First and foremost, be sure to make your Vet Appointment within 4 days following the day your puppy goes home. THEN.....visit
a Pet Store! I love shopping for my pets, and I love getting those calls that say they are getting ready to go shopping at the
Pet Store! My favorite "mall"! Things to look for while you are there:
1) Visit your local pet store and/or
local library and get as many books/references as possible on raising and training a puppy. We really like the Popular
Dog Series available in most Pet Stores and also available on www.dogchannel.com They are in magazine form. These
are a few we recommend:
2) Toys, toys, toys! Puppies love toys! Squeaky toys,
chewy toys, fuzzy toys. However, please use some discretion when picking out new toys for your puppy. Puppies like
to chew, chew, chew. If the toys are "cheap" and easily destroyed, a puppy can ingest parts of the toys which can be dangerous.
Rawhide is okay in moderation. We like Nylabones and Kongs. Look for chew toys that will massage their gums and teeth.
Balls that roll and you can throw...anything that moves that they can chase!
3) We recommend a stuffed animal for the first
few nights to help with the separation anxiety. If possible, mail us the stuffed animal so we can get the scent of the siblings
on it, along with the fleecy cloth that will be provided with your puppy's welcome home kit. If you do not purchase
a "pet friendly" stuffed animal at a pet store, just be sure not to purchase anything with "removalable parts", such as plastic eyes.
These can be easily chewed off and swallowed by your puppy, and can also be dangerous.
4) Food.
We start all of our puppies on Purina Pro Plan for Puppies. This is NOT a brand of dog food that can be found at your local
grocery store or Super-Mart. I've always had the philosophy that if it can be found in one of these two locations....it's
probably NOT good for your dog. A good pet feed store or large pet store chain will carry the better quality
foods. Hollistic and Natural foods are wonderful, but they can sometimes be too rich for little puppies.
We do recommend, however, that you consider researching some of these foods as their systems develop and becomes more tolerant to
changes. You will receive a sample of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food and a packet from Purina Pro Plan when you
take your puppy home.
5) Crate. We only breed medium/large breed dogs. We like the "Large" size wire crates
that can be purchased at most pet stores. We recommend draping a blanket over the back half of the crate to give them added
security and that "den-like" feel. Most do come with a divider, but we do not recommend using them. By instinct, your puppy
does not want to soil its crate. However, when very young, they need to go quite frequently. If for some reason, you are
unable to get to your puppy soon enough, he/she may soil its crate out of necessity. If the puppy is in a small
area, it will soil where they sleep, as they have no choice. Therein, your puppy may become desenstized
to its natural instinct of of not soiling its bedding. However, if your puppy has a larger area, he/she
may go in a small area in a corner, maintaining that instinct. As they grow into their crate and develop more
control, they will not soil their crate at all. By this time, through proper training and patience, you should be through the
most challenging days of housebreaking.
If you are traveling by car for several hours, we recommend a smaller traveling
crate if traveling alone. A lap will do if more than one person is traveling, as the security of being close will help
the puppy not get car sick and feel more comfortable. The necessities for traveling are as follows:
a) Traveling Crate
b)
A couple of towels for bedding and/or lap.
c) Wipes
d) Paper towels
e) Trash bags
f) Water bowl and bottle of water
g) Patience
6)
Remember...any accident that happens in your house is YOUR FAULT...not the puppy's. Please do not punish your puppy. It
is up to you to be diligent from the time your puppy arrives home. When little, they need to go more often. Stay
tuned in, and get to know your puppy's "needs". This means you might need to get up once or twice a night the first few
days. Keep consistent. Always take your puppy outside! Do not buy those puppy pads or paper train...it just
delays what your ultimate goal will be and confuses the puppy....TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUTSIDE...regardless of the weather.
If there is a lot of snow...shovel a "spot" for your puppy. Take your puppy out the same door you want them to go out when they
learn to tell you they need to go potty. Say the same thing over and over again, "Go Potty". When they relieve themselves...praise
them, praise them! They want you to be happy...when they know you are...they will do what they know they did to make you happy...AGAIN!
Take them out right after they wake up, right after they eat, and after a short while of playtime. If your puppy starts
to sniff and circle the floor...take them outside immediately.
Many have found a bell on the door where they go outside helps
to "communicate" their need. This is a good training tool, and can even be purchased at your local pet store. Communication
is the biggest milestone to potty training. If they can make a noise you can hear from the next room to alert you, it
will make both of you happier in the "end".
7) Pick up a bottle of Bitter Apple spray at the Pet Store. This
is harmless to most clothing, furniture, pets and people. Yet, it deters chewing of things...well...you don't want chewed (like
furniture, fingers or ankles). Remember, your puppy is teething...and their teeth can be destructive and hurt. Bordom
can also promote chewing. Be sure you are not leaving your puppy/dog for hours alone with nothing to do. This can
turn even the best behaved dog into a terror. When I hear of dogs that "destroy" homes, likely...it is a dog often
left alone in a crate or confined area for hours each day with little to no attention by its people on a regular basis. They
need stimulation and "busy time". Doggy Day care is a good option for some, or going home at lunch if possible. When
you are home, be sure to spend "quality" time with your puppy, and include them in everything you do whenever possible.
They are not "just dogs", they are an extension of your family. Treat them as you would treat any member of your family.
We will continue to add tips and ideas to this page as they come up. Again, please be sure to email me with any additional
questions you might have in getting ready for your new family member. We are looking forward to working with you through
the life of your puppy! Again, thank you so much for considering one of our babies to bring into your family.
Tina Law,
Lawpdoodle Kennel