Getting started

[NJGadget]

Being about two weeks away from taking home our new puppy. I just wanted to ask for advice on puppy food, training classes for puppies, or anything else you would like to give some helpful advice on.

 

[Linda]

Do you have a crate yet? That's a good thing to have, especially right from the beginning. I waited until Bailey was a few months old, and it was a little bit of a challenge to get her used to it.

You should probably initially feed the same food the breeder is feeding the puppies now. Then if you choose to switch, do it very gradually over 10 days or more by adding a little of the new food to the old until all he's getting is new food.

I didn't take our dogs to any obedience class until they were 6 months old. Lots of people go to "puppy kindergarten," which is probably an excellent idea. I'm sure someone else can give you better advice on that.

A lightweight collar and leash are a good idea. Puppies usually take a little time to get used to wearing a collar and being on a leash. A big heavy leash will just make that worse.

Is your puppy already chosen? If you can, it's not a bad idea to take a towel or small blanket to the breeder's for the puppies to use, then bring it home with your puppy. That will provide some comfort and the smell of the littermates when puppy comes home with you.

Is this your first dog?
You may want to check out this website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/woof/roll/tips/index.html It has some excellent, basic information on training and housebreaking, etc.

Have fun and enjoy puppyhood, it doesn't last long.


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Linda
Remy -DOB 6/2/92; white male w/brindle patches;
Bailey - DOB 10/16/99; flashy brindle female
Shannon - 1992?-12/7/99 Flashy fawn; We miss her!

 

[Cindy and Lacie.]

I couldnt agree with Linda more! Just one more thing...... I would suggest setting up a vet appt. asap, so they can meet your puppy BEFORE having to be introduced via the shots!

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Cindy Corl
Lacie female, brindle, natural ears,7-17-99

 

[Brutus and Amaya's Mom]

I agree!! Also I would recomend puppy classes. We were not able to get Brutus into puppy and I think we started a little late with him. Amaya was enrolled in puppy and it helped us get her started on the right foot, especially if this is your first dog. If you read my posts I am constantly saying, "my trainer says". My trainer is the best dog resource I have. He answers any question I have about obedience, agility, health etc.

Congrats on your addition!!

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Brutus & Amayas Mom
Brutus 9/23/99 Flashy Fawn
Amaya 3/22/00 Flashy Brindle

 

[DeeDee & Clay Sewell]

I know you are excited. We have had Jolie home for 2 l/2 weeks now - they flew by. She has grown so much already. Anyway, all the folks on the Boxer Ring have such great advice - I have learned so much and it is nice to know there are so many people out there who can give so much help and actually know what they are talking about. They love Boxers. Anyway, I wanted to tell you something about the crate. They told me to have it before she came home. Great plan. That crate is a wonderful thing - We put Jolie in it at night. It was across the room from us, and, she did whine some the first night - it really wasn't that bad. But, I work on an ambulance and I need all the sleep I can get. I get up at 2:30 AM to go to work. So, I tried bringing the crate at night over right next to the bed. When she whimpered even a little, I put my hand down where she could smell it and tapped the crate lightly and said nicely, but firmly, Hush Jolie. She has been sleeping very well since I started that. She can see me and knows I am right there with her. It's amazing. Now, during the day, I have caught her a few times pitching a fit for a few minutes, then she settles down. I started moving it during the day over in front of the TV and leave the TV on low. I heard that keeps them company. - don't know if that's true or not. I got a very large crate but I didn't partition it off yet. She knew about paper a little bit, so, I left the back part covered with paper. She has used it only twice in her crate - both times on the paper. We had fed her and had to leave unexpectedly so, it really wasn't her fault. As far as in the house, she has had a few accidents, not nearly what we expected. I bought some big Jingle bells and sewed them on a piece of braid for two of the doors. I am so proud of her. Everytime we take her out we ring the bells with her paw and she has now actually gone and sat in front of them several times and nudged them with her nose and gone outside to use the bathroom!!!! At first she thought they were to play with and barked hysterically at them. When we are home with her, we take her out constantly. She always pees then we have to actually walk around with her for a few minutes before she will poop. The walking gets things going. Not trying to be gross but that's how it is. I am amazed at how smart she is. She is only 7 l/2 weeks old. Good luck.

 

[Elsa]

Go to www.Jbpet.com. Great online pet store and mail order catalogue info. Great prices! Other than that, the crate training is a must.

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-Elsa

Ruby- Flashy Fawn, Black Mask,Cropped, 5/1998

 

[DeeDee & Clay Sewell]

I realized I made a mistake - jolie has been home a week and a half - i was thinking the other day - gee a whole week and my house did not turn into wall to wall poop and pee - this may not be so bad - I thik we ar doing pretty good for such a short time We brought her home Sunday before last so that's even better. She looks at us like she loves us completely - those eyes are incredible.