The First 24 Hours

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WHAT TO DO WHEN PUPPY COMES HOME.

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Puppies grow up very quickly indeed, and the baby stage is gotten through very rapidly so take heart!

Here are pointers that should keep you and the new baby on track, I hope your little one will bring years of joy to all!

  • We feed about 1/4 to 1/3 cup, three times a day for puppies up to 11 weeks, over 11 weeks feed twice daily.  I take away what puppy hasn't eaten in about 15 minutes, then offer a full feeding the next meal, always taking the food away after 15 minutes or so.  The goal is for your puppy to have a bit of extra food left over each meal.  They are real nibblers and some meals eat very little, some meals the whole bowl, this is perfectly normal.  Usually, a potty break is in order about 10 mins after she eats  : )  Note:  It helps to keep feeding times as distraction-free as possible, like kids they find it hard to focus and finish their dinner if there are more interesting things going on around them. Even sit on the floor beside baby for the first few feedings to encourage her to nibble a bit more readily.
  • IMPORTANT: As your puppy grows, you will increase the amount of food per feeding. If she’s licking the dish and looking for more, it means her growing puppy body needs more calories.  Gradually increase the amount per feeding until she begins to leave a few kibbles at each meal.  The goal is for her to have a bit more to eat than she wants, until one year of age, then as your veterinarian advises to keep her fit (once grown typically an adult should have between 1 - 1  1/2 cups per day).
  • At bedtime, even if she's asleep, wake her up and take her out one more time, then she should sleep through the night till around 7:00 or so.  If she fusses and cries, try to use a low, growly voice, and FIRMLY say "No NO! Quiet!", she's pretty good, but a baby, so she might miss us! If she persists more than 5 minutes refer to PUPPY MELTDOWN. 

thepuppymeltdown (1)A few potty time reminders (of course you've done your puppy homework and read my articles on how to get through house training located here: http://www.foxglovecavachonpuppies.com/blog-archive/potty-training 

Everyone needs to ready the Potty Training articles to help puppy navigate quickly through the housetraining process!

There are many tips, secrets, shortcuts and helps on the Puppy Training 101 link on Foxglove site, you'll save hours of frustration if you do your puppy homework and are knowledgeable before baby arrives.  For example, a tip found there: "The big thing is to CARRY puppy outside, whenever you think, she might have to go potty, they get lost on the way to the door, and it will avoid an accident."  Education is the key to a smart trained puppy! As for her name, it's perfectly OK to choose your own favorite, we don’t let babies get too used to my rather unique : ) name choices, so feel free to choose the perfect name for your new family member.  Sometimes it takes a day or two, don’t be afraid to narrow your list to a few favorites and give them a try when puppy arrives.  Sometimes the one  you thought was perfect just doesn’t “fit” and you’ll choose something totally different.Many of my puppy people know that I am also CEO & Founder of Agatha's Apothecary, and have spent years researching what the pet owner can take to help overcome the health challenges our dogs face.  From monthly applications of toxic flea preventatives to chemical-laced lawns, a few key supplements can help protect your puppy for the entire length of her life.There will be a puppy kit attached to the top of the kennel when your puppy arrives.  Inside you’ll find a large assortment of goodies to get your new baby off on the right paw!    

  • A week’s supply of Agatha's Advanced Probiotics of course because I truly don't think there is a fresher or more potent one on the market today.  Whether or not you use Agatha's, do yourself and your new puppy a favor, keep them on a daily probiotic, it's such a simple but powerful step to have a long-lived healthy dog. They are in capsule form, simply pull open and sprinkle over breakfast or hide the capsule in a bit of cheese.  I take them every day and every puppy I raise is started on them as infants.  You can order them on Amazon here so you won't run out, pardon Amazon's rather cumbersome link:

Order 2 Month SupplyNote:  If you like an earlier caller I had this morning, have multiple dogs and want to use it for everyone, you can order the larger size that comes in a cool pouch with a nifty little scoop!  Amazon again you canOrder 4 + Month Supply 

  • A sample bag of Natural Balance Lamb & Brown Rice Small Breed Bites  I've found it locally at most larger pet stores, you can use either the Small Breed Bites OR the Puppy Formula, both are for all life stages which I prefer.  You'll find only a tiny two-ounce size in your puppy kit by the way : (  the airlines have recently put a strict limit on the weight of puppy accessories.  To leave room for all the other goodies I send like a leash and collar, toys, baby blanket chewie etc, something had to be deleted,,, puppy food!  Just be sure to have your supply on hand.  SORRY I would send a BIG bag otherwise! grain-free, made in the USA and my puppies thrive on it.  If you have problems finding it, my favorite place to shop has it as well at Amazon, with free shipping for Prime members:

Order on Amazon Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Small Breed BitesNatural Balance Small Breed Bites Lamb A week's supply of NuVet Plus, NuVet Plus(this is part of your puppy's 5-year health guarantee so please keep her on this top quality supplement)  It comes in a chewable tablet or a chicken flavored powder to mix in food.  I use one tablet a day for my puppies and dogs alike. You'll need to order it directly from NuVet as it's not available in stores: http://www.nuvet.com/11982 Look in the large padded envelope atop your puppy's carrier, it will include many puppy pleasing goodies including a cute stuffed frog, elephant or bear, a polar fleece rope bone toy (made from puppy baby blanket) that works as a great Puppy Pacifier!  I’ll send along a sample of shampoo & coat conditioner for that first bath.  Also, vaccination & worming records are on top her kennel, along with a tiny collar and a bag of Nutro Ultra puppy food, and even a colorful bandana for dress up!