STARTING OUT WITH YOUR NEW PUP
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PUP COMES HOME
- Puppy proof your house!
- Remove Hazards from Reach:
- Electrical Cords: Tape cords to baseboards or use cord protectors to prevent chewing.
- Household Chemicals: Keep cleaners, detergents, and other chemicals in cabinets secured with child-proof locks.
- Small Objects: Pick up small items like coins, paper clips, or hair ties that could be swallowed.
- Houseplants: Some plants are toxic to pets; research and remove any that pose a risk.
- Secure Trash Bins:
- Use bins with lids that lock or keep them in cabinets. Dogs and puppies are notorious for getting into trash and eating harmful items.
- Block Off Unsafe Areas:
- Use baby gates to block stairs or rooms where the puppy shouldn’t go unsupervised.
- Ensure balconies, pools, or other potentially dangerous areas are inaccessible..
- Choose Safe Toys:
- Provide plenty of chew toys and interactive toys to keep your puppy entertained and deter them from chewing on inappropriate items.
- Create a Safe Sleeping Area:
- Use a crate or designated area for your puppy to sleep to keep them safe and secure at night or when they can not be supervised
- Supervise and Train:
- Always supervise your puppy in new environments until you are confident they are safe.
- Begin training early to teach boundaries and good behavior.
- Pups should be taken out to potty as soon as they wake up, come out of their crate/kennel and after meals and playtime. Be sure to give your pup plenty of playtime /exercise before you leave the house so they are tired and relaxed when you leave.
****Over-exercising a large breed puppy can lead to several health issues and developmental problems, primarily due to their rapid growth rate and immature skeletal structure. Here are some reasons why you should avoid over-exercising a large breed puppy
- Joint and Bone Development: Large breed puppies grow quickly during their first year of life. Excessive exercise, particularly high-impact activities like running or jumping, can put undue stress on their developing bones and joints. This stress can potentially lead to abnormalities in bone growth and joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia.
- Muscle Development: While exercise is important for overall health and muscle tone, excessive exercise can strain developing muscles. This strain can affect the proper development of muscle mass and strength.
- Risk of Injury: Puppies are still learning coordination and may be more prone to injuries during intense exercise sessions. Sprains, strains, and fractures are more likely if a puppy is pushed beyond their physical limits.
- Long-Term Health Issues: Over-exercising during puppyhood can have long-term consequences on the dog's health and mobility as they age. Issues such as arthritis or joint stiffness may develop earlier in life due to improper care during their growth phase.
- Energy Levels and Behavior: Large breed puppies have bursts of energy but also need adequate rest for proper growth and development. Too much exercise can lead to exhaustion and behavioral issues such as restlessness or hyperactivity.
Exercise Guidelines for Large Breed Puppies:
- Structured Activity: Engage in controlled, low-impact activities like leash walks, short play sessions, and basic obedience training.
- Avoid Forced Exercise: Do not force a puppy to exercise beyond their capability or endurance.
- Monitor Signs of Fatigue: Watch for signs such as lagging behind, excessive panting, or reluctance to continue. These indicate your puppy may need a break.
- Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian can provide specific advice based on your puppy's health, breed, and growth rate.
- Enroll in a puppy obedience class for you and your pup.
- Socialization is very important. We recommend taking your pup out with you as much as you can. The more people and animals he/she meets the better. By providing structured and positive socialization experiences, you can help your puppy develop into a confident, well-mannered adult dog who enjoys a wide range of social interactions and environments.
- Changes dont occur overnight, it takes time and patience to train puppies. Consistency is key, don’t give up and you will have an obedient and loyal friend for life
RAW FEEDING
There really is nothing better than a species appropriate raw diet BUT it must be fed properly. Here are some great links to get you on the right track
http://rawfeddogs.org/rawguide
perfectlyrawsome.com/dogs/prey-model-raw-diet/
www.primalpooch.com
http://rawfeddogs.org/rawguide
perfectlyrawsome.com/dogs/prey-model-raw-diet/
www.primalpooch.com