General Information
VACCINATIONS:
Puppies receive their first antibodies through their mother’s milk. Most pups receive their first vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age. A second and third set of shots should be given at 9-11 weeks and at 12-16 weeks. After that, you’ll need to take a dog to the Veterinarian’s office at least once a year for booster inoculations and an annual health exam. This trip is necessary even if your dog seems perfectly healthy.
NEUTERING:
Neutering your dog is strongly recommended if you do not have an agreement to breed your dog. Most breeders will insist on this. Neutering your pet can help prevent disease in later life. The decision not to breed your pet ensures that he or she won’t add to the population of America ’s homeless dogs. Each year, the majority of these unwanted pets must be humanely killed in animal shelters. If you breed, YOU are responsible for each puppy brought into this world. Also, breeders spend many years investigating dogs and their lines. Breeding is nothing to be taken lightly. Consult your vet for the best age at which to neuter your puppy.
OBEDIENCE TRAINING:
Most dogs are joyous, effusive animals and often blessed with lots of energy. For your sake, for the peace of the neighborhood and for the pups own safety, train your pup to respond to the basic commands. There are many obedience classes that you can take your puppy for training. Talk with your Vet who may have a list of locations.
SEPARATION ANXIETY:
To help your pet become accustomed to daily separation, here are some guidelines:
- Place your puppy in the area he is expected to stay when you are not at home. Put on a radio and give him his toys to play with.
- Leave the house in a calm, upbeat and positive manner. Don’t act unhappy or upset at the fact you must part from your pet.
- Practice departing. Pick up your keys, put on your coat and say good-bye to the puppy. Leave and return in two or three minutes. Gradually increase the length of your absences until you can stay away for an hour or more without causing your pet to whine or chew on things. Repetitions of this sequence will help the pup get used to seeing you leave and understand that you’ll be back.
