PLAYFUL PUPPY! HOW TO NURTURE, TRAIN AND ENJOY YOUR NEW FAMILY MEMBER by Rose Muenker

When our neighbor got a puppy for her birthday, everyone on the block came out to meet it. We all oohed and aahed over the cute, adorable little thing. With great expectations of joy and companionship, thousands of families bring puppies into their households. Along with the fun, though, comes lots of responsibility. "It's like coming home with a new baby," says Patrice Chevalier, a Denver-area breeder and trainer (www.heirloomwheatens.com). "It's a very important decision your family has made."

To help make it a long-lasting, happy decision, Dr. Mac Griffin, D.V.M, of Pets on Broadway in Denver (www.petsonbroadway.net), recommends that before a family chooses a puppy, they meet with a vet and ask which breed is appropriate for them based on such factors as their lifestyle, family members, house and yard. "If you already have a puppy," Dr. Griffin says, "ask your vet this question: 'For us to be happy with our choice, what do we need to do?'"

Wellness care, nutrition, training, exercise and play are all critical to the puppy's healthy development and happy participation in your family life. Following is some key information to help you enjoy and nurture your playful puppy.

PUPPIES AND KIDS TOGETHER
For puppies and kids to have happy times together, parents need to create a safe and enjoyable environment for both. And parents—not the children—need to be the primary caretaker of the puppy.

"Up to about age 6, children should not be left alone with a puppy," warns Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. of Littleton's Animal Behavior Associates (www.helpingfido.com). Accidents can happen in an instant.

Constant supervision is necessary to prevent kids' behavior that is uncomfortable for the puppy, such as poking, grabbing, tail pulling and lying on top of it. Children should never pick up a puppy without parental supervision. Also, parents need to model the right behavior for their kids to imitate. For example, they should never strike the puppy, grab its collar in anger, or pull something out of its mouth.

"During every single encounter between a puppy and child," Dr. Hetts adds, "the puppy is learning something." Although the puppy is tolerating the kid's behavior, it is learning that it is not safe and pleasant, and it starts to dread being around the child. As a protective response, the puppy may suddenly snap at the child.

Dr. Hetts adds this reminder: "Puppies are fragile and need lots of rest." They need a safe place to get away that is absolutely off limits to the kids. With appropriate supervision and care, both the kids and the puppy can enjoy safe and happy times together.

WELLNESS CARE
Start by establishing a relationship with a vet. "Set up an appointment for a checkup, even if your puppy doesn't need anything," Dr. Griffin recommends.

Ask your vet what vaccinations he or she recommends for your puppy based on its breed, age and the geographic region. "There's a wide range of vaccinations available," Dr. Griffin states, "Some are not appropriate for your type of dog."

If you suspect your puppy is ill or injured, observe its attitude and appetite. If it is depressed or lethargic or if it is not eating or drinking, an emergency visit may be necessary.

Grooming also contributes to your puppy's wellness. Sharon Terlep, owner of Gidget's Grooming in Denver (www.gidgetsgrooming.net) recommends starting right after the first set of shots. "Dogs adapt more easily to grooming when they are young," she says. "If you wait until they're 6 months old, they will be terrified."

Whether or not your puppy's breed needs to have its coat groomed regularly, it does require ongoing nail and ear care. Terlep advises trimming the nails every couple weeks when the pet is young so the quick doesn't grow out with the nail. After that, trim them every 4 to 6 weeks—or 6 to 8 weeks if you walk the dog on pavement.

TRAINING
For effective house training, be available after the puppy eats and take it outside on a lead to the same spot every time, Chevalier advises. To induce the puppy to go the designated location, wipe up its urine with a paper towel and put it under a rock, or use a potty training rock, available on the Internet.

Obedience training is key to the puppy's well-being, safety, socialization and development of positive behavior. "Raising a puppy is no different than raising a child," Chevalier says. "Well-behaved dogs are guided and influenced just as children are. You have up to 16 weeks to socialize them," she adds. "This is a critical learning period."

Also enroll your pet in a training class attended by other puppies and their owners. Dr. Griffin advises, "The puppy should be well-taught in at least three commands: stay, come and heel on leash." By attending the classes, owners learn how to set boundaries and expectations, and how to handle behavior problems that may arise.

EXERCISE AND PLAY
Dogs thrive on activity and companionship. In addition to taking your puppy on walks, make opportunities for it to play with other dogs.

At home, have a play pen to ensure your pet's safety, Chevalier recommends. Like children at crawling age, puppies are nimble and curious. They get into medications and chew on everything, including electrical wires. When not in its pen, tether the puppy to your body while you go about your activities so it can't wander off.

Doggie day care offers the opportunity for both exercise and socialization. Not all of them, though, are set up for puppies. Be sure to select yours carefully.

Dog parks and off-leash areas offer open space for your pet to run and play. Dog parks have their pros and cons. Chevalier likens them to "throwing your kids in with a lot of teenagers and bullies." Dr. Griffin, in contrast, describes off leash outings as "an enriching thing for their life."

With appropriate nutrition, wellness care, training and exercise, your playful puppy can and will be a joyful and cherished member of your family.

GO, PUP, GO!
Off-leash dog parks are available throughout the metro area. Some provide fenced-in areas, while others are open spaces. Consult the following resources to find one in your neighborhood:

Take a look at Denver's official dog park list, http://www.denvergov.org/DogParks/tabid/432303/Default.aspx.

Visit www.dogfriendly.com for listings of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, off-leash areas and more.

Check out www.coloradodogparks.com for a directory, with maps, of area parks.

	RESOURCES Suggested Reading Canine Colorado: Where to Go and What to Do with Your Dog, by Cindy Hirschfeld Describes the best dog-friendly trails, activities and accommodations throughout Colorado. How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With, by Clarice Rutherford and David H. Neil Describes different stages of puppy development. Parenting Your Dog, by Trish King Gives guidelines to help your dog adjust to family life and games to help it learn behaviors. Raising a Behaviorally Healthy Puppy: a Pet Parenting Guide, by Suzanne Hetts, PhD and Dr. Daniel Q. Estep, PhD. Provides puppy parents with the critical information they need to make the most of their puppy's formative early months. Raising Puppies & Kids Together: A Guide for Parents, by Pia Silvani and Lynn Eckhardt. A comprehensive guide to achieving a loving, respectful, and sane household. Online Resources American Red Cross, www.denver-redcross.org, to register for a pet first aid class. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, aspca.org. The Denver Dumb Friends League, www.ddfl.org, offers a variety of pet resources, training and education. Helping Fido, www.helpingfido.com, offers free biweekly audio behavior tips by email.

Published in Colorado Parent, September 2008.