PREPARING FOR YOUR PUPPY
- .Transition Anxiety - When your puppy leaves our home he/she is accustomed to sleeping with all of his/her brothers and sisters. The absence of their warmth and heartbeats can cause separation anxiety. HERE is a snuggle buddy to help aid in transition. HERE is another heart beat toy that is a bit cheaper if the other one doesn't fit your budget. You may bring it along when you pick up your puppy and we can rub the snuggle buddy on his/her siblings or Mom and to also collect the scent.
- ·Food – your puppy is currently eating Diamond brand puppy food. HERE is a link to the brand we use. Our vet recommends using puppy food for the first year of your puppies life.
- .Potty Training Bell - HERE is a link to inexpensive bells for the door to train your puppy how to let you know that he/she wants to pee outside.
- .Harness/leash - Harnesses are safer and more comfortable for your puppy to learn in. Our standard size puppies approximately 10-15 pounds at 8 weeks old. Use that weight to gauge the size you should buy for your puppy. HERE is a link to a nice harness.
- ·Toys - to discourage your new puppy from chewing things like shoes, you should be sure to have plenty of toys on hand when you bring him/her home. A variety of textures really helps your puppy to enjoy each one and get him/her through the teething stage.
- ·Puppy Training Aid Spray – HERE IS THE LINK -this spray will help you train your puppy where to go potty outside. By simply spraying "the potty spot" with this spray you can cut down house training time by weeks.
- · Bed - you may want to consider a soft bed for your new puppy to sleep in and, if you will be spending a lot of time with him/her out of the crate, you may also want one for the living room, dining room, etc. HERE - HERE -and HERE are three suggestions for beds that your dog may enjoy.
- · Bowls – small bowls for eating and drinking. We recommend stainless steel as they are easier to clean later and deter chewing. HERE is a link to some highly recommended puppy bowls.
- · Travel Carrier *optional – If you will be traveling with your puppy often, we recommend picking up a travel carrier, as well. You may want something convenient for trips to the vet, etc. HERE is a link to the kind we use.
- ·Brushes/grooming – be sure to start your new puppy on a regular grooming regimen immediately so that he/she becomes accustomed to it from day one. Most of our puppies will require brushing often to prevent matting, so be sure to have brushes on hand. HERE is a link to a nice brush. Be sure to thoroughly brush before bathing to prevent further matting the coat. Be sure to have a gentle puppy shampoo on hand for when your puppy comes home. HERE is a link to a nice grooming set for grooming from home.
- Treats – We are big fans of positive reinforcement, which is rewarding good behavior. Be sure to have some training treats on hand for bringing your puppy home. HERE is a link to some highly recommended training treats.
- Large dog/age-appropriate crate for sleeping and training. This will be just big enough for the puppy to turn around in and lay down. We do recommend getting a wire crate for the expected adult weight and just blocking it off a portion of it until the puppy is grown. HERE is a link to an all in one bed, bowls, night time cover and crate. HERE is a link to a highly recommended basic crate.
- New Puppy Survival Guide by Zak George HERE
- Training - First 36 hours by Zak George HERE
- How to teach the first 7 things to your puppy by Zak George HERE
- Obedience Training - Here is a Training Video
- Potty Training - Here is a Training Video
- Furminator - This is a hair brush that thins hair so that you have less shedding in your house. This is a favorite for all pure bred Golden Retriever parents. HERE is the link
- Training Collar - does your puppy whine and yelp when left alone? Or is your puppy stubborn and doesn't come when called? Here is a collar to reinforce your training when treats are not enough of a motivator. HERE is the link
Also, please be sure to schedule your puppy’s first health examination with your licensed veterinarian in order to take full advantage of our health guarantee. It is required to be done within 10 days. It is a good idea, anyway, to get your puppy’s records established and get any additional vaccines your veterinarian may recommend. Your vet will also have great advice on when to spay/neuter your puppy.
Now is also a good time to find a reliable dog walker or doggie daycare for days that you will be gone long amounts of time. It is better to establish a line of communication now and register your new puppy with them so that you can easily drop them off in a last-minute or emergency situation!
You should also schedule your first grooming appointment soon, even if you do not think your puppy will need groomed for a while. It is best to get them accustomed to the groomer at an early age so that they are comfortable with being groomed throughout the rest of their lives.
As always, if you have any questions about the above information, do not hesitate to call or email!
Thanks!
Buffalo Valley Puppies Team
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE EXPECTING .... A PUPPY
Getting a new pet is one of the most exciting – and, if you’re like me, one of the most anxiety-inducing – times in your life. It’s not like having a baby, of course, but in some ways it’s almost harder because puppies can’t wear diapers. Having a pet is a big commitment – one that can span an average of 15 years – so it’s important that you’re as prepared as possible before bringing your new furry friend home.
Below are some things to keep in mind before getting your dog and after, when he’s adjusting to his new forever home. Of course, you may do things differently and find that it works perfectly for you – this is NOT a must-do list.
1. Consistency is key. This is the most important rule of them all, and one that you should repeat to yourself over and over again, particularly during the more trying moments of getting your puppy house trained, crate trained, whatever. You may get tired of getting up every 10 minutes to take him outside, or it might break your heart to hear him crying his heart out in the kitchen all night because he’s in his bed on his own, but giving in “just this once” sends the message that bad behavior gets your dog attention and, most likely, his own way. Re-enforcing bad behavior can be incredibly difficult to undo.
2. You make the rules. Dogs are pack animals, and each pack has a leader. It’s incredibly important that you take this position and maintain it. Letting your dog dominate you (whether by taking your food, demanding your attention, becoming aggressive, etc.) is a recipe for disaster, especially if you have a feisty puppy.
3. House training doesn’t happen overnight. This goes hand in hand with #1 – the best way to get your puppy in the habit of doing its business outside rather than on your carpet or bed is to continually take him to an area where you’d like him to go. Puppies typically need to use the bathroom after eating, sleeping or playing – and the younger they are, the more they need to go in between. It can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting, but you will eventually see results if you stay the course.
4. Crate training can be particularly helpful with housebreaking and when it comes to leaving your dog overnight. You can crate trained from the day you bring him home, and you may experience two nights or so of howling and sobbing, but if you remain strong and did not go to him it will pay off. After those two nights or so, he will probably never do it again. Better yet, he will probably know when it’s bedtime and actually run in his bed and hop in his bed himself! It’s cosy and secure and he knows it’s his, which is helpful.
The crate you choose for your dog should have plenty of air and should be big enough for him to stand up in but not move around too much. Dogs hate to pee/poop anywhere near where they sleep and will do anything to keep it from happening. Note: small puppies will become extremely distressed if left for too long and forced to relieve themselves in their crates. Make sure that you give enough bathroom breaks to accommodate the size/ability of your puppy/dog.
Another thing that can help if you’re crate training is to leave music playing. A comfort item, such as a blanket from his mother or an item of clothing you’ve worn (which has your scent) will work wonders too, and you should also include a small toy for him to occupy himself with in case he wakes up in the middle of the night.
5. Get him used to being left alone. One of the hardest things to do when you get an adorable new puppy is put him down, especially if he’s particularly cuddly. This can become extremely problematic when you DO need to leave the house for any period, and it can cause your dog to develop severe separation anxiety if not dealt with at a young age.
When you leave the house, start out at an hour or so and gradually work your way up. Again, your pup should be left with ample water (even when not house trained – this is the chance you’ll have to take) and food if you will be gone past his feeding times, plus toys to entertain him, a soft bed to lie on and music playing, as it mimics the noise of their daily lives. Even when you are home, you should allow your puppy to have supervised playtime that’s on his own and doesn’t require your direct engagement. This will teach him to entertain himself and not become destructive simply because he isn’t receiving your attention at the moment.
6. Spoiling your dog is okay, to a degree. Having a toy box that includes balls, squeaky toys, old shoes of ours which he’s claimed as his own, socks and more will keep him/her entertained for hours. Give your dog 3 or 4 toys at a time and rotate these every few days to keep his interest up.
7. Training him to do tricks isn’t just fun, it’s beneficial. You will find much laughter and pride in watching your puppy do all his tricks – playing dead, rolling over, begging, shaking paws, etc. But while it’s a lot of fun to watch, it’s also good for him. Dogs love working for treats (and there are some awesome probiotic ones out there that are really good for them, as well) and it helps them focus their attention when you spend time – only 5 – 10 minutes at once – teaching them. Like anything else, it takes dedication and consistency to get your dog knowing a trick 100%, but when he does, it’s great to see. It’s also another opportunity for you to bond with him.
8. Socialize! If you already have other dogs or kids, feel free to skip this part. If not, read on. One of the most important things you can do for your puppy while he’s still young is to get him used to other people and other dogs. Once he’s had his shots and can out for walks, take him to the local park or an area where you know other people will be walking their dogs. Don’t be scared to go near them – most dogs are pretty chill and aren’t out to attack yours (though obviously be wary of ones that seem unruly, aggressive, etc.) and just want to sniff one another to see what the deal is. That being said, I recommend not letting your dog off the leash when not at home in his own back yard. We recommend getting THESE name tags for your dogs collar in case something happens and he/she goes missing.
9. Praise him… extensively! The best way to encourage your puppy to behave in the ways you want him to is not by shouting at him for doing things wrong, but for praising him for doing things right! This is easily the best way to get the behavior you want the most quickly. Dogs aren’t like humans – if you shout at them when you get home for peeing on the floor while you were out, he’s not going to understand what he did wrong – the pee was ages ago, so it’s no longer in his brain. If you take your dog out to the garden or on a walk to use the bathroom and he does his business, give him a treat and/or go really over the top with telling him how clever he is, what a good boy he is, etc. This goes for every single thing he does right. Rewarding him for doing the right things will make him want to do them every single time.
On the flip side, should you have a puppy that is slightly naughty and won’t be deterred, the gentlest and most humane way of discouraging this is by squirting him with a water bottle. It’s enough of a gentle shock to get him to, say, let go of your sock that he’s growling and pulling off your foot even though you’ve removed him and told him “no” six times. You shouldn’t have to do this much
Again, bringing home a puppy can be an intensely trying and exhausting time in the beginning, but stick to your guns and you should end up with a happy, healthy, lively dog who is well-trained and a massive source of fun and joy in your life.
Below are some things to keep in mind before getting your dog and after, when he’s adjusting to his new forever home. Of course, you may do things differently and find that it works perfectly for you – this is NOT a must-do list.
1. Consistency is key. This is the most important rule of them all, and one that you should repeat to yourself over and over again, particularly during the more trying moments of getting your puppy house trained, crate trained, whatever. You may get tired of getting up every 10 minutes to take him outside, or it might break your heart to hear him crying his heart out in the kitchen all night because he’s in his bed on his own, but giving in “just this once” sends the message that bad behavior gets your dog attention and, most likely, his own way. Re-enforcing bad behavior can be incredibly difficult to undo.
2. You make the rules. Dogs are pack animals, and each pack has a leader. It’s incredibly important that you take this position and maintain it. Letting your dog dominate you (whether by taking your food, demanding your attention, becoming aggressive, etc.) is a recipe for disaster, especially if you have a feisty puppy.
3. House training doesn’t happen overnight. This goes hand in hand with #1 – the best way to get your puppy in the habit of doing its business outside rather than on your carpet or bed is to continually take him to an area where you’d like him to go. Puppies typically need to use the bathroom after eating, sleeping or playing – and the younger they are, the more they need to go in between. It can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting, but you will eventually see results if you stay the course.
4. Crate training can be particularly helpful with housebreaking and when it comes to leaving your dog overnight. You can crate trained from the day you bring him home, and you may experience two nights or so of howling and sobbing, but if you remain strong and did not go to him it will pay off. After those two nights or so, he will probably never do it again. Better yet, he will probably know when it’s bedtime and actually run in his bed and hop in his bed himself! It’s cosy and secure and he knows it’s his, which is helpful.
The crate you choose for your dog should have plenty of air and should be big enough for him to stand up in but not move around too much. Dogs hate to pee/poop anywhere near where they sleep and will do anything to keep it from happening. Note: small puppies will become extremely distressed if left for too long and forced to relieve themselves in their crates. Make sure that you give enough bathroom breaks to accommodate the size/ability of your puppy/dog.
Another thing that can help if you’re crate training is to leave music playing. A comfort item, such as a blanket from his mother or an item of clothing you’ve worn (which has your scent) will work wonders too, and you should also include a small toy for him to occupy himself with in case he wakes up in the middle of the night.
5. Get him used to being left alone. One of the hardest things to do when you get an adorable new puppy is put him down, especially if he’s particularly cuddly. This can become extremely problematic when you DO need to leave the house for any period, and it can cause your dog to develop severe separation anxiety if not dealt with at a young age.
When you leave the house, start out at an hour or so and gradually work your way up. Again, your pup should be left with ample water (even when not house trained – this is the chance you’ll have to take) and food if you will be gone past his feeding times, plus toys to entertain him, a soft bed to lie on and music playing, as it mimics the noise of their daily lives. Even when you are home, you should allow your puppy to have supervised playtime that’s on his own and doesn’t require your direct engagement. This will teach him to entertain himself and not become destructive simply because he isn’t receiving your attention at the moment.
6. Spoiling your dog is okay, to a degree. Having a toy box that includes balls, squeaky toys, old shoes of ours which he’s claimed as his own, socks and more will keep him/her entertained for hours. Give your dog 3 or 4 toys at a time and rotate these every few days to keep his interest up.
7. Training him to do tricks isn’t just fun, it’s beneficial. You will find much laughter and pride in watching your puppy do all his tricks – playing dead, rolling over, begging, shaking paws, etc. But while it’s a lot of fun to watch, it’s also good for him. Dogs love working for treats (and there are some awesome probiotic ones out there that are really good for them, as well) and it helps them focus their attention when you spend time – only 5 – 10 minutes at once – teaching them. Like anything else, it takes dedication and consistency to get your dog knowing a trick 100%, but when he does, it’s great to see. It’s also another opportunity for you to bond with him.
8. Socialize! If you already have other dogs or kids, feel free to skip this part. If not, read on. One of the most important things you can do for your puppy while he’s still young is to get him used to other people and other dogs. Once he’s had his shots and can out for walks, take him to the local park or an area where you know other people will be walking their dogs. Don’t be scared to go near them – most dogs are pretty chill and aren’t out to attack yours (though obviously be wary of ones that seem unruly, aggressive, etc.) and just want to sniff one another to see what the deal is. That being said, I recommend not letting your dog off the leash when not at home in his own back yard. We recommend getting THESE name tags for your dogs collar in case something happens and he/she goes missing.
9. Praise him… extensively! The best way to encourage your puppy to behave in the ways you want him to is not by shouting at him for doing things wrong, but for praising him for doing things right! This is easily the best way to get the behavior you want the most quickly. Dogs aren’t like humans – if you shout at them when you get home for peeing on the floor while you were out, he’s not going to understand what he did wrong – the pee was ages ago, so it’s no longer in his brain. If you take your dog out to the garden or on a walk to use the bathroom and he does his business, give him a treat and/or go really over the top with telling him how clever he is, what a good boy he is, etc. This goes for every single thing he does right. Rewarding him for doing the right things will make him want to do them every single time.
On the flip side, should you have a puppy that is slightly naughty and won’t be deterred, the gentlest and most humane way of discouraging this is by squirting him with a water bottle. It’s enough of a gentle shock to get him to, say, let go of your sock that he’s growling and pulling off your foot even though you’ve removed him and told him “no” six times. You shouldn’t have to do this much
Again, bringing home a puppy can be an intensely trying and exhausting time in the beginning, but stick to your guns and you should end up with a happy, healthy, lively dog who is well-trained and a massive source of fun and joy in your life.
