Pet care: Managing my new best friend

Third in a series.

It was with gravitas that I began young Scott’s feeding regimen. I knew I was up to the task. Controlling his other end was a horse of a different color. His very first indoor deposit resulted in my mother issuing an executive order: “The dog” would be strictly outdoors. I somehow softened her stance to allowing him on the linoleum floor of the now-gated-off kitchen. Management of my new best friend was quickly becoming tough sledding.

I prefer adopting a puppy so I can nurture a trusting relationship right from the get-go. Revulsion at the seemingly Herculean task of house training drives many people to consider adult dogs only. I get it. Teaching a canine baby what you don’t want can have you feeling more like Sisyphus than Hercules. Take two steps, slip back three.

At age 8, I had no idea what to do. We know better now. Forget corrections; set puppies up for success instead. Have them spend their nights in a crate, covered on all sides. During the day, tether the little squirt to your belt for a week or two. Lead or carry him to the yard for hourly opportunities to earn the essential canine reinforcer of a walk off-territory to sniff and investigate. Repeat hundreds of times. Patience always. Punish never.

Young Scott’s life was fraught. His first distemper vaccination might have cut his infection off at the pass, but it turned out that he’d already been exposed to the virus before we met. Dr. Tuck diagnosed the dried nose and eye discharge, along with diarrhea, as hard pad disease, aka distemper. This gentle doctor inspired compassion, carefully instructing me on Scott’s at-home supportive care.

I hand-fed my puppy, carried him outside often, and mopped up after him. He did not develop the dreaded seizures or “chomping fits” of viral encephalitis. Had his immune system failed to mount an aggressive response fast enough, his condition would have worsened, and he would very likely have died. Scott and I were lucky; he got well.

Next week: Behavior challenges.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com

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