PUPPY'S FIRST NIGHT AND FIRST FEW DAYS:
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               Your puppy may go off his food a bit at first. This is normal.  Offering some special food like cottage cheese, yogurt, canned tuna or chicken or chopped hard boiled or scrambled eggs mixed in kibble usually helps.  A slight change in appetite is to be expected.  Increase goodies for a few days if puppy is slow to eat his kibble. 
​          Complete failure to eat is an indication of something wrong and can cause hypoglycemia, which can cause convulsions or death.   If you are uneasy call us.   If puppy goes 24 hours without eating anything, visit your vet immediately. 
               Puppies have to eat and potty more frequently than older dogs.  Between twelve weeks and six months, puppies generally need to be fed three times per day.  They eat small amounts and it is important that they eat frequently.  Puppies usually need to go potty upon awakening and after each meal.  After six months the puppy can generally be fed twice per day but make sure you increase the volume to make up for lack of lunch.  Be sure to supply free access to water up to dinner time.
              Consistency is the key to successful potty training!  Take the puppy where you want him to potty every couple of hours and particularly after sleeping and eating.  Praise the pup every time he performs.  Training treats (puppy-sized biscuits) will help facilitate learning and keep the pup's appetite stimulated.
              Remember dogs are sociable animals.  They love companionship.  Leaving home and littermates can be a traumatic experience.  Be patient, gentle, and kind.  Even though your puppy does not understand your words, he does understand your vocal tones and he knows when your hands are kindly, gentle, and loving towards him.
              A slight loosening of stool due to stress or water change may be normal.  However, diarrhea with bad odor, blood or mucus in the stool can indicate your puppy has a parasite such as Giardia or Coccidia so have his stool checked by your vet. 
                If you have other pets in the household they all need to be introduced to one another while you supervise.  Some pets readily adjust while others resent or fear a new pet.  Keep pets separate if you are not there to supervise.  Never leave a new pet unattended with other animals or children until you are sure they have all had time to adjust and respect each other's space.  It is best to separate and confine the new pet whenever you will be gone.
              Your new pet will need time to get to know your voice and speech patterns.  It will take a few days to learn your home's floor plan.  Show your new pet all the exits and let him become adjusted to one room at a time.  Show him how to get "outside" from each room.  Use the same words and phrases and intonations whenever you speak to him and he will learn much faster!
              Be observant, if you have any questions or fears, call us or have your puppy examined by a veterinarian.  You will feel better and you and puppy will both sleep better!