Start Your Puppy Off on the Right Paw

Just like human babies, puppies need regular checkups to monitor their growth and development. These visits allow us to detect potential health problems early on, when they're often easier and less expensive to treat.  Puppies also require a series of vaccines during their first few months of life to protect them from serious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.  Regular vet visits ensure your puppy stays on track with their vaccinations and receives any necessary boosters!

Vaccinations:  Puppies need a series of vaccines starting around 6 weeks of age. They'll get boosters every few weeks until they're at least 16 weeks old. Recommended vaccinations: 

• Rabies (required by law)
• Distemper/Parvo (DHPP) (3+ boosters)
• Leptospirosis (2 boosters)
• Oral Bordetella 
• Influenza (optional, for high-socialization environments)

Fecal Testing: Intestinal parasites, tiny organisms that can live in your puppy's gut, can be passed on from their mother. A simple test analyzing your pup's stool can detect these. Please bring a fresh stool sample (within 24 hours) to your puppy's first visit!

Microchipping:  This tiny chip helps reunite you with your pup if they get lost. Implantation is free during spay or neuter.

Spaying/Neutering:  Spaying or neutering around 6 months offers many health benefits for your pet, like reduced cancer risk and calmer behavior. 

Remember: This serves as a general guideline.  During your puppy's first visit, the veterinarian will work with you to create a personalized wellness plan tailored to your pup's specific needs. 

Housetraining requires vigilance! Since playtime can trigger potty breaks, don't be afraid to take your pup outside to eliminate even mid-session. 

Most dogs need to urinate twice! They may get distracted by sights and smells forgetting to fully empty their bladder. 

• If you suspect incomplete elimination, bring your dog back inside and crate them for 5-10 minutes. Then take them out again on a leash, focusing on elimination before play.
• On walks, use a leash to prevent play until your dog relieves themselves completely.
• Learn your puppy's potty cues – not all pups will whine at the door. Watch for sniffing, circling, or stopping play abruptly – these are all nature's signals!  

Remember, out of sight can mean into trouble during this process. Crate your dog whenever you can't directly supervise them, limiting their free roam of the house. 

Crates are your (and your dog's) friend. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their den, so a properly sized crate (just big enough to turn around and stand up in) can become a potty-training haven. 

Teaching your pup basic commands like sit and down is easy!

SIT: Hold a tasty treat near their nose, then slowly move it over their head and back. Their natural instinct will be to follow, lowering their rear into a sit. When they do, praise them with the treat and a happy "Sit!"

DOWN: Repeat for "down" by holding the treat near their nose, then slowly run it straight down towards the floor. As they follow, lowering their body, say "Down" and reward them with the treat when they're fully lying down. 

Keep training sessions short and positive, and your pup will be a pro in no time! 

One of the most important things you can do for your new puppy is establish clear house rules from the very beginning. Puppies are constantly learning, and every interaction you have with them is an opportunity to train them. By setting clear expectations and rewarding good behavior, you'll be setting your pup up for success. 

What are your house rules?

• FURNITURE: Will your pup be allowed on furniture? If so, teach them to ask permission first (e.g., sit and wait for an invitation). If not, consistently block access and ignore attempts to jump up.
• DOORWAYS: Teach your pup to wait patiently at doorways by sitting and staying calm before being allowed to go through.
• BASIC COMMANDS:  Incorporate basic commands like "sit" and "down" into everyday interactions. For example, have your pup sit before receiving food, toys, or pets.
• "LEAVE IT": Instead of chasing your pup when they grab something off-limits, teach them "leave it." Reward them for leaving the unwanted item and redirect them to an appropriate toy. This teaches them what's acceptable to chew on.

Remember:  

• Positive Reinforcement:  Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play.
• Patience:  Puppy training takes time and patience.  Be consistent and celebrate even small victories.
• Management:  Set your pup up for success by providing them with plenty of appropriate chew toys and keeping temptations out of reach.