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The First Three Weeks

My Retriever Puppy

by Kathy Stevens

Training Retrievers Book
Latest Edition 2003
by Bill Hillmann


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WITH A CAUSE PUPPIES


FTCH-AFTCH BIG VALLEY'S
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 & LIGHTNING'S
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Black Puppies

Jazz & Bear's 2007Litter

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 The First Three Weeks - 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, just like a child.  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 32 degrees 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 an x-tra large 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 bowl for water (always keep water available) and if at night, you may want to only have a small amount of water.   When a new puppy comes home with you, we recommend that the water and food bowl be placed in the crate, this way the puppy will know that this is his/her own domain place and will be more comfortable in the crate.  Many of our clients inform us that they do this and when the puppy gets tired, the puppy will go there to rest.  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.  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. Serving it wet (with warm water added), they like it that way.  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. 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.  Types of brand names are Hill's Science Diet, Eukanuba, Purina, Nutro Max as well as many others and the prices vary from $18.00 to $40.00 per 37+ pound bag.  It is best to get a 37-40 pound bag of food which should last a month per dog and some dogs will eat more or less depending on the exercise the dog gets and their metabolism rate.  Our pups will have plenty of energy.  We supplement our dog food with Nupro Supplements daily > http://www.nuprosupplements.com  which our dogs really like and gives them a boost. Don't forget the treats - use sparingly to teach the puppy to sit and come when the puppy first comes home.  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.  
  • 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 9 - 12" 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 chain while training do not leave it on the dog, especially when in the water.  Dogs may get their feet caught in the chain!  Never tie a dog up outside with a chain.  Purchase a 6 foot high chain link kennel, 10x10 or larger and put a roof on it for shade. Get a large dog house (insulated) - Igloo.    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.  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.  Ask the veterinarian any questions you have and always keep the emergency number posted in case the puppy should have an injury.   
  • 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.  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!
  • 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 provide 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, ie. 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 or by the bed.  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 atleast 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 clean, damp cloth.  If you notice unusual or excessive discharge take the dog to the vet.  A mild puppy shampoo works good and rinse well.  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 and very helpful to keeping the house clean on those muddy days.
  • 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 Foster & Smith 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.  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 ie, potty, potty and use the pup's name ie. 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 ie. 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 our college daughters 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 - All of our puppies have a Home Again Microchip before they leave to their new homes.    You can register your dog 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
    If you have questions regarding your plants ask your veterinarian.

Training your puppy is critical if you want a well behaved dog and a great hunting labrador or hunt test dog.   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.   

Kathy Stevens, a professional trainer in California, has been training several of our pups that are with their new owners and she has provided you with her "Training Tips" for the first three weeks that the puppy is in his/her new home. Click on the button > .

Bill Davis is another great trainer in Ohio, near Columbus and is training several of our new client's puppies > oharcher@columbus.rr.com  

 

 

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Last modified: Monday, 31 March 2008 04:20 PM
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