Care and Feeding

Schedule

Here's my schedule that Tim tries to follow:

  • Morning (between 7-9) - Walk, Play Time, Food (½ cup)
  • Mid-Day (between 11-1) - Walk (optional), Play Time
  • Late Afternoon (between 5 - 7) - Walk, Play Time, Food (½ cup)
  • Late Evening (between 9 - 11) - Walk

Food

I eat Purina Pro Plan adult food for small dogs (chicken) for small breeds (dry). I eat twice a day, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. I should get a heaping ½ cup during each meal. Keep in mind:

  • My stomach will get upset if I eat other types of dog or human food.
  • I should not eat any snacks between meals and I’m not allowed to have late night meals.
  • Treats are okay, but just a few.

Behavior

  • Touching me will reinforce both good and bad behavior.
  • I should walk on your left side and behind you. You should walk on my right and ahead of me.
  • Roll me on my back and rub my tummy gently. Always be firm. Use a high pitch voice. You are the leader.
  • When someone comes home or to visit, they should ignore me until I calm down.
  • If I bark, don’t yell. It sounds like barking and it just encourages me. Just say “No Speak.”
  • If I’m jumping (on people), say "off" or use the leash to tug me. Ignore me. When all four paws are on the floor and I’m calm, then you can pat me or give me a treat.

Commands

Here are the commands I know. Just remember to say the command once, not twice in a row.

  • Cobalt – Use my name to get my attention and in front of other commands.
  • Come Here – A very important command. I must come quickly and sit in front of you. If I don’t, make sure I do obey. I should only get praises if I do this quickly and correctly.
  • Sit – I don’t have a chair, so I have to use the floor. Just say the command just once.
  • Down – Up. Down. Up. Make up your mind! Say “Down” and at the same time, use your hand, palm down and push your hand down.
  • Stay – When I’m sitting or lying down, say “stay” with the palm of your hand toward my face.
  • Off – Use this command when I put my paws on your legs, furniture, or something I shouldn't jump on.
  • Stand – When I’m sitting or lying down, pretend you are pulling an imaginary string from my nose and say “stand”. It probably looks funny.
  • Settle Down – There is a special place in each room that I’m allowed to lay down and wait for permission to get up.
  • Excuse Me – Use this command if I just got in your way! Also use the leash or your feet to gently nudge me into the right location.
  • No Sir – This is a discipline command. Place a treat on the floor. When I start to approach the treat, use the command in a stern tone. Praise me when I focus on you.
  • Wait – When approaching doors, stairs, or street curbs, use the command and move the leash behind your back so I’m behind your feet. Pause for a few seconds and then say “Okay” as you step out first.
  • Blue – This gives me permission to eat a meal, enjoy a treat, receive a toy, etc.
  • Let’s Go – Say this when you start to walk. Remember to encourage me to go.
  • Hurry Up – This command really means Tim got tired of saying “go potty” in public.
  • Bring - I will bring the toy you just threw or find one of my toys. Be prepared for a 20 minute workout before I tire out.
  • Fetch - Use this command when you throw a toy that I should bring back.

Friendly Reminder of Poisons

You will be surprised to find out what mischief a dog can get into when a human leaves out the following:

  • Bleach
  • Chocolate
  • Deodorants
  • Soap
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Tylenol
  • Anti-freeze
  • Gasoline
  • Paint thinner
  • Rat poison
  • Turpentine