Training & Caring for your Japanese Spitz

When it comes to training your Japanese Spitz, being quite an intelligent dog, they learn quickly. Like all dogs, the Spitz needs to know what the rules are and the masters must be firm and consistent with what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour. Do not allow your dog to become the ‘pack leader’ to its masters and other family members. It is the Masters role to be the pack leader.

Basic Care of Japanese Spitz

Exercise is most important for your dog if it is to remain healthy both physically and mentally.

The Japanese Spitz should be brushed and combed regularly. The Spitz are a a very tidy dog and should be bathed only if necessary. The outer coat is like 'Teflon' which repels dirt and the under-layer is like a soft wool.

When the dog is shedding, use a comb or a good brush to remove loose hair from the under layer. Get the Japanese Spitz used to being brushed at an early age. This will help you when you are preparing to show your dog.

Food & Drink

The Japanese Spitz will eat anything, if given half the chance! Offer food to your puppy three times a day, preferably in a consistent meal place. After 10 to 12 weeks, start feeding your dog just twice a day. Let your puppy eat as much as it wants in 15 minutes, then take away puppies food dish with any remaining food. Try to avoid "free feeding" your puppy. Puppy will never have a proper appetite and therefore will not enjoy its food unless given special treats.

Following your Vets advice is always best. I have found that giving your Japanese Spitz a good quality dry food will keep your dog in good health as it provides all the essential vitamins and minerals that your dog will possibly not get from what humans eat. Dry food is usually cheaper, easier to use and better for your dog’s teeth. It will also make their "stools" firm and easier to clean up.

Water is the only fluid they should need. Do not give them cow’s milk as they do not need it. You can give them yogurt though and it's quite good for your dog.

Tips & Treats

Japanese Spitz can be naughty if they get bored! Provide your puppy with plenty of stimulation. Squeaky toys, balls and anything safe for them to chew on are good. I find the raw-hide "chewy" bones excellent. Your puppy will want to chew on things all the time, so make sure you have things at the ready. If your Japanese Spitz puppy becomes used to chewing on say the raw-hide "chewy" bones, it might save your shoe laces!

Foods to Avoid

Do not give your dog chocolate or anything with onion in it. These are toxic foods to dogs and can cause fatalities! You can give your dog chocolate doggie treats, but make sure they are approved brands suggested by your Vet or Pet Shop that are recommended for consumption for dogs. Also, avoid rich foods for your dog, especially some store-bought "chewy treats".

Sleep Time

Make sure your small puppy has plenty of sleep time. It's tempting to play a lot with your new puppy, but remember they need their sleep and also to help them grow.

Vaccination & Worming

You should take your new puppy to the Vet within a couple of days after purchasing. Follow your Vet's advice and recommendations with regards to vaccination and worming. If you purchase your puppy from me, at 8 weeks old, your pup has already been vaccinated and wormed.

Socialising

Your puppy's emotional and mental health is just as important as it's physical health. Schedule your puppy in a dog socialization class. This will normally be run by your Vet. Dog socialization will give your puppy an opportunity to socialize with a variety of both people and other dogs in a controlled situation. If your dog is to be a well-adjusted dog, it needs to learn how to act properly around other dogs and people. Dogs that do not learn how to socialize, frequently grow up to be aggressive and fearful..

The Japanese Spitz should be brushed and combed regularly. The Spitz are a very tidy dog.