Barkarian Kennels

General Information

Put a buckle type collar and I.D. tag on your dog. For added safety have the dog identified by the use of a registered tattoo inside the dog's thigh or have it micro chipped.

Keep clean fresh water available at all times.

Provide adequate shade for the dog during the summer.

Furnish a shelter that is clean, dry, and draft free.

Choose a quality brand of dog food and stick with it. Changing brands frequently causes intestinal disturbances and can lead to finicky eating habits.

Give your canine toys and chew bones. It helps them satisfy their natural instincts to chew.

Bathe and groom your dog regularly including the toenails, ears, anal glands and teeth.

Keep your dog free of internal & external parasites. Always use a heartworm preventative.

Take your dog in for recommended vaccinations & regular veterinary check-ups.

Spay & neuter your pets. Unless you are actively competing at point shows there is no reason to leave the pet unaltered.

Always scoop your yard & clean up after your dog when walking them off your property.

Crate train your dog. It makes traveling and day to day living much easier.

Obedience train your companion. Both you and the dog will benefit from it.

Always treat your dog as a member of the family.

Never transport any dog in an open pick-up truck. Hundreds of injuries and fatalities occur due to this unsafe practice. If a truck is the only method of transportation place the dog in a secured airline approved crate in the truck bed.

Don't leave your dog in a car. Temperatures rise quickly and dogs are subject to heatstroke and death just like people.

Don't shave your dog's coat off in the summer. It provides insulation from the heat and prevents sunburn that can lead to skin cancer. Always keep your dog brushed and in proper coat.

Never allow your dog to run loose. Keep them in a yard or kennel run with 6 foot fencing. Do not use a chain as a method of confining a dog.

Do not walk your dog without a leash. It's a violation in many places and a danger for dogs who are not obedience trained. It is also inconsiderate to allow your dog to soil other's property & damage landscaping as they run uncontrolled through their yards.

Do not allow your dog to bark all night, keeping the neighborhood awake.

Never leave your dog unattended wearing a choke chain. The choke is a training device to be used only during an obedience lesson. Always remove the choke chain when the working session is over.

Do not leave your dog unattended when on vacation. Put your dog in the care of a qualified and responsible person or boarding kennel.

Don't give your dog table scraps. Be advised that many food items that humans enjoy are not safe for dogs such as, onions and onion powder; alcoholic beverages, yeasty dough, coffee beans & grounds, chocolate, macadamia nuts, tomato, potato, rhubarb, avocado peels and moldy or greasy foods. All are dangerous in one way or another. A good quality dry dog food provides all the nutrition your pet needs.

Be aware of household dangers to your dog. They include mothballs, potpourri oils,  homemade play dough, dryer sheets, cleaning agents, batteries, cigarettes, pennies and pocket warmers. 

Never breed your dog out of ignorance or greed! The responsible, reputable breeding of quality dogs is hard work, time consuming and expensive. Get the facts from breed experts first. Remember irresponsibility litters our shelters & rescue facilities.

© Jill Kennedy Wolens, 1991

The Basics of Dog Ownership

We feel that crate training is the best way to house break your puppy or dog. Generally, dogs will not sleep in a soiled area. Therefore, if you crate your puppy at night, most of the time, they will let you know they need to go out and not make a mess. Also, crate the puppy while you are away, it acts as a 'play-pen' to keep your dog from causing damage or getting into mischief in your home. This will make life easier for everybody. Always put some of your puppy's toys or rawhide chews in the crate with them so that they will have something to keep them occupied while you are away. If the occasion happens that you will be away for an extended time (work, etc.), put your puppy outside in your fenced yard or kennel run so that they will not be in intestinal distress.

 

At first, most puppies will resist the crate by whining, crying, or throwing a fit. It is not that they dislike the new "den", but the first response to separation. Dogs are social animals and regard you as part of their "pack", it is natural for them to want to remain with you. It is best to bring your puppy home on a weekend or when you can devote an extended period of time to their arrival. This will give you time to work your schedule out. Place the crate in an area that the dog does not feel alone. Some owners prefer two crates, one in the den & the other in the bedroom. We suggest you begin crate training in the middle of the day during the puppy's usual nap times. This is a time that televisions, washers, dryers, and radios are going. These noises make it much easier to handle any separation outbursts. If you wait till 10:30 on a Sunday night when you are exhausted and must go to work early the next day, you will only end up frustrated and angry. Always exercise the puppy before crating. If corrections are necessary, stay out of sight and verbally correct the puppy for any barking or whining. Making subsequent visits to the crate after the first outburst only reinforces the behavior and they learn that being vocal puts them in charge.

 

Always let your puppy out first thing in the morning and first thing when you return home from being away. If you have a very young puppy, you may have to get up and let it out in the middle of the night. Puppies also need to go out just before playtime so that they can relieve themselves. Watch for little signals that mean they need to go out. Some of the more common ones are pacing, whining, or they give you "the look". Once outside, you should designate a place for them to go. Always take them to that particular spot and when they have completed their task, praise them highly. At first, you may have to call or carry them to the area. Start a schedule and BE CONSISTENT and praise them highly every time they do correct behaviors.

 

Never use the crate as a punishment. If they should have an accident, do not put them in the crate and scold them. Their crate is a place for them to rest and eat their dinner. Make sure you provide a water source in the crate. You can use a small two quart stainless steel pail that is clipped to the wire mesh with a bolt snap or an attachable dish for smaller breeds. The crate is their "own space" and they really enjoy having a place to get away from it all. Many dogs will retire to their crates on their own accord or jump into them anxiously awaiting their dinner.

 

Crating is a lifesaver when you are traveling. Hotels & relatives are much more accepting of crated dogs in their rooms. Crating is also a safe method for transporting your dog in the car or truck. We recommend that you have the crate ready for your puppy the day you pick a dog up from your breeder.

 

Selecting a crate is a matter of personal taste. There are several styles from which to choose and all have their advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you buy a crate that is the correct size for the dog as an adult. It should be large enough for the grown dog to stand and turn around unimpeded. You may have to section off a portion of the crate until the dog grows into it. Some puppies will use the extra space as the restroom.

 

Molded Plastic Crates
Pet Porters, Vari-Kennels, Kennel Cab, Furrari, etc....
They are easy to clean, last a long time and are airline approved for shipping They are more closed in and don't offer as much 'ventilation' as Wire Crates.. You can obtain them through pet supply stores, discount stores, catalogs & online.

 

Wire Crates
Kennel-Aire, General Cage, Precision, T.E. Scott, Prevue Hendryx, etc....
These crates offer a better view and air circulation. A couple brands offer additional "kits" for certain models to allow for air shipment, otherwise they are not approved for such use. Wires are available with a variety of epoxy, powder, anodized coatings. Folding models are preferred by many exhibitors for traveling to shows. Not recommended for extremely long-haired breeds. They are available through pet supply stores, online dog supply sites & catalogs.

 

Aluminum Box or Oak Crate
Tejas, Cherry brook, D-Flite, etc...
These are usually used by handlers needing an air approved crate that is combined with grooming table. They are very sturdy and are very expensive. You can obtain them through online dog supply sites, show catalogs or at shows.

 

Mesh or Fabric Crate
Homestretch, Cabana, Noz 2 Noz, Port-a-crate, Eezi
This type if crate offers lightweight collapsible aluminum or PVC frames covered with mesh cloth. 

Most have zippered doors & provide nice ventilation & sun shade. These are often preferred by 

Obedience competitors. Warning! Mesh crates are designed for use by dogs who are already crate

trained, obedient or gentle natured. They are not intended for puppies, aggressive or destructive

dogs who claw or chew. These can be obtained through pet supply stores, show catalogs or at shows & online.

 

© Jill Kennedy Wolens, 1991.

Housebreaking & Crating

 

A puppy is one of the most appealing

creatures on earth.

He's the embodiment of exuberance, humor,

and affection. But

please consider  the negative aspects

 before you bring

a puppy home.

We encourage all Siberian Husky owners & fanciers to be responsible. Please show your support by contributing to the local and national charitable organizations, be it financially or as a volunteer.