Congratulations on your new puppy!
Below is some very important information that will help to ensure a smooth transition for your new pup.
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but also a big responsibility. As puppy parents, it’s your job to make sure your puppy stays healthy and well looked after.
One of the most important things you can do for your puppy right from the start is provide STRUCTURE. The first few weeks to months will be spent mostly eating, playing and sleeping. In order for your puppy to get into a routine, it’s necessary that you come up with (and stick to), a schedule.
Nutrition:
Puppies need to eat high calorie puppy food 3x a day. Amount given is based on weight and can be found on the back the bag or can. Nutritional needs, as well as modifications to diet going forward should be discussed with your vet.
ANY CHANGE IN DIET SHOULD BE GRADUAL. If you plan to switch your puppy over to a different type of puppy food, please be sure to introduce the new food gradually by mixing it in with the current food over the course of a few weeks to avoid stomach issues.
Crate Training:
We recommend starting your puppy off in either a large puppy pen or smaller gated area (large mud room, kitchen, etc.) with a crate inside of it. Use soft beds (and a blanket overtop) to turn the crate into a cozy and inviting place. A CRATE SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS PUNISHMENT. The crate should be a safe space for your puppy to decompress and relax.
Structure:
Just as you wouldn’t let a 1- or 2-year-old child run around all day long; the same goes for a puppy. It’s important to remember that your puppy is still a baby, and babies need structure AND NAPS. After each play session, your puppy should go right outside to use the bathroom and then right into the puppy pen or crate for a nap. At 8 weeks old, take them out to potty every 60 minutes during waking hours. At 10-12 weeks, every 90 minutes. At 12+ weeks, every 2 hours during waking hours.
Vaccines:
Puppies receive several rounds of vaccines and adopting a puppy from us means that you will need to agree to adhere to the puppy's vaccine schedule (every 3-4 weeks until the vaccine series is complete). Vaccine visits are scheduled at our vet's office in Union or Kenilworth, NJ. The vaccines that we cover are Rabies, Distemper (DHPP) and Bordetella (you are required to get all vaccines, NO EXCEPTION). We cover the cost of these vaccines at our vet's office. You can choose to use your personal vet, but this will NOT be covered by the rescue, and we require that you provide proof of vaccines once completed.
Spay / Neuter and Microchip:
All puppies will be spayed or neutered at 6 months of age; NO EXCEPTIONS. This appointment will be scheduled for you with our veterinarian, and you’ll be provided with the date a few weeks prior.
Drop-off is between 8:30 and 9:30AM; Pick-up is on the same day between 5 and 6PM. NO FOOD OR WATER after midnight the night before surgery.
You can choose to use your own vet, but this would not be covered by the rescue. Spay/Neuter is still required at the age of 6 months, and we require proof of surgery from your vet's office.
Training:
Puppies can begin simple training starting as soon as they come home, usually around 8 weeks old. You’ll want to keep your training sessions brief—just 5 to 10 minutes—and always end on a positive note. It is important to set boundaries and correct negative behaviors EARLY on; and a basic training routine will help you do that. There are a ton of resources available online to get you started. We also highly recommend either hiring a professional trainer to get you started and/or enrolling in some puppy classes.
