rianova Kennel

 

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Most of the Toy breeds are Sturdy, self-reliant fellows. While it is true that the Japanese Terrier does not need a great deal of exercise, as compared to other breeds, but he should have enough to keep him fit and maintain good muscle tone. Most Japanese Terriers live in their owner's home and have no outside kennel arrangements. At home, he will appreciate an electric blanket on his bed. The bed Should be placed in a quiet, draft-free corner, where the dog can observe family movement and be able to take part in whatever is going on. As a house dog and sports companion for the townsman, he excels: he is clean-coated, bringing a minimum of dirt into the house; a good watch-dog, he is devoted to his master and his family. It is a breed that is not normally kept in outdoor kennels, but if this is done, heating would be required and a fire extinguisher in the kennel, if possible. The best way to keep Japanese Terriers is to have a room in the house set aside for them, which can be heated by electricity or radiators when there are puppies (though adults love it too). They will be best kept in dry, heated quarters. An extra blanket is necessary for them to keep warm through night and day. If a breeder keeps dogs in permanent runs, it is better to have the area cemented, as this makes it easier to disinfect. The Japanese Terrier is not a difficult breed to care for; they do well in most climates, but because of their short coat and the fact that they have always been house-dogs, they cannot cope with extreme cold as well as some heavy-coated kennel breeds. When weather becomes very cold, it is best to protect him against it: a home-knitted sweater or coat that fits snugly will keep the cold out. When the dog is taken for an outdoor walk from a warm room with central heating, it is advisable to take him on a lead and walk him briskly for a short time so that his body temperature quickly responds to the challenge of the cold. When the weather is rainy and cold and the ground is wet, you should dry your dog thoroughly when you bring him indoors. It is in such weather, wet underfoot, chilly and damp, that the dog can get sore throats and colds. In addition to long walks, a Japanese Terrier should be taken out for brief periods about three or four times daily, to relieve himself. Exercising the dog, when properly done, can develop and improve his temperament. if he is taken out while he is young where there are crowds and the natural city noises, he will come to accept unusual circumstances as a matter of course. In fine weather he will become very lively and will exercise vigorously. He adores the sun but you should not keep him in the heat for long periods.

Keep your Japanese Terrier's nails clipped down; it helps keep the dog's feet in good shape and gives the whole foot a neat appearance. Use dog nail-clippers to cut the nails, being careful not to nick the vein in the nail, which causes bleeding. if this happens, put a tiny dab of coagulant on the bleeding tip or, if you do not have any available, hold a plug of cotton over the nail for a few minutes until it stops bleeding.

The teeth are a little more difficult to care for than the nails. Many dog owners brush their dog's teeth with a normal tooth brush and powdered soda. Soft rib bones, given twice a week, can act as a tooth brush, scraping the tartar. Nylon bones can help too. Generally, as your dog gets older, tartar will form on his teeth and must be removed. You can scrape the tartar with the same tool that dentists use for removing tartar from human teeth. Or you can have your veterinarian do the job, but regular attention should be given to the teeth.

Ears should be examined and cleaned. To clean your dog's ears, dip a cotton-tipped swab in propylene glycol, swab out any accumulation of dirt in the convolutions of the inner ear. If you do this regularly, there is much less chance of your dog getting canker or ear mites. Bathing the Japanese Terrier is considerably easier than it is with some large dogs. Frequent bathing is not recommended, as the natural oils are thereby removed from the coat and the coat collects dirt more easily. As Japanese Terriers always look so smart and clean, a bath should only be given once or twice a year.

Stand the dog in a basin of warm water and wash all over carefully, paying special attention to the ears and eyes by putting a plug of cotton in your dog's ears to keep water out and a drop of Vaseline around the eyes to reduce the risk of shampoo getting in his eyes. Make a ring of dog soap or shampoo around his neck and then, working from the neck to the rear of the animal, work the soap in thoroughly to get beneath the coat down to the skin. After the body, front and hind-quarters have been heavily lathered, soap and wash the head, being careful with his eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and then put the dog on the floor to shake himself. Rub him all over with a dry towel, finishing the job with a hair-dryer at the proper temperature. Do not let the dog outside the house until he is really dry.

All the necessary equipment for the care and grooming of your dog can be purchased at your city pet shop.

Even though the Japanese Terrier is small and requires little food and can be Supplied that food from your own table, it is best to provide him with a diet of specially prepared dog food. A dog must have a balanced diet. The basis of all canine feeding is meat; dogs are carnivorous and were never meant to live on cereal alone. Although in Japan they use lovely small, dry fish for canine diets.

There are many brands of specially packaged and processed meat for dogs. They are available in fresh, canned and frozen form. Check the labels for percentage of protein and fat and stay with the one your dog does best on. Poultry, fish and rabbit are good for adding variety to your dog's diet, but all should be carefully boned and thoroughly cooked before being fed. The amounts of food vary slightly with the individual dog, but about a cup of meat-meal mixture fed once a day will nourish your terrier nicely.

Needless to say, fresh, cool water should be available for your Japanese Terrier at all times.

 

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