Dog Care FAQ

• 6–8 weeks: First DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza)
• 10–12 weeks: Second DHPP booster
• 14–16 weeks: Third DHPP booster + Rabies
• 12–16 months: Boosters, then every 1–3 years depending on vaccine

Always consult your vet — schedules vary by region and lifestyle (e.g. Bordetella for dogs who board or go to parks).

• Puppies (under 6 months) — 3–4 meals per day; follow puppy-formula guidelines
• Adult dogs (1–7 years) — 2 meals per day
• Senior dogs (7+ years) — 2 meals per day, often lower calorie
• Always adjust based on body condition — you should feel but not see the ribs

• Alert, playful, and curious behaviour
• Clear, bright eyes with no discharge
• Moist (not runny) nose
• Shiny coat without bald patches or excessive scratching
• Pink gums (pale, white, or blue gums are emergencies)
• Steady weight gain and regular bowel movements
• Good appetite and normal energy levels

Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite warrant a vet visit promptly.

• Different people — men, women, children, hats, glasses, uniforms
• Sounds — traffic, thunder recordings, vacuum cleaners, loud music
• Surfaces — grass, gravel, tiles, metal grates, stairs
• Animals — friendly, vaccinated dogs; cats; other pets
• Environments — car rides, vets, parks, busy streets

Keep every experience positive — never force interactions. Puppy classes are highly recommended.

• Chocolate — contains theobromine, toxic in any amount
• Grapes & raisins — can cause sudden kidney failure
• Onions & garlic — destroy red blood cells (all forms: raw, cooked, powder)
• Xylitol — found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and some peanut butters
• Macadamia nuts — cause weakness, tremors, fever
• Alcohol & caffeine — both toxic to dogs
• Avocado — contains persin, harmful especially to smaller dogs
• Raw yeast dough — expands in the stomach and produces alcohol

• Be 100% consistent — even one 'free' pull undoes progress
• Reward frequently when your dog walks with a loose lead
• A front-clip harness or head halter reduces pulling while you train
• Avoid retractable leads — they teach dogs that pulling = more range
• Keep sessions short and end on success

1. Place the crate in a busy room with the door open; put treats and toys inside.
2. Feed meals inside the crate — door open at first, then closed.
3. Build up time with door closed in small increments (start with 1–2 minutes).
4. Always stay nearby at first; never use the crate as punishment.
5. Puppies under 6 months should not be crated more than 2–3 hours at a stretch during the day.

A well-crate-trained dog sees it as a safe den, not a cage.

• Ideal: ribs felt easily with light pressure, but not visible
• Ideal: visible waist when viewed from above
• Ideal: slight abdominal tuck when viewed from the side
• Overweight: cannot feel ribs without pressing hard; belly hangs
• Underweight: ribs, spine, and hip bones clearly visible

Ask your vet for a formal body condition score assessment — excess weight shortens a dog's lifespan significantly.

• Photos (multiple per entry)
• Freeform diary notes
• Weight (kg)
• Food brand and portion
• Health observations
• Training milestones
• Vet visits and vaccinations
• Behaviour notes

Only fields with values are shown — leave anything blank you don't track.