We are feeding our young puppies Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy and a tab of nuvet plus per day to order online http://www.nuvet.com/79667 or by phone at 1-800-474-7044 our breeder code is 79667. I will also give you a sample of food and vitamins when you pick up. Info and photos below so you are sure to get the correct food and vitamins.
Switching foods abruptly will cause tummy problems and cause stress on your new puppy. Your puppy will already be under the stress of leaving his or her home it is not wise to change foods right away. If you choose to switch foods it needs to be done very slowly over a 4-6 week period. And please wait at least 1 month to begin this process. I also add a tiny pinch of dried cultured buttermilk to every meal when switching with my adults as a natural pro-biotic I get it at wal-mart in the baking section. I also use bene bac an even better choice for puppies as it is made specifically for dogs just a bit more costly it is found at petsmart in the vitamin section.
Training treats: I like string cheese, cooked chicken bits or dried liver if you are away from home and need something dry and unrefrigerated we do not use most commercial treats too many recalls plus they are usually full of junk and preservatives.
Safety: I also recommend that you get an x-pen or IRIS USA Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen or some kind of safe puppy enclosure for when you are away from home or around the house but puppy is not being supervised. You would be surprised at what trouble a puppy can find if they are left roaming the house. I also firmly believe that all dogs should be crate trained you should get a Large sized crate…. I have already introduced them to the crate starting at 3 weeks they all pile in to sleep at night naturally, I do not have to train this behavior so they should have no problem adjusting but it may be best to let them sleep next to you until they get used to sleeping alone as they are now sleeping with their litter mates. They also like to have a comfy bed or pillow to sleep on.
Food and Water bowls: ceramic and stainless steel bowls work best and are easy to wash
Teeth: dogs need weekly brushing a finger tooth brush or even a paper towel works fine I use gel toothpaste you can even get it at Wal-Mart.
Nails : They should be clipped or filed monthly I use a buffer after to smooth them out. with adults I like using a dremmel or even a pedi paws but you need to get you puppy used to it early on by turning it on and just letting it run so they can feel the vibration. i also think if you will not be showing your puppy its a good idea to shave the hair up under the paw pads as your puppy grows this hair will be like little mops attracting dirt, mud, urine or even feces.
Brushing & Bathing: Shampoos I use are kelco it is non detergent same as many groomers use. I also use, Chris Christensen shampoos, sprays and conditioners if I am out of those I will use “Anypet” brand puppy shampoo it has the most amazing fragrance that will last for about 2 weeks and also conditions, or nature’s miracle shampoo for puppies. I use a regular pin brush and a small plastic comb f. To finish them after they are all brushed out I use a inexpensive Goodie brand boars hair brush I got at Walmart in the “peoples” hair section make the coat silky and shiny.
www.groomersparadise.com/panagenics_spray.htm This is a fantastic product as well and this site has some good grooming tips.
Toys: Puppies need lots of toys they love squeaky toys I only but the kind that still squeak after being punctured. Most squeaky toys can be dangerous and need to be check regularly they are a favorite and we do buy them but only the kind that do not have the round squeaker. that can be chocked on soft and hard tough balls that are large enough to not get stuck in their mouth. I do not ever give raw hide pups can choke and die on it I don’t recommend deer antlers as I have heard that pups can break their teeth on them. Toys need to be checked regularly to be sure they are not losing small pieces your puppy can choke on. plastic vitamin water bottles without tops make good temporary toys as well if they are playing on a tile or hardwood floor!
You need to train your puppy like you are the pack leader you can be firm yet gentle just as their mothers are to them when they are still with her. Mothers do not let their pups get away with behaviors she does not like and will let them know firmly without hurting them, you need to continue to do this don’t let cuteness trick you into allowing your puppy to be the boss at any time any “bad” behaviors need to be dealt with immediately so your puppy will be the perfect pet you are dreaming of!
They need I.D. as well they are very super friendly and should never be off leash unless in a controlled environment and should never be allowed to escape your yard or home…
Puppies need to continue on a worming schedule. They have been de-wormed a minimum of 3 times when you get them home and my adults are de-wormed every 3-4 months as a precaution they can be picked up by your dog just going for a walk. I use safegaurd (Fenbendazole) for 3 days in a row it can be purchased at petco or petsmart it also covers Giardia if given for 5-7 days. I alternate with Pyrantel Pamoate it can be found under many name brands available at petco or petsmart as well. Nemex 2 same as Pyrantel Pamoate can be found at Tractor Supply these can also be purchased on amazon. I suggest at least 1 worming 2-4 weeks after bringing your pup home. Then every 3-4 months or as needed.
Training: The next few months will be a very important time for you and your new puppy they will need much supervision and correcting so they do not learn bad behaviors. Dont forget you are the pack leader and even though your puppy is cute and can trick you with those sweet eyes his or her mother wouldn’t let them get away with anything she would hold them down and growl but never bite just let them know they are doing wrong you need to be strong and let them know so no bad habits form. NEVER hit any dog though it teaches them nothing but to fear you if they fear you they will never learn.
Safety: I also recommend that you get an x-pen or some kind of safe puppy enclosure for when you are away from home or around the house but puppy is not being supervised. You would be surprised at what trouble a puppy can find if they are left roaming the house. You should get a Large sized crate when they are adults… But you can start with a smaller crate to help them with potty training I find that if you give them too much room they may potty in their crate. I crate train all of my dogs!!! This is something I firmly believe in it helps to potty train and teaches your dog they have a safe cozy place to be when they want to get away and rest once my dogs are crate trained they go to them trough out the day just to relax then at night I can say “go to bed” and they know its bed time. It is also important if you have an emergency you will be able to put your pup in a crate without stress if he/she needs to be contained for some reason.
Vaccinations need to be kept up We give the first one at 8-9 weeks. You should have you vet give the second at 12-14 weeks not sooner and third at 16 -20! I don’t let any puppies out side until 18-20 weeks or 2 weeks post final vaccine when they have a strong immune system. Never take you new puppy to parks pet stores or dog parks until they are FULLY vaccinated then wait a minimum of 2-4 weeks as this is a critical time just after any vaccinations because they first break down the bodies resistance as they are building immunities for at least 2-4 weeks!!! Please take this seriously many diseases can kill a puppy within a couple of days so it is not worth the risk of wanting to “show off” your new baby right away. The second vaccination is often said to be the hardest on your puppy’s immune system so keep him/her away from strange dogs especially at this time.
Never let any vet give your dog a vaccination plus a rabies lyme corona or lepto shot at the same time. All vaccinations need to be done separately at least 2-4 weeks apart. Even if your vet says it is safe it is not! Please do not let them talk you into this.
Also never ever give you dog chew-able flea treatments even if your vet prescribes them.
List of Vaccines
Bordetella: is a highly communicable bacterium that causes severe fits of coughing, whooping, vomiting, and, in rare cases seizures and death. There are both injectable and nasal spray vaccines available. (We do not use these on puppies.) Recommended for dogs when showing or being boarded though.
Canine Distemper: is a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous system , wild canids, raccoons, skunks, and other animals. It causes discharges from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, twitching paralysis, and, even death. There is no specific drug for the virus–the symptoms can be alleviated, giving the dog’s immune system a chance to fight it off. (our pups get the first one at 8 weeks)
Canine Hepatitis: is a disease of the liver caused by a virus that is unrelated to the human form of hepatitis. Symptoms range from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to severe depression, vomiting, jaundice, stomach enlargement, and pain around the liver. Many dogs can overcome the mild form of the disease, but the severe form can kill. There is no cure, but doctors can treat the symptoms.
Canine Parainfluenza: is one of several viruses that can contribute to kennel cough.
Corona Virus: is a virus that usually affects puppies less than 6 weeks of age and it affects the gastrointestinal systems, though it can also cause respiratory infections. Signs include most GI symptoms, including loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Doctors can keep a puppy hydrated, warm, and comfortable, and help alleviate nausea, but there is no drug that kills corona viruses. (we don’t give Corona ask your vet if you need it for your area and ask that they give it separate)
Heartworm: Though there is no vaccine for this condition, it is preventable with regular medication. The name is descriptive–these worms lodge in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (that send blood to the lungs), though they can travel through the rest of the body and sometimes invade the liver and kidneys. The worms can grow to 14 inches long and, if clumped together, block and injure organs. A new infection often causes no symptoms, though dogs in later stages of the disease may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite or have difficulty breathing. Infected dogs may tire after mild exercise. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. The disease is treatable if caught early. You can either treat with monthly medication or you can have your dog tested every 6 months.
Kennel Cough: also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, results from inflammation of the upper airways. It can be caused by bacterial viral, or other infections -see bordetella and canine parainfluenza-, and often involves multiple infections simultaneously. Usually the disease is mild and self-limiting, causing bouts of harsh, dry coughing, sometimes severe enough to spur retching and gagging, along with a loss of appetite, but in rare cases it can kill. It is easily spread between dogs kept close together, which is why it passes quickly through kennels and dog shows. Antibiotics are usually not necessary, except in severe, chronic cases. Cough suppressants can make a dog more comfortable.
Leptospirosis: unlike most diseases on this list, is caused by bacteria, and sometimes evinces no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, muscle pain, or infertility. Antibiotics are effective, but the sooner they are given, the better. There are only 2 or 3 cases reported each year here in the United States so it is not as common as one might think. (we do not vaccinate for this talk to your vet about it most dogs do not need it and should be given separately)
Lyme Disease: unlike the famous “bull’s eye” rash that people exposed to Lyme disease often spot, no such telltale symptom occurs in dogs. Instead, an infected dog often starts limping, his lymph nodes swell, his temperature rises, and he stops eating. The disease can affect his heart, kidney, and joints, among other things, or lead to neurological disorders if left untreated. If diagnosed quickly, a course of antibiotics is extremely helpful, though relapses can occur months even years later. (we do not use this controversial vaccine it has been linked to cancer and worse)
Parvovirus: attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48 to 72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness. Last vaccine needs to be given after 16 weeks to be considered immunized against Parvo… I give my final vaccine at 20 weeks to be safer and do not take them outdoors till 2 weeks after the vaccine. (our pups get the first vaccine at 8-9 weeks)
Rabies: is a virus that invades the central nervous system, causing headache, anxiety, hallucinations, excessive drooling, fear of water, paralysis, and death. Treatment within hours of infection is essential, otherwise death is highly likely. Most states require rabies vaccination at set intervals (every one to five years). Check with your vet about local rabies vaccination laws. (do not give at the same time as other vaccines even if you are told this is safe it is not)
Spaying and neutering :
Please watch this video before you plan a spay or neuter. ^
Foods not to feed:
Chocolate coffee tea or any other foods containing caffeine
Cat food, Yeast dough can cause gas and rupture the stomach or intestines, Baby food containing onion powder, Onions, onion powder, Garlic, garlic powder, Grapes or raisins, Cooked or small pointy bones, citrus oil, Fat trimmings from meat, Human Vitamins with iron
Salt, Mushrooms, Sugar or sugary foods, Hops or alcoholic beverages, Large amounts of liver
potato rhubarb or tomato plant leaves
Raw eggs contains an enzyme called avidin that causes the body to block Biotin aka vitamin B
Raw Fish, Persimmon seeds
Cleaners:
Try not to use anything with sol in it i.e. Pinesol Lysol.
I prefer to use Nolvasan, or odoban or plain glass cleaner with ammonia but I always rinse well and let it dry before allowing the dogs on the freshly cleaned surface. Cleaning Vinegar is another great non toxic cleaner that can be use around them.
1. Why do you and your family want a dog? Why have you chosen this particular breed?
2. Who will be primarily responsible for the dog’s care? —— It is always best for an adult to be the main trainer and care giver even if the pup is meant to be a buddy for your child. Kids should never be responsible for the life and training of a puppy alone though I do believe with supervision this can be a great experience to teach kids responsibility and patience. Let them do the feeding clean-up and training but with adult guidance never alone you do not want to put all the “work” on a child and make them resent the dog this can lead to bad habits by both child and puppy.
3. Do you have the time to meet the demanding needs of the puppy/dog? Time for feeding, training and exercise? ——- Pups should be fed 2-3 times per day I do not free feed puppies as to help control growth and weight. Plus this makes potty training much easier. I suggest feeding when you will be able to spend the next hour watching you pup to see him or her sniffing for a spot to “go” then call his or her name and direct them to the correct spot and say “go potty” do not carry them though, let them come to you then praise if they have gone in the spot you have taken them to. Dogs need play time, with small pups it can be as little as 15 minutes then its snuggle time usually. They should never be let to run hard until full grown this is very damaging to the skeleton pups should have a place to run around chase toys to keep strong muscles as he or she grows the play can become longer and harder playing on slick surfaces is a big no-no they can slip and pull muscles grass is good when out back but in the house carpet, rugs and non-slip areas are best. I buy kids foam mats for them to play on and plenty of blankets. In the first several months you should have the sit, come and stay commands trained plus walking next to you on a lead (heal) at a minimum then you can move on to funner tricks like shake, other paw, roll over etc. I prefer harnesses to collars for training as I have heard of people collapsing a pup trachea trying to make them slow down.
4. Do you have children? If so, how old are they? How would they be instructed in the care of the dog? —– House holds with rough out of control kids need to have the kids under control before getting any dog or any pet for that matter. On the other hand if you have outgoing well behaved gentle kids a puppy can be a child’s best friend. I would never leave a baby alone with a any other dog. I’m seeing so many internet photos of babies on blankets with dogs although Goldens are known for their gentle nature would never leave them alone with a small child or baby.
5. Does anyone in the household have allergies? ——- Goldens are not hypoallergenic dogs.
6. Are you committed to the grooming and health maintenance? —— Goldens need minimal grooming brushing around the back of the ears back of the legs and tail with a comb or pin brush once a week should be fine and a monthly bath unless they have been in the mud should be enough grooming. I dont suggest shaving in the summer this can get them sun burnt and raise the risk of skin cancer.
7. What is the potential owner’s attitude toward training and obedience? —— Goldens are easily trained but if not given proper training early on you can be dealing with a very “bad” dog all dogs need proper training from the start and should know basic manners, come or stay commands can save your dogs life as well as training to not run out the front door.
8. How often is someone at home? —— Goldens love company they can become depressed if left alone for too long. If you plan to leave your puppy without a play buddy (dog or cat) family member for over extended periods often you should rethink getting a puppy. If on a rare occasion you need to be away for several hours I suggest kenneling like in a laundry room until you can get home to snuggle and play with your baby.
9. How much time will you have to walk and play with the dog? ——– As stated above young puppies need short play times several times a day then mostly cuddling. As they get older and all vaccines are given you can take them out starting with short walks around the block usually 1-2 times daily is enough for most Goldens.
10. Do you live somewhere that allows and is dog friendly?
11. What will happen to the puppy if you can no longer care for him? ———– If your life situation changes and for any reason you can no longer keep him or her I need to be notified immediately. I will help you place the dog if you cannot NEVER surrender him or her to the pound call me first.