Puppy-Notes

Puppy Notes

PUPPY NOTES…………………………….Diane Beebe, Twin Oaks Schnauzers

Feeding: You should continue feeding your new pup (Eukanuba Natural - lamb and rice). Usually about a fourth to a half of a cup of food (soaked in warm water before feeding) should be fed three times a day. Continue feeding the moistened puppy bites until the puppy is about 8-9 weeks old. At that time, the puppy should be eating the dry food. If you are going to be gone for extended times, always leave a little dry food for the puppy to nibble on. I usually switch to - Lamb and Rice for small dogs by the time they are one year old. They love puppy treats also. You will increase the amount as the puppy grows.

Do not change the puppy food until the he is well adjusted to the new family environment. If you choose to use another brand, you should gradually add a little more of the new food over a period of seven to ten days. A complete change at one time will make your puppy extremely sick.

Water: Your puppy should have access to water at all times.

Use of Crates: Crates are effective to use for the pup’s safety and ease of potty training, if used properly and not as a “holding tank” for extended periods of time. The pups like to sleep in the crates and will learn to come out of the crate to eat, drink, play and potty on newspaper or potty pads. The pups have been raised in crates up to the time they can run and play in the house with me. I also use a night light and I have music playing for them at all times. Continuing this might help in getting them accustomed to their new home, if they are sleeping alone at night. My recommendation is to have a pantry, utility room, etc., where you can place the crate, food, water, and potty paper and a safety gate so that the puppy can hear and see you, but is not allowed to potty all over the house. Once the urine scent is established on the floor in other rooms, it is hard to retrain the pup to only come to the potty paper or go outside. Use vinegar to wipe us accidents.

Potty Training: I can’t stress the need for an outside area that is enclosed. This provides a safe exercise area, but also serves as a safe place for the puppy to learn to relieve himself outside. At least 2 weeks of very consistent training should provide a puppy with the basis for the correct habits you desire and they will eventually go the door and indicate the need to go outside. If your puppy will not be going outside, take them directly to newspaper/potty paper after: feeding time, hard play, drinking, and when they wake up. As the paper is replaced, it should be placed in the same spot at all times. Different techniques work for different pups. Watch you puppy and look for his indicating habits and play off of that. I find that positive reinforcement works better than any other methods.

Toys: Lot’s of safe chew toys such as those made with nylon rope are needed for their playtime and for teething. Do not use toys that are easily chewed into pieces. I also use pig ears or chewing strips that are processed in the USA. Particularly when they are young and developing and will be left along for longer periods, I like to leave them something to chew on.

Neutering/Spaying: I highly recommend this for all pets. You do not have to wait until the first heat has passed for female pups, nor does the male need to breed. Your vet will schedule the pup for the surgery as soon as possible. A male Schnauzer pup is a wonderful household pet, but you

must neuter him before he develops any undesirable habits.

Training: Introduce your pup to a collar and leash as soon as possible. Teach him the basic commands also. You may save his life with the simple command of stay or stop. Schnauzers are very smart and usually have their owners figured out. So you must be consistently in control as he develops, as well as showing him love and affection. They love children and look at all new happenings as great events, if they have had positive exposure during their early development. After the second vaccination or so, feel free to take them with you as you travel or visit. You could even stage some visits in your home to introduce the puppy properly to different types of visitors, sounds, and other animals. They will always alert you to any noise outside. I find them assertive in wanting to protect or alert their family, but not overly aggressive towards the outside visitors. They are terriers, and terriers are fun loving and go getters; however, a Schnauzer that is continually hurt by a child, teased and taunted, punished unnecessarily, or abused, will either become withdrawn and even defensive. A balance of proper training, loving discipline, and quality time with his family will provide a well adjusted and mannered Schnauzer.

Health: You should establish your puppy with the vet of your choosing. I highly recommend Dr. Warren Joubert of Turner Animal Clinic in Alexandria, Louisiana. Your pup has been checked by Dr. Joubert before you pick him up. A health card will be completed on your pup and his first “5 in 1” vaccination will be given. Your vet will use this card to establish the proceeding shots and vet visits that are needed. PLEASE never miss a heartworm treatment or the annual booster shots. Your pet’s well being depends upon this. Never give your pup milk, chocolate, raisins, grapes or turkey…..chocolate, grapes and raisins are very toxic!

Note on vaccines - this is only from my experience and is not documented medically. Ever so often my schnauzer pups will have a reaction to the second shot they receive. They may scratch repeatedly at the site of the vaccination and even all over; or they can have a visual reaction, like swollen eyelids and mouth; and some even get very limp and unresponsive. I have always administered Benydrl at about the ratio of one tenth of a CC per pound of body weight. If I don’t get fairly immediate results, I usually give another dose. I keep the pup warm and watch him until he recovers totally. Thereafter, I give Benydrl before the next vaccination. I have heard of older dogs reacting to the annual booster shots and Benadryl was advised by their vet. This is just for your information only and you should always follow your veterinarian’s advice.

Weak Puppy - If your puppy should become very limp and act like his sugar has dropped, give him a little drop of Karo Syrup and contact your Vet. If you puppy has several very loose stools, you usually have a problem. Check to see if he has eaten anything other than his food and contact your vet. VitaCal is an excellent supplement to keep on hand, especially for toy pups. PetSmart and other retail stores have a version of this supplement in a tube.

Special Note - Children: Children and puppies just go together. We see so many cute pictures and have visual pictures and even memories from our childhood. Even the best meaning child that is left unsupervised with a puppy can do harm. I recommend that children sit on the floor and let the puppy come to them. The puppy will usually climb in their lap for attention. When appropriate, children should be shown how to hold a puppy and not squeeze it’s tummy.

Children should not be allowed to stand or sit on the couch while holding the puppy, because eventually the puppy will attempt to jump down. As the children and puppy develop, the puppy will learn to take care of itself and be more agile. If two children are sharing one pup, stay close Mom……you know the rest of the story.

Grooming: Select a groomer that will first and foremost be considerate of your pup as he adjusts to being groomed. I groom all my pups at least one time and sometimes twice before they leave, so they are not totally new to the process. A clean environment is a must! Most groomers will charge around $30 for a complete visit. Make sure they remove all hair from the ear canal and if there are any remaining dew claws on your pup, that they know about them and trim as needed. You will also have to decide if you want to leave long furnishings on your pup (beard, eyebrows, legs, etc.) or if you want a shorter teddy-bear cut (furnishings are usually scissor cut). Regular brushings are required by you to remove anything that might cause matting of the hair.

WHAT TO DO NEXT ????????

Contact your vet and schedule the follow-up visit for the next shot that is indicated on your

health card and to start the

heartworm preventive. I even recommend you taking your new

pet to the vet for a health check when you take the puppy home, per your contract.

Puppy crate or bed? Warm, dry, and secure area for the puppy to sleep, play, and potty.

Sufficient puppy feed on hand? Feeding and water bowls? Potty pads or newspaper?

Schedule of regular feeding times (3- 4 times a day)….they wake early and are ready to potty

and eat breakfast. Sometimes I leave them some dry food in case they wake up in the night

and want to munch.

Prepare to introduce the new pup properly to his family, friends and other pets. Make sure

other animals are up-to-date on their vaccines.

Schedule time to work and play with the puppy to insure he is feeling loved and

wanted….they are ready to bond and they can become anxious and unhappy without this.

Don’t forget the small collar and light weight leash, puppy shampoo, soft bristled brush!

I usually use conditioner on their furnishings to help with tangles and mats. Visit and select

a groomer that you feel your pup will be safe and comfortable with.

These are just my personal notes. I am sure you have many of your own and successful techniques that work for you. Good luck and I wish you many, happy puppy memories. The time you expend now will provide for many years of enjoying a loyal and well-behaved family member.