Quality Dogs Come From Quality Breeders - Not Pet Stores!
A puppy's development
period from birth to 6 months is the MOST CRITICAL time of
its life. What he learns during this time will affect the
rest of his life. Your breeder should ALWAYS be available
for questions and work closely with you in these first
critical months. I strongly suggest getting a copy of the
Monks at New Skeete "The Art of Raising a
Puppy" and "
How To Be
Your Dog's Best Friend" available at most book
stores. Also, ""The Other End of the
Leash" by Patricia McConnell is a great way to learn how
dogs really think.
****TRAINING****
Start
obedience classes right away, they need lots of
socializing.
Take pup out after waking
up and eating every couple hours the first few days. Take
the pup to the spot you want him to use. Use "hurry up", a
lot of praise and your pup will be easily house trained.
Never
hit puppy or chase when it does do something wrong. A loud
NO will do otherwise you are teaching the pup to run from
you and/or become fear shy. Don't put the pup in a
situation (such as chewing furniture) but provide safe
teething toys.
Train with praise and
rewards!
****EXERCISE****
FREE
EXERCISE IN A FENCED IN YARD is best for a puppies proper
bone growth. Walks on lead are fun and good training;
however, a young dog will NOT develop properly without a
lot of free self-exercise.
Collars
should be light weight and never left on when the pup is
alone. Light weight chain collars are my choice in lead
training. Use a light weight leather or flexi lead--nylon
will rip your hand.
****TEETHING****
Teething
usually lasts until 4-5 months of age. Check pup's bite
daily to see that baby teeth are coming out. If a baby
tooth is not loose and you can see permanent tooth--take to
vet to pull the tooth or the bite will not develop
properly.
Do
not give rawhide (can block intestines), any cooked bones
that splinter, anything pup can swallow. The ideal chew toy
is the marrow bones about 4-5" long available at the
grocery store.
****CRATE
TRAINING****
Always have a safe place
for the puppy. Crate training is ideal. Puppies play hard
but sleep long hours. A crate represents a den-like safe
place. It also helps in house training. NEVER leave a
collar on pup in crate or unsupervised --- it's too
dangerous.
Place your crate where pup can see you - beside your bed at
night is ideal. This gives the feeling he is not alone.
Dogs are pack and social animals. They do not do well in
isolation. The metal folding crates are best. Your dog will
use it the rest of it's life plus you can fold it up and
take your pup with you on vacations. Remember - the crate
is a training aid. Pups can not stay in it for extended
periods of time.
***DIET****
Slow growth is best. I do not recommend puppy food. If you
use it, change by 4 months of age to a quality adult food.
Most grocery store pet food do NOT have adequate
nutritional value. They have poor protein (feathers,
hoofs), cancer causing agents, dyes, ethoxoquin
preservatives.
Feed
according to the pups appearance and weight. It is better
to keep a dog on the thin side. Feed 3 times a day with
warm water in food up to 3-4 months of age then 2 times a
day for life. Have a safe place for the pup to eat quietly.
Leave food down for 10 minutes then pick up until next
feeding. DO NOT feed free choice. Always have fresh water
available.
Check
here for good doggie DIET suggestions.
****HEALTH****
Most vets know dogs in
general but you can't expect them to know everything about
your breed. Follow your breeder's advice. They know through
years of experience what is best for their breed. If your
vet is uncooperative -- find another one. A veterinarian
who is also a breeder is ideal. When your pup turns 2 years
old, you should follow up with OFA hip and elbow checks,
CERF-eye checks and report the results to your breeder.
Puppy
skin is extremely sensitive. NEVER Flea dip, use flea
shampoos or sprays.
****SOCIALIZE,
SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE****
Slowly introduce your pup to kids, babies, cats, dogs, loud
noises - vacuums, hairdryers, FUN auto rides (shopping
centers are great). Always go at the pup's pace. Never
force or reinforce negative behavior. Common sense is your
best guide.
You've made an investment and added a new family member.
Take the time now for developing a wonderful life long
companion. Call your breeder with ANY questions you have.
****GOOD
LUCK!****
QUALITY
DOGS COME FROM QUALITY BREEDERS-NOT PET
STORES
Heather Bartlett-Anschutz email: swisscharmBMD@juno.com