Monday, November 26, 2018

Tips for New Puppy Owners

MOUTHY PUPS My pups are mouthy. I do not allow them to chew on my hands and fingers (furniture, etc.) even though it is still cute and pain free (for now)!

One of my boys (1st litter) learned what to chew and not to chew quickly and by about 3 months of age the nips stopped. My other pup sticks to me like glue. He still 'lovingly' nips and tugs at my hands, arms, and clothes, but by about 5 months of age the worst had subsided.

I've linked a helpful article below on managing mouthiness, perfectly normal puppy behavior.
https://puppyintraining.com/the-ultimate-guide-how-to-stop-a-puppy-from-biting-and-nipping/ 


TRAINING These pups are independently intelligent and humble. With kind instruction and correction; abundant socialization; and early exposure to a variety of positive experiences, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous AND a loyal, loving companion/guardian.

HOUSE TRAINING They are all very close to being house trained. Make sure they are let out as soon as they wake up. You probably won't need puppy pads except maybe for the first couple of days as you learn each other's routine. They do not want to relieve themselves in a confined area, especially to poop (my puppy play place, your crate/room, etc.) or even the house (if you watch) and will hold it to go outside, but you have to watch for their cues. We and the pups do not really want them to use the puppy pads in the house, but the pups do seem to grasp that they are there for them, so if the young pup must be kept inside for more than an hour or two, I think your best bet would be to confine them (crate or small room) with a few pads. Placing a couple near the door where they should head to relieve themselves has been helpful too when they are out running free in the house. 

FLEA CONTROL I love Tea Tree oil for flea control. I use it on all of my animals. While the pups are young, a water spray bottle with some tea tree oil and a flea comb should be sufficient. I just spray it on my hands and run it through their fur and then comb them. I also add Tea Tree oil to dog shampoos and even make my own dog shampoo with heavily diluted blue dawn dish soap, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. Judge the (Tea Tree oil) strength by the smell. You don't need much! And don't let them ingest it. Here is a link to the last place I purchased my Tea Tree oil for your convenience. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tea-Tree-Oil-4oz-Aromatherapy-Relaxation-Body-Skin-Nail-Fungus-Acne-Treatment/123415396763?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I have mixed reviews about the Seresto flea collar. Yes it is expensive but it works very well IF your dog is like my mother dog who does not like to get dirty at all. My boys tend to get very muddy sometimes and need to be bathed too often for the Seresto to be a good deal for them. If you use this collar, baths should be kept to a maximum of once a month so that the medicine is not washed off. I've also found the spray bottle of Frontline as an alternative to the once monthly back drops has worked well and is more economical.

FEED  The pups have been eating Purina One for large breed puppies since they were 2 1/2 weeks old. Chewy.com delivery service is economical and very convenient!

I welcome and look forward to hearing about puppy experiences.

I'll add to this page as I think of more ideas that might be helpful.

Thank you!

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