rianova Kennel

Dogs are great travellers and today's facilities and comfort in airlines have made it possible for the Japanese Terrier to travel abroad.

I would never recommend sending either a puppy or an adult dog by himself in a box all the way from Tokyo. it is simply too long a trip for the dog, even if the "belly" of the aircraft is well pressurised, the dog would suffer from cold and would arrive very frightened. The kindness of some dog-loving passenger would be the best idea for the dog's journey, travelling as hand baggage in the cockpit. No airline would refuse permission, as dogs are allowed in the cockpit as long as they do not exceed 6 kg's., which is the size and weight of the Japanese Terrier, counting the box itself. Before getting a puppy, be sure that you are willing to take the responsibility of training him and caring for his physical needs. You should also have decided whether you want a male or a female. Both sexes are pretty much the same in disposition and character, and either one will enter into your life with delight. A puppy should be at least ten weeks of age before you take him home. A show-dog or a dog to breed from should be five or six months old, so you can be sure of his quality. Remember that your new puppy knows only a life of romping with his litter-mates and the security of being with his mother, and that coming into your home is a new and sometimes frightening experience for him. He will adjust quickly if you are patient with him and show him what you expect of him. if there are small children in the family, be sure that they do not abuse him or play roughly with him. A puppy plays hard, but also requires long periods of rest. Before he arrives, decide where he is to sleep and where he is to eat. Get everything you need from your pet shop before you bring the puppy home, such as: collar, lead, toys, nylon bones, a bed and warm blankets. The puppy's first night at home is likely to be a great excitement to the whole family. Keep in mind that suddenly being away from his mother and litter- mates is a new experience for him and he may be confused and frightened. if you have a special room where you have put his bed, be sure that there is nothing there with which he can harm himself. Be sure that all lamp cords are out of his reach and that there is nothing that can tip over or be pulled down by him. Check furniture that he might get stuck under or behind and objects that he might chew. if you want him to sleep in your room, he probably will be quiet all night, reassured by your presence. if left alone in a room, he probably will cry and howl; sometimes the sound of a clock ticking under his blanket will comfort him, as does a radio playing softly. However, after one or two nights, he will become used to being alone at night. As a general rule, a puppy from the time he is weaned (ten weeks) to three months of age should have four meals a day; from three to six months, three meals a day; and from six months to one year, two meals a day. After a year, a dog does well on one meal a day. A feeding schedule to give you an idea of what the average puppy will eat is as follows:

- morning meal: puppy meal with milk (special milk for puppies).

- afternoon meal: meat mixed with puppy meal, plus a vitamin mineral supplement.

- evening meal: same as afternoon meal, but without the vitamin.

Do not change the amounts in your puppy's diet too rapidly. if he gets diarrhoea, it may be that he is eating too much. Changing over to an adult program is not difficult. Very often the puppy will make the change himself; that is, he will refuse to eat some of his meals. He adjusts to his one or two meals a day without any trouble at all.It is extremely easy to paper-train a Japanese Terrier. Place some newspaper near the door where you wish him to relieve himself. Move the paper nearer and nearer to the door, until it is outside; by this time, he will know what is expected of him. it shouldn't take more than a few days for him to get the idea of using newspapers, because all Japanese Terrier puppies have been trained in this way by their breeders. The puppy, like all young animals, requires plenty of rest interspersed with playful exercise and not too much excitement. At home he must not be allowed to get too near the fire nor to jump all over the furniture, as his legs are delicate and lie may easily break one. Allow him to wander around and take his bearings. Let him come to you when he is ready and do not fuss and hug him. A puppy must be picked up correctly; he must never be picked up by the scruff of the neck, nor, worse still, by the neck itself. Always lift him up gently with both hands, with one hand placed under his chest, the other supporting his hindquarters. A young puppy must learn that training is different from playing, that a command, once given, Must he obeyed, no matter what distractions are present. Remember that the tone and pitch of your voice, not loudness, are the qualities that will influence your dog most. A young dog just cannot take more than ten minutes of training at a stretch; otherwise, he will become bored and want to play during lessons. "Heel,,, "sit", "lie down", "stay" and "come" are the basic words used for training dogs. When using any of these words, you should show your dog what you want of him and praise him when he gets the idea. When you first get your puppy, select a veterinarian who you feel is qualified to treat small dogs. He will get to know your dog and will be glad to have You consult him for advice and to worm the dog. A dog normally needs little medical care throughout his life. With the proper series of inoculations, your dog will be almost completely protected against canine diseases. A Japanese Terrier puppy is a fascinating little dog to own, full of intelligence, a quick and alert little companion, enjoying a happy family life and surprising you by his sensitivity. He adores to please his master, lives a long time with deep love for his owner.