Caring for your Puppy.
Introduction:
Your puppy should have been purchased from a reputable breeder regardless wether it's a pedigree or a crossbreed - avoid buying from pet stores,on Ebay and backstreet breeders,etc. If you cannot see at least one of the parents - then do not buy and avoid falling for a sickly looking puppy,you will be asking for trouble!. If you prefer to rehome a rescue puppy/dog,then seek advise from the home in question.
Age:
Your puppy should be no less than 6 weeks old and these days many breeders do not let their pups go,until they are between 8 - 12 weeks. The puppy should be fully weaned and eating solids from it's own dish.
Settling In:
Allow the puppy time to explore and settle into his new home.
He should be equipped with his own bed,toys,food & water bowls and be given access to either newspaper or puppy training mats,for him to toilet on.
Always give him lots of re-assurance as he adjusts to his new surroundings and introduce other pets and/or children to him gradually.
Do not allow the children to hassle him too much nor taunt him as over-stimulation in puppy days can produce a hyperactive,restless dog which is not a pleasure to own.
Crate Training:
Call it a crate,cage or even an indoor kennel,but this portable house is one of the twentieth century's best inventions for dogs.
6 Tips for successful Crate Training:
1. Place his bed,newspaper and bowls plus a couple of toys,inside the cage,he will treat this as his home and retreat,as normal.
2. Cover half of the cage with either a sheet or blanket,just leaving the front opening exposed,this make's a den and allows the pup to feel more secure within.
3. Always allow the puppy free access in and out of the cage,even when you are there and praise him when he goes in voluntarily.
4. Most puppies soon come too regard the cage as their den and will happily use it in their owners absence as well as when you are around.
5. Introduce your puppy to the cage from Day One and he will take to it immediately,with little fuss.
6. Never leave the dog shut up for long periods and always take him out at regular intervals,during confinement.
Rest:
A young puppy will often play for about half an hour and then sleep for about an hour and a half - always allow them to sleep when they need and also to wake up naturally.Do not let him be disturbed especially by children.
Handling:
Holding your puppy from a young age gains both trust and respect from him and make's later on in life experiences,ie trip to vets,a much more less stressful experience.
Lift puppy,supporting him under his rear quarters and back legs with one hand and his chest and front legs with the other hand.Hold him close into your body for extra comfort and security and do not drop him.
Naming your Puppy:
Issue him with a name of your choice as soon as (that's the fun part) and always call him by that name regularly and use his name before giving him a command.
Equipment:
Your puppy will need a collar with ID attached and a lead.
For young fast growing puppies,a soft nylon collar is preferred as they are cheap,adjustable and easily replaced as the pup grows,When your pup has reached his mature stage,then a leather collar and lead is much more suitable.
House Training:
Eight week old puppies have very little control over their bladders,so you must be on the watch at all times.
Encourage him to use either newspaper or puppy training mats,to toilet on and praise him when he goes,immdiately.
Helping the pup to learn about going outdoors means you need to take him out On the Hour,Every Hour and staying with him until he goes.
Encourage him to go by saying "Pee Pee's" and "Poo poo's" for instance and do this until success is achieved - again praise him,immediately afterwards.
It is unrealistic to hope for 100% day and night house cleanliness before the age of 5 - 6 months and every dog is an individual so be patient and persistent.
Feeding:
Your breeder or rescue home should have issued you with a diet sheet and possibly a small supply of feed that the dog is currently on.
Keep to this as instructed as well as feeding times and when you go to change over a feed stuff do it gradually by slowly introducing small amounts of new,to his current food.Over the days,slowly reduce the old diet and increase the new and remember to do this whenever you change a food stuff throughout the dogs life,so as to avoid upset tummies.
Reduce daily times of feeding as recommended by either your breeder and/or by your vet.
The Vet;
Register your puppy straight away with your vet and most breeders ask that within 4-7 days after purchase,you get your new pup checked out by the vet,just to make sure all is ok.Any problems that may arise within this time,your breeder will often endeavour to sort out for you,after that time period has lapsed,you are on your own.
Vaccinations:
Puppies can have their first vaccination at the age of 6 weeks old and the last vaccination at around 9-10 weeks.Following a week after the last vaccination,your pup can then be taken outdoors in public for the first time.Your pup will be vaccinated against Kennel Cough,Canine Parvovirus,Canine Distemper,Infectious Canine Hepatitis & Leptsopirosis.
Micro-chipping: Owners should seek advice from their vet regarding having their puppy microchipped.
Neutering/Spaying:
Unless you intend to breed from your puppy,it is recommended that you get him neutered.Bitches can be spayed from 8-10 weeks old and males from around 15 weeks but your vet will advise you when to get this done.
Worming:
Your puppy should have been regularly wormed whilst with the breeder,
so always continue regular worming,using a veterinary approved product.
Flea Control:
Use a veterinary recommended form of flea control and use as prescribed,carefully.
Grooming:
Long haired breeds should be groomed on a daily basis and getting your pup used to being groomed from an early age is all part of his training and will save problems later on.
Training:
This is a huge field,so enrol your pup with an approved puppy class instructor as soon as he is able and start basic training from day one.
Buy a book and learn what you can,applying the methods as and when necessary.Always make training an enjoyable pleasurable experience for both you and the dog and never let it become a chore as such.
Nip any misbehaviour in the bud,like nipping,chewing what he shouldn't,
etc and seek professional advise as soon as if need be.
Above all enjoy your pup and remember what you put into your pup now,will make for a better and well behaved Adult dog later.
A dog is a life-long commitment and will forever be your loyal friend.
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Wootton Petz at Home
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Northampton
