most frequently asked questions

what do I need for the puppy when I get him home?

    the needs for the puppy are much like that for a child, shelter and food. I always recommend crate training so a kennel of some kind is preferred to a room without carpet. A puppy can still chew on corners of cabinets and the like. A crate or kennel can be the 'pet taxi' style or a wire cage. It should be large enough for the puppy to stand in and not hit his head and he should have enough room to turn a fill circle. If you get one too large  you may have trouble teaching him not to potty during the night. The idea behind this is that it is instinct for a puppy not to potty where they sleep, if there is enough room for the puppy to move to one end and do his job then go back to the other end to sleep that is what he will do.

    It is not necessary to go out and buy the pup the new latest fashions in accessories and toys. A sturdy chew toy, a bowl for food and water; and a comb or brush and of course the puppy food, are the main essentials for a happy puppy.  

As far as bedding, it is best to line the crate with newspapers for absorbency and use an old towel or blanket that can be thrown in the wash machine daily if need be.  

what is the easiest way to house-break a puppy?

Puppies are like a well oiled machine. when they are done eating and walk away for their food dish, put it up. Take the puppy outside. He will have to eliminate within minutes of filling his belly. As soon as the puppy wakes, in the morning or from a nap, take the puppy outside. puppies don't have a very large bladder or capacity to hold it for long, you may only have a few seconds to make it to the yard in time. Run! If you see the puppy, nose to the floor walking in circles, take him outside. always use the same door and if there is an area of the yard that you prefer he use, take him there each time. If you are getting up with him two or three times during the night, you are probably feeding and watering him too late. Don't feed and water him after 6 p.m.

And yes, to avoid accidents you may have to get up in the middle of the night for the first two or three weeks to take him out. Yes, you are the one under training as much as the puppy is. He will tell you, very subtly at first, you just have to read the signs.

Usually, even at 6-8 weeks the puppy will start to tell you when he needs out of the crate to pee. It will be up to you to tell if he is fussing to potty or to play. When you take him outside it should be "all business" don't play with him then expect him to settle right back down when you put him back in his crate and want to crawl back into bed. It doesn't work that way.

what should I feed the puppy, how many times a day, and how much?

I always try to include a sample of food, enough for three or four days, with each puppy. always start with what the breeder is feeding, if you desire to change foods mix the two over several week period to transition the puppy to the new food. To sudden of a food change can cause diarrhea.

Small breeds should be feed 3 times a day and large breeds twice. Find a schedule that works best for you and try to stick to it. Puppies like children need routine. The amount varies depending on the age and size of the pup. start with the recommended schedule on the baG of food and alter it to fit your pup's demand. Offer the pup fresh water several times a day.

I can not stress enough the importance of the puppy eating when he arrives at his new house, especially toy breeds. tiny puppies can become hypo-glycemic very quickly and need to keep their blood sugars high. I always recommend "Nutria-cal" ( a high calorie, high nutrient supplement in a maple syrup base purchased at most veterinary clinics and some pet stores) be made available for all puppies especially if they are shipped. Often times, if the puppy is reluctant to eat dry food he will still eat canned food.

Also, don't be alarmed if you puppy should develop mild diarrhea the first day or two. this is often caused by the stress of moving to a new home. If it continues seek a veterinarians advice. He will probably recommend a stool sample be brought in. Certain things, such as coccidia, may not be noticeable until the puppy is under stress. 

I hope this has helped with any new puppy jitters you might be having. I am always more than happy to answer questions, just send me an email.

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