Supplies and thoughts to share.

A few requests have come through now that the pups are assigned and I would like to direct everyone to the PUP SUPPLIES listing on this blog to help you gather what you need.  The listing on the right hand side is in alphabetical order.

• A crate for this size should be 24 inches or less. This will be a good size for a few months.
• A harness should be in the range of 10 to 16 inches. Most of the pups are about 12 inches in circumference today. The collar is for identification only, not used for walking until the pup is fully trained and even at that, I prefer and use the Easy Walk Harness on my doodles.
• You will be provided with a collar and leash in your pup bag at pick up. Toys are included and a notebook that we will go over in depth.
• Don't go overboard with your purchases! You don't need everything - just the basics like paper towels, enzyme products for cleaning, etc. Old towels work very well for crate bedding in the beginning.
• PLEASE order a Snuggle Puppy on line with the 'heartbeat'. Any of the extras are not needed.
• If you already have a larger crate - great! Just add a large stuffed animal to take up space.
• The pups eat and like SPOT FARM DEHYDRATED FOOD. It can be purchased at Petco and is human grade. I would advise you add a teaspoon of Royal Canine wet food to each feeding. Only buy the small cans because the large cans are made with a metal that has a toxin in it but not the small ones.
• The pups must be fed three times a day until about 6 months of age.
• When walking your pup please pay attention to the length of the walk - the formula to use is:   For each month of age, multiply it by 5. So your pups will be 2 months x 5 = 10 minutes of 'intentional' walking on a leash. Walking is for a bit of exercise but more for SOCIALIZATION. In addition to these walks three times a day, the pup must be allowed to free play with your family. Playing ball means - ROLLING the ball and preventing the pup from jumping up and landing on his feet impacting hip development. NO stair climbing except a few - about five at the most and NO playing on the stairs. Pick up your pup and carry it and close off your stairs so they can't go up them at will. This should be done until they are about 9 months of age to allow the development of their shoulders, hips and knees to grow without stressors on those joints.  By letting them up or down a few stairs will teach them how to navigate stairs but not overdo the impact on their developing bones. (They already know how).

In an email to each of you, I am sending Puppy Training 101 from my trainer. Expect it soon. Read it well and refer to it often - it is an excellent resource.

Don't forget to look for your trainer NOW and go to a class to be sure you like the style of training. It should always be positive based, not with prong collars, etc. Check out groomers in your area because your pup should be taken there every other week or so for a 'Hello' and a treat that you provide that groomer so your pup becomes familiar with them well before she or he is needed. Do not place your pup on the floor - always in your arms until your pup is fully vaccinated. Kennel Cough is quite common at grooming facilities. This is your homework for this time.  :+)