Eskies are extremely social dogs, and they will prefer to spend most of their time around your family. [2] X Research source Eskies’ long fur can cause overheating in the summer, and while their coats can keep them warm in winter, they should not be put outdoors for long periods of time in the cold. [3] X Research source
You might consider taking your Eskie to puppy training school. Going to training school with them can help bond you with your puppy, and it will teach your puppy how to act around other humans and dogs. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Puppies can start these classes at around seven weeks old.
You may want to consider crate training your puppy. Not only will this help you confine your puppy while you are out but it provides a safe, personal den for your puppy. Puppies under six months old should not be in the crate for longer than three or four hours, however. You should also confine your puppy in a room or crate at night. Understand that very young puppies may not sleep through the night. You might have to wake up to walk the puppy. Your puppy should be able to sleep through the night at three or four months old. [8] X Research source If you are gone for longer than four hours a day, you should have a friend, family member, or dog sitter come by to take your puppy out for bathroom breaks and play. Puppies should not be left alone for long periods. [9] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease that causes gradual vision loss in dogs. In some cases, it can appear as early as six months in a puppy. [11] X Research source Hip dysplasia is a deformity that can cause arthritis or joint disease in dogs. Affected dogs may start limping or losing their balance. [12] X Research source Pyruvate kinase deficiency is an enzyme deficiency that can cause anemia in dogs. Symptoms include weakness, heart murmurs, or lethargy.
You can play fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek with your puppy to help exercise them. Give your puppy lots of toys to play with while you’re gone. Puppies love to chew toys, such as stuffed animals or rubber balls. You can also fill a toy with kibble or peanut butter, and let them lick it out Puppies should be walked at least twice a day. Since dogs are most active at dawn and dusk, these may be the best times to walk your puppy. [13] X Research source
For the first few days, feed them the same brand as the breeder fed them. Over the course of a week, you can slowly introduce a new brand. Start by replacing a quarter of their old food with the new food, and increase that amount by a small portion each day until they are only eating the new food. [15] X Research source Toy Eskies should continue to be multiple fed meals throughout the day to prevent hypoglycemia. This is not a concern in miniature or standard varieties, who can be fed twice a day after they reach six months old. [16] X Research source
Introduce dogs while they are leashed outside. Reward them both with treats if they act friendly towards one another. Afterwards, you may take them into your home. Separate them with a baby gate until they are used to each others’ presence. [17] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If you have a cat, you should keep the two separated for a few days until they are used to each others’ scent. When you first introduce the two, watch the puppy carefully. If the cat ignores the puppy or acts friendly towards the Eskie, you should praise the cat. Teach your children how to properly handle the puppy before the Eskie comes into your home. Inform them that if the dog nips or growls, it means that the puppy does not want to be touched or played with. Do not let the children play with the puppy unless you are there to watch them. [18] X Research source
While you should never leave your dog alone in the car, you can bring your Eskie out on car trips to expose them to a wide variety of sounds, sights, and places.
If your dog’s fur is matted or tangled, you should spray it with a fur detangler before slowing brushing it out from the roots. During the spring and fall, the Eskie will start to shed their fur. [23] X Research source During these periods, you should groom them more frequently to prevent your furniture and clothing from being completely covered in fur. [24] X Research source
You may also consider hiring a professional groomer to bathe them. The groomer can help take of matted fur and may be more experienced with bathing a wriggling puppy.
If you are planning on showing your Eskie at competitions, you should know that the foot fur is expected to be long. You can trim the fur to keep it neat, but the fur should not be shaved back. [27] X Research source
To clip your dog’s nails, hold their paw firmly in your hand. Trim the nails until you see a small circle develop on the cut surface. Look for a small, red blood vessel in their nail. This is called the quick. If you clip the quick, it may start to bleed. You want to stop clipping before you reach the quick. If you do accidentally clip the quick, stop the bleeding by putting styptic powder on it. [28] X Expert Source Beverly UlbrichDog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Interview. 30 January 2020. You can also use corn starch. [29] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
