Puppy Care - Helpful Tips

DIET AND CHANGES

Nervousness or change of diet may cause diarrhea. If diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian. All of our puppies are released  with at least 1 pound of the puppy food they have been fed here. If you plan to change the puppy's diet, do so gradually by mixing some of his regular food with the new food for several days before switching entirely to the new brand. This will help to prevent stomach upsets.

If your puppy refuses to eat the first couple days, give 1 cc Nutri Stat or Nutri Cal by mouth 1 to 3 times a day. This stimulates appetite & relives stress. A tube is sent home with each puppy. If the pup still won't eat after giving the Nutri Stat or Nutri Cal, consult your veterinarian.

Another good appetite booster is boiled and skimmed beef ground round and plain steamed white rice.  This will also help firm up any loose stools and calm the puppy's stomach.  This method is occasionally used in veterinary clinics and is considered a very natural and safe method to help boost the appetite and help with any upsets.

CRATE TRAINING YOUR PUPPY

When dogs are in the wild, they live in a den. This makes them feel safe & secure. In your home, his crate is their den. Crate training should begin as soon as you bring your new puppy home. He should be encouraged to sleep & rest in his crate. He should be coaxed in, not forced. A small treat can be used & always give him lots of praise. At first, he may try to back out or become very timid. This is normal. Just give your puppy time and eventually the pup will be going in on their own. In the beginning, don't close the door. Let your puppy go in and out as they please until comfortable with the situation. Once the puppy is comfortable, restrain the puppy with your hand in the doorway. Eventually, your puppy will feel comfortable enough to have the door closed. A puppy should be kept in a crate whenever not supervised.*


A puppy instinctively knows not to "mess" in his crate, but does need to go out every 2 to 4 hours when young. Make sure you take your puppy out frequently to create a "schedule". Leave an approved chew toy in the crate to help satisfy the need to chew. Eventually, as the puppy grows into a full grown dog, your pet will then use the crate with the door open as their den.

*Please note that a puppy or dog should never be left in a closed crate for extended lengths of time, such as all day while the owners are at work. This is entirely too long to be left in a crate! Above all make sure the temperature inside the crate is kept well within a comfortable range. Even short periods of time in a crate that is too hot can become hazardous.  If you will be away for extended periods, a blocked off portion or room in the house with an easy care floor such as a kitchen would be more appropriate.  Child gates also work nicely to help block entrance or exits.   Placing newspapers and or puppy pads in the room will also help if your puppy is accustomed to this method of training. You can also leave the crate in this room with the door propped open so the pup may have access to their "den".

CHILDREN AND PETS

It is always a good practice to keep a watchful eye on young children with new pets.  Children must also learn to respect living things and to enjoy participating in responsibility and they must learn that like humans, puppy's also have needs.   All family members should take an active part in meeting these needs sharing the responsibility of the exercise, feeding, cleaning and care. Grooming is also a good way to create bonds between family members and pets.  

A word of caution to all families with small children.  Children are known to "love a puppy to death" squeezing or hugging the animal in ways that could be irritating or even painful.  Some children also tease and taunt while the puppy is resting or eating, children also must be taught how to gently stroke and handle the puppy and parental guidance is always a must.  Children should also learn the proper way of supporting a puppy with both hands and not to be lifted by the scruff of the neck, or by any other method that is inappropriate.  Always demonstrate to young children the proper way of supporting, transporting or holding a dog.

GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY

Along with good general practices it is always recommended to consider friends and neighbors.  For the sake and safety of not only your pet but for others, (pets and people included), it is a good practice to keep your puppy confined to your own yard.  Do not allow your pet to roam freely.  Be considerate of others and considerate of the dog's safety.  An unsupervised pet can be open for disaster.  Cars and trucks, or any moving vehicle are a hazard along with other stray dogs or animals and possibly dognappers or sadistic people that can bring your puppy harm.  There are also other hazards such as poisons all around.  Automotive Antifreeze, toxic plants, or even rotted garbage which can be proven fatal if swallowed.  Not only can your puppy or dog get in trouble, but there are many ordinances in cities and towns that impose regulations and ultimately you, your family and pet could pay the price.  Starting with the proper attitude and precautions will help everyone and your puppy, being a responsible pet owner is the way to go.

LEASHES AND COLLARS

Leashes and collars are also a good practice especially during exercise time.  Nylon collars and leashes are quite durable and inexpensive, there are also harnesses that can be used that are quite adaptable.  Early introduction to leashes and collars will prove later to be very helpful when going on walks.  As your puppy grows, always make sure to check the fit, some people simply do not realize the collars can become too tight, especially with long haired dogs.   Collars are also a helpful preventative if your pet is lost.  Identification and vaccination tags may be kept on the collars in case such an event should occur.  When using a leash to walk your puppy, be sure not to drag your puppy when they do not yet understand.  Try to encourage and use plenty of praise and learn to have your puppy walk with you, not ahead of you tugging you or you dragging the pup.   Leashes and collars are also helpful when taking your puppy on trips.  This will ensure that all are safe, your puppy, you and people wherever you go.  Using good common sense will help in many ways keep a healthy happy relationship for all.