101 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I GOT MY DOG....

by Sandra Murray

There is so much knowledge out there. Here are some things I've learned since I got my dog(s). Perhaps others can write in with your helpful hints.

Kennel Tid Bits

Minimum kennel size 15' x 15' x 16' high. The gate should be raised off the ground approx. 8" to 10". This is especially helpful to those who experience severe snowy conditions in the winter. It allows you to open the gate without continual shoveling. It is sometimes referred to as a puppy gate (puppies can't escape as quick when you open the gate).

If you end up getting a second dog, I would try to build an additional kennel. In fact we had one kennel and two dogs, got our third dog and instead of building an additional kennel for the one dog we built two extra. An extra kennel is always helpful with multiple dogs just in case there is a time when you need to time out the dog, the dog is sick, or, if you have intact dogs, to separate them when the female is in season.

Ground Surface - If you are not installing a concrete floor, or patio stones, a good all around material is 1/4 down limestone. Do not install until you cover the entire surface with stucco wire lashed to the fencing. You may choose to cover only around the outside edge but those Malamutes can sniff out uncovered ground, dig a great hole and mix it in with your nice clean gravel. They get dirty and in two years time you wish you had covered the whole ground surface with wire. We wired ours approx. 6 inches below the surface. The 1/4 down gravel is fine and not sharp like regular gravel. It packs very easily, too.

Disinfecting your kennel - There are many disinfectants available that kill a variety of viruses and bacteria. In between we disinfect with chlorine. Some use chlorine bleach you buy at the store, we buy Swimming Pool Chlorine. Dissolve approx. I tbsp in one gallon of water, use in a hand held garden sprayer that is only utillized for disinfecting your kennels. Oh yes, remove the dogs while you are disinfecting and return them only when the kennel is dry. Do not sprinkle the granules on the ground surface and spray down with a hose as the granules do not dissolve properly. Chlorine disinfects and evaporates fairly quickly especially on a hot summer day. We also disinfect the dog house and Water pails, too.

Some also torch their kennels to actually burn the surface. Torching your wood dog houses is not recommended unless you wish to burn them.

Water Pails - We use Horse Pails as they are made of rubber, the ice is easily removed from this type of pail in the winter as we offer fresh water all winter.

Shade - Sometimes you cannot avoid your kennel being in the sun. Shade can be provided with a number of materials. You can buy shade cloth,or tarps, from your garden centre. If you use tarps use smaller ones (i.e. 3' x 5'), they will stand up longer. We usually punch some additional holes and grommet them so water can�t collect and the wind won't tear it.

You can also plant some varieties of vine. It will take a few years to grow, but it will provide some great airy shade cover. Check in to types as some plants are poisonous.

Dog House - You can go buy one, or build one that your Malamute will be happy with. Use 2 sheets of plywood and build it 4' x 4' x 2'. Make sure you measure and build your frame so that the 4'x 4' sheet of plywood will cover the entire top surface. If there is a joint on top there will he a spot for rot to eventually start. Chipboard, though cheaper, may not hold up as well. You can't guarantee your Malamute may not chew on part of the house to customize it even further and chipboard has glue in it that may not be all that healthy for your dog. Offer an entrance just large enough for your Malamute to get through.

If you wish you can have two openings. Cover one up in the winter and open it up in the summer for greater ventilation. You can hinge the roof so that you can clean inside the house alot easier and also prop it up slightly in the summer, again for more ventilation. Your Malamute will enjoy a flat roofed house to lie upon.

Outdoor Bedding - In winter there is nothing better than straw. Good dry wheat straw works best. Flax straw is harsh on the digestive system, remember there is no guarantee that your dog may munch on some. In the winter we recommend changing the straw rather than adding more. The floor of your dog house ices up when you keep adding straw and is hard to remove in the Spring. You can also add some cedar shavings to the straw to soften that damp straw odour that is picked up from the straw. In the summer you again can use some cedar shavings as it is said that it helps to repel insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. Avoid rugs and blankets that can be devoured and cause intestinal blockages.

Training

Always remember that what will be the rules of the roost when your puppy is an adult should be the rules of the roost when its a puppy.

Definitely consider viewing Dr. Dunbar's Serious Puppy Training Video. It is an excellent teacher in puppy training and is geared towards the first couple of months when you bring your young puppy home. Try to get the video as soon as you can, even before you get your puppy. It is available in some libraries, too.

Grooming

You should plan on doing some regular grooming of your puppy. It provides an excellent bonding time with your dog. You should make yourself a special table, check out the grooming tables at the Dog Shows. Later on your dog will not hesitate to jump up for some grooming attention. You can use a picnic table outside, too. Remember Fido doesn't know the difference whether there is food on the picnic table or not and when he decides to jump up on the table to join you he may only find a bonus of food and everyone screaming at him to get off!

Start a regime of trimming nails as soon is you get your puppy. You will never have to fight with your dog to cut nails if you have started and continue regular nail clipping sessions. Some of my dogs will lift and offer their paw when they see the clippers out.

Regular dog grooming by brushing your dog promotes healthy skin and a healthy coat. Again if you aren't sure on what grooming tools to purchase. Watch those who groom at the dog shows. Good quality tools make the difference and they will last the lifetime of your dog. And by all means ask questions.

When that winter coat begins to shed, work on getting it out as soon as possible. The dead undercoat blocks the air reaching the dog's skin, it mats and can also accelerate problems like hot spots on the skin. A hot spot is an inflamed patch of skin which is uncomfortable for the dog, needs attention and it may advance to a stage requiring veterinary care which will probably require the fur to be clipped away from the area. That can be most annoying in the summer as it will also attract flies. So pay attention to your dog's grooming needs.

Bathing - If you haven't experienced giving your dog its first bath at a year old, its like you're hurting the dog. A series of baths while a puppy will prepare the dog for the future. We regularly bath our dogs, even in the winter and are extra careful to ensure the dog is totally dry before going back outside.

Dog Grooming Dryer/Blower is worth it's weight in gold. It is a very efficient way to dry your dog after a bath. It allows you to see the condition of the skin. It can also be used when your dog is shedding by blowing the fur out, in addition to brushing. The price ranges at about $150. Check out the dog shows to see what the Malamute handlers are using. Again, it will last a lifetime and if you get more dogs it makes grooming dogs a lot more manageable. If you can't afford a dog blower a Shop Vac, or strong vacuum cleaner reversed to blow, can also be used. The earlier you use appliances such as this on your puppy the more relaxed he will be. The dog blower can also assist you by dry blowing your dog out at shedding season. The fur just flies out. One of my 11 month old pups howls and crys when another dog is being blown-out on the table, and, if given the next turn runs and jumps on the table. Obviously it feels good to her.

Questions - Ask lots of questions and receive a lot of experienced knowledge. Don't worry about bothering someone as they, too, were first time Malamute owners and had to ask questions. No question is silly.

Food Additives - There are many health food powders to choose from. Again if you see a dog and his looks suit your fancy, inquire what they are feeding.

Return to the Index Page