This month the puppies we have are Bishu. Bichon Frise and shih tzu mix.  They will be ready in four more weeks.  Now taking deposits.  Black and white, two males one female.  Call today and come see them. 239-549-2211. !

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Starting off on the right PAW........

It is always exciting bringing a new puppy home for the first time.  We feel so much love for it and we want to nurture it and give it the best life possible.  So, there are a few things we must consider first. 

1.)  Choosing a puppy:  not all puppies fit our lifestyle so it might be good to get a book on puppies to see what the background of the breed is.  This will make a difference on how the training goes and the level of energy the puppy will have.

2.)  Meal time:  It is very important as well what you are feedng your puppy.  Especially when housebreaking is involved.  You want to make sure that  the puppy is getting all the right nutrition.  Make sure your bag says "Puppy food".  All the right vitamins, minerals, etc. will already be in it.  Also, wet foods are not recommended and have little value to your pet.  You may also want to introduce raw vegetables at that time as well as some fruits.  Also, free feeding is not recommended.

3.)  Training:  Puppies thrive on love and respond to kindness more than punishment.  Be patient and be sure to reward good behavior.  A well trained dog is a happy dog.  Also, be sure that the treats are all natural such a liver treats, etc.  We sell all kinds of natural alternatives for your pets.

4.)  Housebreaking:  takes time and patience.  There are a few alternatives from puppy pad training to walking on a leash.  And, of course, crate training.

5.)  Chewing:  Puppies love to chew on things.  I don't suggest giving your pup an old sock or chew. Then they will always think they can chew on your stuff.  There are many chewing aids and toys available. 

5.)  Walking your Puppy:  Very important for good health and a happy puppy.  There energy needs to be expended.  Make sure that the time is appropriate for your pup as well.  Walking on a leash is not in your puppies nature and he will resist intially.  Be patient and he wll get use to it.   Attaching an ID tag to  your puppies collar is important as well in case your puppy gets loose or lost.

6.)  Bathing and Grooming:  Grooming is for health as well as beauty.  As a professional pet groomer for over thirty years I can tell you that the people who got their pets regularly groomed were the people who's pet lived longer than anyone elses!    Many of the smaller breeds require regular grooming.  This means every 6-8 weeks.  Nails, ear plucking, sanitary, etc.  The older the pup gets the more apprehensive it will become to the grooming process unless you start with mini visits while your pet is young.  Waiting till your pet reaches 10-12 months can be very difficult for your groomer and totally traumatic to your pet.  Some of the larger breeds require shedding treatments, anal sac expression, and nail trimming. 

7.)  Bedtime:  Puppies are very active and need their rest.  It is recommended that your pet have his or her own bed.  Preferably a crate set up that is away from all the excitement so the puppy can sleep.

8.)  Puppy proofing your home or enviornment:  Puppies are adventurous and love making a mess out of everything. It is important that all household cleaners, cords and wires, bags, etc are all put safely away.

9.)  Vaccinations:  Puppies must be sold with at least their first set of shots.  Then another two visits are required for shots as well.  After the first set of three then it is an entire years before you get the boosters.  All dogs must have a rabies shot which in Lee County serves as our city license.

See the website for Affordable Pet Vaccines for an idea of what shots should be given.

We hope that this helps a little and congratulations if you just got your puppy!

Some happy new puppy owners 12/2010

Speedy

Cass and Gilbert