The beginning of an adventure ... for him and for you (Part I)

The journey home :

If the breeder has been conscientious, the puppy will already have been in a car. However, he doesn't know yours, its smells, the noise it makes... so he could be sick, or worse.. be sick on the brand new leather seats or your companion's dry clean only trousers! So whatever the circumstances, it's better to forsee some protection for the vehicle and its occupants in case of any accidents on the journey, especially if it is a long one.

As the puppy undergoes a large amount of stress, it won't be surprising if he has less self-control, or if he pants all the time, which will probably dehydrate him quite quickly. A dish, a bottle of water and frequent stops are therefore also necessary. It is also necessary to have a collar and lead adapted to the dog's size in case of walks. He doesn't know you yet and may not come if called when in a panic by the road.

If the dog is particularly anxious, or if the journey is very long, it might be useful to have some Bach flower remedy (found in chemists or health shops), the « rescue remedy » is very efficient for treating such conditions, in dogs as well as in people besides. You can dilute four drops in a litre of water (in a bottle for example...) and give some to your dog to drink during the journey, or even during the first few days (which I strongly recommend if the dog has been living in kennels...). It isn't a psychoactive drug, and has no harmful secondary effects (neither for the dog nor for you, even though a man's dose would be larger than a dog's), it doesn't cause drowsiness or modify one's vigilence. It just makes one more... zen.

The transportation of animals, in principle, abides by a more or less strict legislation. The dog should be attached, be in a dog crate, or separated from the other passengers by a protective barrier, thus protecting the animal and people from any injuries which may be caused in an accident ( being lightweight, the puppy could easily become a deadly projectile in the event of a crash...) However, I would say that the most reassuring way for the puppy is to be held on someone's lap, and thus be stroked and talked to during the journey... seeing the cuteness of the pup, it would be surprising if the owners got a fine from the police for the first trip, but it's better to prepare for any further car rides.

The dog's corner :

It is important for the puppy to have a place where he feels reassured while being able to see the comings and goings of the family. A dog basket (preferably made of plastic at first, easily cleaned and difficult to chew) lined with towels or covers will do very well.

At the beginning, let him sniff and get used to his new home for a while. Don'y handle him too much the first day, let him have enough time to adapt. If he comes to you spontaneously, praise him and stroke him. He will need a lot of affection, but it's important to let him come to you in his own time.

Hold out your hand for him to smell (at a lower level than his eyes, it's less threatening. Crouching down will encourage him to come to you). Once you have made the first contact, a trusting relationship will be possible.

A dog, especially a puppy, should never be awoken, and even less, startled when sleeping. He could react by turning on you, even by biting, out of surprise. In addition, similarly to babies, he needs his sleep in order to grow.

Feeding :

A gradual transition is the best. Remember to ask what kind of food was given at the breeder's.

Three meals a day are necessary up to the age of 6 months (at least), then two (even when adult I recommend giving two meals a day if possible, although the Shetland, being small, may manage very well with one meal per day from the age of one year). It is recommended to use the same 'junior' food until at least 8/10 months of age.

Your puppy must have fresh , clean water at his disposal all the time.

The dog's mealtimes are sacred. Whether he eats before or after you he should never be disturbed. After all you wouldn't like it if someone put his hand on your plate while you were eating, the same applies for a dog. If you wish to test him to see « if he will let you » it means that you want complete control of your little companion's life.

It's one school of thought, but I can not agree with it. You probably want to have a well-balanced relationship, based on trust, with your fur-ball. It's neither essential nor necessary to disturb him during his mealtimes

Many dog bites are a result of this situation. The dog defends it's sustenance, it's a natural and normal reaction. « Scolding » him for this reaction would not only be unfair (after all you provoked it yourself...), but in addition you run the risk of entering into what I would call a « viscious circle » : your desire to be omnipotent with your dog (who is effectively a living creature) will create a mechanism and you take the risk of making undesirable reactions automatic.

On the other hand, of course, you should be firm if the dog seeks food which is not for him. A definate « no » is always the quickest and most efficient in this case.

Christine COL

Translation by Helen COL