BRINGING YOUR PUPPY  HOME

Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time! This transition will probably be the biggest change in your new puppy's life and can be stressful for the puppy. Getting used to being away from his/her littermates and mum can take a little bit of time. Here are a few tips to make this change to your puppy's forever home go a little bit smoother:

• Eating- The puppy's appetite may change in the first couple of days as they get used to their new home with all the new smells, sounds, and sights. This is normal, there is no need to worry. Stick with a routine and your puppy will adjust. Our puppies are used to three meals a day, 7am/12pm/5pm. After 20 minutes pick up any unfinished food. Our puppies are on Acana puppy food, it is a local and high-quality product. If you have a preferred food, after your puppy has settled into his/her new home, we recommend a gradual transition over a span of two weeks. We recommend no rawhide sticks and chews, bones, or collars unsupervised as they can choke or strangle themselves.

• Exercise- As your puppy grows, exercise is very important for their health. However, new puppies do not need as much as mature dogs. Over exercising them can overtire them and damage their developing joints. When going for walks with a leash, we recommend 5 minutes per month of age no more than 2 times a day. Under NO circumstance should they be taken for a run or jog on pavement until they are 18+ months of age. Dog parks and pet stores will be avoided until the third set of vaccinations have been given to your puppy.

• Grooming and cleanliness- Your puppy will need to be taken to a groomer every 8-12 weeks. But not until they have received their third set of vaccinations. If grooming from home, try not to bath too often as it can cause dry skin (paws can be washed more frequently). It is important to keep their bottom clean and clear to avoid blockage or infections. Another thing to consider is the cleaning product you use to wash floors. The pads on puppies' paws absorb everything, so it is best to avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals. Child and pet safe cleaners like Pink Solution are recommended.

• Training your puppy can be both exciting and frustrating! You will need a lot of love and patience as your puppy learns. There are many good online resources and your local pet store may offer puppy training and obedience classes of many levels. A well-behaved dog is a happy dog!

• Last, but not least, and probably the most important thing of all, love and enjoy them! They bless us with some of the happiest days of our lives and have so much love to give.