THE FIRST FEW DAYS

Your puppy might be a bit nervous the first few days. Everything from sights, smells, people and even other pets. These are all different from the puppy’s normal routine and for the first time will be away from Mommy and litter mates. Allow the puppy to explore his new surroundings and learn what things the puppy is or isn't allowed to do. Puppy's love to explore and will adjust to their new surroundings usually very easily.

INTRODUCING PUPPY TO FAMILY

At Holidays, and or family gatherings, please be careful with a new puppy. Along with lots of love and security make sure it has plenty of rest time and quiet time, possibly in its own room and away from the crowds. You sure do not want to stress the puppy by overwhelming it with too many and too much all at once.

Introducing your new puppy to the family and home can be a wonderful experience. There are however some things to consider. If you are introducing a new puppy with an already established pet or pets, you may want to do it gradually and give the new pup a chance to get to know the established pet to help avoid any rough confrontations. Sometimes established pets can be rather territorial and although it is natural for them to defend their family and home, as a precaution, taking it slow would be the best recommendation. Once the scent becomes familiar and less threatening, acceptance usually follows. If a fight breaks out, immediate separation is recommended, then re-introduction in a gradual manner. Love and patience on your part will help this transition go smooth.

TOYS & BEHAVIOR

Toys and rawhides are good to have handy giving the puppy a sense of having things that belong to the pup. The same is true for bedding, if you wish for your puppy to have one or more designated places to bed, introducing the pup with praise will let them know the bed is for them.

Behavior patterns are set early on, your puppy will be learning how to respect and trust you and family members, provided with proper care and a fair share of attention will give you a wonderful companion for many years to come.

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.

DIET & 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. 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.


SAFE FOOD FOR DOGS

·         Pinnacle Dry Dog Food

·         Plain Yogurt

·         Scrambled Eggs

·         Human Baby Food

·         Rice and Boiled Chicken/Cooked Ground Beef

·         Nutra Cal or sugar water if low in energy (hypoglycemic)

·         Cottage cheese

·         Gelcymium (for upset tummy)

·         Pedialite (for dehydration)

UNSAFE FOOD/HUMAN THINGS

·         Antifreeze

·         Swiffer Floor Cleaners

·         Onions

·         Grapes

·         Raisins

·         Chocolate

·         Alcohol

·         Greasy or Salty Food

·         Foxglove

·         Lily of the Valley

·         Japanese Oleander

KEEPING YOUR PUPPY SAFE & HEALTHY

There are a few things we DO NOT recommend exposing your puppy to.

·         Rest area stops

·         Parks

·         Anything except the exam table at the Vet (sick animals go to the vet)

·         Overnight Vet stays (unless medically very necessary)

·         Unattended on High Areas (ie. Couch, Table, etc.)