They Are A Slightly Dramatic Breed

Desensitization. Desensitization is a method in which you are constantly applying stimuli. This approach is performed to improve your pup’s ability to handle different types of touch, handling, and sensation. It can be performed in ANY order. Do not put your puppy down if they are agitated or upset. If they are displaying resistance, stop until the puppy calms and then resume! Reward with positive praise and snuggles when done!

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Puppy “Massage” 10 Step Puppy Handling Exercise This approach is performed to improve your pup’s ability to handle different types of touch, handling and sensation. It can be performed in ANY order. Do not put your puppy down if they are agitated or upset. If they are displaying resistance, stop until the puppy calms and then resume! Reward with positive praise and snuggles when done!

1. Rub and gently tug on their ears

2. Cover their eyes for 3-5 seconds

3. Open their mouth, inspect their teeth and place your finger inside of their mouth. You can rub their tongue and gums. I also always watch teeth to ensure they are coming in correctly. Every once in a while, issues with tooth eruption do occur.

4. Rub their belly and chest in a wide circular motion.

5. Run your hand up their back (from tail to head) a few times to ruffle their fur. Also practice “heavy petting” - patting your pup’s back like you are burping a baby

6. Gently tug and twist their tail.

7. Rub your fingers in between all of their pads on their paws

8. Tap on the tip of their nails

9. Put your hands on their collar and apply a slight tug or pressure

10. Touch their nose! This is an excellent time to check the puppy over from head to foot each day ensuring everything is forming correctly and the pup’s conformation looks and feels good. I use my hands and fingers as a way to explore and touch every part of them. You can be standing (elevation work) or sitting - try both! Don’t always perform the “puppy massage” in the same room at the same time. As pups age, it helps to do this exercise when they are sleepy - after a solid play session is a great time. It is also CRUCIAL to have others do the massage as well. You want your dog to be tolerant to touch by friends, strangers, kids, the elderly, veterinarians, groomers etc.

The Puppy Crazies FRAP (Frenetic Random Activity Periods) is the technical term for what I call the “puppy crazies” or others call the “zoomies.” These FRAP sessions typically occur approximately two to three times a day. This is when your well-mannered puppy goes absolutely crazy! He or she will run around, jump on the furniture, attack everything, spin in circles, bark and quite honestly act like they have gone off the deep end. This is totally normal! The good news is that these periods of high energy only last a few minutes and your dog will grow out of them. With that being said, this is a time when young children need to be picked up and placed in a safe location! FRAP and young children are rarely a good mix. Love and Patience You have made the important decision to let a puppy into your heart and home. We sincerely thank you for trusting us to give your puppy the best start possible. I know there will be frustrations and patience will be tested in having a puppy, but I also know the rewards are wonderful and exponential. Enjoy the complete innocence of a puppy, their ability to stop and smell the flowers, and maybe even taste them, their curiosity is contagious, and playfulness is humorous. I can promise you that you will gain a comedian, confidante, companion, and ultimately a new family member

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Socializing and Developmental Stages

It is imperative that your new dog socializes with other people and pets in a safe manner. Try to steer clear of other dogs and any areas populated by puppies and other dogs for a few weeks, until your veterinarian has administered all of your dog’s vaccinations. Having your puppy around other people, dogs, new locations, in the car, etc. will create a much happier, well-socialized dog in the long run. You will be so proud to take your pup with you on the go, and he or she will enjoy meeting new people and visiting new places. However, you must be cautious of Parvo, a highly contagious and very dangerous virus that can live in any environment for years and can be easily tracked into your own house on your shoes. We suggest you clean your house before your puppy comes home, keep your shoes at the door and employ the “all four off the floor” method to socialize your puppy until he or she receives its parvo vaccination. Do not keep your puppy sheltered during these precious developmental weeks, just make sure that you avoid areas with other dogs and that your pup keeps all four paws off the floor outside of the home. Brief and safe socializing is so important to the proper development of a puppy. I have 8 weeks. You have 8 weeks. And it takes both of us to ensure a stable happy puppy follows! Obedience/Training Please start training your puppy immediately. They are smart, eager to learn and want to please! Dogs are pack animals and are looking to you for leadership and guidance when they join your pack. You will be amazed at how much they can learn starting at 8 weeks old. It is very exciting and rewarding when your pup learns something new! Start with sit, down, stay, kennel and go potty. I also highly recommend enrolling your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class. They get to socialize, start learning self-control and begin on basic obedience tasks. Follow through with any “puppy homework” you are given to continue building your relationship with your pup and helping he or she learn through repetition. Please do not stop at puppy kindergarten. Upon graduation enroll your pup in a basic obedience class as well. In the puppy evaluation paperwork, I outlined two critical concepts to help lay a nice foundation for your pup: hand feeding and the “sit on the dog” activity. Also don’t forget tether training! These exercises are very beneficial in teaching your pup self-control, focus and pack order. Veterinarian Care Vaccination records are enclosed in the puppy packet. However, your vet will advise you on what is best for the proper care of your pet.

*Please spay or neuter your pup at approximately 7-12 months old. The health benefits are overwhelming, not to mention the implications of an unplanned pregnancy can be devastating.