MINIATURE BULL TERRIER
CARE
Thinking about purchasing a Miniature Bull Terrier? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Bull Terrier breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.
Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Bull Terrier owner;
Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Bull Terrier and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.
Questions you may want to ask an Bull Terrier Breeder:
It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Bull Terrier and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."
Care
The Miniature Bull Terrier is easy to groom. An occasional combing and brushing
is all that is necessary. It is an average shedder, shedding twice a year. Loose
hair can be removed by a daily rubdown with a special rubber glove.
They need very firm training and lots of exercise. Training this breed can be
very difficult though. They must be given a lot of companionship, or they may
become destructive.
Bull Terriers are generally healthy. However, some are prone to suffer from a
zinc deficiency, which can prove fetal. Some pups are born deaf. White Bull
Terriers are more prone to deafness than colored. Some individual canines suffer
from obsessive compulsive behaviors, such as tail chasing. Some bloodlines
suffer from slipped patella (dislocation of the kneecaps). The breed is also
prone to weight gain, allergy troubles, and bad knees.
Some male Bull Terriers (including Miniature) have an overabundance of
testosterone, which makes them too territorial and aggressive. Neutering often
fixes the problem, mellowing the dog out some with hormone balance.
Walking your dog - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/dogwalk.htm
Pack Leader - http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/topdog.htm
Having a dog as your companion can be a true joy. However, you don't want your beloved buddy chewing your new shoes or going to the bathroom in the house. Therefore, you need to create a dog behavior training plan to help your new puppy or dog understand the rules of the house. These plans might include dog training software or dog training books.
What things should you focus on in dog behavior training when you want your dog to understand the expected behaviors and even some fun tricks? Should you take dog training classes or complete dog training all on your own? The answer to these questions is that it depends. Take a look at the following dog training options to determine what type of dog training you want to provide for your canine best friend.
Possible dog training options include: a beginning obedience class that you can take through your local human society, dog supply stores such as PETCO, community recreation departments, dog training software, dog training books, dog obedience training and local colleges. These dog obedience training classes can vary in price, time commitment, and personal attention. They are usually affordable and meet once a week at a community park. It is a great way to not only have your dog experience basic dog training, but socialize with other dogs as well.
If you have the financial resources and time you can hire a personal dog trainer. This type of trainer may be necessary if your pooch is having a hard time in basic classes and your dog training efforts aren't making a difference. Before you invest in a private dog trainer it is important to make an accurate assessment of your dog training methods. Often times a dog that is not following directions is the result of the poor dog training by the dog's owner.
A private dog trainer might be necessary if you are going to show your dog at dog shows. You can hire a dog trainer/handler or you can become one yourself. If you do, you must know the proper dog training techniques. You don't want to have Fido jump up on the judges during the competition so he must be trained thoroughly and correctly.
You can also search through dog training books, guides, and various resources. There are products that will help you complete dog training such as special collars and muzzles. You can effectively go through a dog training regime with your canine if you follow these eight dog training tips.
Tip #1: Many people start their dog on the path to dog training success by enrolling them in a basic obedience class. This is a great idea because you will learn how to teach your do basic commands such as "sit", "stay", and "heel".
You can teach these dog training commands by using verbal commands and physical actions. For example, right after you say the word "sit" you gently push your dog's bottom down onto the ground and put them in the sit position. Immediately say "good" and smile. Give them a tasty treat as well. Basically, you want to do as much as you can to reinforce the action of sitting when you say "sit".
Tip #2: Dogs act like absorbent sponges when it comes to learning proper behavior and tricks. If you do your job properly then dog training should be a hit. Your dog is ready and eager to learn proper behavior. They want to please you. Therefore, if they aren't following your instruction it might not be their fault. You might be giving confusing dog training instructions.
Tip #3: Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and encouragement. Positive reinforcement such as acting excited and petting your dog when they do the right behavior help with your dog training efforts. It is a dogâÂTs nature to want to be close to you and make you happy. Showing encouragement and praise will help your dog much farther, much faster in their dog training. Make sure to encourage a dog through each dog training accomplishment, no matter how big or small.
Tip #4: Food is a powerful motivator when it comes to dog training. You will be hard pressed to find a dog that passes up food or a tasty treat. Dogs are always hungry and welcome any situation where food is involved.
Tip #5: Dog training should be a gradual process with regards to skill level and learning more complex commands. Give your dog time to understand new commands. They most likely won't learn it the first day you teach them. You will have to review the commands and proper behaviors often.
Tip #6: Have dog training sessions at various times throughout the day. Your dog needs periodic training to reinforce the proper behaviors. You dog's attention span can wane, so make sure to keep the training sessions to five to ten minutes long.
Tip #7: When you first start dog training work in environment that is free from distractions so your dog can focus on their behavior. Once your dog understands the basic commands you can try to use the commands in a busier environment.
One thing you may find is that your dog is distracted and seems to have forgotten the commands. Don't fret. This can happen because dogs tend to be situational learners and your dog just needs to work on the commands in the busier environment.
Tip #8: Too many treats equals an overweight dog. Dog training is a process that involves tasty treats, but too many of these treats can be a bad idea for your dog's waistline. Use small treats and wean your dog off treats as they understand the different commands. They will then rely on your praise as the positive reinforcement for each behavior.
These eight dog training tips will set you on the road to happy, healthy, obedient pooch
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Tips after you bring your pup home |
1. Paper towels
or
baby wipes in case she has an accident in her kennel.
2. Leash and collar: she may need to relieve herself after a long trip so
a walk outside in a park or rest area may be necessary for her comfort. She
knows the word s "GO POTTY" so this will help.
Water: VERY IMPORTANT!!! She will be thirsty after a long trip, she is
just a baby! Just a small bottle of water will do until she gets home.
Once she gets home she will have to get used to her new surroundings so the back
yard is a perfect place to start to show her where you expect her to do her
business. Keeping the kennel by the back door or close to your bedroom where you
can hear her cry to go outside is ideal.
Once she gets to know her home she will instinctively know to go to the back
door.
3. Lots of patience!!!: As this will be a new venture and she will
be away from her familiar surrounding, so it will take her some time to get use
to her new home. We have found that putting a stuffed animal in their kennel
to sleep with aids in the transition a lot!
4. Chew toys or raw hide chew sticks: This will keep her occupied
as she is teething and keeps her from chewing your shoes and furniture
5. Remember dogs are not vegetarians: They need plenty of protein
to help build muscle. We use a high quality dog food Royal Canin 33%
protein for pups or PRO-PLAN,
which
you can purchase from Pet Smart or Pets Barn as well. A variety of good food is always best.
Our dogs eat fruit and veggies and sometimes chicken and their diet of dry dog
food. I don't recommend canned food as its bad for their teeth and will develop
tartar quickly.
Stay away from
grapes chocolate and raisins!!! This can make a dog very sick or even die!
Yes bullies eat the damnedest things so the first sign of lethargy or pain when
you touch her abdomen is a sign to get her in a vet’s office. FAST!!!
A competent vet will feel an obstruction and have x rays taken. Cost can be up
to 800.00 but its better than the animal suffering and ultimately dying. It’s a
very painful death; no animal should have to go through something like that. I
almost lost
Sheba
but I have a wonderful vet! I didn't have the money at the time so they offered
a care card no interest up to a year, so it helped!
Well I will keep in touch. I hope for all my babies that they go to wonderful
caring homes!
5. Sleeping accommodations: Kennels are great but there is a misconception that it is cruel to put your dog in a kennel. Dogs by nature are den dweller a kennel provides this security for them. What teenager does not like his room; guess what dogs think the same. They need a place they can call their own and a kennel is ideal. If properly trained a kennel will give you piece of mind, leaving your dog at home alone. They give you the opportunity to leave home and know that your possessions are not being destroyed. Worse than that coming home to find land mines all over your new carpet. We have found our dogs love to sit and watch TV but get up when they get tired and sleep in their kennels. We rarely lock them in; it’s just time for bed they dash to their kennels as we head for the mattress. When purchasing a kennel we recommend getting the extra large at petsmart:
Petmate Portable Kennel
Size: X-Large (40''L x 27''W x
30''H)
One more thing dogs like privacy – A plastic kennel is ideal
Placing a cover over the door for your puppy helps him concentrate on sleeping. If they see you while in their crates they will want to be with you and cry. So place a cover over the door and they will sleep until their get hungry or need to potty outside. The open kennels are find but consider this, how many of you keep your door open while you sleep. It’s their den so get out!!!!!!!