Subjecting your dog to total outdoor living condemns your dog to a life of loneliness and boredom. Lack of human companionship and mental stimulation often result in undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking, digging, and destruction of property. Make sure that your dog knows basic commands, sit, down, stay, come. Your dog should be immunized annually for Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Coronavirus and Bordatella. In the Midwest, your dog should be kept on Heartworm preventative year-round.
Small illnesses can quickly turn into major health problems if left unchecked.
Microchipping and tattooing are the most reliable methods of identifying your dog. Chips should be checked regularly to insure that they have not migrated. Tattoos should be placed on the inside rear leg, not in an ear. Collars should be leather or nylon buckle type collars. Tags should consist of current Rabies tag and a tag with your name, address, and phone number.