration is extremely bad for your pet. This can result in digestive problems (large intestine absorbs water and requires such to process the dogs solid wastes), lethargy (chronic fatigue) and major organ damage (such as liver or kidneys) over time, in addition to a host of other health problems.

How does this happen? Simple. When the dog can not intake enough fluids, then the body will shift fluids from elsewhere in the body to compensate. Fluids will shift from the vascular system (reducing blood volume), endocrine system, major organs etc.

Be good to your dog by feeding and watering them properly, giving your dog the best chance to live a long healthy life with you.

On Day 3 : I learned how important it is to have good food given to me regularly and what foods I need to avoid.

I prefer my Purina Puppy Chow right now as my main food item. I also like good quality meat-based treats. They are healthy for me and yummy. An occasional dog biscuit can be a tasty treat too. These things and lots of fresh clean water are helping me grow big and strong.

Daddy says : Just like with people, good nutrition will help your dog grow healthy and strong. Please read the nutritional guide and ingredients in what you are feeding your dog. Educate yourself and your dog will be the better for it.

Beware of dog foods that are mostly comprised of useless fillers. Many are indigestible making them worthless to your pet. Canned and/or soft foods are good ‘treat items’ because most are nutritionally incomplete when given solely. Many canned and/or soft foods will lead to an unpredictable irritable bowel, disrupting the puppies potty schedule. Excesses of these soft or wet foods can also expedite tooth decay.

A good quality dry kibble with ample fresh water daily is best. Soft or wet foods should be given in moderation.

On Day 4 : I learned that cats are not squirrels.

While cats might go around pretending to be squirrels, cats are still cats. They are slinky, stalky sneaky, evil claw-you-in-the-face beasts. Cats are cats and squirrels are squirrels . . . stupid cats.

Daddy says : I am an idiot for thinking a cat was a squirrel.

On Day 5 : I learned the importance of regular Veterinary Exams.

I have had shots and been wormed for inside-the-belly worms. I still need more shots for more things and more worming. These need to be done on regular intervals. Then there is heartworm prevention and a more shots like a rabies vaccine. It is a good thing to have a Veterinarian to see on a regular schedule. Its not very expensive and it keeps your dog happy and healthy.

Daddy says : Having a dog is a responsibility. They require regular care and maintenance just like people to help them live long healthy lives. The cost of the maintenance is minimal when you compare it to the cost of suffering a major health problem.

Even if you administer the shots and worming yourself (like I do) you still should have your dog evaluated by a Veterinarian for routine wellness checks. This will help you avoid or catch early other health issues that are more difficult to detect. Such as ear or eye infections, other potentially harmful internal problems, heartworm screening (even if your dog is on a preventative) etc.

Be good to your dog by having them checked regularly.

On Day 6 : I learned that aliens are NOT among us.

Ok, I know I was confused when I saw the bug but hey, I am only a puppy. It did look creepy. So aliens are not among us yet . . . or are they?

Daddy says : Are they?!?!

On Day 7 : I learned how fun it is to play.

I love to play. It is fun and helps me to burn my excess energy. If we don’t get a chance to vent some energy doing good dog things, then we will vent it doing bad dog things. Nuff said?

Daddy says : Regular play and exercise is a necessity for your dog. It contributes to the normal wellness and development by teaching social skills, stimulating the mind and working the body. It will create a stronger human/dog bond. It can also help stave off behavioral problems.

If a dog is kept isolated and confined, frequently health and behavioral (mental) issues will develop. When this occurs, you may have a difficult time undoing the ‘damage’. Just as with humans, dogs do not thrive in sedentary isolated conditions. They love to be interacted with which provides them with a feeling of security and acceptance to your ‘pack’ (the family).

Before you get a dog consider the 3 don’ts : If you don’t want to play with your dog, or don’t have the time to play with your dog then don’t get a dog.

Remember, good dog things lead to good dog behavior.

This is the end of – Time for a 2 week puppy review – Part 1. As you can see, I learned a lot in my first week. Part 2 will continue tomorrow. Daddy is telling me it’s time for potty and bed.

See you tomorrow.

If you enjoy reading about Anubis, he would be happy to hear from you.

A Note from my Mommy and Daddy:

We selected Anubis after much consideration. He is beautiful, healthy and seems to be very intelligent. We are looking forward to helping him reach his potential as a bloodhound and as a member of our family.

While Anubis is growing up, my wife and I (aka the human mommy and daddy) thought it would be interesting to chronicle his growth, learning and development as seen from ‘his’ perspective.

In addition to being entertaining, we also felt this may help others who desire to have their own bloodhound in understanding not only the development of a dog, but specific issues which may pertain to the bloodhound breed.

Bloodhounds are a wonderful breed. You are welcome to contact us if you have any questions.

Tags: Anubis the Bloodhound, Bloodbound Diaries, Bloodhound Health, Bloodhound Puppy Care, Bloodhound Wellness, Dog Behavioral Problems, Dog Socialization, Feeding a Puppy, Puppy Chewing Issues, Puppy Food, Puppy Training, The Mind of Anubis