Puppy routine: The puppy like to wake up early, usually around 7:00. One of the first things they do is go potty. I would take them to their potty spots first thing
in the morning. This gets a good routine going, plus their bladders are small so they will need to empty them 1st thing in the morning.
They have been using the potty pads. For the most part, they are going in the right spot 80% of the time. Potty training is a process and they can slide back as they transition to their new
homes. This breed is known to be quick learners, stay on it and they will get it for sure. For the first week, it’s a good idea to leave a little pee on the pad so they can find their way back to
that spot.
Take your puppy out to potty frequently. The key is to be patient and consistent, and this won't take long! Consistent Potty Training should take less than 2 weeks.
Take them out every hour or so during the first few days. Take them out by carrying them to the spot you want them to potty. Make sure you take them to a consistent spot so they know why they are out there. Put them down and say "outside" or "potty" or whatever word you are using.
As soon as they potty outside, lavish praise on them with as much enthusiasm as you can muster. In addition to their name, use the word that you are going to use for going potty - outside, potty, etc. For example, "Good boy - Rex! Outside!" You are naming the behavior "outside" and this will come in handy as they grow older and can begin to hold it.
After a few days, you will start to see them circle when they are thinking about going. Immediately whisk them up, say "Outside!" and take them out to do their business. Even if they have already started, or even finished - you should still take them outside and put them down for a few minutes. It is important for them to know that any time they potty, it should have something to do with being outside!
Remember when they eat, it is within a 5-15 minute time frame that they have to use the potty.
Take your puppy out right before you go to sleep for the night. Place the puppy in the crate, and turn off the lights, and your puppy should lay down and go to sleep. If your puppy cries, it is ok to talk to them, but avoid the temptation of taking them out of the crate.
While there are mixed views on this, my personal advice is NOT to take the puppy out during the night. Normally, a puppy will sleep through the night until about 6 am by the second or third night. Then, they will wake up and cry or make a louder noise than just moving around. At this point, immediately take them outside to potty. As soon as that's accomplished, take them right back to their crate and put them back in - they will normally lay back down and sleep for another 2 hours or so.
The first few nights after you bring your puppy home can be a little hectic if you've never had a puppy before. Here are a few tips to make the transition go smoothly.
Eating Schedule: The puppy is eating 2 times a day, 08;00 , 02:00, Smaller meals are easier to digest for the puppy and energy levels don't peak and fall so much with frequent
meals. We usually stop food/water after 17:00/18:00, this gives them enough time to run around and potty before bed.
I will be sending the puppy home with a bag of food, so they can transition foods if you decide to change the brand. This brand is of high quality and recommended. They are currently eating:
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. All you have to do is mix the 2 and slowly decrease the amount of our brand of food until it’s just the new brand of food. We
suggest this whenever you transition them to a new food so it's easier on their digestive tract. You will receive a small bag.
Mommy’s care package: We like to send home each puppy with a care package from their mom and littermates, which includes a blanket with the scent of the mom and litter. We
also send them home with a new collar and leash (which they will quickly outgrow), a toy, and a bag of food.
Puppy setup: Below is just some ideas on how to set the puppy's space up. They have the crate (that they sleep in), then a playpen that goes around it. You can place potty pads
outside their crate to see how they do the first couple of nights. I would set your puppies up for success by keeping them contained until you figure out a routine for them, and they adjust to
their new environment.
Shopping list:
Before your puppy comes home, it is important to select a Veterinarian that you feel comfortable with. It is a good idea to call them and ask about their puppy services before making an appointment. Your puppy will have had its first set of shots; however, it is very important to know that your puppy will not be immune to Parvo and other potentially fatal diseases until three sets of shots are completed. Follow your Vet's guidelines and instructions carefully. We recommend that you do not take your puppy to any public places where other animals who may not be immunized have been until your puppy has completed all shots.