Need advice for our new puppy!

[BrowningsMom]

Hi! It's so nice to be here! We brought Browning home today, so I have a few questions. He goes for his first check-up on Monday, but I would like some immediate advice.

1. What is the BEST kind of puppy treat? He is 6 weeks old and we need to intorduce him to his kennel. Also, any advice on this topic would be appreciated.

2. My breeder said not to take him outside to potty because of PARVO. I do not want to do potty pad training, but I will do whatever is in his best intrest. I did potty pads with my Chi and she loves to tinkle on rugs!

Also, any adive you want to give me would be appreciated! You learn best by doing!

Thanks!
Ali

[Caney Creek]

Congrats on your new puppy! You are going to have SO much fun with him.

1. Crating advice -- have him go in his crate as much as possible to get him accustomed to it. Feed him there, toss toys or treats in the crate for him to retrieve, and encourage him to sleep in it as well. Think of a command to say when he goes in the crate ("kennel up," "go to bed," etc.) and then give him LOTS of praise. For a crate-toy/treat, kongs are always good since they are "indestructible," but for a puppy his age a puppy nylabone might be better for him (once he gets a little older and is able to chew off pieces of it, it should be taken away). Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys are also good for small puppies.

Once he is going in and out of the crate on his own, try shutting the gate (only for a second at first; you don't want to "push it" and make him upset). Close it, open it, give lots of praise. Gradually increase the time you leave the gate shut. Try to NEVER open the crate when he's crying (this is bound to happen, especially during the night). He will need to go out to potty once in the middle of the night, but if he is crying when it's time to go out, wait until he's quiet. Anytime you let him out when he's crying teaches him that crying gets results.

2. I think that not taking him outside at all is a little extreme; it's usually recommended that puppies should not go on walks or in public places, especially where other unknown dogs might be (like dog parks), until their vaccinations are complete. Your own home and yard, or even a friend or family member's house/yard as long as it is protected with a fence (and the dogs living there are vaccinated), it should be fine. We took Caney with us to family gatherings and such and let her play outside before she was vaccinated. I definitely haven't heard of keeping a puppy COMPLETELY inside! I guess that might depend on where you live though. Has your pup not been vaccinated at all? The first round of shots should come at 6 weeks, and that's usually done when they are with the breeder.

If you do plan on getting vaccines on Monday, DEFINITELY leave out the Lepto vaccine (you will have to ask for this specifically since it is usually given as part of a combo vaccine). This vaccine causes more allergic reactions than any of the other vaccines. Many of the members here follow Jean Dodd's vaccination protocol for their boxers.



There are lots of GREAT articles on this site about raising and training puppies (see "Articles" at the top of the page). "Puppy Socialization" and "Raising your puppy to be the dog you want" both give a lot of wonderful insight on socialization and the stages of development. And, of course, we're always here when you just have to ask

Good luck with your new baby Hope to see some pictures soon!

[BrowningsMom]

Thanks so much for the great advice. I live in a new home and have a fenced in yard. He has been going outside to potty and doing a great job! I take him to MY vet tomorrow just for a check up. He has had his 6 week old shots. The breeder did that with her vet before I picked him up yesterday. Thanks for the advice on crate training. It breaks my heart to hear him whine, but I only took him out last night when he had to potty. Hopefully tonight will run a little smoother! I am going to read some more threads. I need all the advice I can get!

WAR EAGLE!
Ali