FAQ | West Lane Kennel

FAQs

What do I need to buy for my puppy?

Before picking up your puppy, you will need to make at least one trip to the pet store for supplies (toys, a crate, etc.). It’s easy to get lost in the aisles of the store! Be careful how many things you get as puppies are like babies, they don't need everything that is on the market! Simple is best and love always.
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Puppy food can be purchased through us at our store or online at 4StrongPaws.com. It is best to not change their diet. If you wish to go with a different brand, we will supply a small amount of our food to help you transition to the new food.

What is included with my puppy?

Your puppy goes home with a blanket that smells like his mom and litter mates, measuring cup, scoop, poop bags & holder, information book on milestones, training and behavior. We also provide the vaccination booklet with deworming and vaccinations signed by our veterinarian. They also come with an implanted microchip that has a lifetime membership, with no annual fee.

What do the puppies eat and how often during the day?

You can ask your breeder and veterinarian for advice on the best brand and type of food for your puppy at his/her stage of life. Growing puppies should eat puppy food that is specially formulated to provide the necessary nutrients to fuel their growth spurts! We strongly recommend 4 Strong Paws dog food. The food is made locally, is gluten free and they offer FREE delivery in Canada! You can order online at 4StrongPaws.com. We usually feed the puppies and moms twice a day around 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

How often do puppies sleep?

All of that running around can wear a puppy out! Remember that puppies are growing constantly, and sleep is required to develop a puppy’s central nervous system, immune system, brain, and muscles. In general, puppies should sleep around 15-20 hours a day! Awake for 1 hour and sleep for 2 hours!

When can I take my puppy to the dog park?

Before taking your puppy around town, ensure that you have visited your veterinarian and your puppy has received a clean bill of health plus all necessary vaccinations. Safely socializing your puppy is important to creating a well-rounded dog, but you don’t want to create a negative first impression of the park by taking him too soon. Too many dogs at once can be very overwhelming for a puppy. So start by introducing your puppy to dogs one at a time. Understand some basic dog park safety tips before venturing out to your community park.

What to expect at the first vet visit?

A first visit will be slightly different at every clinic, but there are some common things to expect. Generally, a vet tech will start the exam by taking vitals, weighing your pup, and taking his temperature. At this point, the veterinarian will step in to perform a comprehensive exam. This exam will include listening to the heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, and conducting a dental check-up. The vet will check your dog’s ears, eyes, nose, and toes, as well as the skin and coat. It is actually a nose to tail exam for the first visit!
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Your vet will then go over a vaccination schedule with you and give any vaccinations that you choose to do on that day. Ask questions about possible symptoms resulting from the vaccinations so you know what to expect for the next few days.

How do I house train my puppy?

Housetraining is one of the first things you should focus on after bringing home a puppy. Accidents are normal and can be frustrating for first time puppy owners. Remember that your puppy is not having accidents to spite you; he just doesn’t understand what is expected yet.
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Positive reinforcement is the best and most effective way to train. Praise your puppy immediately when he eliminates in the appropriate location; don’t wait until he comes back inside. Praise may be verbal, physical, or both and can sometimes be accompanied by a treat. If your puppy eliminates in an inappropriate area, scolding with a sharp “No” can be effective, but only if caught in the act. Puppies have a very short memory and cannot correlate delayed scolding. Frequent trips outside before and after a meal will be the best time to train.

Do I need pet insurance?

Many owners consider pet insurance when they bring their new puppy home. Puppies are curious and often get into trouble. It’s comforting to know when an accident or illness occurs, you won’t be on the hook for large medical bills and can focus on your puppy feeling better. Do some research on your pet insurance options and know what is and is not covered before purchasing a policy.

How do I correct inappropriate biting?

Puppies younger than seven months old are teething and will naturally “play bite.” It is important that you teach your puppy that this is unacceptable. The easiest way to do this is by redirecting the biting from you to an approved toy.

How should I care for my puppies teeth, ears and nails?

It is never too early to begin good dental hygiene. Luckily for us, there are easy ways to provide this for our puppies.

You can also incorporate dental treats, such as C.E.T chews or Oravet chews. Both of these options are great for keeping your puppy’s teeth pearly white and healthy. Be sure to speak to your vet about when to start these and what size would work!
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Handling your puppy’s feet, face, and ears, often starting at a young age, will make these things less threatening. Nail trims are a necessity as overgrown nails can cause discomfort and infection. If you do not feel comfortable doing nail trims on your puppy, nail trims can be done at your local pet shop or groomer.

What human foods can my puppy eat?

Many human foods are considered toxic to dogs. It is very important to be well-informed about which foods are dangerous foods. Common foods to avoid include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes (choking), any fruit with seeds or pits, any caffeinated items, and anything labeled sugar-free (the common sugar replacement, xylitol, is very toxic). Excessively fatty foods, such as leftover meat, can also cause digestive issues and sometimes even diarrhea.

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