Q: Our dog has just had a litter. While the other puppies are putting on weight, the smallest is not. Can I do anything?
A: Stick the small pup on his mother’s teat 10 times a day. This will improve weight gain.
Q: We have a pond and I have recently got a dog. Should I worry?
A: It is very important to teach dogs that are near the house to swim in the pond and to know where the steps are. If you do not do this, there is a good chance that they will fall in and drown because they cannot climb out the sides. All pups can swim. Just carry them into the pool and gently lower then into the water right in front of the steps. So they only have to swim about 3 feet to the steps. The first thing they have to learn is that they can climb out of the pool if they swim to the edge. The second thing they have to learn is that the steps are only in one spot on the pool — so you gradually have to take them further and further from the steps. At some point, he is going to have to hit the side (after he knows how to swim) and learn that he cannot get out by clawing at the side, then you step in after a few seconds of trying and point him towards the steps — guide him there if need be.
Q: I have an 8-month-old Rottweiler. He is a good dog. However, I have some problems making him give me anything he has stolen from me. He just looks up at me and curls his upper lip. I don’t think he wants to bite or harm me; he is usually a very gentle dog. I can put my fingers in his food bowl, and even put my hands in his mouth. However, when he takes something he will not give it back. What do I do?
A: What you are seeing is one of the first stages of dominance. This needs to be stopped now when the dog is young rather than allowing him to mature and the problem to grow (which it will). The reason you need to be so concerned at eight months is that you have a window of opportunity to deal with dominance. This dog is just a puppy. He does not have the maturity to be a serious threat to you. Five or six months from now this will be a different situation. Growling at you over his toy is his way of beginning to challenge his position in pack order. He needs to learn that this is unacceptable. How you handle this depends on your size, his size and your skill as a handler. But the dog should learn quickly that any form of aggression will be quickly dealt with. If the dog growls when you correct him the correction needs to be harder.
Q: Do rabbits need theirteeth clipped?
A: Rabbit teeth grow continuously. This is no problem provided he has the correct food. Fibre, such as grass and pellets, carrots and hard fruit as these will provide plenty of abrasion. If the rabbit’s teeth are overgrown, there will be drooling of saliva, a reduced appetite, weight loss and reduced grooming.
Q: I’m going for wildlife rescues and I have been informed that snakes, monitor lizards and tortoises are going to be a major part of the rescues. How should I hold them after they have been caught?
A: Lizards should be held by supporting the body with both hands behind the forelegs and in front of the hind legs. A lizard must never be grabbed or handled with the tail. Snakes should be handled very gently as they bruise very easily and this has serious implications. Tortoises should not be put upside down.
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