We want YOU, yes YOU,

to be a member of Judster's Kid's Fan Club for responsible dog owners. So how do you join? Well, this isn't a club for just anybody. We want dog lovers, kids who really care about their puppies and dogs. Still interested? Okay - here's what you have to do.

 

 
Okay - here's what you have to do.
  
ATTENTION KIDS:
Provide a safe and loving home for your dog.

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to provide a safe and loving home for your dog for the next 90 days. Then have your parent(s) sign off that you have done this, and you will receive a certificate in the mail from Judster and a free gift too.

Easy right? Well, it takes a little bit of work to provide a safe and loving home - think about it for a minute. Dogs need food and water, they need exercise, they need training so they know how to behave, and just like you, they need to go to the doctor's regularly to make sure they have all their shots. Basically, they need the same kind of things that you do.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #1
1.
 Make sure your dog has enough water and is fed every day, and that the bowls are clean.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #2
  
2.
 Groom your dog regularly. If your dog has long hair, he should be brushed or combed several times a week to keep his hair from getting snarled or matted. For short-haired dogs, brush them once a week to remove old hair.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #3
  
3.
 Dogs teeth need to be brushed too, just like yours, to keep from getting cavitities. Your local pet store sells flavored toothpaste for dogs and brushes for their teeth. Talk to your parents about this option. Dog bones and some chew toys help clean their teeth too.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #4
4.
 Dogs have to be taught manners, they aren't born knowing just what to do. They have to be taught to sit, stay, walk nicely on a leash, to play fetch and well lot's of things - it's like going to school for dogs. Obedience classes are one option you can discuss with your parents. Or ask them to help out with training your dog so he or she will listen to you too.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #5
  
5.
 Be patient with your dog. Dogs don't always learn things quickly, they need to know what you expect them to do. Work with your dog at least once a week on obedience lessons, or maybe a special trick. Ask your parents to help you with this. And never, ever hit your dog - it will scare and confuse you dog.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #6
  
6.
 Dogs need lots of exercise. Play with your dog in the yard or take your dog for a walk every day. Make sure you get your parent's permission before you take the dog out of the yard though.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #7
7.
 Dogs need to see a veterinarian regularly for check-ups. They also need to have shots to keep from getting sick. One of the most important things they get shots for is rabies, which is required by law. Other things that shot can prevent are Lyme disease (from ticks) and Parvo or Distemper (which can be passed on by other animals). Talk to your parents about your dog's vet visit, and remind them if your dog has to go soon.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #8
  
8.
 Make sure your dog gets his medicine regularly. To prevent your dog from getting heartworms, vets send home pills for your dog to take once a month. They also medicine to prevent fleas and ticks from living in your dog's hair. Check with your parents to see if your dog should have these medications. If so, mark when they should take them each month and remind your parents about it. NOTE: All medicines should be handled by an adult.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #9
  
9.
 Make sure your dog is in a safe place. Dogs should not be left outside in freezing weather or left in a car in hot weather. If you have a fenced in yard, check to make sure there are no holes under the fence that your dog might get out of. Dogs should be on a leash whenever they leave your home (or fenced yard) so they don't wander off and get lost.

 

 
Judsters Golden Rule #10
10.
 Provide proper identification for your dog. Sometimes, dogs get lost. Talk to your parents about how to let someone know who your dog belongs to. An easy thing to do is write your dog's name and phone number on his collar with a permanent marker. Make sure the collar has his current tags (these are the metal disks from the veterinarian that show your dog has his rabies shots). Something new that helps identify your dog is called a microchip. It is put under your dog's skin by a vet (no, it doesn't hurt) and he can never lose it. This might be an option to talk to your parents about.