Suggestions/Recommendations on Your New Puppy!

Suggestions/Recommendations on your new puppy!

This is a hand out to offer some tips for your new puppy, and things to consider about owning a Dalmatian. Please read over these things and make an educated decision or speak with your vet about each topic. If you ever have any questions I will always be available to help.

Vaccines: It is important to keep up with regular puppy shots even after the puppy is brought home. These vaccines prevent deadly diseases or viruses from occurring. If you are planning to have your puppy around other dogs, or places where other dogs might be it is best to get the following vaccines at the appropriate times, and keep them updated throughout life: Distemper, Parvo, Rabies, Bordetella(kennel cough), Leptospirosis(if you live near wild animals, streams, or rivers). I would only begin taking your puppy out into public(especially around other dogs) once your puppy has received all sets of shots(around 14-16 weeks). Their immune systems need time to build up a defense to the viruses and disease that the shots prevent. They are more susceptible to contract such ailments before this age.

Nutrition: I recommend feeding a good quality puppy kibble up until six months of age. Not all grain free, or expensive dog foods are best because some dogs stomachs cannot handle the amount of protein in the kibble. With Dalmatians it is best to stick to a low protein diet due to their bodies not being able to process purine. This is what can lead to urinary issues. The typical low protein diet has a guaranteed analysis of Protein being 19-23%. My theory is find what works and stick with it.

Wet food is okay to give as an occasional treat, or reward, but not as a meal or everyday occurrence. Wet food tends to put on extra weight, and quickly ruins teeth with tarter build up and decay. I tend to stay away from foods with artificial colors, it leads to runny stools, foul odors and stomach sensitivity. Food such as Benefial, Purina dog chow, Kibbles-N-Bits. Some good foods to consider are:

 Purina one

 Authority(at petsmart)

 Eukanuba

 Purina Pro-Plan

 Taste of the Wild

 Four Health(tractor supply) Socialization: Dalmatians are widely known as timid dogs, and I plan to change that. It is important to keep your puppy social especially after the 14-16 week time period. Puppies are sponges, so they retain a lot of information at once. The more you socialize with people, dogs, worldly experiences the better off they will be throughout their life. A well balanced dog is not kept at home, but shown what the world has to offer. This idea goes hand in hand with training. Keeping them around dogs of all ages and sizes will help build their tolerance and confidence. An under confident dog leads to aggression, and shyness.

Training: This is one of the most important aspects of a dog's life in my opinion. A well trained dog can make the best friend you have been looking for. Starting early is key. Once you let precious puppyhood pass, training only becomes more difficult with each day. Start as soon as your bring puppy home. Teaching the basics, and showing them how you want them to behave. IF you do not show them they will make it up themselves. Things to work towards with training are expanding the basics such as longer sits and downs, sitting when you stop etc. Get enrolled in basic obedience and then continue the classes don't stop because they are not a puppy anymore. Classes to consider are:

 AKC Star Puppy

 Canine Good Citizen

 Tricks

 Rally

 Novice/Beginners Obedience

 Agility(after 15 months)

Supplements: Supplements are best given after one year of age, unless specifically labeled for puppies. Usually puppy supplements are multi-vitamins. Multi-vitamins, just like for people are a source of nutrients, and minerals that may not be found in a kibble but could help support a healthy lifestyle. I also recommend giving cranberry, fish oil, and glucosamine pills or chews once the pup has reached at least a year(unless ordered differently by a veterinarian.). These supplements help maintain a healthy body and coat. Given throughout the dogs life, supplements can add longevity and better health.

Cranberry pills are specifically for a healthy urinary tract. Being that Dalmatians suffer from Urinary issues within the breed it is a good idea to start these pills at one year to maintain and hopefully prevent urinary issues. Fish oil is great for the coat and the skin, as well as the heart. Dalmatians are known to be somewhat susceptible to skin issues so starting this pill early could help with potential skin issues. Glucosamine is used for healthy joints, so being that Dalmatians tend to lead an active lifestyle it is best to give the joints a little extra support.

Crate Training: This is an aspect of life I believe every dog should learn. It teaches patience, good manners, and how to be quiet. Crate training in no way is harmful, or inhumane when done properly. Starting once the puppy comes home is the biggest step toward a crate trained puppy. Again puppies are sponges the only things they know are what you show them. So teach them a crate is a happy place, a place for treats, food, toys, comfy beds etc. Do not let the crate be a place of punishment then it becomes a place for the puppy to try and escape. It comes in handy when you need to leave, or go on vacation, or just need some separation from puppy. Never leave collars with tags, or chain collars on inside the crate because you risk them getting tangled in the wire and choking.

Activity: A Dalmatian is considered a high energy dog. They need stimulation not just physically but mentally as well. They are great dogs when they are properly exercised. A dog that has too much energy and is not able to release it finds ways on their own, which leads to destructive behaviors such as digging, nuisance barking, chewing etc. Proper, daily exercise is important for this breed. Young puppies should not be ran excessively, or jumped(such as agility practice) before 15-18 months. Their joint platelets have to close all the way before these activities should occur, due to the danger it imposes on their health. Speak with your veterinarian about this at your first appointment. Some activities to release energy are:

 intense games of fetch

 playing with other dogs

 hiking

 jogging beside a bicycle(after platelets have closed)

 long walks with a back pack

 going to public places

 doggie puzzles, stuffed kongs/bones, finding hidden treats

 training sessions

 Jogging

I truly hope this has been beneficial and helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to

ask. My goal is for every puppy to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Good luck! Contact:

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910-988-0994

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