| PUPPY TIPS |
| FEEDING Feed 2 to 3 times a day from weaning to approximately 4 months, feed twice daily. Always provide clean fresh water. No nutritional supplements are necessary when feeding 100% complete and balanced nutrition puppy foods. HOUSETRAINING Take your puppy outside immediately after waking in the morning, after naps, meals and before being put to bed. Praise him heartily for his success. Use a unique command such as “potty” or “hurry up” each time. Indoors, keep your puppy in a small, confined area within sight or in a crate. Puppies generally will not soil their own sleep areas. If your puppy has an accident, pick him up, take him to his elimination area and praise him if he goes. Never push your dog’s nose into his waste, shout at him or strike him. TEETHING Teething typically occurs between 3 and 7 months. If your puppy is suddenly less interested in eating, his gums may be sore. Don’t worry…this is normal and does not mean that he no longer likes his food. Try soaking dry food in warm water for 10 minutes before feeding. If he stays of food for more than a few days, try feeding canned Puppy Formula until he can eat dry food again. Or check with your veterinarian. CHEWING Provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys, and praise him for chewing on them. If your puppy starts chewing on something inappropriate, say “no!” immediately after the misbehavior and every time it occurs. Make sure your puppy is getting enough exercise and social interaction every day. This helps to avoid destructive behavior. When you leave the house, leave your puppy in a confined area with appropriate chew toys. VETERINARIAN VISITS Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for vaccinations and spaying or neutering. OBEDIENCE TRAINING Begin training your puppy indoors in a controlled environment free of distractions. Use simple commands like “sit”. Practice the sit command twice a day trying three repetitions of the command each time. As soon as your puppy’s attention falters, stop and try again later. Praise your dog by petting and stroking and/or puppy biscuits as a treat. Start a training session when your dog is hungry – his attention will be focused on you, his provider. Begin Puppy Kindergarten training after your puppy’s final shots, usually around 4 months. |