Tips for your new puppy

Feeding

In the morning after going potty, Feed 1 cup with an add in and water. Add in can be a big glop of cottage cheese or yogurt, or canned food. It is important that the puppy keep eating while transitioning to your household. The addition of extras will entice them to eat for you. You can feed 3 times a day with the lunch feeding being just dry food so you can be gone for a few hours. Leave plenty of water for them if they are not crated. The amount of food will continue to increase for awhile as they continue to grow up. My rule of thumb is to give them enough that they will leave just a mouthful. When they lick the bowl clean start giving them a little bit more. When you want to switch to twice a day feeding just eliminate the mid day feeding by dividing that amount between the morning and evening meals. They need a slightly higher protein level and an ingredient called DHA. Puppies should never be allowed to get FAT! Most puppies should not be "Free Fed" as they usually overeat.

Feeding time is also a great time to practice sits and downs. Before you put the bowl down, have your puppy sit or down.

Potty training

Number one rule...DON'T GET UPSET ABOUT IT! This is a natural function and yelling doesn't help the puppy learn. Dogs are very trainable, but it is more a function of age and good owner habit than anything else. Pups already have decent bowel control. They go potty outside with few mistakes in their pen unless they are fed too late and didn't give them enough time to relieve themselves outside before bedtime (owner mistake). Urine control takes a little longer. When they are crated at night you will have to get up when they fuss at least once a night for the next couple of weeks. If you restrict water intake to only a few sips before bedtime (1 hate going to bed thirsty, don't you) this will increase your chance of potty training success. When they fuss at night, take them straight outside (you might have to carry them unless a door is close) to go potty and only potty. This is not playtime. Put the puppy down give them a command (go potty, do your duty, etc). Once your puppy has pottied praise them and go directly back to bed. It is ok to give them a small treat when putting them back in their crate. They might fuss a little bit but will usually settle down pretty quickly. If the crying continues for longer than 10 minutes they may not have completely finished their business and you will have to take them out again, repeating the process. This stage doesn't last very long, remember they are babies and are trying to learn a difficult skill. Do not punish the puppy for accidents unless you catch them in the act. A strong "NO" or “EH EH” while picking them up and taking them outside to finish, praise when done, works great. They won't understand rubbing their nose in it even a few moments after. They think you have lost your mind and can damage your relationship and training with them. It is just like potty training your child. Give them time to understand and gain physical control. Patience pays off in the end.

Training

It is very important to start socializing your puppy right away. The more people and different things they are exposed to at this age will make them a much calmer good canine citizen. Do not go to places with heavy dog traffic until they are past their second set of shots. No dog parks, pet smart or any area that is used by many unknown dogs. We strongly suggest puppy class by a reputable trainer as soon as they are old enough. They are able to meet other dogs and learn to play nicely. Please look carefully for a good trainer!

Retrieving

Always praise your puppy for bringing things to you. This will keep them from taking your shoe to a hiding place to chew it up. They become so proud of themselves when you praise them they will naturally show you what they have picked up! If you can't take the item from them try trading a toy or a treat. Don't chase them or you will be introduced to a game of keep away!