Post Pick-up Tips
Food for Your Puppy
We have been using “Taste of the Wild” food for puppies. We will provide you about a 10 day supply (in a gallon size zip loc bag) of this food to start you off at home. If you want to continue to use this food, it can be obtained at IFA stores, and Petco as well as many "mom and pop' stores. If you wish to change over to a new dog food, transitioning slowly will help your puppy's bowels to adjust better. Start by mixing 75% of the food we provided to you with 25% of your new food the first day. On day two, increase the ratio to 50%-50% and on day three move to 25% of "Taste of the Wild" and 75% of your new food.
Give ¼ cup cottage cheese daily to keep the shine in his coat. Your puppy loves carrots, bok choi, sweet potatoes and other vegitables. He/she especially likes cooked chicken and beef! But be sure not to feed your puppy from your own plate or while you are eating. It encourages bad habits. Foods to avoid include grapes, chocolate and processed meats (like what you get from the deli).
Potty Training
Your puppy has been paper trained, which means that it knows that poop belongs certain places away from eating and playing areas. While puppies can make some mistakes, this breed is smart and can learn very quickly to use whatever system you want in your home. Consistency is the key.
Here are a few tips:
- Keep the puppy on a regular feeding schedule and take away his food between meals.
- Take puppy out to eliminate first thing in the morning and then once every 30 minutes to an hour. Also, always take him outside after meals or when he wakes from a nap. Make sure he goes out last thing at night and before he’s left alone.
- Take puppy to the same spot each time to do his business. His scent will prompt him to go.
- Stay with him outside, at least until he’s house trained.
- When your puppy eliminates outside, praise him or give him a treat. A walk around the neighborhood is a nice reward.
For more information, visit AKC’s potty training guide.
Continued Medical Care
Your puppy has received its first 5-way vaccine and at least 2 courses of deworming. Its next set of shots are due four weeks from the shots given by the breeder. Because these puppies are a toy size breed, receiving too many vaccinations within a limited time can overwhelm their immune systems. Should your vet want to re-vaccinate I would advise waiting at least three weeks. Also, I advise that you only ever let your vet give the puppy a 5-combination shot (called 5-way) at a time. Your puppy’s immune system can handle the vaccines better with the smaller quantities.
Introduction to Heartguard can begin as soon as Vet advises. I advise within one month of pick up.
Consult with Vet for timing on spaying/neutering – there are many different philosophies out there about when this should be done for each gender. Follow a system that feels right for you. Chipping can be done at this time.
Consult with your vet for schedule on rabbies shot. This is usually around 5 to 6 months of age. Chipping can also (as an alternative to during spaying/neutering) be done at this time.