258 USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING DOGS. 



towards his surroundings. The next step in order is to introduce him with 

 as little disturbance as possoble to the members of the family. These 

 things look trivial on the face, but they save a vast amount of confusion In 

 the puppy mind and a deal of trouble to the owner. 



One particular reason for avoiding excitement is that very small puppies 

 have little self-control, and a sudden fright, or even surprise, will result in 

 the spoiling of a good carpet and this accident will render house-breaking 

 very difficult. A very important problem to decide at once is whether or 

 not the dog is to be raised inside the house. It is very dangerous to allow 

 a young dog to sleep one night in a warm room and the next to lie out in the 

 cold. A house dog is much more delicate than one raised outside, not only 

 on account of being tender through the comforts of artificial heat, but 

 from a deficient coat. 



If the dog is to live inside have his bed in one place and make him 

 use it. If he is to live outside, prepare a warm box which is water tight 

 and fill it well with clean straw. Rye straw will keep a dog almost as 

 clean as washing. Scrupulously avoid rags or old carpets, as they hold 

 the dirt and dampness, and are consequently unhealthy. It is wise to raise 

 the kennel several inches from the ground, as it allows a free circulation 

 of the air and prevents dampness. In cold weather the kennel should be 

 as small as comfort will permit, as the heat of the body san raise it to a 

 better temperature than a larger one. But whether your puppy is to live 

 inside or out, make the decision at once and put him in his place as soon 

 as possible. If he be destined to live outside take every precaution to 

 have the kennel sheltered and dry. After a feed and a sleep the dog will 

 accommodate himself to his surroundings, and it is always best to initiate 

 him into his regular routine as soon as he enters a new home. This is 

 imperative. 



Dogs, especially when young, are largely creatures of habit, and it i3 

 therefore of the greatest importance to start them right. Bad habits are 

 formed so quickly and are so difficult to break, that with puppies a negative 

 course must be pursued for a short time — at least until the idea of obe- 

 dience is learned. Before teaching your dogs tricks, devote your time to 

 the installing in his mind the fact that he is your companion, but that 

 you are always master. For a week or ten days keep him in the 

 straight and narrow path that leadeth to dogdom. This is not a difficult 

 task. It requires attention and patience, but in no case is the old saying, 

 "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" truer than in the 

 training of dogs. Every successful breeder knows this. By cleanliness, 

 proper feeding and exercise he prevents disease, or at least reduces it to a 

 minimum. By beginning training early he prevents the development of bad 

 habits. It is just as important for the house pet to be guarded with the 

 same care. Don't allow your new puppy privileges on his arrival that will 

 be forbidden later. If he is not fed at the table he will not have to be 

 chastised for being a nuisance when his presence is undesirable. Above 

 all, if you would save your pet from the many disorders common to young 

 puppies and from untold suffering, refrain from feeding cake and sweet- 

 meats, and scrupulously guard his stomach. 



