PREPARING FOR PUPPIES ARRIVAL
It is a very exciting time to bring home a new puppy. But there are some preparations to consider ahead of time.
Ready or not, here comes the puppy!
Your home is about to change. As big of an adjustment as it is for you, just imagine how this tiny puppy feels. It can take up to a few weeks for a puppy to adjust to its new home and get to know the house rules and your schedule. Just like you need to get to know the little ones schedule!
Do you have a space that can be theirs?
It is recommended you use a playpen to create a safe place. Playpens are perfect to keep your puppy safe during your work hours, when you leave the house and overnight. All puppies have been trained in playpens. This provides a safe place to sleep and go potty without undue puppy panic, anxiety or stress when you are not available.
Potty training
Pads, box, outdoors or combination of any are all acceptable. Our puppies have all been successfully potty-trained outside, in boxes and on pads. However, being in a new environment can make them a little nervous for the first few weeks after arrival. Your love and patience in keeping your little one feeling safe and calm will help you to show your puppy where is acceptable to potty. Be prepared to praise a lot when they go potty where they are supposed to. Do not yell at, discipline or punish when your puppy makes a mistake, for any reason. Fear will make them nervous and anxious every time they have bodily functions and can have adverse reactions, including aggression, negatively responding towards you, other dogs and possibly everyone else.
Special considerations for small bladders
Keep in mind small dogs' bladders do not mature until 16-24 weeks of age. Size, age, consistency of potty training all plays a roll. The longest an adult small dog can be expected to wait is approximately 4-6 hours. This varies and can get longer over time. If you are wanting to sleep with your new puppy (not recommended), and you sleep hard through the night, your puppy can't and will wet your bed. It is unrealistic for you to expect this tiny bladdered tot can hold it as long as you. Although some may be able to as they mature. If you get up every couple of hours, drop your puppy at a convenient pad or box on your way and you both can do your business and go back to bed. You may have had a previous puppy that could hold it, do not assume your new furry friend can do the same.
Is your home puppy proof?
A puppy, especially a tiny one, will find all small objects that are at their level. Keep a close eye for a free roaming puppy, they will manage to get into everything and go behind furniture and tinkle (in private)! It is best to start with a playpen and give a little more space or additional rooms over time as they get used to what the house rules are and where its acceptable to tinkle. Don't move their playpen, food and water all over the place. The puppy needs to have consistency to be successful in their new home. When your puppy is a little more settled, they will be more comfortable with any changes and rearranging you want to do. If you have a deck or patio, make sure the puppy can't fit through it. Set up a patio/deck playpen or a 24" tall fencing zip tied to it will do the trick.
Do you live in a rental or apartment?
Make certain you have gotten proper landlord or HOA approval to have a pet.
Have a Vet appointment made for the newcomer
It is recommended you schedule an appointment within a few days of your puppy's arrival to put your mind at ease and getting a clean bill of health. All our pre trained puppies will be vet health verified and vaccinated for the appropriate age at the time of pick up.
Grooming
Nearly all puppies need grooming. Even if you are planning professional grooming, you should brush them 3-4 times a week. Make sure the nails are trimmed, and eyes are clean. I use a mascara wand for brushing the nose area. Most puppies think it's a chew toy and chew on it. I figure it's like them brushing their teeth. LOL
Puppy Package
All our pre-trained puppies come with a deluxe travel carrier, potty pads, adjustable training harness and leash, food sample and more. Includes papers/registration documents (if any), vet health verified, up to date vaccination health records and training reinforcement manual with a summary of your puppies training, the manors and obedience training commands and what you can do to continue reinforcing the training and introducing your puppy to your home and schedule.
Actual items may vary in color, style or brand