New on this forum. I need some advice about tiny dog

[wojteks]

Hello I registered on this forum because I took a small dog from the shelter. I will be here looking for information on how to deal with it.
This is my first pet and I would like to ask if you can give me some advice on how to take care of this dog? Thank you.

 

[JoanneF]

What specifically are you looking for help with? Members here have a lot of experience which we are happy to share.

 

[wojteks]

I need advice on how to prepare food for a small dog and what toys will suit him

 

[JudyN]

In the early days, it's best to stick to the food he had at the rescue. For when you're ready to change, this website is a great guide to finding the best food within your budget: https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/ Or have a read-up on feeding a raw diet, which many people (me included) think is the best diet, assuming of course it suits your dog). It's best to feed twice a day rather than once, and not leave food down the whole time.

As for toys, I'd go to your local pet store and look for those that look suitable for his size. There's a huge choice, and some dogs have preferences (e.g. balls, fleecy toys).

If you're new to the world of dogs, I strongly recommend you find a good book about dog care, training and behaviour. Anything by Patricial McConnell is good, but I'm sure others will have recommendations. As far as behaviour & training goes, my top bit of advice would be always to think about what you want your dog to do rather than what you don't want him to do - so reward what you want him to do, and don't 'tell him off' for doing what you don't want him to do - instead, distract him and manage the environment so he can't do it (e.g. keep food and shoes out of reach).

 

[wojteks]

Okay, thanks JudyN

 

[JoanneF]

The food is quite easy - to begin with at least keep him on the same food as he was on at the shelter. The stress of moving could upset his system so keeping the food the same will help by not adding more for his little body to cope with. If you want to change later, do it gradually (by about 10% at a time of new to old over at least ten days).

Have a look at www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk

It is an independent dog food comparison website which scores all types of foods (dry, raw, wet) on a scale of 0 to 5. You can set filters for your dog's weight, age etc and choose to view only the foods scoring, say, 4 and above. Then you can show them listed according to daily feeding cost so you can see what gives you best value for money.

Toys - do you know what breed or mix he is? Terriers love a tuggy toy, for example although many others do too. A ball is usually good, and definitely food dispensing toys like a Kong.

 

[JoanneF]

Crossposted again @JudyN!

 

[wojteks]

Thank you all for the advice. I'm taking up reading and learning

 

[merlina]

I've had a few rescues and they had one thing in common: anxiety. I knew I meant them no harm and wanted to do them good. They didn't. You have done a great thing giving a needy dog a home but it will not understand your kindly intentions for a while. It has taken my current one a couple of years to trust me. But by giving a rescue dog its own space, rewarding good behaviour and not paying it too much attention (even nice things like fuss and play and titbits) it will have time to settle. Best of luck!

 

[Dibbythedog]

My little dog likes small fleecy toys .You should be able to get them from your pet store . Ive bought things for her on line especially for tiny dogs .