Paw Print

Monthly Informational Dog Newsletter.

Issue I November 10, 2015

What’s Inside:Pet Adoption Page1Information on why you should adopt

your pets.

Local Dogs Page 2Dogs at the local shelter needing a new home.

Breed Of the Month Page 2Featuring the Siberian Husky

Facts of the Month Page 3Random facts about dogs.

Starting Your Puppy Off Right! Page 4Tips on training your new puppy.

Shelby Smith, EditorSabrina Strickland, Editor

Page Number, 1

Why Should You Adopt From the Shelter?Shelters have all shapes and sizes of lovable mutts, purebreds, all-American cats, puppies and kittens, adolescents and seniors. Your chances of finding a wonderful companion who matches your lifestyle, family, and home are ex-cellent! About 25 percent of shelter animals are purebreds. According to the Humane Society of the United States, mutts are America’s dog of choice, ac-counting for nearly 60 percent of all pet dogs. As dog trainer and author Brian Kilcommons explains, “mixed breed dogs are often healthier, longer-lived, more intelligent, and of more stable temperament than purebreds. This is due to what geneticists call hybrid vigor.” Shelter animals make great pets. A “sec-ond-hand” pet in no way means second-rate. On the contrary, many shelter animals seem to sense what they were up against and become among the most devoted and grateful companions. Most shelter residents are healthy, affectionate animals. Many have already lived with a human family and have the basic training, socialization, and cooperative skills they need to become part of your household. (Continued on Page 2)

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Starting Your Puppy Off Right! People often ask me at what age they should start puppy training. The answer is immediately! Here are some quick tips on the steps to training and maintaining an obe-dient and balanced dog from the start. New puppy owners often make the mistake of end-lessly worrying about finding the right accessories, puppy treats, or bed. They spend little or no time thinking about how or what they will teach their new puppy. Yes, a puppy needs nutritious food and a safe, warm place to live, but an-other equally powerful and important biological necessity is the need for a strong pack leader.

Be the Pack LeaderPuppies are naturally hard-wired to follow a pack leader. A pack leader is, by definition, strong, stable, and consistent; traits many new puppy owners forget. Many of my clients are strong leaders in their jobs, but when they come home, they turn to mush with their dogs. Then they come to me puzzled as to why their dog won’t behave.

Puppies sense our confidence levels and will take control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens, bad behav-iors, such as excessive barking, chewing, leash-pulling, or anxiety, will develop.

The most important thing you can do is become your puppy’s pack leader. This role doesn’t begin when your dog is six months old or when he’s bad; it should be maintained throughout the entire dog training experience. For your new puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!

Visit to the veterinarianOne of the cornerstones of good health for your puppy is regular veterinary care. It is crucial that your puppy main-tains a nutritional diet and exercise routine to stay healthy and balanced. Plus, your vet can advise on heartworm, and flea and tick preventative care. While a lot goes into keep-ing your puppy in good health, it all begins with the first visit to the vet.

HousebreakingAll dogs become conditioned never to eliminate in their dens. From two to four months of age, most pups pick up on the concept of housebreaking quite easily since it is part of their natural programming.

In the early days of housebreaking you want to make sure the puppy has a place to relieve herself where she feels safe; a place that seems and smells familiar. First thing every morning, bring your puppy outside to the same general area. It is important to remain consistent throughout the process so your puppy can learn the habit. Once your new puppy has successfully gone out-side, it is important to reward the good behavior.

Page Number, 2

(Continued From Page 1)Dogs, cats, and “pocket pets” end up in shelters because of circumstances beyond their control. They’re victims of a death, illness, divorce, or a move that didn’t include them. Or they were displaced by a new baby. Or their owners just didn’t learn how to train them. Most shelters become familiar with the disposition of each animal. Many (includ-ing APS) do behavior evaluations. All this helps the staff make optimal matches between homes and pets, and helps you make you the most appropriate adoption decision. Shelter pets are a bargain! For a reasonable adoption fee, you can adopt an animal that would cost several hundred dollars elsewhere once you include shots, microchip and spay/neuter surgery. In addition, shelters offer educational literature on all aspects of pet ownership, and they often provide ongoing advice, guidance and training suggestions. When you adopt from a shelter, you become part of the solution to the overpopulation crisis. You give a deserving animal a new home. You free up cage space for another animal needing to be adopted. And your adoption fee goes toward the shelter’s education and spay/neuter programs, which help prevent more unwanted litters. Until the pet overpopulation crisis has been resolved, adopting from a shelter is the humane, ethical choice for millions of Amer-icans!

Michael Shane16272641Male/Neutered Dachshund, Standard Smooth Haired/Mix

Local Dogs to AdoptAll of these sweet babies are availbale for adoption at the Southern Pines Animal Shelter. For more information on on these adorable dogs or information on how to adopt please call Southern Pines at 601-544-6632.

Sally27757513DogFemale/SpayedHound/Mix

Shug29843856DogFemaleTerrier, Boston/Mix

Michelle29957585DogFemaleRetriever, Flat-Coated/Mix

Ashlyn30083330DogFemalePug/Mix

Bernie30093244DogMaleChow Chow/Collie, Rough

Page Number, 3

The Siberian Husky is a medium size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. It is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive markings. Huskies are a very active, energetic, and resilient breed whose ancestors came from the extremely cold and harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. Siberian Huskies were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia to pull heavy loads long distances through difficult conditions. The dogs were imported into Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and later spread into the United States and Canada. They were initially sent to Alaska and Canada as sled dogs but rapidly acquired the status of family pets and show dogs. The Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog breed with a thick coat that comes in a multitude of colors and mark-ings. Their blue or multi-colored eyes and striking facial masks only add to the appeal of this breed, which orig-inated in Siberia. It is easy to see why many are drawn to the Siberian’s wolf-like looks, but be aware that this athletic, intelligent dog can be independent and challeng-ing for first-time dog owners.

Random Dog Facts!• It is a myth that dogs are color

blind. They can actually see in color, just not as vividly as humans. It is akin to our vision at dusk.

• Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on earth, with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

• The Labrador Retriever is the #1 favorite breed in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

• Humans have kept dogs as pets for over 12,000 years.

• Dog’s nose prints are as unique as a human’s finger prints and can be used to accurately identify them.

Breed of the Month: Siberian Husky

Hypoallergenic: NoLife span: 12 – 14 yearsOrigin: SiberiaTemperament: Outgoing, Alert, Gentle, Friendly, Intelligent