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Just wanted to go over a few things
so you are ready to pick up your puppy.
The first thing is making sure you
have everything you need. I am feeding them dry Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy
food. You can switch them over to something else when you get them home
but I suggest you get a small bag of it so that you can make a gradual transition
(you must switch their food SLOWLY).
Also, things to get for puppy are lots of hardy chew toys. Stay away from rawhides
and pig ears until they get older as they are hard to digest and may also choke.
Pedigree Dentabones are pretty tough and puppies should be OK chewing on one of
those.
Also, gates to block off sections of your home during housebreaking, a crate for
crate training, a dog house for outside sleeping. For sleeping I suggest
just old pillows or blankets until they are housebroken and are through chewing,
otherwise you may spend a lot of money on a nice dog bed and it get chewed up or
pee'd all over (I've been there, done that). Pillows can be thrown away
and blankets washed (even towels).
Other items:
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Choke chain (largest links as possible, not the fine tiny-linked chains) for
training and learning to heel or the new Gentle Leaders seem to work great
for stubborn dogs. |
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Flat collar with ID tag
(you will get a microchip tag to go on there also with your pet's microchip
number and 800 number to call if found) |
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6 foot leash |
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8-10 foot tie out chain (chain so
they can't chew through it) for traveling/camping and you need to tie the puppy up
safely unless you buy an exercise pen to make a portable pen for them.
This is not fir use in your backyard but rather for when you are out
traveling. Do not chain puppy up unattended! |
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A 10-15 foot nylon lead for
training your puppy outdoors and you want to train them while further away
from you (or teach them not to wander too far away from you - you'll need it
for doggy obedience). |
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Tough food/water bowls (ceramic
is OK for indoors but not outdoors). |
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A water licker - to attach to a
hose bib (great for fresh water access without spoiling bowls of unattended
water or spilled bowls.) |
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Brush for weekly brushing.
A good brushing once a week is all they should need, maybe more during
periods when they are blowing coat and getting new coat in. I do not
recommend professional grooming. Brushing is also a good way to get
your puppy used to being touched and sitting calmly for an exam. |
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Ear cleaner to keep the ear clean
(weekly should be enough) |
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A nail trimmer to keep their
nails trimmed. They should keep pretty worn down if they will have
access to cement and dirt to dig in (ha ha) but if not, you should trim them
so they don't scratch themselves or others. You can also have the vet
do them for anywhere from $6-$12. |
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Odor/stain remover for accidents
when housebreaking. |
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Bitter Apple for helping to detour
chewing (but I warn you, some dogs love the taste!) |
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Dietary supplement
- NuVet |
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LOTS of toys!!!!!
(no stuffed toys without supervision!) I cant stress it enough as I have had
2 puppies go home and need surgery to remove items from their intestinal
track that they chewed up! |
Also, have you found a vet you like?
You will be required to take your puppy for an exam within 48 hours after you
take them home so now would be a good time to make an appointment. Most
vets are open on Saturdays, some even Sundays.
I also will need to know the following before you come (please note this):
1.
Who's name will be on the contract? If you are married both your names can
be on there but if you're not, then I need only one. Because this is a
contract, I can only have one name (which in the case of married people, they
are considered one anyway) so this should be the person who will be actually
paying for the puppy as this will be the person any reimbursement will be made
to if there is any problems as stated in the contract.
2. Who will the puppy be registered to on his/her AKC papers? Should
be the same name as on the contract. This is
who AKC will acknowledge as owners of the dog. I must have the AKC
registration form filled out before you may take the puppy (per AKC regulations)
so I need to know who will be on it and you need to be present to
sign it (unless married). I need complete records of these transactions so
I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
3. Also as part of #2, what
will be the puppy's full AKC name? "Harley's........"?
(See front page for this litter's theme) I must have this filled out
before you leave.
4. When will you be picking
him/her up? Just confirm with me the time and day you plan to come. (I
will contact each of you and set up a pick up time individually)
5.
Confirm with me your full name(s), current address, phone numbers (work, home,
cell, etc in case I need to contact you). I need to have this current for
the contracts as well.
When you come to pick the puppy up I will need you to bring:
1. The balance of the price of
the puppy (less your deposits). A check, money order or cash is fine.
If paying by check and it bounces, you will be required to pay the $25 service
charge. If cash is easily obtainable, it would be the easiest form of
payment.
2. If you are driving alone, I suggest a blanket or something to keep the
puppy cozy while you drive and I prefer a crate so you are not distracted.
Puppy may be held by another person if you come with a friend or family member. Maybe even a fuzzy
toy to chew on to keep busy.
3.
If you will be bringing your children, please explain to them how to handle a
puppy before they come. That way they are better prepared to touch the
puppies properly. If you can leave little ones at home, that would be
great (they can't really help you pick anyways) as they often distract you more
than anything (like trying to sign contracts and talk about the puppies).
Children are always welcome but in my experience, if they are not used to seeing
a bunch of puppies, they can tend to be a distraction while you are trying to
get to know each puppy.
4.
A check made out to AKC in the amount of $12.50 for registration of the
microchip. To be sure all puppies get registered and can be relocated with
you if lost, I will send in all registration forms here myself.
When you leave you will be receiving a Puppy Package that includes:
1. Contract
2. Original and Copy of AKC registration filled out
3. Your puppy's pedigree
4. Sire and dam's OFA records
5. Sire and dam's CERF records
6. Several articles
7. Color pictures of sire and dam
8.
3 day supply of NuVet
dietary supplement
9. Various Labrador catalogs
Anything else?