The Non-Tangibles
The Plan
Rationale from a List Contributor: “I really think the PLAN must be taken into account or the new puppy may be overwhelming. If this will be the first puppy for the family a discussion about what is required to raise a puppy is imperative.”
A plan for sleeping: where and in what (crate, x-pen, etc.).
A plan for potty breaks, play time, meal time and rest time.
A plan for who is in charge of what and when.
A plan to avoid unattended time.
A plan for substitution when puppy is biting.
A plan for how the puppy will ride safely in a vehicle.
A plan to continue socializing, which will need extra attention in this time of COVID-19.
Love, Patience, Time, Consistency, Willingness – and more Patience
Rationale: Puppies are babies – not adult dogs.
Love for your imperfectly perfect puppy.
Patience for potty mishaps – you are only human, after all (in other words, potty mishaps are the fault of the inattentive human – not the puppy).
Time to manage all things puppy. LOTS of time.
Consistent feeding schedule (four times a day until four months, and then three times a day)
Consistent messages about where/when to potty.
Consistent use of leash when outside of a fenced area.
Consistent rewards for desired behaviors.
Willingness to take puppy outside at VERY frequent intervals with profuse praise for elimination.
Willingness to always supervise the puppy with older dogs and children.
Willingness to groom your own dog (or, if necessary, willingness to watch if someone else is grooming the dog).
Willingness to prevent dangerous, harebrained puppy antics – like jumping off furniture, leaping in/out of a vehicle, falling down stairs (stairs must be taught – when puppy is older), and/or rough play with older dogs.
Willingness to ignore behavior that is annoying but not unsafe, replacing with desired behavior (i.e., ignore jumping up, reinforce sit instead).
Willingness to lift and/or use a ramp for vehicles – for a long time and some people say forever.
Willingness to be an assertive advocate for your puppy. Always and with everyone.
Patience for your imperfect human self – raising a puppy well is Hard Work.
Relationships
A solid and trusting relationship with a smart veterinarian with a plan for after-hour emergencies is a must!
Keep your Breeder’s phone number handy.
The Tangible Things
Suggestions for Wellness or Lack Thereof
Shared by a List Contributor: “A friend of mine, who is a vet, gave me some sage advice many decades ago. He said “You have your list of symptoms: anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog has one symptom, watch it carefully. If it hasn’t cleared up in a couple days, take it to the vet. If your dog has two symptoms: lethargy and anorexia, or vomiting with diarrhea, see a vet right away.”
Health insurance: I use Nationwide.
Fortiflora or other good probiotic: Get from Amazon or your vet – first defense for diarrhea.
Vet wrap: All kinds of uses.
Hydrogen peroxide: Under direction of your vet (and/or with experience), it can be used to induce vomiting.
Pepcid AC and/or Gas-X: Unlikely to be needed for a puppy but might be useful for the human – puppies are a lot of stress and work!
First aid cream.
Thuja Tincture (30cc) for vaccines: Some believe in this, others do not – your call as it won’t hurt.
Dog Thermometer: Ear or rectal (Normal canine body temperature is from 101 to 102.5).
Benadryl: Liquid or clear gel caps for allergic reactions.
Pedialyte: Mix unflavored with broth or yogurt for bouts of diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Looking Good
Towels – lots.
Dilute shampoo for humans – yes, for the puppy! Tearless is a bonus.
Brush: Chris Christensen T-Brush, 16mm works well.
Comb: metal works fine.
FURminator Grooming Rake: for use when the dog is shedding (you can also use the metal comb).
Nails: A Dremel works great — or you can use clippers but be careful and have styptic powder on hand in case you get the quick – it is bloody!
Thinning shears and scissors: For feet and ears – watch a video first! Purchase online or at a Beauty Supply place.
Grooming Table if you want to be fancy – I like these: http://www.tableworks.com/Grooming-Tables.html.
Dryer: It takes a lot to dry a Berner. I like Double K, variable speed.
Ear wipes.
Toothbrush and tooth paste: Yes, we should brush their teeth and there is flavored dog toothpaste. Who knew?!
Keeping the Puppy Busy
No rawhide or rope toys – they are dangerous. Also, be careful about fabric toys that can be chewed into pieces and swallowed.
Bully sticks or similar things: I like https://naturegnaws.com/
Real bones – make sure they are at least 3 – 4 inches long and raw (not cooked).
Chew toys that can be frozen for teething.
Kongs.
Nylabones – not the edible ones as the puppies will be big enough to break off chunks and swallow.
Buster cube and similar “figure it out” kinds of toys/things.
Location, Location, Location
x-pen – 30 inches is perfect. Check out Amazon for MidWest Homes for Pets Folding Metal Exercise Pen. Puppies do better sleeping in an x-pen!
Crate(s): One for the bedroom (when puppy is older — start with an x-pen), one for the car…
Baby Gates – this helps limit access, which is important when managing a puppy; x-pens can serve this function as well.
Crate for car or a safe seatbelt (see https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/test-results/harnesses/cps-approved-harnesses/).
Clean-up on Aisle Nine
Potty pads: Costco has some but I am using these even though these are spendy because they work SO well: Ultrasorbs AP Drypads, Super Absorbent Disposable Underpad, 30 x 36 inches (I buy on Amazon, of course).
Distilled white vinegar – works great on about everything.
Paper towels. Lots.
Baby Wipes – Costco/Kirkland is the place to get these (and the white vinegar).
Nature’s Miracle – for getting rid of smell as need (white vinegar can work also)
Carpet cleaner.
Hydrogen peroxide (works great for cleaning up carpets – but color test first)
Hints for the Puppy’s Personal Chef
Make sure to wash the dog’s bowls daily – and avoid plastic.
Kibble: Origen Large-breed Puppy – soak kibble until the puppies are 3 – 4 months to reduce choking hazard.
Homemade: Use the BalanceIt site for recipes.
Raw: Get a quality prepared raw food locally or try out Darwin’s Natural (they ship)
TINY Treats for all-day training – use soft things like string cheese, cheerios, baby puffs, and/or small pieces of chicken; if the treat is hard, use very small pieces to avoid choking – yes, we know someone whose little puppy died after choking on a piece of kibble. Homemade treats are easy peasy! As the puppy gets older, you can use kibble as treats.
Staying Attached
Collar (prefer martingale) and/or harness (chest strap between the front legs – not across the chest).
ID on collar or harness.
Leash (don’t use a flexi or other retractable leash with a puppy — it works against training leash manners).
Poop bags (bonus for biodegradable).
What did we miss?