| Health and care
Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called
renal dysplasia and to slipped stifles
or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and
his short muzzle often produces slight
wheezing problems.
Otherwise, his greatest problems are connected to his profuse coat,
or rather to neglect of that coat. A
well-groomed Shih Tzu has few if any skin problems; a poorly-groomed
Shih Tzu can develop tangles,
painful mats, hot spots, skin infections, even maggot infestations.
If you do not have time to groom a
Shih Tzu at least every other day, select another breed.
If you do have time for grooming and appreciate a small, lively pet
with an abundance of self-esteem,
consider the Shih Tzu. You'll be glad you did.
Puppies For Sale
>
> A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies
For
> Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children,
and
sure
> enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner's sign.
"How much
> are you going to sell the puppies for?" he asked. The store
owner
> replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50." The little boy reached in
his
> pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37," he said.
"Can I
> please look at them?" The store owner smiled and whistled and
out of
the
> kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed
by five
> teeny, tiny balls of fur.
>
> One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the
little boy
> singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong
with
that
> little dog?" The store owner explained that the veterinarian
had
> examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a
hip
> socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.
The little
boy
> became excited. "That is the puppy that I want to buy."
>
> The store owner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog.
If
> you really want him, I'll just give him to you." The little boy
got
> quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner' s eyes,
pointing
> his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That
little
> dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll
pay full
> price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a
month until I
> have him paid for." The store owner countered, "You really
don't want
> to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and
jump
and
> play with you like the other puppies."
>
> To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his
pant
leg
> to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big
metal
> brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well,
I
> don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone
who
> understands!"
>
> We ALL need someone who Understands!!
>
>
How to become leader
of your pack:
------------------------------------
Your dog watches you constantly and reads your body language.
He
knows if you're insecure, uncomfortable in a leadership role or
won't enforce a command. This behavior confuses him, makes
-him-
insecure and if he's a natural leader or has a social-climbing
personality, it'll encourage him to assume the alpha position and
tell -you- what to do.
"Alpha" is an attitude. It involves quiet confidence, dignity,
intelligence, an air of authority. A dog can sense this attitude
almost immediately - it's how his mother acted towards him.
Watch a
professional trainer or a good obedience instructor. They
stand
tall and use their voices and eyes to project the idea that they're
capable of getting what they want. They're gentle but firm,
loving but tough, all at the same time. Most dogs are immediately
submissive towards this type of personality because they recognize
and
respect alpha when they see it.
Practice being alpha. Stand up straight with your shoulders
back.
Walk tall. Practice using a new tone of voice, one that's
deep and
firm. Don't ask your dog to do something - tell him. There's
a
difference. He knows the difference, too! Remember that, as
alpha,
you're entitled to make the rules and give the orders. Your
dog
understands that instinctively.
With most dogs, just this change in your attitude and an obedience
training course will be enough to turn things around. With
a dog
that's already taken over the household and has enforced his
position by growling or biting and has been allowed to get away
with
it, you'll need to do more than just decide to be alpha. The
dog is
going to need an attitude adjustment as well.
Natural leaders and social climbers aren't going to want to give
up
their alpha position. Your sudden change in behavior is going
to
shock and threaten them. Your dog might act even more aggressively
than before. An alpha dog will instinctively respond to challenges
to
his authority. It's his nature to want to put down revolutionary
uprisings by the peasants! Don't worry, there's a way around
it.
An alpha dog already knows that he can beat you in a physical fight
so returning his aggression with violence of your own won't work.
Until you've successfully established your position as alpha,
corrections like hitting, shaking, or using the "rollover" techniques
described in some books will not work and can be downright dangerous
to you. An alpha dog will respond to these methods with violence
and
you could be seriously hurt.
What you need to do is use your -brain- ! You're smarter than
he is
and you can outthink him. You'll also need to be stubborner
than he
is. What I'm about to describe here is an effective, non-violent
method of removing your dog from alpha status and putting him back
at the bottom of the family totem pole where he belongs and where
he
needs to be. In order for this method to work, your whole
family
has to be involved. It requires an attitude adjustment from
everyone
and a new way of working with your dog.
This is serious business. A dog that bites or threatens people
is a
-dangerous- dog, no matter how much you love him. If treating
your dog
like a dog and not an equal seems harsh to you, keep in mind that
our
society no longer tolerates dangerous dogs. Lawsuits from dog bites
are now settling for millions of dollars - you could lose your home
and everything else you own if your dog injures someone. You
or
your children could be permanently disfigured. And your dog
could
lose his life. That's the bottom line.
Canine Boot Camp for Alpha Attitude Adjustment
----------------------------------------------
>From this day forward, you're going to teach your dog that he is
a
-dog-, not a miniature human being in a furry suit. His mother
taught him how to be a dog once and how to take orders. Along
the
way, through lack of training or misunderstood intentions, he's
forgotten. With your help, he's going to remember what he is and
how
he fits into the world. Before long, he's even going to like
it!
Dogs were bred to look to humans for food, companionship and
guidance. An alpha dog doesn't ask for what he wants, he demands
it. He lets you know in no uncertain terms that he wants his
dinner,
that he wants to go out, that he wants to play and be petted and
that
he wants these things -right now-. You're going to teach him
that
from now on, he has to -earn- what he gets. No more free rides.
This is going to be a shock to his system at first but you'll be
surprised how quickly he'll catch on and that he'll actually become
eager to please you.
If your dog doesn't already know the simple command SIT, teach it
to
him. Reward him with praise and a tidbit. Don't go overboard
with
the praise. A simple "Good boy!" in a happy voice is enough.
Now,
every time your dog wants something - his dinner, a trip outside,
a
walk, some attention, anything - tell him (remember don't ask him,
-tell- him) to SIT first. When he does, praise him with a "Good
Boy!", then tell him OKAY and give him whatever it is he wants as
a
reward. If he refuses to SIT, walk away and ignore him. No
SIT, no
reward. If you don't think he understands the command, work on his
training some more. If he just doesn't want to obey, ignore
him -
DON'T give him what he wants or reward him in any fashion.
Make him sit before giving him his dinner, make him sit at the door
before going outside, make him sit in front of you to be petted,
make
him sit before giving him his toy. If you normally leave food
out for
him all the time, stop. Go to a twice daily feeding and -you-
decide
what time of day he'll be fed. Make him sit for his dinner.
If he
won't obey the command - no dinner. Walk away and ignore him.
Bring the food out later and tell him again to SIT. If he
understands
the command, don't tell him more than once. He heard you the
first
time. Give commands from a standing position and use a deep,
firm
tone of voice.
If the dog respects certain members of the family but not others,
let
the others be the ones to feed him and bring the good things to
his
life for now. Show them how to make him obey the SIT command
and how
to walk away and ignore him if he won't do as he's told. It's
important that your whole family follows this program. Dogs are
like
kids - if they can't have their way with Mom, they'll go ask Dad.
In your dog's case, if he finds a member of the family that he can
dominate, he'll continue to do so. You want your dog to learn
that he
has to respect and obey everyone. Remember - his place is
at the
bottom of the totem pole. Bouncing him from the top spot helps
but if
he thinks he's anywhere in the middle, you're still going to have
problems.
Think - you know your dog and know what he's likely to do under
most circumstances. Stay a step ahead of him and anticipate
his
behavior so you can avoid or correct it. If he gets into the
trash
and growls when scolded, make the trash can inaccessible. If he
likes
to bolt out the door ahead of you, put a leash on him. Make him
sit
and wait while you open the door and give him permission - OKAY!
- to
go out. If your alpha dog doesn't like to come when he's called
(and
he probably doesn't!), don't let him outside off leash. Without
a
leash, you have no control over him and he knows it.
Petting and attention: Alpha dogs are used to being fussed
over. In a
real dog pack, subordinate dogs are forever touching, licking and
grooming the alpha dog. It's a show of respect and submission.
For now, untill his attitude has shown improvement, cut down on
the
amount of cuddling your dog gets. When he wants attention, make
him
SIT first, give him a few kind words and pats, then stop. Go back
to
whatever it was you were doing and ignore him. If he pesters you,
tell him NO! in a firm voice and ignore him some more. Pet him
when -you- want to, not just because -he- wants you to. Also,
for the
time being, don't get down on the floor or on your knees to pet
your
dog. That, too, is a show of submission. Give praise, petting and
rewards from a position that's higher than the dog.
Games: If you or anyone in your family wrestles, rough-houses
or
plays tug of war with your dog, stop! These games encourage
dogs
to dominate people physically and to use their teeth. In a
dog pack
or in a litter, these games are more than just playing - they help
to establish pack order based on physical strength. Your dog
is
already probably stronger and quicker than you are. Rough,
physical
games prove that to him. He doesn't need to be reminded of
it!
Find new games for him to play. Hide & seek, fetch or frisbee
catching are more appropriate. Make sure you're the one who
starts
and ends the game, not the dog. Stop playing before the dog
gets
bored and is inclined to try to keep the ball or frisbee.
Where does your dog sleep? Not in your bedroom and especially
not
on your bed! Your bedroom is a special place - it's your "den".
An
alpha dog thinks he has a right to sleep in your den because he
considers himself your equal. In fact, he may have already
taken
over your bed, refusing to get off when told or growling and
snapping when anyone asks him to make room for the humans.
Until
your dog's alpha problems are fully under control, the bedroom
should be off-limits! The same goes for sleeping on furniture.
If
you can't keep him off the couch without a fight, deny him access
to
the room until his behavior and training has improved.
Crate-training: Dog crates have 1,000 uses and working with
an alpha
dog is one of them. It's a great place for your dog to sleep
at
night, to eat in and just to stay in when he needs to chill out
and
be reminded that he's a dog. The crate is your dog's "den".
Start
crate training by feeding him his dinner in his crate. Close
the
door and let him stay there for an hour afterwards. If he
throws a
tantrum, ignore him. Don't let your dog out of his crate until
he's
quiet and settled. At bedtime, show him an irresistable goodie,
tell
him to SIT and when he does, throw the goodie into the crate.
When
he dives in for the treat, tell him what a good boy he is and close
the door.
Graduating from Boot Camp: What's next?
---------------------------------------
Just like in the army, boot camp is really just an introduction to
a
new career and new way of doing things. A tour through boot
camp
isn't going to solve your alpha dog's problems forever. It's
a way
to get basic respect from a dog who's been bullying you without
having to resort to physical force.
How long should boot camp last? That depends on the dog.
Some will
show an improvement right away, others may take much longer.
For
really tough cookies, natural leaders that need constant reminders
of
their place in the pack, Alpha Dog Boot Camp will become a way of
life. Social climbers may need periodic trips through boot
camp if
you get lax and accidentally let them climb back up a notch or two
in
the family pack order.
How do you know if you're making a difference? If boot camp
has been
successful, your dog should start looking to you for directions
and
permission. He'll show an eagerness to please. Watch
how your dog
approaches and greets you. Does he come to you "standing tall",
with his head and ears held high and erect? It may look impressive
and proud but it means he's still alpha and you still have problems!
A dog who accepts humans as superiors will approach you with his
head
slightly lowered and his ears back or off to the sides. He'll
"shrink" his whole body a little in a show of submission. Watch
how
he greets all the members of the family. If he displays this
submissive posture to some of them, but not others, those are the
ones who still need to work on their own alpha posture and methods.
They should take him back through another tour of boot camp with
support from the rest of the family.
Obedience Training:
------------------
Once your dog has begun to accept this new way of life and his new
position in the family, you should take him through an obedience
course with a qualified trainer. All dogs need to be trained
and
alpha dogs need training most of all! You don't have to wait
until
he's through with boot camp to start this training but it's important
that he respects at least one member of the family and is willing
to
take direction from them.
Obedience class teaches -you- to train your dog. It teaches
you how
to be alpha, how to enforce commands and rules, how to get respect
and
to keep it. All family members who are old enough to understand
and
control the dog should participate in the class.
Obedience training is a lifelong process. One obedience course
does
not a trained dog make! Obedience commands need to be practiced
and
incorporated into your daily life. In a dog pack, the alpha
animal
uses occasional reminders to reinforce his authority. Certain
commands, like DOWN/STAY, are especially effective, nonviolent
reminders of a dog's place in the family pack order and who's really
in charge here.
A well-trained obedient dog is a happy dog and a joy to live with.
Dogs want to please and need a job to do. Training gives them
the
opportunity to do both. A well-trained dog has more freedom.
He
can go more places and do more things with you because he knows
how
to behave. A well-trained dog that's secure in his place within
the
family pack is comfortable and confident. He knows what's
expected of
him. He knows his limits and who his leaders are. He's
free from
the responsibility of running the household and making decisions.
He's free to be your loving companion and not your boss. He's
free
to be a dog - what he was born to be and what he always wanted to
be
in the first place!
When You Need Professional Help:
--------------------------------
If your dog has already injured you or someone else or if you are
afraid of your dog, you should consult with a qualified professional
dog trainer or behaviorist before starting Canine Boot Camp.
Your
dog should also have an exam by your vet to make sure there are
no
physical causes for his behavior.
To find a qualified trainer or behaviorist near you, contact your
veterinarian or the American Kennel Club for a list of obedience
training clubs in your area.
The American Kennel Club
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(212) 696-8200
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Dr. Gary Landsberg
Doncaster Animal Clinic
99 Henderson Ave
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L3T 2K9
(416) 881-2922
Related Reading:
---------------
Mother Knows Best
- Carol Lea Benjamin
Dog Problems
- Carol Lea Benjamin
Dogs Love To Please
- September B. Morn
Psychological Dog Training - Clarence Meisterfield
----This article was written by Vicki Rodenberg, Chairman of the
Chow
Chow Club Inc.'s Welfare Committee. Uploaded with permission
from
the author, it may be reproduced for non-profit purposes with
author's credit given.
------------------------------------------
A lesson in
becoming Alpha
--------------------------
"My dog just tried to bite me! All I did was tell him to move
over
so I could sit on the couch next to him."
"My dog got into the trash can and when I scolded her, she growled
at
me. What's wrong with her? I thought she loved me!"
"Our dog is very affectionate most of the time but when we try to
make
him do something he doesn't want to do, he snaps at us."
What do these three dogs have in common? Are they nasty or
downright vicious? No - they're "alpha". They've taken
over the
leadership of the families that love them. Instead of taking
orders from their people, these dogs are giving orders! Your
dog
can love you very much and still try to dominate you or other members
of your family.
Dogs are social creatures and believers in social order. A
dog's
social system is a "pack" with a well-defined pecking order.
The
leader of the pack is the alpha, supreme boss, Top Dog. He
(or she)
gets the best of everything - the best food, the best place to sleep,
the best toy, etc. The leader also gets to be first in everything
-
he gets to eat first, to leave first and to get attention first.
All
the other dogs in the pack respect the alpha dog's wishes.
Any dog
that challenges the alpha's authority gets a swift physical reminder
of just where his place in the pack really is.
Your family is your dog's "pack". Many dogs fit easily into
the lower
levels of their human pack's pecking order and don't make waves.
They
do what they're told and don't challenge authority. Other
dogs don't
fit in quite as well. Some of them are natural born leaders
and are
always challenging their human alpha's. Other dogs are social
climbers - they're always looking for ways to get a little closer
to
the top of the family ladder. These natural leaders and the social
climbers can become problems to an unsuspecting family that's not
aware of the dog's natural pack instincts.
Some families encourage their dogs to take over the "pack" without
realizing it. They treat their dogs as equals, not as subordinates.
They give them special privileges like being allowed to sleep on
the
bed or couch. They don't train their dogs and let them get
away with
disobeying commands. In a real dog pack, no one but the alpha
dog
would get this kind of treatment. Alpha doesn't have anything to
do
with size. The tiniest Chihuahua can be a canine Hitler.
In fact,
the smaller the dog, the more people tend to baby them and cater
to
them - making the dog feel even more dominant and in control of
his
humans.
Alpha dogs often seem to make good pets. They're confident,
smarter
than average, and affectionate. They can be wonderful with
children
and good with strangers. Everything seems to be great with
the
relationship - until someone crosses him or makes him do something
he
doesn't want to do. Then, suddenly, this wonderful dog growls
or tries
to bite someone and no one understands why.
In a real dog pack, the alpha dog doesn't have to answer to anyone.
No one gives him orders or tells him what to do. The other
dogs in
the pack respect his position. If another dog is foolish enough
to
challenge the alpha by trying to take his bone or his favorite
sleeping place, the alpha dog will quickly put him in his place
with
a hard stare or a growl. If this doesn't work, the alpha dog
will
enforce his leadership with his teeth. This is all natural,
instinctive behavior - in a dog's world. In a human family,
though,
this behavior is unacceptable and dangerous.
Dogs need and want leaders. They have an instinctive need to
fit
into a pack. They want the security of knowing their place
and
what's expected of them. Most of them don't want to be alpha - they
want someone else to give the orders and make the decisions.
If his
humans don't provide that leadership, the dog will take over the
role
himself. If you've allowed your dog to become alpha, you're
at his
mercy and as a leader, he may be either a benevolent king or a
tyrant!
If you think your dog is alpha in your household, he probably is.
If
your dog respects only one or two members of the family but
dominates the others, you still have a problem. The dog's
place
should be at the -bottom- of your human family's pack order, not
at
the top or somewhere in between.
In order to reclaim your family's rightful place as leaders of the
pack, your dog needs some lessons in how to be a subordinate, not
an
equal. You're going to show him what it means to be a dog
again.
Your dog's mother showed him very early in life that -she- was alpha
and that he had to respect her. As a puppy, he was given a
secure
place in his litter's pack and because of that security, he was
free to
concentrate on growing, learning, playing, loving and just being
a dog.
Your dog doesn't really want the responsibility of being alpha,
having
to make the decisions and defend his position at the top.
He wants a
leader to follow and worship so he can have the freedom of just
being a
dog again.
Dog Poem-
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight in the ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift up-lifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines in at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.
Christmas??
'This the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full ~ we are lost but not found.
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"come here, Max and Sparkie ~ come fetch your new ball!"
But now we just sit here and think of the days.....
we were treated so fondly ~ we had baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew ~
now we're no longer young, and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like trash,
they reacted so quickly ~ why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children," "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us," "climb over the wall."
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the error they made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshipped them, too.
We were left in back yard, or worse ~ left to roam...
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-by....
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone....
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat.
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer....
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads....
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears ~
our friends filled with emptiness, worry and fear.
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at your inn ~
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year ~
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to play for the heat....
and help us get something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people give.
Rules for Bed-Dogs
1. Occasional licks are OK, but no full scale 20 minute face
slurping. This is
not appreciated.
2. Do not chew on loud toys while your person is trying to
sleep.
3. Do not try to dig a hole in the water bed. Your person
will not like this.
4. Do not lie on top of your person, but next to them.
Cuddling next to them
will get you additional petting, and maybe even a treat when your
person gets
up.
5. Do not try to hog the pillow. For some reason
people like to put only
their heads on pillows. Seems to me if they are so small,
they should just be
relegated to dog beds, but people disagree. Humor them.
6. Let the person decide when to get up. If you wake
them they might be
crabby, and then you won't get a treat.
7. When your person closes his/her eyes, it means they're
resting, not
that they've died - you don't have to lick their eyelids...it is
really
ok.
For the newbies who want
a dog "without much hassle", here's a likely
scenario for you and your brand new puppy. Note that this
is not out
of the ordinary!
Very early morning (about three): Take puppy out of crate and
let it
out to pee. Pup goes out, plays, comes in, pees on living
room carpet.
Say "No, puppy!" and rush dog outside on leash this time.
He pees, you
praise. Get out carpet cleaning machine and clean carpet.
Dig puppy
out of couch cushions, where he hid when you switched on loud
carpet
cleaner. Put puppy back in crate. Go to bed. Get up and put carpet
cleaner where puppy can't see it to stop loud, incessant barking.
Early morning: Take puppy out for pee. Feed breakfast and give
water.
Conduct short training session - attempt to teach puppy to Sit while
puppy is trying to lick your ears.
During your breakfast: Clean up puppy vomit and urine. Change
your
clothes.
Before going to work: Take puppy out to pee again. Put in crate
with
blankie and soothing toy.
Noon: Come home. Learn that a baby puppy can't always hold it for
three hours straight. Clean out crate, throw blankie in wash. Take
puppy out for pee. Feed puppy. Take short training break -
attempt to
teach puppy to Sit at the same time you teach him not to nip
your
hands. Before you leave, take puppy out to pee again. Eat
your lunch
in car.
Afternoon: Come home. Puppy was again not physically able to
hold it
for so many hours. (Resist urge to punish puppy, wring his
neck, etc.)
Take puppy out to pee. Play with puppy for half an hour. Carry
puppy
back inside after he falls asleep during playing. Clean up
crate. Put
sleeping puppy in crate. Put blankie in dryer.
When puppy wakes up, you're in the bathroom or something -
you miss
his waking up. Clean up pee in crate, because he needs to
go RIGHT
AWAY after he wakes up. Rinse puppy off, because he pooped
too, and
rolled in it. Rinse off floor, because when you opened the
crate he
ran out and tracked poo and pee all over the kitchen. Take
puppy out
to pee and poo. Notice that he tracked poo into the living
room, too;
get carpet cleaner out. Stop puppy from attacking carpet cleaner;
put
puppy in crate and put crate in another room while you clean
up mess.
Let puppy out of crate to run around. Clean up pee in corner,
and find
stain to match scratches puppy made in antique mahogany armoire
when
he tried to chew it when you weren't looking. To prevent future
adventures of the same ilk, attach one end of rope to puppy
and the
other end to your belt loop while you do chores indoors. Chores
take
twice as long to do because you now have a little helper.
Move all noxious chemicals from bottom shelves to top shelves
immediately after puppy tries to carry around bleach bottle
but
instead punctures bottle with sharp puppy teeth and tries
to drink
contents.
Take puppy out to pee every hour. When puppy nips, teach the
puppy
that this is WRONG. Repeat over and over again until you have
a
splitting headache. Puppy still nips.
When puppy gets overactive, take puppy out to pee and then
unleash it
and put it in its crate. Sleep might follow - what are the
odds? When
puppy wakes up, rush it outside to pee.
Mid-evening: as puppy is tethered to you and while you are
playing
with it, it takes hold of a table leg and starts to chew.
You correct
it while it's in the act of chewing and give it a proper chew
toy, and
praise it when it chews the toy. Repeat a dozen times before
the puppy
finally turns around and pees. Rush puppy outside, then come
back in
and clean up pee. Clean up puppy, who fell asleep in the middle
of
peeing. Continue taking puppy out every hour or so. Discontinue
puppy's access to water for the evening.
Late evening: Try to stop puppy from climbing in the toilet
as you are
sitting on the toilet in question. Find out that carpet cleaning
fluid
doesn't clean up puppy pee very well, when puppy finds (supposedly
clean) spot on carpet and pees on it. Make note to buy proper
puppy
urine neutralizer.
Bedtime: Take puppy for last pee break, play with him a little,
give
him a BIG cuddle and put him in his crate. Kneel by your bed
and pray that someday, soon, this puppy will grow up. Look over at crate
beside
your bed and see sweet, precious, little puppy boy, cuddled
up with
his freshly washed blankie and his dolly, and remember why
you're
doing this - you're doing it for your best friend, your dog.
Before retiring, set your alarm clock for three, so you can
take the
puppy out and start this wonderful day all over again.
It's the day before Christmas
And all through the house
The puppies are squeaking
An old rubber mouse.
The wreath which had merrily
Hung on the door
Is scattered in poeces
All over the floor.
The stockings that hung
In a neat little row
Now boast a hole in
Each one of the toes.
The tree was supjected
To bright-eyed whims,
And now, although splendid,
It's missing some limbs.
I catch them and hold them.
"Be good", I insist.
They lick me, then run off
To see what they've missed.
And now as I watch them
The thought comes to me,
That theirs is the spirit
That Christmas should be.
Should children and puppies
Yet show us the way,
And teach us the joy
That should come with this day?
Could they bring the message
That's written above,
And tell us that, most of all
Christmas is love
For Sale........To a good
Home
I was born in the Summer a few years ago.
Quite why I was born, I'll never know.
Some folk who owned my mother, decided to breed.
No reason I know of except for their greed;
I know I was hungry, I know I was cold;
They sold me quite early at just five weeks old.
My number one owners seemed friendly at first,
And life was quite good till my bubble burst;
They started to argue, their marriage split up;
And in the AD: " "For Sale - 4 months old pup".
Some folk arrived, the next ones in line.
They treated me kind and life was just fine.
But Master dropped dead, and she couldn't cope.
So she sold me again (I'll soon give up hope).
I now had a new home right up in the sky;
We went up in the lift fourteen floors high!
The new folk were kind but they left me all day;
I was bursting to wee and had nowhere to play.
It was boredom, I think, when I chewed up the chair;
They agreed I should go as it just wasn't fair.
The next home was good and I thought " "this is it"!
They started to show and I won....well, a bit.
Then somebody told them that I had no bone.
And in went the ADD: "For Sale......to a good home".
The next lot were dreadful, they wanted a guard;
But I didn't know how, although I tried hard.
One night they got burgled and I didn't bark;
Tied up in that shed and alone in the dark.
For four months I lay in that cold and dark shed;
With only an old paper sack for a bed.
A small dish of water all slimy and green;
The state I was in, well, it had to be seen!
I longed for destruction, and an end to the pain;
But some new people came and I went off again.
Well now I'm with Rescue and this home is good;
There's walks in the country and lots of good food;
There's kisses and cuddles to great me each day;
But I dread the time they will send me away.
But for now here I stand, skin and bone on all four;
PLEASE......don't let " "ME" happen to any of yours!!
Unknown
NEWBIE BREEDER
I want to be a breeder
A breeder's what I'll be
Although I'm kind of ditsy
It doesn't look hard to me
I don't like the breeding part
I don't like it at all
The female's kind of short
And the male's way too tall.
She doesn't like the male
It's obvious you see
Now I'm supposes to put her
Across my aching knee.
Oh great, he's got it now
I hope that I can last
My backs about to break
One hour now has passed.
Well the messy part is over
I'll just sit and wait
For all the puppies I will have
They'll all be first rate
I don't like the whelping part
I don't like it at all
What an awful mess they make
To deliver something so small.
Well the whelping part is over
I haven't slept a wink
Do I really like this?
I'm too tired to think.
Now all my work is done
What else can there be
I'll just sit and wait
For buyers to come and see.
Oh darn they messed the papers
How was I too know
That something so small,
Could go, and go and go.
You mean I have to feed them?
How hard can it be?
I'll mix it up in the bowl,
Put it down for them to see.
Slow down you little devils,
You each have a space
Oh no, that one fell in.
It's all over his face.
They use to look like puppies.
Now they're an awful mess
Would someone please tell me,
When I can get some rest!
Now that they are older
My pocket book is looking thin
I used to have some money
Then the vet bill came in.
Now finally it is time to sell them.
I'll love the selling part.
The hard jobs are all over.
The phone calls will soon start.
Oh here comes the first buyer.
A young lady and her son.
What did she mean when she said,
She wanted two for the price of one.
To the people I've seen to-day,
I'm tired of saying NO
Then there are the idiots
Who make appointments and don't show.
I don't like keeping puppies
I don't like it at all.
Their appetites have grown
Since they're no longer small.
Now six months have passed
And I'm on bended knees
Still picking up the poop
From remaining puppies.
I said it didn't look hard
Now I say it with a smile
I won't be trying this again
Not for a very long, long while!
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
ACCORDING TO YOUR DOG
1. Thou shalt feed me today
more than thou didst yesterday.
2. Thou shalt teach me with food - not
big sticks and loud voices.
3. Thou shalt walk with me every day -
despite thy favorite TV program.
4. Thou shall not buy furniture that I
cannot sit on.
5. Thou shalt not pay attention to anyone else but me -
lest I feel
un-wanted.
6. Thou shalt love me to death - even when I
bark all night.
7. Thou shalt not have a Cat with ATTITUDE and CLAWS.
8. Thou shalt not start the car until I am in it.
9. Thou shalt not
hide the food.
10. Thou shalt obey the above without question lest I
POOP on the
neighbors
lawn and promote community strife.
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
for no heart in all the world is more grateful
for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for though I might lick your hand between blows,
your patience and understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often,
for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when the sound of your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet,
for I am a domesticated animal,
no longer accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory then the privilege
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food so that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding;
to walk by your side and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with my life
should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old or I no longer enjoy good health,
hearing and sight do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I am not having fun. Please see to it that my life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw
that my fate was always safest in your hands.
(author unknown)
Heaven's Doggy-Door
My best friend closed his eyes last night, As his head was in my
hand. The
Doctors said he was in pain, And it was hard for him to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I cradled him in my
arms. Were
of his younger, puppy years, And Oh...his many charms.
Today, there was no gentle nudge With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a
heart that's filled with tears Remembering our joy filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me, And he said, "You should cry no
more, GOD
also loves our canine friends, HE's installed a 'doggy-door'!!!
Just My Dog
She's just my dog. She is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
My
other ears that hear above the winds. She is the part of me that
can
reach
out into the seas. She has told me a thousand times over that I
am her
reason
for being. By the way she rests against my leg. By the way she thumps
her
tail at my smallest smile. By the way she shows her hurt when I
leave
without
taking her. When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive. When I
am
angry,
she clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, she is joy abound.
When I
am a
fool, She ignores it. When I succeed, she brags. Without her, I
am only
another person. With her, I am all powerful. She has promised to
wait
for
me...whenever... In case I need her; and I expect I will--- As I
always
have.
She is my dog.
DmScarlet@aol.com
http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Prairie/4328
A Stud Dog's Lament
My job is making puppies, and I get two tries at that.
They pat me on the head and say, "Good Boy" and that is that.
It's half my job to give them teeth and toplines, fronts and other.
Remember, it's only half my job....they also have a mother.
It's not my job to carry pups and make'em grow and nurse'em.
And feed and clean and make'em strong, that's for mother and a person.
It's not my job to wean and feed the calcium and food.
And stack, gait and housebreak and make'em a showing brood.
It's not my job to guarantee champs; the breeder picks the pair.
To mate and whelp and feed and show and hope the champ is there.
It's not my job to be on hand when points are given out,
The Breeder, Owner, Dam and Friends take credit with a shout!
It's not my job to deliver a winner- It's only genes I sell.
But let the puppies turn out bad, and guess who catches hell?????!!!!!!
All
I Need to Know About Life I Learned From My Dog
1) If you stare at someone long enough,eventually, you'll get what
you want.
2) If it's not wet and sloppy, its not a real kiss.
3) Be aware of when to hold your tongue and when to use it.
4) Leave room in your schedule for a good long nap.
5) Don't go out without your I.D.
6) Always give people a friendly greeting, a cold nose in the crotch
is
effective.
7) When you do something wrong. always take responsibility (as soon
as you
are called out from under the bed)
8) Be direct with people; let them know exactly how you feel by
piddling on
their shoes.
9) When you go out into the world, remember; always take time to
smell the
roses....and the trees....grass, rocks, and fire hydrants
Famous Shih Tzu Owners:
Yul Brynner (actor, The King and I; The Magnificent Seven)
Betty Buckley (actress, Cats; Sunset Boulevard) Bridget, Gemma and
Jessie (these dogs performed on stage with
her in the show
"The Mystery of Edwin Drood")
Phyllis Diller (comedian) Fang
Dowager Empress Cixi [Tzu Hsi] (Empress of China)
Elizabeth (England's Queen Mother) Choo Choo
Zsa Zsa Gabor (actress, author, Moulin Rouge, How to Catch a Man)
Bill Gates (computer genious, founder of Microsoft)
George VI (King of England)
George Klein (TV show host)
Dalai Lama (Religeous leader of Tibet)
Greg Maddux (professional baseball player) has 2
SPELLING SHIH TZU
S.....................SOUND STRUCTURE
H......................HEALTHY
I........................IMPROVING
H.......................HEREDITARY
T........................TRAITS
Z.........................ZERO DEFECTS
U.........................UNIQUE
Yes, thats OUR shih-tzu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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