It is a very good idea to train your dog to walk on a leash right from the start. While you may have a fenced in area for the dog, there are going to be circumstances that arise where it is necessary for you to walk with your dog on a leash such as going to the vet. A dog that is comfortable on a leash will be much easier to handle when it is necessary.

Walking your dog is also a great way to bond with your dog and to teach it to understand that you are in charge and you are there for its protection. Another benefit of walking your dog is that you and your pooch will be getting much needed exercise.

 If you will be walking your dog on a hot summer day, be sure to try to walk on the cement or asphalt with your own bare feet. If the surface is too hot for your feet it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

It is always recommend that you teach your dog to walk on your left. There are several reasons for this. If you are walking along side a road facing traffic you will be next to the road you’re your dog on the other side of you. This makes it much less likely that the dog will dash sideways into the road in front of a car. It also makes it much easier to walk multiple dogs because they won’t be wrapping themselves around your legs and tripping you.

When you meet another dog who has been taught to walk on the left, you and the other dog walker will be meeting with the dogs on the outside.

I strongly recommend using a standard 6 foot leash and not a retractable leash. With a standard leash you can put the loop around your wrist and hold the leash gently with your hand. By doing this if your dog should happen to decide to make a break for it (possibly because it has seen a squirrel, cat, or anything that it decides it cannot resist chasing), it may yank your arm but will not be able to escape because the leash is wrapped around your wrist.

On the other hand I have seen many owners lose control of their dog by using a retractable leash. While all may seem to be going along very well, your hand will be somewhat relaxed (who wants to walk their dog with a white knuckle grip on the leash?) and when your adorable pooch decides to make a break for it, it is very likely you will lose your grip on the leash and your dog may up in the street underneath a car, out of your control in the jaws of a much bigger dog or lost completely in a woods full of exciting things a dog is thrilled to chase.

When meeting an unfamiliar dog while on a walk, do not assume the dog is friendly and wants to be friends your dog. I have trained my dog to sit and stay immediately at a certain tone of my voice. Even if your dog will not sit and stay you can shorten your leash so it is tight and put your hand behind your back. 

I put myself between the other dog and my dog and stare at the ground about 5 feet in front of me; I am owning that area. If the other dog is unleashed or has escaped the control of its owner, I try a firm “no”. At this point, if the dog continues to approach, if possible, pick up your dog. In the same line of thinking, it is common courtesy to ask before allowing your dog to approach another dog.

Many people feel very uncomfortable having another dog approach theirs for several good reasons. Their dog may be aggressive or frightful. Be respectful for the safety of both dogs.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY Ardyth Berens

We are stronger together than we are alone!

    Welcome friends, to our

BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK NEWSLETTER

 VOLUME 1, ISSUE  #                    

This is what I think we should consider starting in December 2014

1. The monthly Newsletter will contain Novembers lead ins (introductions) from published stories on the Network.
2 Hints on next months stories (titles and subject matter) (and ask for writers)
3. Back ground on one of our Gust writers
4. Update on one of the Adoptable dogs
5. Back ground on the rescue it came from
6. a food recipe challenge
7. A favorite link to another site (hopefully in future one we are able to associate with ).
8 A profile on one of our readers own Bostons.
9. Words of wisdom from our mascot "VINNY WHERE ARE YOU?"
10. One or two upcoming events from our rescues
11. A monthly contest or such were only a registered news letter reader can win
12 If the store is up a product for sale

 If you have an interested in helping us, remember you are always welcome to express to us, an area that you think you might be able to contribute.We will be looking for research, video, photo, graphics help... and the list is too long for even here.

In the future we will be looking for content managers, fundraising, project managers, audio and music experience, grant writers, Handmade crafts, and so much more.  Just send your area of interest and we will be glad to add you to our growing list and when the skill is needed you will be notified. We plan to be a very active, fun seeking, positive group.

I can promise you, there will not be any room for drama. I am working on building a team of honest, ethical, people from all walks of life. Those who respect varied opinions of others, even when they may not agree, will feel comfortable here.

Your opinions at this stage of our development is critical and we appreciate your comments. Email us at info@bostonterriernetwork.com

 And please pass this invitation along to your animal-loving friends. They’ll thank you for it.

 How about accepting our gift to you of an absolutely FREE, QUICK-TO-READ newsletter?  A day-brightener that will become a special present you’ll look forward to opening each Month? 
 Boston Terrier Network offers a free monthly newsletter for Our Boston Terrier Network readers.  Your copy will show up in your email on the first Thursday of each month.

While adopting a shelter or rescue dog has some amazing benefits, it can be an extremely stressful experience for you, your current dogs, or your newly adopted dog.

There are several methods you could try, to have a successful introduction. It is especially important to be diligent if one of the dogs has ever shown dog aggression. Even if you have a dog with aggression issues, it is not a lost cause.

It's important to introduce the dogs on neutral territory. This can be a neighbor’s yard or even the park. Try walking them together as this can decrease some of the tension.

The dogs may not be buddies immediately and this is ok. Time is your friend when adding a new dog to your pack. It can take up to 3 months before a dog learns the family routines and what is expected of them.

The method I most often use is the "2 week shutdown". This method involves minimal contact between new dogs and existing dogs for a period of two weeks. It's important to keep the new dog crated in a living room, or any room where he can monitor the activity of your household without becoming stressed. More information on the two-week shutdown can be found here: www.squidoo.com/twoweekshutdown

If you do notice some aggression between dogs it is very important to keep them apart until you have enough adults to supervise them safely. Crate rotation is a way to keep them separate while being able to spend time with them one at a time.

You will have to decide what crating schedule works best for your family and stick to it. When you feel comfortable trying to introduce them

again, be sure you have someone there to help. With my own two dogs, I would hold one dog on a leash while my husband had the other dog leashed. They spent time together but couldn't get close enough for a fight to break out. We would usually sit at opposite ends of the sofa with the dogs so they could get accustomed to being around each other. Fast forward six months and my two dogs are absolutely inseparable.

One of the easiest ways to ensure your dogs don't get into a squabble is to pick up all food, toys, and treats. The dogs should have their own bed, food dishes, and toys. When dogs are just getting to know each other, these items can quickly cause tension between them. It will be fine to give their stuff back in a few weeks when they have begun to form a good relationship.

The biggest thing to remember is that most situations will work out peacefully if you are diligent and patient. Adopting a new dog is a great experience for everyone in the family. Take the time to get to know your new dog and love him and he will be your loyal friend the rest of his life.