How to consider the age of the Thai Ridgeback dogs.

Some have stated if a man and a dog were born on the same day, the dog would die before the man reached ten years of age. The life expectancy of a dog is five times shorter in length than man.

What to consider before owning a dog

You should answer the following questions before making a decision to own a dog.
Why own a dog?

- Is it for protection?
- Is it for a companion?
- Is it a novelty to represent your social status?
- Is it for business or trading?

Do you have enough space ready for a dog?

When owning a dog it is necessary to have proper amount of space for a dog to play and to exercise.

Is the rest of the family committed to owning a dog?

The entire family must be committed to the dog for its�?well being, otherwise the dog may cause conflict amongst you. 

Can you afford a dog?

When considering owning a dog, it is a lifetime commitment that requires time and expense. You should not own too many dogs if ample time cannot be administered and if you cannot afford their proper care.

Do your neighbors like dogs?

This is important as it can damage a relationship and cause conflict. Dogs make noise and often can escape and cause damages to neighbor’s property. It is important to respect other people and your neighbors.

Proper preparations to owning a dog?

After answering the above questions, there are two things necessary to prepare properly for a dog.

Preparations for proper care giving.

[1] The owner should have enough time to walk and train a dog properly.

[2] Love should be administered constantly. A puppy grows into a dog and will require the same love through its growth. You cannot stop loving or playing with the dog because it is no longer cute. The dog will not understand the change and will grow distrust in you, as well as form anti social behaviors.

[3] Dogs require a daily routine of care, such as feeding, proper health care, bathing and maintenance of their coats to free them of insects and parasites such as fleas and ticks etc.
You should prepare proper housing, kenneling and bedding for the dog in a clean, peaceful and safe environment.

A kennel or cage for your Thai Dog

A proper kennel or cage is the best way to contain your Thai Ridgeback Dog. It should be built from concrete and divided into separate rooms if there is sufficient space.. The floor of the kennel should be made from concrete and the walls should be built from brick or block wall construction. The walls should be high enough so other dogs cannot see in. The entire opening of the kennel should be enclosed in with strong chain link fencing. A bedding are should be made from wood and in hot climates, mosquito netting should be provided. A movable cage, it is usually made from strong steel wire mesh, 1 m. high and 0.5 m. wide  with a wooden floor. It is for transportation of the dog and should be big enough to hold 1 dog comfortably.

How to choose a Thai Ridgeback Dog

There is no specific age the dog should be for selection. As a rule of thumb, 3- 6 months of age is best.

The following is the list of what should be considered in choosing a TRD.

1.History and background of the bloodline is the most important thing that needs to be considered first.

2.To have a dog from the good and stable bloodline is a great start as later the dog can produce great puppies.

3.The structure of the dog’s body should be balanced and look beautiful and graceful. Select for the height, a large bone structure and skull, etc.

Health care.

Make sure the parents of the pup are fully vaccinated and that they have a healthy background free of disease and disorders.

The outer appearance.

The dog should be happy, active, strong, alert and interested in its surroundings. It should not look depressed or lonely.

1.     The eyes should be bright and clear with no secretions.

2.     The hair should be shiny and beautiful with no signs of skin disease.

3.     When the dog walks, its stride should look normal. The buttocks should not swing too much.

4.     The back is not arched.

5.     The head should be held up and alert. It should not be hanging low.

6.     If the dog shuffles, it is the sign that a dog might have Hip Dysplasia

7.      Check the joints to make sure that they are not swelling as this is a sign of cartilage build up.

8.     The dog should have the characteristics of its bloodline, emphasized at the ears, color and the tail set.

9.     As puppies, the TRD’s ears are not yet erect.

10.    The tail is not yet sword shaped.

11.    There is some piebald on the body. These weak points would be changed when the puppies are 3-6 months old.

12.    The nose should be in normal condition, not too dry or wet.

13.    The belly should not appear swollen. This is a sign of worms. 

14.    The hair and skin should be clean and appear in good condition.

15.     Test the sense of hearing by clapping your hands close to the puppy to see its reaction.

16.     The inner mouth should appear pink and not pale.

17.    The teeth should appear clean, white and strong with no signs of decay. The teeth should meet in a “scissor bite.�?nbsp;

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