Toy Fox Terrier

If, after learning about the breed, you are convinced that the Toy Fox Terrier is in fact the ideal dog for you, it’s time to learn about where to find a puppy and what to look for. Locating a breeder of Toy Fox Terriers should not present too much of a problem for the new owner, as this is a breed that’s steadily gaining in popularity. You should inquire about breeders who enjoy a good reputation in the breed. You are looking for an established breeder with outstanding dog ethics and a strong commitment to the breed.

Good breeders will have their young puppies examined by a vet before it’s time for the pups to leave for new homes, and will have the necessary health documentation to give the new owner.

PUPPY APPEARANCE

Your puppy should have a well-fed appearance but not a distended abdomen, which may indicate worms or incorrect feeding, or both. The body should be firm, with a solid feel. The skin of the abdomen should be pale pink and clean, without signs of scratching or rash. Check the hind legs to make certain that dewclaws were removed, if any were present at birth.

New owners should have as many questions as they have doubts. An established breeder is indeed the one to answer your four million questions and make you comfortable with your choice of the Toy Fox Terrier. An established breeder will sell you a puppy at a fair price if, and only if, the breeder determines that you are a suitable, worthy owner of his dogs. An established breeder can be relied upon for advice, no matter what time of day or night. A reputable breeder will accept a puppy back, without questions, should you decide that this is not the right dog for you.

When choosing a breeder, reputation is much more important than convenience of location. Do not be overly impressed by breeders who run brag advertisements in the dog presses about their stupendous champions. The real quality breeders are quiet and unassuming. You hear about them at dog shows and trials, by word of mouth.

You may be well advised to avoid the novice who lives only a few miles away. The novice breeder, trying so hard to get rid of that first litter of puppies, is more than accommodating and anxious to sell you one. That breeder will charge you as much as any established breeder. The novice breeder isn’t going to interrogate you and your family about your intentions with the puppy, the environment and training you can provide, etc. That breeder will be nowhere to be found when your poorly bred, badly adjusted four-pawed monster starts to growl and spit up at midnight or eat the family cat!

Choosing a breeder is an important first step in dog ownership. Fortunately, the majority of Toy Fox Terrier breeders is devoted to the breed and its well-being. New owners should have little problem finding a reputable breeder who doesn’t live on the other side of the state (or in a different state). The American Kennel Club is able to refer you to breeders of quality Toy Fox Terriers, as can an all-breed club or a Toy Fox Terrier breed club, such as the American Toy Fox Terrier Club.

TEMPERAMENT COUNTS

Your selection of a good puppy can be determined by your needs. A show potential or a good pet? It is your choice. Every puppy, however, should be of good temperament. Although show-quality puppies are bred and raised with emphasis on physical conformation, responsible breeders strive for equally good temperament. Do not buy from a breeder who concentrates solely on physical beauty at the expense of personality.

Potential owners are encouraged to attend dog shows and trials to see the Toy Fox Terriers in action, to meet the owners and handlers firsthand and to get an idea of what Toy Fox Terriers look like outside a photographer’s lens. Provided you approach the handlers when they are not busy with the dogs, most are more than willing to answer questions, recommend breeders and give advice.

ARE YOU A FIT OWNER?

If the breeder from whom you are buying a puppy asks you a lot of personal questions, do not be insulted. Such a breeder wants to be sure that you will be a fit provider for his puppy.

Once you have contacted and met a breeder or two and made your choice about which breeder is best suited to your needs, it’s time to visit the litter. Litter size varies greatly in the breed. Usually there are two or three puppies in a litter, but litters of four, five and even six puppies are not entirely out of the ordinary.

Feisty, outgoing puppies make themselves known in the litter. Interaction between littermates helps the puppies learn just how hard they can bite without hurting their playmates.

Keep in mind that many top breeders have waiting lists. Sometimes new owners have to wait over a year for a puppy, especially if seeking a show- or breeding-quality Toy Fox Terrier. If you are really committed to the breeder whom you’ve selected, then you will wait (and hope for an early arrival!). If not, you may have to go with your second- or third-choice breeder. Don’t be too anxious, however. If the breeder doesn’t have a waiting list, or anyone interested in his pups, there is probably a good reason. It’s no different than visiting a restaurant with no clientele. The best restaurants always have waiting lists—and it’s usually worth the wait. Besides, isn’t a puppy more important than a fancy dinner?

Since you are likely to be choosing a Toy Fox Terrier as a pet dog and not a show dog, you simply should select a pup that is friendly, attractive and healthy. If you have a preference for a male or female puppy, this will play a role in your selection as well. It can honestly be said that both the male and the female Toy Fox Terrier make wonderful companions. Females may be slightly more independent.

Breeders commonly allow visitors to see their litters by around the fifth or sixth week, and puppies leave for their new homes between the eighth and tenth week (although sometimes show-quality pups are kept a few weeks longer so that the breeder can better evaluate their potential). Breeders who permit their puppies to leave early are more interested in a profit than in their puppies’ well-being. Puppies need to learn the rules of the pack from their dam, and most dams continue teaching the pups manners and dos and don’ts until around the eighth week. Due to the Toy Fox pups’ small size at eight weeks old, the breeder should provide you with special instructions about handling, feeding, naps, etc.

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Unfortunately, when a puppy is bought by someone who does not take into consideration the time and attention that dog ownership requires, it is the puppy who suffers when he is either abandoned or placed in a shelter by a frustrated owner. So all of the “homework” you do in preparation for your pup’s arrival will benefit you both. The more informed you are, the more you will know what to expect and the better equipped you will be to handle the ups and downs of raising a puppy. Hopefully, everyone in the household is willing to do his part in raising and caring for the pup. The anticipation of owning a dog often brings a lot of promises from excited family members: “I will walk him every day,” “I will feed him,” “I will house-train him,” etc., but these things take time and effort, and promises can easily be forgotten once the novelty of the new pet has worn off.

Puppies and children should be introduced with caution and supervision. Toddlers never should be alone with or allowed to handle a Toy Fox puppy.

During the pups’ time with their breeder, the breeder will spend significant amounts of time with the Toy Fox toddlers so that the pups are able to interact with the “other species,” i.e., humans. Given the long history that dogs and humans have, bonding between the two species is natural but must be nurtured. A well-bred well-socialized Toy Fox Terrier pup wants nothing more than to be near you and please you.

The Toy Fox Terrier puppy you bring into your home will be your best friend and a member of your family for many years to come. Well-bred and well-cared-for Toy Fox Terriers can easily live to be 10, 12, even 13 years of age. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the puppy you select has had every opportunity to begin life in a healthy, stable environment and comes from stock that is both physically and temperamentally sound.

The only way you can be assured of this is to go directly to a breeder of Toy Fox Terriers who has consistently produced dogs of this kind over the years. A breeder earns this reputation through a well-planned breeding program that has been governed by rigid selectivity. Selective breeding programs are aimed at maintaining the breed’s many fine qualities and keeping the breed free of as many genetic weaknesses as possible.

Not all good breeders maintain large kennels. In fact, you are more apt to find that Toy Fox Terriers come from the homes of small hobby breeders who keep just a few dogs and have litters only occasionally. The names of these people are just as likely to appear on the recommended lists from kennel clubs as the larger kennels that maintain many dogs.

Your chosen puppy should be alert and active, ready to play or investigate his surroundings.

PEDIGREE VS. REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

Too often new owners are confused between these two important documents. Your puppy’s pedigree, essentially a family tree, is a written record of a dog’s genealogy of three generations or more. The pedigree will show you the names as well as performance titles of all of the dogs in your pup’s background. Your breeder must provide you with a registration application, with his part properly filled out. You must complete the application and send it to the AKC with the proper fee. Every puppy must come from a litter that has been AKC-registered by the breeder, born in the US and from a sire and dam that are also registered with the AKC.

The seller must provide you with complete records to identify the puppy. The AKC requires that the seller provide the buyer with the following: breed; sex, color and markings; date of birth; litter number (when available); names and registration numbers of the parents; breeder’s name; and date sold or delivered.

Dedicated hobby breeders are equally devoted to breeding quality Toy Fox Terriers. A factor in favor of the hobby breeder is the distinct advantage of their being able to raise their puppies in the home environment with all of the accompanying personal attention and socialization.

A healthy Toy Fox Terrier puppy is a bouncy, playful extrovert. Never select a puppy that appears shy or listless because you feel sorry for the pup. Doing so will undoubtedly lead to heartache and expensive veterinary costs. Do not attempt to make up for what the breeder did not do in providing proper care and nutrition. It seldom works.

Ask the breeder if it is possible take the puppy to which you are attracted (or the one that is attracted to you) into a different room in the kennel or house in which the pup was raised. The smells will remain the same for the puppy, so he should still feel secure, and this will give you an opportunity to see how the puppy acts away from his littermates and to inspect the puppy more closely.

Even though Toy Fox Terrier puppies are very small, they should feel sturdy to the touch. Puppies should not feel bony nor should their abdomens be bloated and extended. A puppy that has just eaten may have a little belly that is full, but the puppy should never appear obese.

The inside of a healthy puppy’s ears will be pink and clean. Dark discharge or a bad odor could indicate ear mites, a sure sign of lack of cleanliness and poor maintenance. A Toy Fox Terrier puppy’s breath should always smell sweet. Teeth must be clean and bright, and there should never be a malformation of the jaw, lips or nostrils. The puppy’s bite should be neither overshot nor undershot, although small faults may correct themselves as the puppy matures. Discuss this with the breeder to see what he predicts.

TIME TO GO HOME

Breeders rarely release puppies until they are eight to ten weeks of age. This is an acceptable age for most breeds of dog, although some toy breeds are not released until around 12 weeks of age. If a breeder has a puppy that is 12 weeks of age or older, he is likely well socialized and house-trained. Be sure that he is otherwise healthy before deciding to take him home.

The puppy’s eyes should be dark and clear. Runny eyes or eyes that appear red and irritated could be caused by a myriad of problems, none of which indicates a healthy puppy. Coughing and diarrhea are danger signals as well, as is any discharge from the nose or eruptions on the skin. The coat should be soft, clean and lustrous.

Sound conformation can be determined even at eight weeks of age. The puppy’s legs should be straight without bumps or malformations. The toes should point straight ahead. The back should be strong and level.

The puppy’s attitude tells you a great deal about his state of health. Puppies that are feeling “out of sorts” react very quickly. They will usually find a warm littermate with whom to snuggle and prefer to stay that way, even when the rest of the “gang” wants to play or go exploring.

All dogs, whether puppies or adults, need chew-worthy toys to play with. Soft toys are the choice of young dogs, though supervision with such toys is well advised.

PET INSURANCE

Just as you can insure your car, your house and your own health, you likewise can insure your dog’s health. Investigate a pet insurance policy by talking to your vet. Depending on the age of your dog, the breed and the kind of coverage you desire, your policy can be very affordable. Most policies cover accidental injuries, poisoning and thousands of medical problems and illnesses, including cancers. Some carriers also offer routine care and immunization coverage.

It is hard to give a firm and fast rule as to when a Toy Fox Terrier puppy’s ears will be standing up properly. It varies from bloodline to bloodline and just as much from one puppy to the next. Some ears are up as early as when the puppies are toddling about; others can take as long as six months.

There are many “beauty-point” shortcomings that a Toy Fox Terrier puppy might have that would in no way interfere with his being a wonderful companion. However, these faults could be serious drawbacks in the show ring. Many of these things are such that a beginner in the breed might hardly notice. This is why employing the assistance of a good breeder is so important in making your selection.

All of the foregoing regarding soundness and health in selecting a companion puppy applies to the show-prospect puppy as well. The show prospect must also be sound and healthy, and must adhere to the standard of the breed very closely.

Like the pet, the show prospect must have a happy, outgoing temperament. He will be a compact little bundle of energy, never appearing short-legged or out of balance. The show puppy will move around with ease, his head held high. Dark eyes and black nose, lips and eye-rims are required except in the self-colors.

The younger a puppy is, the more unpredictable his future as a show dog will be. The most a good breeder will say about a very young puppy is that the puppy has show potential. The breeder’s experience with and knowledge of the developmental stages of outstanding dogs that he has produced in the past will increase the predictability factor, but any experienced breeder will tell you that the closer a dog is to full maturity, the better he is able to evaluate the dog as a show dog.

HANDLE WITH CARE

You should be extremely careful about handling tiny puppies. Not that you might hurt them, but that the pups’ mother may exhibit what is called “maternal aggression.” It is a natural, instinctive reaction for the dam to protect her young against anything she interprets as predatory or possibly harmful to her pups. The sweetest, most gentle of bitches, after whelping a litter, often reacts this way, even to her owner.

After considering all of the foregoing factors, you have most likely already made some very important decisions about selecting your puppy. You have chosen the Toy Fox Terrier, which means that you have decided which characteristics you want in a dog and what type of dog will best fit into your family and lifestyle. If you have selected a breeder, you have gone a step further—you have done your research and found a responsible, conscientious person who breeds quality Toy Fox Terriers and who should be a reliable source of help as you and your puppy adjust to life together. If you have observed a litter in action, you have obtained a firsthand look at the dynamics of a puppy “pack” and, thus, you have learned about each pup’s individual personality—perhaps you have even found one that particularly appeals to you.

PUPPY PERSONALITY

When a litter becomes available to you, choosing a pup out of all those adorable faces will not be an easy task! Sound temperament is of utmost importance, but each pup has its own personality and some may be better suited to you than others. A feisty, independent pup will do well in a home with older children and adults, while quiet, shy puppies will thrive in a home with minimal noise and distractions. Your breeder knows the pups best and should be able to guide you in the right direction.

However, even if you have not yet found the Toy Fox Terrier puppy of your dreams, observing pups will help you learn to recognize certain behavior and to determine what a pup’s behavior indicates about his temperament. You will be able to pick out which pups are the leaders, which ones are less outgoing, which ones are confident, shy, playful, friendly, aggressive, etc. Equally as important, you will learn to recognize what a healthy pup should look and act like. All of these things will help you in your search, and when you find the Toy Fox Terrier that was meant for you, you will know it!

Researching your breed, selecting a responsible breeder and observing as many pups as possible are all important steps on the way to dog ownership. It may seem like a lot of effort…and you have not even taken the pup home yet! Remember, though, you cannot be too careful when it comes to deciding on the type of dog you want and finding out about your prospective pup’s background. Buying a puppy is not—or should not be—just another whimsical purchase. This is one instance in which you actually do get to choose your own family!

STRESS-FREE

Some experts in canine health advise that stress during a dog’s early years of development can compromise and weaken his immune system, and may trigger the potential for a shortened life. They emphasize the need for happy and stress-free growing-up years.

You may be thinking that buying a puppy should be fun—it should not be so serious and so much work. Keep in mind that your puppy is not a cuddly stuffed toy or decorative lawn ornament; rather, he is a living creature that will become a real member of your family. You will come to realize that, while buying a puppy is a pleasurable and exciting endeavor, it is not something to be taken lightly. Relax…the fun will start when the pup comes home!

Always keep in mind that a puppy is nothing more than a baby in a furry disguise…a baby who is virtually helpless in a human world and who trusts his owner for fulfillment of his basic needs for survival. In addition to food, water and shelter, your pup needs care, protection, guidance and love. If you are not prepared to commit to this, then you are not prepared to own a dog.

“Wait a minute,” you say. “How hard could this be? All of my neighbors own dogs and they seem to be doing just fine. Why should I have to worry about all of this?” Well, you should not worry about it; in fact, you will probably find that once your Toy Fox Terrier pup gets used to his new home, he will fall into his place in the family quite naturally. However, it never hurts to emphasize the commitment of dog ownership. With some time and patience, it is really not too difficult to raise a curious and exuberant Toy Fox Terrier pup to be a well-adjusted and well-mannered adult dog—a dog that could be your most loyal friend.

Researching your breed and finding a breeder are only two aspects of the “homework” you will have to do before taking your Toy Fox Terrier puppy home. You will also have to prepare your home and family for the new addition. Much as you would prepare a nursery for a newborn baby, you will need to designate a place in your home that will be the puppy’s own. How you prepare your home will depend on how much freedom the dog will be allowed. Whatever you decide, you must ensure that he has a place that he can “call his own.”

The breeder likely can introduce you to other family members (uncles, half-siblings, etc.) who will give you a good idea of how your chosen puppy will develop, both physically and temperamentally.

When you take your new puppy into your home, you are bringing him into what will become his home as well. Obviously, you did not buy a puppy with the intentions of catering to his every whim and allowing him to “rule the roost,” but in order for a puppy to grow into a stable, well-adjusted dog, he has to feel comfortable in his surroundings. Remember, he is leaving the warmth and security of his mother and littermates, as well as the familiarity of the only place he has ever known, so it is important to make his transition as easy as possible.

Baby gates are an excellent purchase; these are the same gates that parents choose to keep their toddlers from wandering into certain areas of the home.

“YOU BETTER SHOP AROUND!”

Finding a reputable breeder who sells healthy pups is very important, but make sure that the breeder you choose is not only someone you respect but also someone with whom you feel comfortable. Your breeder will be a resource long after you buy your puppy, and you must be able to call with reasonable questions without being made to feel like a pest! If you don’t connect on a personal level, investigate some other breeders before making a final decision.

By preparing a place in your home for the puppy, you are making him feel as welcome as possible in a strange new place. It should not take him long to get used to it, but the sudden shock of being transplanted is somewhat traumatic for a young pup. Imagine how a small child would feel in the same situation—that is how your puppy must be feeling. It is up to you to reassure him and to let him know, “Little one, you are going to like it here!”

To someone unfamiliar with the use of crates in dog training, it may seem like punishment to shut a dog in a crate, but this is not the case at all. More and more breeders and trainers around the world are recommending crates as preferred tools for pet puppies as well as show puppies.

Crates are not cruel—crates have many humane and highly effective uses in dog care and training. For example, crate training is a popular and very successful housebreaking method. In addition, a crate can keep your dog safe during travel and, perhaps most importantly, a crate provides your dog with a place of his own in your home. It serves as a “doggie bedroom” of sorts—your Toy Fox Terrier can curl up in his crate when he wants to sleep or when he just needs a break. Many dogs sleep in their crates overnight. With soft bedding and his favorite toy, a crate becomes a cozy pseudo-den for your dog. Like his ancestors, he too will seek out the comfort and retreat of a den—you just happen to be providing him with something a little more luxurious than what his early ancestors enjoyed.

As far as purchasing a crate, the type that you buy is up to you. It will most likely be one of the two most popular types: wire or fiberglass. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type. For example, a wire crate is more open, allowing the air to flow through and affording the dog a view of what is going on around him; these are preferred for use in the home. A fiberglass crate is sturdier and preferred as a travel crate. Although both types of crates can double as travel crates, providing protection for the dog, you may wish to purchase a wire crate for the home and a fiberglass crate for traveling. Fiberglass crates usually have handles on top for easy carrying.

YOUR SCHEDULE …

If you lead an erratic, unpredictable life, with daily or weekly changes in your work requirements, consider the problems of owning a puppy. The new puppy has to be fed regularly, socialized (loved, petted, handled, introduced to other people) and, most importantly, allowed to go outdoors for house-training. As the dog gets older, he can be more tolerant of deviations in his feeding and relief schedule.

Your local pet shop will have a wide variety of crates suitable for a Toy Fox Terrier. A small crate will be fine for the Toy Fox at his puppy and adult size.

When purchasing the crate, it is best to get one that will accommodate your dog both as a pup and at full size. With toy breeds, this is easy since they do not grow to be very big. The Toy Fox puppy will not feel overwhelmed in a crate suitable for an adult Toy Fox. The recommended crate size is 21 inches (53.3 cm) deep by 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide by 15 inches (38.1 cm) high.

A soft crate pad and/or a blanket in the dog’s crate will help the dog feel more at home. First, these will take the place of the leaves, twigs, etc., that the pup would use in the wild to make a den; the pup can make his own “burrow” in the crate. Although your pup is far removed from his den-making ancestors, the denning instinct is still a part of his genetic makeup. Second, until you take your pup home, he has been sleeping amid the warmth of his mother and littermates, and while soft bedding is not the same as a warm, breathing body, it still provides heat and something with which to snuggle. You will want to wash your pup’s bedding frequently in case he has a potty “accident” in his crate, and replace or remove any item in the crate that becomes ragged and starts to fall apart.

Toys are a must for dogs of all ages, especially for curious playful pups. Puppies are the “children” of the dog world, and what child does not love toys? Chew toys provide enjoyment for both dog and owner—your dog will enjoy playing with his favorite toys, while you will enjoy the fact that they distract him from chewing on your expensive shoes and leather sofa. Puppies love to chew; in fact, chewing is a physical need for pups as they are teething, and everything looks appetizing! The full range of your possessions—from old dish rag to Oriental carpet—are fair game in the eyes of a teething pup. Puppies are not all that discerning when it comes to finding something literally to “sink their teeth into”—everything tastes great!

Toy Fox Terriers enjoy passing the time away by chewing, and it seems that the more alpha-type members of the breed will be even more inclined to chew. Toy Fox Terriers need toys that do not destruct easily. Big, chunky rope toys and synthetically made shatter-proof bones are good choices.

Breeders advise owners to resist stuffed toys, because they can become de-stuffed in no time. The overly excited pup may ingest the stuffing, which is neither nutritious nor digestible. Similarly, squeaky toys are quite popular, but must be avoided for the Toy Fox Terrier. Perhaps a squeaky toy can be used as an aid in training or during playtime under your supervision, but not for free play. If a pup “disembowels” one of these, the small plastic squeaker inside can be dangerous if swallowed.

Be careful of natural bones, which have a tendency to splinter into sharp, dangerous pieces. Also be careful of rawhide, which can turn into pieces that are easy to swallow and become a mushy mess on your carpet.

CRATE-TRAINING TIPS

During crate training, you should partition off the section of the crate in which the pup stays. If he is given too big an area, this will hinder your training efforts. Crate training is based on the fact that a dog does not like to soil his sleeping quarters, so it is ineffective to keep a pup in an area that is so big that he can eliminate in one end and get far enough away from it to sleep. Also, you want to make the crate den-like for your dog. Blankets and a favorite toy will make the crate cozy for the small pup; as he grows, you may want to evict some of his “roommates” to make more room. It will take some coaxing at first, but be patient. Given some time to get used to it, your dog will adapt to his home-within-a-home quite nicely.

TOYS, TOYS, TOYS!

With a big variety of dog toys available, and so many that look like they would be a lot of fun for a dog, be careful in your selection. It is amazing what a set of puppy teeth can do to an innocent-looking toy, so, obviously, safety is a major consideration. Be sure to choose the most durable products that you can find. Hard nylon bones and toys are a safe bet, and many of them are offered in different scents and flavors that will be sure to capture your dog’s attention. It is always fun to play a game of fetch with your dog, and there are balls and flying discs that are specially made to withstand dog teeth.

It is important to only provide your Toy Fox with the safest toys available; remember, although a small dog, he has strong jaws and teeth. Monitor the condition of all your pup’s toys carefully and get rid of any that have been chewed to the point of becoming potentially dangerous.

A nylon leash is probably the best option, as it is the most resistant to puppy teeth should your pup take a liking to chewing on his leash. Of course, this is a habit that should be nipped in the bud, but, if your pup likes to chew on his leash, he has a very slim chance of being able to chew through the strong nylon. Nylon leashes are also lightweight, which is good for a young Toy Fox Terrier who is just getting used to the idea of walking on a leash. For everyday walking and safety purposes, the nylon leash is a good choice.

As your pup grows up and gets used to walking on the leash, and can do it politely, you may want to purchase a flexible leash. These leashes allow you to extend the length to give the dog a broader area to explore or to shorten the length to keep the dog near you. Some owners of toy breeds like to use lightweight harnesses on their dogs and feel that they are more comfortable for small dogs than the traditional leash and collar.

Your local pet shop will have a variety of collars, leashes and harnesses from which you can select those best suited to your Toy Fox Terrier.

Your pup should get used to wearing a collar all the time since you will want to attach his ID tags to it; plus, you have to attach the leash to something! A lightweight nylon collar is a good choice. Make certain that the collar fits snugly enough so that the pup cannot wriggle out of it, but is loose enough so that it will not be uncomfortably tight around the pup’s neck. You should be able to fit a finger between the pup’s neck and the collar. It may take some time for your pup to get used to wearing the collar, but soon he will not notice that it is there. Choke collars are made for training, but are neither recommended nor suitable for use with toy breeds.

Your pup will need two bowls, one for food and one for water. You may also want an additional water bowl to keep outside for your dog. Stainless steel or sturdy plastic bowls are popular choices. Plastic bowls are more chewable, but dogs tend not to chew on the steel variety, which can be sterilized. It is important to buy sturdy bowls since anything is in danger of being chewed by puppy teeth and you do not want your dog to be constantly chewing apart his bowl (for his safety and for your wallet!).

Small bowls are sufficient for Toy Fox Terriers. Purchase bowls that are durable and can be cleaned easily.

Until a pup is housebroken, you will be doing a lot of cleaning. “Accidents” will occur, which is acceptable in the beginning stages of toilet training because the puppy does not know any better. All you can do is be prepared to clean up any accidents as soon as they happen. Old rags or towels, paper towels, newspapers and a safe disinfectant are good to have on hand.

The items previously discussed are the bare necessities. You will find out what else you need as you go along—grooming supplies, flea/tick protection, baby gates to partition a room, etc. These things will vary depending on your situation, but it is important that right away you have everything you need to feed and make your Toy Fox Terrier comfortable in his first few days at home.

Aside from making sure that your Toy Fox Terrier will be comfortable in your home, you also have to make sure that your home is safe for your Toy Fox Terrier. This means taking precautions that your pup will not get into anything he should not get into and that there is nothing within his reach that may harm him should he sniff it, chew it, inspect it, etc. This probably seems obvious since, while you are primarily concerned with your pup’s safety, at the same time you do not want your belongings to be ruined. Breakables should be placed out of reach if your dog is to have full run of the house. If he is to be limited to certain places within the house, keep any potentially dangerous items in the “off-limits” areas.

An electrical cord can pose a danger should the puppy decide to taste it—and who is going to convince a pup that it would not make a great chew toy? Wires and cords should be fastened tightly against the wall and away from puppy teeth. If your dog is going to spend time in a crate, make sure that there is nothing near his crate that he can reach if he sticks his curious little nose or paws through the openings. Just as you would with a child, keep all household cleaners and chemicals where the pup cannot reach them; antifreeze is especially dangerous to dogs, as they seem to be attracted to its taste and it causes death quickly.

NATURAL TOXINS

Examine your grass and landscaping before bringing your puppy home. Many varieties of plants have leaves, stems or flowers that are toxic if ingested, and you can depend on a curious puppy to investigate them. Ask your vet for information on poisonous plants or research them at your library.

It is your responsibility to clean up after your Toy Fox Terrier relieves himself. Pet shops have various aids to make the cleanup task less of a chore.

It is also important to make sure that the outside of your home is safe. Of course, your puppy should never be unsupervised, but a pup let loose in the fenced yard will want to run and explore, and he should be granted that freedom. Do not let a fence give you a false sense of security; you would be surprised at how crafty (and persistent) a dog can be in figuring out how to dig under and squeeze his way through small holes, or to jump or climb over a fence. Toy Fox Terriers are excellent jumpers and love to dig. They are easily capable of jumping as high as 3 feet straight in the air from a stand-still position. They climb as well. An absolute minimum for fencing would be 3 feet, but a height of at least 4 feet is highly recommended for outdoor fencing.

Your vet will become your Toy Fox’s best friend (next to you, of course!) throughout the dog’s life.

Because of the breed’s propensity and aptitude for digging, it is equally important to make the fence well embedded into the ground (at least a foot deep). Check the fence periodically to ensure that it is in good shape and be sure to repair or secure any gaps in the fence. Keep a close eye on any spots in which you’ve noticed your Toy Fox digging or trying to get over, since a very determined pup may return to the same spot to “work on it.”

You have selected your puppy, and your home and family are ready. Now all you have to do is collect your Toy Fox Terrier from the breeder and the fun begins, right? Well…not so fast. Something else you need to plan is your pup’s first trip to the veterinarian. Perhaps the breeder can recommend someone in the area who specializes in terriers or small breeds, or maybe you know some other Toy Fox Terrier owners who can suggest a good vet. Either way, you should have an appointment arranged for your pup before you pick him up.

Be certain that your lawn is safe for your Toy Fox Terrier. Many common fertilizers and weed killers can be harmful to dogs.

The pup’s first visit will consist of an overall examination to make sure that the pup does not have any problems that are not apparent to you. The veterinarian will also set up a schedule for the pup’s vaccinations; the breeder will inform you of which ones the pup has already received and the vet can continue from there.

Everyone in the house will be excited about the puppy’s coming home and will want to pet him and play with him, but it is best to make the introduction low-key so as not to overwhelm the puppy. He is apprehensive already. It is the first time he has been separated from his mother and the breeder, and the ride to your home is likely to be the first time he has been in a car. The last thing you want to do is smother him, as this will only frighten him further. This is not to say that human contact is not extremely necessary at this stage, because this is the time when a connection between the pup and his human family is formed. Gentle petting and soothing words should help console him, as well as just putting him down and letting him explore on his own (under your watchful eye, of course).

The pup may approach the family members or may busy himself with exploring for a while. Gradually, each person should spend some time with the pup, one at a time, crouching down to get as close to the pup’s level as possible, letting him sniff each person’s hands and petting him gently. He definitely needs human attention and he needs to be touched—this is how to form an immediate bond. Just remember that the pup is experiencing many things for the first time, at the same time. There are new people, new noises, new smells and new things to investigate, so be gentle, be affectionate and be as comforting as you can be.

Alert, intelligent and adaptable, your Toy Fox Terrier will grow from a bundle of puppy exuberance into an enjoyable companion with whom you can share many activities.

You have traveled home with your new charge safely in his crate. He’s been to the vet for a thorough check-up; he’s been weighed, his papers have been examined and perhaps he’s even been vaccinated and wormed as well. He’s met (and licked!) the whole family, including the excited children and the less-than-happy cat. He’s explored his area, his new bed, the yard and anywhere else he’s been permitted. He’s eaten his first meal at home and relieved himself in the proper place. He’s heard lots of new sounds, smelled new friends and seen more of the outside world than ever before…and that was just the first day! He’s worn out and is ready for bed…or so you think!

It’s puppy’s first night home and you are ready to say “Good night.” Keep in mind that this is his first night ever to be sleeping alone. His dam and littermates are no longer at paw’s length and he’s a bit scared, cold and lonely. Be reassuring to your new family member, but this is not the time to spoil him and give in to his inevitable whining.

Puppies whine. They whine to let others know where they are and hopefully to get company out of it. Place your pup in his new bed or crate in his designated area and close the crate door. Mercifully, he may fall asleep without a peep. When the inevitable occurs, however, ignore the whining—he is fine. Be strong and keep his interest in mind. Do not allow yourself to feel guilty and visit the pup. He will fall asleep eventually.

SKULL & CROSSBONES

Thoroughly puppy-proof your house before bringing your puppy home. Never use cockroach or rodent poisons or plant fertilizers in any area accessible to the puppy. Avoid the use of toilet cleaners. Most dogs are born with “toilet-bowl sonar” and will take a drink if the lid is left open. Also keep the trash secured and out of reach.

HOW VACCINES WORK

If you’ve just bought a puppy, you surely know the importance of having your pup vaccinated, but do you understand how vaccines work? Vaccines contain the same bacteria or viruses that cause the disease you want to prevent, but they have been chemically modified so that they don’t cause any harm. Instead, the vaccine causes your dog to produce antibodies that fight the harmful bacteria. Thus, if your dog is exposed to the disease in the future, the antibodies will destroy the viruses or bacteria.

Many breeders recommend placing a piece of bedding from the pup’s former home in his new bed so that he recognizes and is comforted by the scent of his littermates. Others still advise placing a hot-water bottle in the bed for warmth. The latter may be a good idea provided the pup doesn’t attempt to suckle—he’ll get good and wet, and may not fall asleep so fast.

Puppy’s first night can be somewhat stressful for both the pup and his new family. Remember that you are setting the tone of nighttime at your house. Unless you want to play with your pup every night at 10 p.m., midnight and 2 a.m., don’t initiate the habit. Your family will thank you, and eventually so will your pup!

Now that you have done all of the preparatory work and have helped your pup get accustomed to his new home and family, it is about time for you to have some fun! Socializing your Toy Fox Terrier pup gives you the opportunity to show off your new friend, and your pup gets to reap the benefits of being an adorable creature that people will want to pet and, in general, think is absolutely precious!

Besides getting to know his new family, your puppy should be exposed to other people, animals and situations. This will help him become well adjusted as he grows up and less prone to being timid or fearful of the new things he will encounter. Of course, he must not come into close contact with dogs you don’t know well until his course of injections is fully complete.

Your pup’s socialization began with the breeder, but now it is your responsibility to continue it. Early socialization is critical, as this is the time when he forms his impressions of the outside world. The eight-to-ten-week-old period is also known as the fear period; during this time, the interaction he receives should be especially gentle and reassuring.

MANNERS MATTER

During the socialization process, a puppy should meet people, experience different environments and definitely be exposed to other canines. Through playing and interacting with other dogs, your puppy will learn lessons, ranging from controlling the pressure of his jaws by biting his dam and littermates to the inner-workings of the canine pack that he will apply to his human relationships for the rest of his life. That is why removing a puppy from the litter too early (before eight weeks) can be detrimental to the pup’s development.

Lack of socialization, and/or negative experiences during the socialization period, can manifest itself in fear and aggression as the dog grows up. Your puppy needs lots of positive interaction, which of course includes human contact, affection, handling and exposure to other animals. Once your pup has received his necessary vaccinations, feel free to take him out and about (on his leash, of course). Walk him around the neighborhood, take him on your daily errands, let people pet him, let him meet other dogs and pets, etc. Puppies do not have to try to make friends; there will be no shortage of people who will want to introduce themselves. Just make sure that you carefully supervise each meeting.

If the neighborhood children want to say hello, for example, that is great—children and pups most often make great companions. However, sometimes an excited child can unintentionally handle a pup too roughly, or an overzealous pup can playfully nip a little too hard. You want to make socialization experiences positive ones. What a pup learns during this very formative stage will affect his attitude toward future encounters. You want your dog to be comfortable around everyone. A pup that has a bad experience with a child may grow up to be a dog that is shy around or aggressive toward children.

Dogs, being pack animals, naturally need a leader, or else they try to establish dominance in their packs. When you welcome a dog into your family, the choice of who becomes the leader and who becomes the “pack” is entirely up to you! Your pup’s intuitive quest for dominance, coupled with the fact that it is nearly impossible to look at an adorable Toy Fox Terrier pup with his “puppy-dog” eyes and not cave in, give the pup almost an unfair advantage in getting the upper hand!

A pup will definitely test the waters to see what he can and cannot do. Do not give in to those pleading eyes—stand your ground when it comes to disciplining the pup and make sure that all family members do the same. It will only confuse the pup if Mother tells him to get off the sofa when he is used to sitting up there with Father to watch the nightly news. Avoid discrepancies by having all members of the household decide on the rules before the pup even comes home…and be consistent in enforcing them! Early training shapes the dog’s personality, so you cannot be unclear in what you expect.

Toy Fox Terriers are rarely dog-aggressive and, with proper socialization, can be raised with other dogs. This duo has been close friends for many years.

The best way to prevent puppy problems is to be proactive in stopping an undesirable behavior as soon as it starts. The old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” does not necessarily hold true, but it is true that it is much easier to discourage bad behavior in a young developing pup than to wait until the pup’s bad behavior becomes the adult dog’s bad habit. There are some problems that are especially prevalent in puppies as they develop.

As puppies start to teethe, they feel the need to sink their teeth into anything available…unfortunately, that usually includes your fingers, arms, hair and toes. You may find this behavior cute for the first five seconds…until you feel just how sharp those puppy teeth are. Nipping is something you want to discourage immediately and consistently with a firm “No!” (or whatever number of firm “Nos” it takes for him to understand that you mean business). Then, replace your finger with an appropriate chew toy. While this behavior is merely annoying when the dog is young, it can become dangerous as your Toy Fox Terrier’s adult teeth grow in and his jaws develop, and he continues to think it is okay to gnaw on human appendages. Your Toy Fox Terrier does not mean any harm with a friendly nip, but he also does not know his own strength.

CHEWING TIPS

Chewing goes hand in hand with nipping in the sense that a teething puppy is always looking for a way to soothe his aching gums. In this case, instead of chewing on you, he may have taken a liking to your favorite shoe or something else that he should not be chewing. Again, realize that this is a normal canine behavior that does not need to be discouraged, only redirected. Your pup just needs to be taught what is acceptable to chew on and what is off-limits. Consistently tell him “No!” when you catch him chewing on something forbidden and give him a chew toy.

Conversely, praise him when you catch him chewing on something appropriate. In this way, you are discouraging the inappropriate behavior and reinforcing the desired behavior. The puppy’s chewing should stop after his adult teeth have come in, but an adult dog continues to chew for various reasons—perhaps because he is bored, needs to relieve tension or just likes to chew. That is why it is important to redirect his chewing when he is still young.

Your pup will often cry, whine, whimper, howl or make some type of commotion when he is left alone. This is basically his way of calling out for attention to make sure that you know he is there and that you have not forgotten about him. Your puppy feels insecure when he is left alone, when you are out of the house and he is in his crate or when you are in another part of the house and he cannot see you. The noise he is making is an expression of the anxiety he feels at being alone, so he needs to be taught that being alone is okay. You are not actually training the dog to stop making noise; rather, you are training him to feel comfortable when he is alone and thus removing the need for him to make the noise.

This is where the crate with cozy bedding and a toy comes in handy. You want to know that your pup is safe when you are not there to supervise, and you know that he will be safe in his crate rather than roaming freely about the house. In order for the pup to stay in his crate without making a fuss, he first needs to be comfortable in his crate. On that note, it is extremely important that the crate is never used as a form of punishment; this will cause the pup to view the crate as a negative place, rather than as a place of his own for safety and retreat.

Accustom the pup to the crate in short, gradually increasing time intervals in which you put him in the crate, maybe with a treat, and stay in the room with him. If he cries or makes a fuss, do not go to him, but stay in his sight. Gradually he will realize that staying in his crate is just fine without your help, and it will not be so traumatic for him when you are not around. You may want to leave the radio on softly when you leave the house; the sound of human voices may be comforting to him.

Don’t leave your Toy Fox waiting by the door! Take him with you whenever you can and spend quality time with him at home.