Delmarva Unleashed Fall 2020

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Start slowly. Watch for signs of fatigue, and let your puppy rest when he needs it. Remember, puppies are babies and need their sleep! Try these other ways to help your pup learn to be comfortable in new settings: • Massage: Your new dog will come to enjoy the luxury of a massage. Your gentle touch shows her she can trust you, and it builds a stronger bond between you. • Sounds: Playing music, nature recordings, and other new sounds for your young dog will help her learn to be comfortable in a variety of settings. • Textures: Let your puppy experience carpet, linoleum, and wood floors. • Toys: Play with your puppy and her toys. Toss her favorite toy and tell her to "Get it!" • Touch: While you are playing with your puppy, touch his feet and ears softly. Tickle between his toes. • Friends: When your pup gets used to your home routine, try inviting a friend or two over to meet your dog. If your pup is a little shy at first, keep calm. Your friend might try offering a treat to help your puppy make a positive connection. • Field Trips: Take your puppy for a ride in your car. Visit a friend's home. It would be best if you waited to introduce your new dog to other dogs until after he is six to eight weeks old and has had his first vaccines. • Dog Friends: Start slowly, and plan to meet a friend with a polite, mellow dog. Your dog will pick up on your emotions, so make sure to relax. Keep the dogs leashed, and allow them to

meet in a neutral location outside either of their territories. Watch the dogs' body language. If they both act relaxed, reward the dogs with a treat, and let them sniff and get to know each other. If one dog has raised hair or growls, distract him with something else until he calms down, and try again. In time, you can introduce your pup to other puppies and dogs through puppy classes, and later, at your local dog park. Just remember to start slowly and build up to meeting more new dog friends with your pup. Socialization should never end. Keep introducing your dog to new people, places, and experiences as she grows. Keep playing with her, and you will raise a happy, healthy companion who is easy to get along with and comfortable wherever she goes. Isn't that what you had in mind when you first thought about adding a dog to your family?

Continued from Pg 20 Raw Eggs? the shells to dry and grind them for a tasty calcium supplement to sprinkle on your dog's meals. If your dog struggles with bones, this is a great way to provide additional calcium in an easy-to-eat supplement. Not only are raw eggs safe for dogs, but they are also nutritious and delicious. Try feeding your dog a few eggs per week, and you'll see a happier and healthier dog. If you have dogs of different sizes, try experimenting with different types of eggs such as quail, turkey, or duck. Your dog will love the variety, and you'll love the benefits. Delmarva Unleashed Summer 2020

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