Since I have been without a computer and phone for a long time, while the powers that be fixed lines and more lines to our NBN hook-up, I haven't been able to do any more research on the first silky shows, so I am going to make this post about some helpful hints.
When buying your first puppy and have set your mind on a certain breed, do as much research as possible from the internet, breeders at the shows, and books. Once fully educated, and you make your choice of puppies offered, ask many questions of the breeder as to its' health, parentage, training and known hereditary diseases (which you should know if there are any common to the breed from your previous research), and especially grooming. If you are not satisfied with the answers, you should abandon this choice even though the puppies are ever so cute. Don't be in a rush to get A puppy. You will have to tend to and care for this puppy for around 14 to 16 years, so choose carefully.
NEVER encourage biting (even in play). Once a puppy lays its' teeth on you at any time for any reason, stop what you are doing and say NO BITING in a firm but calm way. If the puppy persists, put them away on their own in their crate or bed and totally ignore them for at least an hour. May take a few times, but patience, patience and more patience. NEVER lay an angry rough hand on your pup. NEVER yell !!! NEVER reward bad behavior, by taking notice of it. Ignore bad behavior and reward good. They soon learn what gets them the most attention. Always, calm and assertive.
Brushing and grooming should always be done on a table and the puppy encouraged to "be still". If you are lucky enough to have a show quality puppy, investing in a small grooming table with a noose or lead attachment would be worthwhile. So helpful in training and gets them used to being above the ground, when in the show ring they have to be displayed on a table and will feel secure if trained at home beforehand. At first keep the brushing and grooming to a few minutes a couple of times a day. Remember: Brushing with a natural hog bristle brush (men's brush as the bristle are shorter and stiffer) is all that is needed for a silky terrier coat. Bathing can be as little as when needed. The brushing promotes blood supply to the skin and rids the coat of dirt and dead hair. Since a silky does not shed, the hair still dies off and must be brushed out or it will knot and that leads to many other problems. Bathing too much washes out the natural oils and can leave the skin dry and itchy.
ALWAYS cut your shampoo and conditioner to a 50-50 radius mixed with water.
ALWAYS rinse, rinse and rinse again. Shampoo left in the dog's hair or on their skin can lead to yeast infections or other bacterial infections (hot spots, rashes etc).
Well, that is all for this week. Back again next week, with a few more "helpful" hints.
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