The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Puppies:
Unless you’ve done it before, you’re not sure if you’re doing it the right way. To quell those fears, here are the most frequently asked questions:
Q: How much should I play with my new puppy?
A: Aim for between three and six play periods per day, but remember that he/she will tire easily as a youngster. A game of fetch is ideal, as it includes exercise and a lesson on commands.
Q: How often should I take my pet to the veterinarian?
A: Three times per year during puppyhood (which ends at about 1 year for small- and medium-sized breeds and between 18 and 24 months for large-breed dogs). After that, he should have a visit once annually, unless he gets sick.
Q: How do I teach my pup not to jump on people?
A: Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose, and then raise it over his head. As his nose comes up, his head should come down. Say “Sit!” Reward him when his hindquarters touch the ground. Repeat the drill and gradually remove the food used during the lesson. (But always give him a treat afterward if he’s followed your rules.) After he learns the command, tell him to “Sit!” each time he greets someone.
Q: How are the nutritional needs of large-breed and small-breed puppies different?
A: Small-breed pups develop much faster than other breeds of dogs. They have faster metabolic rates and need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus. Meanwhile, large-breed dogs aren’t considered full grown until they’re nearly 2 years old. And while many people think that large breeds should eat huge quantities of food, they simply need meals that pack a nutritional punch. (If overfed, these animals risk putting on too much weight too quickly and could develop skeletal problems.)
Q: What common ailments should I watch for?
A: Worms and infectious diseases such as parvovirus and distemper are most problematic. The latter two can be avoided with vaccines, though it is smart to limit your puppy’s exposure to other dogs until he has been fully immunized.
Q: How often should I groom and/or bathe my pet?
A: Weimaraners and vizslas are breeds with only one coat of hair and they shed very little. They tend to keep themselves fairly clean as well so unless they happen to get muddy or get into something that causes them to have a bad odor. Normally speaking, a bath a month should be sufficient.
Q: When should I switch to an adult dog food?
A: For Vizsla/medium-breed puppies, move to a high-quality adult formula when he turns 1-year-old. Weimaraner/Large breed dogs should switch by the start of their second year.
Q: Why Spade or neuter your dog?
If you’ve recently welcomed a new puppy or dog into your life, you might have questions about having your pet spayed or neutered. Below are answers to some of the questions many people have about these common surgeries for dogs.
Q: What is the difference between spay and neuter?
A: Spaying. A “spay,” or ovariohysterectomy, is a veterinary surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. It involves removal of the female dog’s uterus and both ovaries through an incision made in the abdomen. A spay can also be performed laparoscopically (usually with ovariectomies).
Neutering. Neutering, or castration, is the surgical removal of the male dog’s testes. Also performed under general anesthesia, it is a simpler surgery than a spay. An incision is made near the front of the scrotum, and then the testicles are removed through that incision.
Ask your veterinarian if you have questions
about when to spay or neuter your dog.
Q: Why spay or neuter your dog?
A: Here are three top reasons to spay or neuter:
Prevent unplanned puppies. If your female dog is unspayed, she will come into breeding season or “heat” for several weeks once or twice a year. Each time this happens, she’ll be very alluring to male dogs—who can smell the scent from long distances. This can bring unwanted canine visitors to your yard, which could result in a litter of unplanned puppies. Having a litter is expensive and involves a lot of time and energy on your part. The bitch will require veterinary care during pregnancy. Delivery can sometimes be difficult and can result in expensive surgery or the loss of the bitch or puppies. The puppies will also require veterinary care and shots after they are born. Also, finding good homes for puppies can be very difficult. Spaying and neutering is a responsible way to prevent accidental breeding resulting in unwanted puppies. Breeding should be left to responsible breeders who have an organized breeding plan and knowledge about canine genetics, and who breed dogs to preserve the breed’s best qualities for future generations.
Reduced health risks. Spaying or neutering can lead to a reduction in health risks for both male and female dogs. Unspayed females can develop a painful and life-threatening infection of the uterus called pyometra. Unspayed females are also at much higher risk of mammary tumors than are females who have been spayed. Neutering a male dog prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of other problems such as prostate disease. A neutered male dog also has less desire to roam so has less risk of getting poisoned, hurt in a dog fight, or hit by a car.
May help with behavior issues. As well as reducing roaming in male dogs, neutering can often (though not always) help to reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviors such as leg-lifting and mounting. Neutering can also decrease aggressive behavior in some dogs, especially if they are neutered before one year of age. Spayed females will also be less likely to roam.
Dog breeding should be left to responsible breeders who have an
organized plan and are very knowledgeable about canine genetics,
and who breed dogs to preserve the breed’s best qualities for future generations.
Q: At what age should a dog be spayed or neutered?
A: We suggest Spaying or neutering after 12-14 months old, dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best age to spay or neuter their pet. Many vets in the U.S. recommend spaying or neutering be done between 5 and 9 months of age. AKC’s Canine Health Foundation conducted research that indicates there may be long-term health benefits to spaying or neutering dogs after they have passed through puberty.
Spaying before the first heat greatly lowers the risk of mammary tumors. (Females who are spayed after their first heat also continue to have reduced risk compared to unspayed females.) Neutering males before puberty may help prevent establishment of some behaviors such as marking and aggression.
The bottom line: Talk with your veterinarian about the best time to have your pet spayed or neutered.
Be sure to talk with your veterinarian for expert information on spaying or neutering your dog or puppy and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Q: What is included in the shipping?
A: The shipping includes the cost for the flight, the puppy blanket that we use in the videos with the scent of the mother and littermates, the water & food dish for crate door, food pack on top of crate, the puppy crate and veterinarian certification for flight.
Q: How do I determine which flight?
A: I call 3 airlines that provide the flights in a pressurized cargo area for the puppies. I check for direct flights and then shortest flights for the puppies. Also if more than one has a layover I try to make sure the flight is with a littermate if possible. Then they will separate to go to the new families on the next flight.
Q: What should you bring when picking up your puppy?
A: You should bring paper towels in case of any puppy potty incidents. A collar will be on top of the crate but bring a leash and bottle of water. Also puppy wipes or diaper wipes.
Q: Where do I pick my puppy up at the airport?
A: Once you receive your confirmation on your puppy’s flight then check with the airline and give the airway bill number to determine the pick-up location for your puppy. Each airport is different.
Q: When do I pay for my puppy’s shipping and puppy balance?
A: If your puppy is being shipped, then the shipping charges and puppy balance is due 10 days prior to shipping.