1. Where do you get your Puppies?
We get our puppies from breeders all across the United States. Some of the breeders we have been working with for up to 20 years. For our clients protection we require a
one year warranty against problems associated with bad breeding and we pass the warranty along to our clients. Without this warranty we do not buy from the breeder.
2. Much attention is brought to Pet Stores that sell puppies in that they are easily associated with "Puppy Mills".
All our breeders must hold a U.S.D.A. license; which means they are all inspected and regulated by the Federal Government. Our breeders all have Vets on staff that care for the puppies as well as the breed stock, the vaccinations are kept current on the puppies as well as the Sire and Dam.
3. How old are puppies when you get them in?
The puppies range in ages of 8 to 12 weeks old when we get them. At this age they are fully weaned of their mothers milk and are able to start their puppy vaccanations.
4. What about Shedding?
Most shedding is caused by improper diet or improper grooming habits. If a puppy is raised on a quality dog food (without table scraps) and if the treats that are provided are high quality, the coat should be easily maintained with brushing and bathing regularly.
5. How often should I give my
puppy a bath?
Baths can be given as often as once a week, and as needed in between. It is important to use the appropriate shampoo for your puppy. you should Never use a product that is meant for a human i.e. Johnson's Baby Shampoo. These products are too harsh for your puppy and the Ph is not balanced to match that of a puppy and will strip the productive oil coat and cause your puppy to develop hot spots. Only use a product that is labeled for puppies. Remember, keep bathing as a routine; this will decrease the anxiety for the puppy and you.
6. Are their certain puppy snacks that I should avoid feeding my puppy?
You should avoid all snacks that are not sold or marketed as a puppy treat. Remember some treats are high in sugar and should be limited in the amount that you feed to your puppy. Also, giving treats is an excellent training aid and reward but, giving too much will only cause your puppy to eat less of its puppy food which is the best nutrition for your puppy. Snacks and treats can always be broken or cut into smaller pieces; a puppy will respond to a small treat just as well as a large piece.
7. How often (and how much) should I feed my puppy each day?
We believe that all our puppies should be fed on demand, having access to food and water 24/7. Puppies are not in the habit of over eating and will only gorge themselves if food is withheld.
8. What should I do with my puppy when I have to leave the house? Is it ok to crate him?
We believe your puppy should definitely be crated anytime you leave your home. This will keep the puppy safe and give you the peace of mind that nothing will be chewed and accidents will not be happening all around your house. Puppies feel comfortable in a small space such as a crate and soon will recognize the crate as its home. If not using a crate, always provide a safe environment for your puppy while you are gone. And, as always, whether using a crate or not, your puppy must have access to food and water at all times.
9. How often should I exercise my puppy?
Puppies are very active. Most puppies will receive adequate exercise with normal activity and playing in your home. Some large breeds or working class puppies may require additional exercise and walking. Remember, walking on a leash is a learned behavior and will take some time and training for your puppy to master this.
10. House Breaking?
House breaking should be everyone's job that lives in the house. The most important thing to remember is that -Time and Patient - will be most useful in housebreaking a puppy We recommend a little chat around the dinner table when a new puppies is brought home to go over some simple rules to expidite the process. We generally recomend dry food for puppies when they go home. We suggest that when a puppy is heard crunching on some food that you let it finish and then right outside. The same with water, when the puppy is heard drinking some water, let it finish and then right outside.
If someone is home with the puppy during the day we suggest frequent trips outside (at first every hour to two hours, then longer as the puppy gets into the habit of going ourside). The puppy will not always go when it is taken out but will get into the habit of going outside and will eventually get the idea. When it does go, I good quality treat is in order and some praise. If the puppy goes inside the house ( and it will) we suggest picking up the "tootsie roll" with a paper towel and taking it outside to an area that you would prefer the puppy to go, these "tootsie rolls" can be removed when the puppy understands what you are showing them. At the same time it is important to clean the area well inside that was just used using a product that will clean and eliminate the odor so the puppy does not become confused when it comes across the spot indoors and thinks that "this must be the place to go".
If there is nobody home during the day it becomes a little more difficult to housebreak but it IS possible. When leaving a puppy home during the day it is important to provide a safe area for the puppy to
await your return. Usually this is the kitchen area blocked off from the rest of the house with puppy gates or by using a puppy play pen. The area should be made puppy safe ( unplug cords from the wall, put drapes up and out of reach, take anything out of the area that you don't want puppy teeth marks on) the puppy will go through some very playful moments while you are gone between naps. Provide many safe toys to amuse the puppy and provide a puppy training pad, usually in a corner, for the puppy to use to go "potty." When the first person comes home the puppy should be taken out immediately as it will become excited to see someone and will go "potty" quickly. After someone comes home the preceding paragraph would apply.
In both cases we suggest taking the food and water away around 7:00 in the evening and taking the puppy outside a couple of times up to bed time to help the puppy "make it through the night".
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