Vaccinations:

Updating your knowledge on vaccinations is very important on keeping your pet healthy. Vaccination protocols are changing and as a new owner you need to know what vaccines to give your new pet. Findings are out there that our pets don't need all the vaccines that our vets want to give. You are the advocate for your pet and they trust you to do what is right for them. Just because your vet wants to give certain vaccines does not mean you have to agree with them.

I follow Dr. Jean Dobbs vaccination protocol.

Here is a great article I suggest everyone read: "When it Comes to Vaccinating Your Pet, Less is More"

I give vaccinations starting at 8 weeks of age unless they are really tiny then I wait until 10 weeks to start. I recommend giving vaccinations every 4 weeks. Please do not give their rabies vaccination at the same time as the puppy vaccines. This is to much for their little bodies. I would wait another 4 weeks before the rabies is given. I like mine to have their rabies around 6 months old. Please do not take your new puppy to a park or other places where there are lots of animals until the puppy has been properly vaccinated. I also do not give the Lepto or Corona vaccine to the puppies. Google it and you will find more information. These vaccines are not needed and they can cause severe problems in your puppy.

Rabies vaccines are required by law. There are approved 1-year and 3-year rabies vaccines. They are the same product. Please ask for the 3-year vaccine, if you opt to vaccinate your pet against rabies. I also recommend you consider finding a holistic vet that will provide you with the homeopathic rabies vaccine detox, called Lyssin.

More great articles on vaccinating your pet:

Vaccination News

Over-Vaccination - Dog Owners Beware
The Truth About Vaccines
Epilepsy Linked to Vaccines, Diet & Drugs
Dr. Pitcairn - A look at Vaccines
Vaccine Ingredients
Still Vaccinating Every Year?
Dangers Of Vaccinating
Vaccine Safety

Think Twice - Global Vaccine Institute
Titers: What do they tell us?
Adverse Vaccine Reactions
No Vaccines At All?
The Dangers of Vaccination
Vaccines: Are they safe for you dog?

I highly recommend Life Abundance food for you new puppy. Click on the info below for more information. This is currently what your new puppy is eating.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Housebreaking your new puppy: Housebreaking your new puppy takes lots of patience. You should start training your puppy as soon as you bring your new puppy home. They should be taken out immediately after each meal. A full stomach puts pressure on the colon and bladder.

Watch for signs of urination or defecation, such as turning in circles. Take your puppy out often. It is much harder to housebreak a puppy if he smells urine in places you do not wish him to relief himself. Using an exercise pen and crate or confining your puppy to a small part of the house that has easy clean up floors are some ways to ensure your puppy does not urinate all over your house.Wire dog crates are no longer the only options when it comes to crate training. Another alternative to keep in mind is a wood dog crate.

There are many different ways you can housebreak your puppy. Whichever way you choose, it is important to understand your puppy, be patient and consistent in the method you choose.  Make sure everyone who is involved in the housebreaking process is using the same method of training. Also give lots and lots of praise to your puppy.

"Four Proven Principles of Housebreaking a Dog of Any Age…" This is a great article on housebreaking. It does talk about putting your dog on a food schedule as one of the steps and I do agree with this but not for a new puppy that will need to have constant access to food to prevent hypoglycemia. If you want to use a food schedule I would recommend waiting until the puppy is a year old unless it is a really tiny dog under 5 lbs then I would continue to free feed the dog.

Here is a good place to get washable potty pads that hold up really well - ODC Merchandise

Trainingand bringing home a new dog or puppy:

This is a great article titled "Helping Rescue Dogs Transition to New Homes" but I think it applies to bringing any new dog or puppy into your home.

"How to puppy proof your home". I like this article on bringing home a new pet. The article also talks about Introducing a New Pet to Other Pets in the Home. I get this question a lot because many people have more than one pet in their home.

Have a little biter at your house? Here is an article that might help "Nipping Puppy Biting in the Bud"

Nutrition: Should be a big part in raising your new puppy. Nuvet Plus is an all-natural immune system builder that is vital to the development of his immune system, especially during his first years, but nutritionally beneficial for life.

In addition to building his immunity it also helps him develop a healthy coat, fight off allergies, and prevent many of the health issues that are not covered by vaccines, thereby extending your dog’s longevity.

Be sure to order this supplement prior to receiving your pup.

NuVet Plus comes in a chewable wafer or powder form.

It is not available in stores and only available to the general public with the recommendation of an authorized pet professional. Click on this link for more information and ordering. www.hutsokmaltese.com/Nuvet.htm

NuVet Labs, Inc. will advise us when ordered.

Foods to Avoid or Restrict:

It is important to know what can make your dog sick. Please watch out for these items that you will want to avoid feeding your dog.

Macadamia nuts - toxic even in very small amounts.

Garlic – can cause anemia if given in large quantities.

Onions

Chocolate and caffeine

Xylitol - a sugar substitute used in sugar-free gum (xylitol is also used mostly in cookies, candies, cupcakes and other sweets developed for people who have diabetes. Because of its bacteria-killing properties, it is put into some oral care products, including Tom's All Natural and Biotene toothpastes.)

Grapes and raisins

Potatoes (regular kind, not sweet potatoes), tomatoes, peppers (all kinds), and eggplant may aggravate arthritis pain, but are otherwise fine to feed.

RAWHIDES

This is just a caution on feeding your dog rawhides. There has been concern that pieces can potentially get lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, causing life-threatening digestive-tract obstruction.

MUSHROOMS

Many pet owners don't realize that some of the mushrooms that grow in their yard are toxic to dogs and can even be fatal. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can range from mild vomiting and diarrhea to severe digestive problems to complete liver failure. Always watch for mushrooms in areas where you walk your dogs or where they run and play. Whenever you find mushrooms in your yard, dig them up. Smashing or kicking them spreads the spores. You can "Google" mushroom poisoning in dogs and find the different types that are poisonous. I personally would just keep my dogs away from any mushrooms period.... Why take the chance.

This is a general list of things that your puppy will need.

Puppy treats

Water and food bowls

Safe toys

Bed

Crate (for training and travel)

Collar

Leash

Dog nail clippers

Pet shampoo

Dog grooming brush

Pooper scooper

Carpet stain remover

Puppy dog/training book or video

Potty pads or newspaper

Don't forget to puppy proof your home. Check Electrical cords, learn about poisonous plants and food. If you have a fenced yard make sure there are no holes for the puppy to get through.