My Retriever Puppy - A Guide to a Healthy Puppy

Your retriever puppy is now home with you for the first time and you want to ensure that the puppy is well cared for in it's new environment. All aspects of caring for a new puppy is very important throughout each day. We give a personal document "My New Puppy" document to all of our clients for each litter that will answer a lot of questions regarding food, supplies, training tips and more information. To ensure a healthy puppy consider the following:

Maintain a warm, comfortable home - The puppy has been use to being in a house with the temperature around 70 degrees and has been acquainted to the outdoors if the weather wasn't too cold. Gradually increase the time you take the puppy outside to potty or exercise. Usually 5 - 10 minutes is a start, but if the weather is below 30 degree's limit the time to just a few minutes for the puppy to potty only. If it is raining or snowing, have a towel to wipe the puppy dry each time it comes in from the outside.
Kennel Crate - Have a large breed kennel crate that has a divider which is adjustable as the puppy gets older, a wire folding type is best so you can take it with you when you travel. Adjust the size starting with a smaller size by using the divider for the puppy to be comfortable when laying down to rest. As the puppy gets bigger, adjust the area a little larger. By limiting the space in the kennel the puppy most likely will not want to potty in his/her resting area. If the area has a draft, you may want to put a blanket over the kennel. Provide a small bowl for water (always keep water available). Labradors will want to play in the water so check the kennel pad/blanket to see if it is wet, then change it. You do not want a puppy to be laying on a wet blanket.
Food and Water bowls should be of medium to large size, ceramic or stainless steel bowls are best, plastic bowls will be chewed. Always keep water in the kennel for the puppy. If you are gone longer than 4 hours you may need to keep food out for the puppy also. It is best to feed the puppy at least 4 times per day. Feed your puppy a nutritious puppy food (for large breed growth) and monitor the amount the puppy is eating daily. We feed California Natural Lamb & Rice Puppy for our puppies and the adult dog food for our labrador's that are 2 years of age. Other dog foods we recommend are Solid Gold, Hill's Science Diet and Eukanuba. When the puppy goes to its new home around 7 to 8 weeks of age, the puppy will generally be given 1 cup of dry food early in the morning, again at 12 noon, at 5pm and again at 8pm. If the puppy does not eat all of the food after an hour, then put the food up and give later. As the puppy grows and at the age of 3 months, feed the puppy 3 times a day, increasing the amount of food and at 4-5 month feed the puppy 2 times a day (i.e. 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups in the evening.) If the puppy is not eating at least 3- 4 cups per day, observe the puppy closer and attempt to get the puppy to eat more. Some puppies will eat more or a little less, depending on the growth stages and exercise the puppy gets. Dogs will have a different metabolism rate, therefore, some will eat more and some less. During the growing stages of your new puppy, the puppy will gain weight, then will grow taller & bigger, then look thinner, this is due to the growth stages. When the puppy is 6 months+ of age, you do not want to see the ribs protruding as generally means that the puppy will need more food. The marketing labels on the dog food bags generally suggest 3-4 cups a day, however, different dogs have different needs on intake depending on their exercise and metabolism rates. If you notice the pup is not eating or drinking, as well as, becomes a little depressed or listless, immediately take the pup to the veterinarian! A reputable breeder will give you some puppy food that the pup has been eating, this way you can gradually mix the new food with it so it will not upset the stomach, we will give you some food when you pick up your puppy. There are many types of puppy food to choose from - be sure to read the label and compare as you do with your own selection of food. The price for a month's supply of dog food generally runs at $35 to $45 a bag, it is best to get a 30-40 pound bag of food which should last a month per dog and we highly recommend that you have an extra bag on hand during inclement weather for disaster preparedness. Our pups will have plenty of energy. We do not supplement our dog food with Nupro-Supplements anymore nor feed Nutro products! Don't forget the treats - use sparingly and basic treats - no peanut butter or other flavorings - to teach the puppy to sit and come when the puppy first comes home. No Rawhide as the dog can choke on it. You should be able to teach a puppy to sit after a few training sessions if the pup wants a treat. Our dog - Bear learned it quickly within 5 minutes. Never feed a puppy before exercising a lot, this can cause stomach bloat and a huge emergency vet bill.
Collar and Leash - When you pick up your puppy you should have a collar already for the puppy (Hunt-N-Dogs Estates provides you with the first collar at time of pickup). The size generally is approximately a 10 - 14" adjustable, breakaway collar. Frequently check the collar to be sure it is not too tight as the puppy grows. (Not too tight around the neck nor too loose that it will come off). If you use a choke collar while training do not leave it on the dog, especially when in the water, use only while training. Dogs may get their feet caught in the chain! Never tie a dog up outside with a chain or rope. Purchase a 6 foot-high chain link kennel - 9 gauge wire is best and will last a lifetime, 10x10 or larger, cement floor and put a roof on it for shade if the dog is going to be outside during nice weather. Secure a bucket of water to the fence so the dog does not tip the bucket, chocolate labs love to play in their water. Alternatively, you can fence in your yard, but dogs can jump a fence if not high enough, or install a radio fence.
Preventive Health - At the time you pickup your puppy you will be given a health record by the breeder. It is recommended that the puppy have an appointment set within 1 week for a health checkup at your local veterinarian's office, for puppies that travel by Air Cargo we recommend within 24 hours after arrival. At this time, the veterinarian will check the puppy for wellness and give you follow-up appointments for the inoculation's and wellness program. It is recommended to take in a stool sample for examination as we de-worm our puppies before leaving and sometimes the parasites can remain and will need further treatment. Ask the veterinarian any questions you have and always keep the emergency number posted in case the puppy should have an injury. Ask your veterinarian for an emergency kit when traveling and at home. The American Red Cross has information on food and supplies to have ready for emergencies.
Puppy Toys and Chewing - Select some toys for the puppy as a tennis ball, canvas (light weight) bumper, or other toys specifically designed for puppies. Chewing items as cow ears, pig ears or pig hooves are designed for dogs but we do not recommend them due to a possibility of salmonella. We do not recommend any type of rawhide as the puppy may choke on it. *Be sure to wash your hands after touching the cow ears, pig ears, or pig hooves if you use them!
Exercise - As the puppy will have plenty of energy, begin playing with the puppy in the house. Play with the puppy by throwing a ball or toy and get the puppy to run after it and bring it back. Walking the puppy inside or outside (if weather permits) for a period of 15 minutes to begin with and gradually increase the time, especially in the evening. Good exercise makes a healthy puppy. As the pup gets older (3-6months) you will notice that the pup is robust around 4-5 pm and may have a higher energy level than you, especially if you work during the day. In warm weather, do not walk or run your dog too long on cement or pavement, it may get blisters. Always have water available for you and the puppy. On very warm days, offer water frequently. When the weather is hot - 80+, do not over exercise your dog, they can have heat exhaustion, nor leave your dog in the sun, always in the shade.
Love and Attention - Give your puppy all the love and attention you can, give hugs, kisses and rub the tummy and behind the ears. We socialize our pups starting on Day 1 by holding, rubbing gently, and always talking to the pups with tender loving care and always praise the pup.
Night time - Select the schedule for night time for the puppy and maintain the schedule, i.e.. bedtime at 10pm and up at 6am. Select for the puppy to sleep in a kennel crate or let the pup sleep in bed with you. Rub the puppies tummy to get them to go to sleep. You may want to put an older sheet or blanket on top of your bedspread - remember labs love to chew.
Bathing & Brushing - While the pup is small you will want to use a small comb (flea comb) to keep your puppy's coat clean and shinny. As the pup gets large a dog brush works well. Brush at least weekly. Bathing the puppy - put the puppy in the bath tub and use a special shower hose for pets (when you turn the water on be sure the water is not too hot, test it for at least 30 seconds or longer on your arm for correct temperature each time you click on the nozzle to spray) and make it a fun time, do not pour water over the pups head as you do not want to get water in the ears or scare it. Clean the dog's ears with a damp cloth and your veterinarian has ear wipes that you can purchase. If you notice unusual or excessive discharge take the dog to the vet. A mild puppy shampoo works good and rinse well - be sure to use warm water for bathing as this will get rid of the odor. When the weather is rainy outside, it is best to train the pup to step in a small tub of water to rinse the feet off before he/she comes in the house. This will train the pup as it gets older and will become a routine for the dog.
Clipping toenails - Our puppies nails are trimmed at least 3 times before going to their new homes. Routinely check the nails for length, if they start to curl under and appear long, then use a nail clipper for small pups and for older dogs you will need to get a dog nail clipper - we recommend getting one from a pet store or Drs. Foster & Smith catalog, a pet store or your local veterinarian. If you do not know how or have questions ask your veterinarian upon your first visit. If dogs are outside running on the ground or on cement/pavement normally the nails won't need to be trimmed.
Pups around other dogs - It is best not to have your new pup around other dogs if you do not know if their vaccines are up-to-date until the puppy has its vaccines. When walking your dog, keep it away from other pet feces. Always clean up the pup's feces while walking or at least daily in your yard. Save those grocery sacks, invert the bag over your hand and use like a glove to pick it up or carry a small shovel with you to pick it up and put in the bag. Dispose of it properly - do not litter.
Potty Time - Be consistent on potty time with the puppy. First thing each morning, let the puppy out upon wakening to potty if you have a fenced in yard. Otherwise, take the pup out on a leash for a short walk to potty. Use words i.e., potty, potty and use the pup's name i.e.. Callie potty, then repeat. After this is done, reward the puppy and give a treat. After feeding the pup, go outside again to relieve the pup. Potty the pup after playtime or every hour at first then every 2 hours, etc. Training the pup goes slow at first and may only take a week or two, but you may have a few accidents if you aren't watching for the signs i.e.. the pup starts to smell around or go in a circle, etc. If the pup does mess in the house, do not use a cleaner that has ammonia!
Water - When the weather is warm take the pup out for a swim. Most labs will jump right in the water. In the summer when the weather is nice, the puppy will be taken for the first swim, our clients are invited to participate. Take the new pup out in the water and have the puppy swim back and forth to each other, away from the bank - they learn very fast this way. Then spread the distance for the swim. Then throw a bumper for the pup to retrieve. If you know someone with a dog, go out with them to the water, the pup will follow what the other dog does.
Dog Identification - We recommend that the dog have a Home Again (microchip) or a tattoo for identification. Our puppies will have a Home Again Microchip before leaving to its new home. You can register your dog on the AKC Registration document and the Human Society will check any animal taken to them that is found. This easy identification process helps locate owners of missing dogs.

Plants that may be dangerous to dogs:

With skin or mouth contact these may cause a rash!		Creeping & Weeping Poinsettia, Chrysanthemum

Will cause the mouth to swell and could cause staggering and collapse!		Boston Ivy, Dieffenbachia, Lily, Calla and Peace, Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Snake Plant), Philodendron, Silver Pothos

These may cause vomiting & diarrhea, cramps, and some cause tremors, heart, respiratory or kidney problems!		Aloe Vera, Asparagus Fern, Amaryllis, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Daffodil, Elephant Ear, English Ivy, Ferns, Mistletoe, Rubber Plant, Schefflera, Umbrella Plant
Mulch can be toxic to your dog if they chew the mulch, i.e. cocoa added to mulch or other chemicals, please be careful of the mulch that you get. Especially be careful of the "Organic Mulch" labeling - I got some one time and then found small pieces of plastic, and electrical wiring in one of the bags. If that happens, take it back and get a refund! Then report it to appropriate agency.
If you have questions regarding your plants ask your veterinarian.
Certain foods can be dangerous to dogs i.e. onions, chocolate, etc. Please ask your veterinarian for a list.

Training Your Puppy - Training your puppy is critical if you want a well behaved dog and a great hunting labrador or hunt test dog. Slowly teaching the pup obedience will benefit you as well as the pup. If you have never trained a pup, it is best to contact your veterinarian and enroll in an obedience class. This is for the owner and the pup. Our pups are smart and they will learn quickly but it does take repetition and consistent training techniques. For training a hunting dog or hunt test dog, if you do not know how, we suggest you consider a professional trainer. It is well worth the money. We recommend Bill Davis at www.davisretrievers.com in Ohio for training in obedience, hunt tests, and hunting as his rates are very reasonable and with quality.
Kathy & Steve Stevens, www.applewoodretrievers.com are professional trainers in California, they have been training several of our pups that are with their new owners and they have provided you with her "Training Tips" for the first three weeks that the puppy is in his/her new home. Click on the button > .

Copyright © 2000-2006 Hunt-N-Dogs Estates Last modified: Thursday, 03 December 2009 07:24 PM Privacy Statement

Copyright © 2000-2006 Hunt-N-Dogs Estates
Last modified: Thursday, 03 December 2009 07:24 PM
Privacy Statement