AVALOR PET PUPPY RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Pet Puppy Recommendations

Food

I feed Nutra Source Puppy Food three times a day at this point but you should gradually go to twice a day (follow the amount on the back of the bag). I currently moisten the food with warm water.  If you want to change foods, mix new food gradually but please use a premium food with NO corn.  Give fresh water daily, no milk. I usually switch my goldens over to an adult formula at 6 months-1 year. You don’t want your puppy to grow too fast; this can contribute to hip and joint problems. 

Toys

Give your puppy plenty of his/her own toys and things to chew on.  They need to have something to do.  Hard bones, nylon bones, gummabone, rope toys, and balls seem to be their favorite.  I avoid rawhide bones because they break off and can get stuck in the puppy’s digestive track.  Hands are also a favorite!  Use a loud “OW” or “NO” when they chew on you, this will teach them to inhibit the force of the bite and then it becomes “mouthing”.

Use of a Crate

Using a crate works well with Goldens if you want to potty train.  Puppies always have to go to the bathroom after they wake up and usually after eating.  Take the pup directly from the crate and bring it outside, give the pup terrific praise after he succeeds.  Be consistent, put the pup in the crate at night and for some quiet times during the day, or if you are gone.  Have special toys just for the crate, they soon learn that this is their own place of security. Be strong-the first few days/nights will be hard when the puppy is getting used to their new home. You have to put up with the crying and not let the puppy out of their crate unless they need to go to the bathroom. During the night, once is sufficient and then put them directly back into their crate with no play time or they will want to come out all of the time.

Do not give water after 8:00 at night.

Grooming

I recommend using a wire pin brush and a steel comb for grooming your Golden. Make sure you keep the toenails trimmed, weekly trimming is recommended. Get the puppy used to having his feet handled.

 Do not bathe too often for this removes natural oil from the dog’s skin and causes itching and dry skin.  In the spring and summer months, I use a product called, Frontline Plus.  It is a liquid that you apply to the dog’s shoulder blades once a month; it keeps fleas and ticks off very well. Also give a Heartworm Preventative.

Exercise

Your new puppy will enjoy plenty of exercise.  Play retrieve, not “tug-of-war”.  Do not promote jumping up; make the pup sit before you pet them. Puppies play hard and then need frequent periods of  rest in their crate. Do not force exercise with the puppy before they are one year. This can cause hip and joint problems.

Books

“How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With” by Clarice Rutherford

“Golden Retrievers for Dummies” by N.K. Bauer

“Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook” by Delbert G. Carlson DVM & James M Griffin M.D.

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