Twatha Utonagan

Hints and Tips

Mop Bucket 3 parts floor cleaner (I use Flash) 2 parts Biological washing powder (shops own is fine) ½ part bleach Fill with hot water Timeline - change daily

Cleaning patio/drive area Use thin bleach, brush in with broom and clean off with a jet wash Timeline - clean weekly (dependent on amount of dogs)

*Garlic powder & *Cod Liver Oil Give garlic daily to prevent fleas and bolster immune system. Give Cod Liver Oil in the winter and Olive Oil in the summer *Buy from the horse food shop, as there it's often one third of the price as from the pet food shop.

Liquid Panacur 10% (Wormer) Also cheaper from the horse food shop than from the vet.

Soft Toys Soft Toys that do not have plastic eyes or noses etc. are much cheaper and just as fun for the dog when bought from the charity shop. However, with all soft toys please throw away once the stuffing starts to come out.

Blankets/Dog beds Childrens' cot blankets are just as washable and safe as expensive dog blankets, but much cheaper. For puppies blankets from charity shops are easy to wash and not so upsetting when you have to throw them out. Do not make the mistake of buying expensive dog beds that only have washable covers when you have puppies, the puppies will urinate on them and ruin them. Also those beautiful wicker beds will be shredded in no time.

Filthy Dog beds If you don't want to put those really filthy dog beds in your washing machine, but are loth to throw them away. Take them outside and jet wash them first. Vet bed comes up white again.

Utonagan eyes Many Utonagan have much more highly reflective eyes than normal dogs, although there have been 3 documented cases of cataracts in Utonagan, do not worry and jump to conclusions if the eyes seem to shine. A vet check can put you at ease.

Utonagan Vaccinations There have been occurences in the Utonagan breed where early vaccinations have caused "Blue Eye", i.e. the pup went blind. After all the research I have done on vaccinations, my advise is:- 1st Vaccination at 10 weeks 2nd Vaccination at 14 weeks Nosodes at 1 yr Blood test at 2 yrs

Utonagan Testicles The testicles of young Utonagan puppies are higher up the body than in your average breed: do not let your vet scare you into thinking that your puppy doesn't have any just because he is looking in the wrong place. Although there have been documented cases of monorchidism within the Utonagan, there have also been very many cases of the testies not dropping until 18 months of age, do not panic until at least that age. Meanwhile there are things you can do to assist them to drop - ask you breeder for details. If by 18 months the testes have not dropped, please report this to your breeder and get the animal neutered.

Neutering Many vets will tell you that neutering your dog will stop his agressive tendancies, and stop him from trying to hump your leg. In 9 out of 10 cases neutering actually makes this worse, as you then have a wounded animal trying to prove he is alpha. Use Amichien Bonding to make sure that your dog does not think he is alpha, and only neuter if that is what you think is best for the dog, or it is what is medically best for him.

Spaying Many vets will encourage you to spay your bitch at 6 months of age, they are happy to frighten you into thinking that if you do not your bitch may die of a womb infection (pyometra). If this was really as widespread as they say, there wouldn't be any dogs left on the planet. Be aware that vets can be fantastic, but some of them are only interested in your money.

Disclaimer: The above information is meant as a guide only, no liability will be accepted for any incidents which might occur from following this advise.