Fencing
6-foot wooden or metal with 2-foot lean-ins and 2-foot dig guards.
Best practices: Double latches and double gating.
Recommended Products
Collars:
- Martingales with chain, not too thick, so doesn’t wear down fur around the neck or trap moisture.
Leashes:
- Slip lead (for quick leashing) made from something sturdy and non-porous for keeping clean.
- Simple clip lead made from durable and non-porous material. 4 to 6 feet long for normal walking and an 8’ to 10’ long lead for exploring
Toys:
- Rope toys so they don’t eat them
- Old footballs, basketballs, soccer balls
- Knit toys with no stuffing inside
- Toy warnings: No stuffies, no plastic toys. Even indestructible hard plastic will get chewed and consumed
Food:
- Feed on schedule, avoid free feeding- except during baby stages.
- High protein kibble with limited to no starches. Unseasoned Meat.
- Brands we use:
- Wild, Blue Buffalo, Orijen, Acana
- Enrichment: Raw butcher bones, quality fish oil, plain full-fat yogurt, eggs, carrots, sliced bell peppers, apples, and green beans
- Treats: dried liver or chicken, fish, etc.
Warnings:
Some essential oils are dangerous for dogs. Never give your dog anything with sugar in it. Don’t add seasoning or salt to their food or meat.
Physique: Dogs should have a thin frame, a cut waist, and you should be able to feel their ribs, unless in a winter coat possibly.
Nail Trimming: The best thing for keeping nails short is to spend time walking on asphalt or cement to naturally wear nails down.
Medical: Teach your pet to let you handle their feet and open their mouth though for the times when medical intervention may be necessary.
Indoor: Crate training may be most appropriate for times left inside unsupervised, especially after surgeries, etc. Get a large, indestructible, inescapable crate and make it their happy place so when they need it they aren’t distressed. Wds should not be left for regular periods locked in a crate and definitely not for long hours. Make sure your exterior is escape-proof so they can be outside and free when you are gone.
Steps to integrating a new dog:
Meeting on neutral ground
Passing one another
Walking side by side
Polite meeting (butt to nose to butt to nose)
Supervised time together