Preparing for a new puppy is important. It is important that you are prepared for a new puppy in many ways.

 

As pet owners ourselves, breeders, and people in the pet service industry we have knowledge from our own experience, feedback from puppies' new owners, as well as stories we've heard from other breeders and pet owners that can help aid in our suggestions to new owners. 

 

 

Before committing to your new puppy, and even after - if you have not already you should familiarize yourself with the breed - general care, grooming needs, exercise, possible health concerns, training, etc - that way you can properly prepare yourself for when your new puppy comes home, and you can provide him or her with the best care you possibly can.

 

Check out the Bulldog Health page of our website including the links on that page to more Bulldog information on the Bulldog Club of America’s website.

 

 

 

Please take the time to read the following resources provided by Purina

 

Click here to go to Purina's "The New Puppy Checklist" 

 

Click here to go to Purina's Puppy Guide

 

 

 

The following are some things we suggest for your new puppy checklist

 

• Crate. We realize there are some people out there who do not wish to crate their puppy. Please remember that puppies can be like babies, and things should be puppy/baby proofed or puppy (like a baby) should not be left alone unsupervised to ensure his/her safety, etc. We do start all of our puppies on crate training before they leave for their new homes, so its not something new, your puppy has already experienced being in a crate. This helps prevent potty accidents in the house and aid in your successful housebreaking. This also helps to prevent a playful teething puppy from chewing on something he/she should not (from shoes to furniture, electric cords to cleaning products etc the things in your household could be harmful to a playful curious puppy). If you do not have your eyes or your hands on your puppy an accident could happen. A crate can be a very safe place for your puppy. (Remember puppy should always go out to go potty before going into crate and as soon as puppy comes out of crate.) Please also keep in mind of dog laws in regards to traveling - in some locations it is state law for your dog to travel in a crate (or restrained with seat belt), so it is best for your dog to be used to being crated at times so they are already used to it, and not stressed or upset with it when it is necessary. 

 

• Travel crate and or car seat harness/seat belt. As mentioned above please be aware of dog laws in regards to traveling. In many locations your dog does need to be restrained in some sort of car seat, car seat harness, pet seat belt, or travel crate. This is not only so your pet stays out of things he/she should be getting into or chewing on, but also for your safety. It is important to not get distracted while driving, and for your pet to stay out of the front seat. It is also for safety reasons for your dog should you get into a car accident. 

 

• Food. As a puppy your puppy should be being fed a puppy or all life stages dog food. Please do your research and decide on a food that you feel will be best for your puppy.

We do recommend that if you decide to feed dog treats that you go with one similar to your dog food - many brands of dog food also offer treats - or go with real meat. We suggest this as many treats are can be like candy or junk food to dogs, however treats similar to the food, or real meat can be a more healthy treat rather than being like junk food or candy. 

 

 

• Fresh water. Remember fresh water is needed daily - even multiple times a day. Anytime your dog's water is dirty, etc - just change it! Fresh clean water helps keep your dog healthy and hydrated. Don't forget to wash the bowl too. 

 

• Bowls. You puppy will need a bowl for food and a bowl for water. We recommend stainless steel bowls. Its also important for your dog's health for you to remember to clean both the food and water bowl to help ensure your dog's good health. A dog can get sick from built up food, slimy residue on the bowl, bacteria etc - don't just refill the bowl, clean it first! Sometimes puppies may play in their bowls or possibly tip them when playing - in this case a bowl that cannot be tipped, or a bucket bowl that can be attached to something like the crate should not be able to be dumped easily. 

 

• Toys. Please keep in mind when selecting toys for your puppy - he/she will grow so keep in mind if you do select small puppy toys that your puppy may not be able to keep playing with them when he/she grows up. Make sure toys are not too small to be a choking hazard or to be swallowed. Keep in mind if a toy is chewed up its best to remove it so no small pieces are swallowed. Please also keep in mind toys can come in different shapes and sizes, as well as have holes - a dog could get stuck in holes, or smaller sections of a toy. Try to select toys that do not seem like they will be easily, quickly, chewed apart. 

 

• Bones. Bones can come in many shapes and sizes - be careful when selecting a bone for your puppy/dog that it does not appear to be something that could be swallowed, or that  he/she could get stuck in.

We recommend bones from the butcher or nylabones. We do not recommend rawhide. Please keep in mind although bones may be on the larger size when the first come home - once a dog chews at them they may end up being small pieces that could be choked on or swallowed and not be able to be digested - small pieces should be removed to prevent any injury. 

 

 

• Identification. Once you decide on puppy's name and what contact information you would like used please get your puppy identification. There are tags that can go onto your puppy's collar, harness, and or leash. Collars, harnesses, and leash can also be printed or embroidered with contact information as well. You can have puppy microchipped. It is highly recommend to have your puppy identified in some way that way if he/she gets out or lost whoever finds him/her can quickly get in touch with you to get you both reunited. 

 

• Collar, leash, and harness. You will need a leash to walk your puppy with, and a collar or harness to attach it to.

Please keep in mind when you get your growing puppy a collar - remember to keep checking your collar as puppy grows so he/she does not grow into the collar. You can get an adjustable collar so it can be adjusted as he/she grows, or go ahead and get the next size up collar ahead of time so you have it when needed. Some do choose to walk their dog with a harness on a regular basis, or when starting out walking on a leash - even if you do not wish to walk with a harness a harness may be wanted for in the car if a crate is not being used for car seat belt. There are harnesses that are specifically made for seat belt use. 
We do not recommend retractable leashes. Although retractable leashes can be nice at times, or sometimes be helpful during training sessions they may not be best for everyday use. If you do decide to use one please use caution of other dogs, vehicles, etc around you and your dog. 
 

• Parasite prevention. This is something we do recommend consulting your veterinarian and your breeder regarding. It can be helpful to see what parasite prevention products work well for your puppy's relatives, as well as what the veterinarian recommends. Veterinarians are usually the most knowledgeable about parasite prevention products especially regarding which products are no longer effective and which products are most effective. Please always read any instructions, warnings, potential side effects parasite prevention may have and make sure you have the proper dosage for your dog. Remember not only can a parasite be harmful to your pet, but so can additional disease they may carry. Please remember parasite preventives/treatments are chemicals and these can also be harmful to you puppy so research is needed to understand all possible side effects. We only use it on our dogs when needed. It is not something we use all year long. 

 

• Bitter apple. This can be sprayed on things that you do not want puppy to chew on - from fingers to shoes to furniture.

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• Bedding.

Over the years we have tried tons of different types of dog beds. We recommend Kuranda dogs beds with Aluminum frame and heavy duty vinyl fabric as these beds seem to be the best for dogs who are chewers, as well as they are easy to clean. Kuranda does offer dogs beds made with different materials and different styles and color options. They also sell a blanket/bed like cover that you can put over it as well as you could put whatever soft dog bed, blanket over top of it as well if you'd like. The dogs do enjoy these beds. We use these for our own dogs, as well as customers dogs.

To check them out and order you can do so online https://kuranda.com?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Kuranda+Partner+Program&utm_source=refersion&rfsn=1658592.b56adf

 

• Vitamins.

As a dog breeder, animal health is our top priority.  That’s why we enthusiastically recommend NuVet immune system builder to all of our customers.  Simply put, it is the best nutritional supplement available today.

Initially your pup gets his immunity from his Mom but once weaned he needs help to build his own immunity to protect him in his new environment (see attachment). NuVet was specifically formulated with potent antioxidants to assist your pup during this trying period and for years to come. He is already enjoying it as a treat and will be looking forward to it at your home.  Please order prior to receiving your pup.

Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are using NuVet to protect against most ailments (from back yard pesticides, pet food allergies and hormones, toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting, ailments transmitted from dog parks and the vet’s office, etc), while maintaining a beautiful skin and coat.

This is not just a vitamin. It’s an immune system builder with a precise balance of vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, amino acids and high-potency antioxidants. That’s why it works so well through all three stages of a dog’s life.

For younger dogs (under 2 years old), it strengthens their immune system, while building and strengthening the cardiovascular, skeletal and nerve systems.

For dogs in their prime (age 2-8), it improves the luster of their skin and coat while protecting against allergies, skin and coat problems, staining from tears, digestive problems, etc.

For older dogs (over 8 years old), it helps protect against, tumors, premature aging, cataracts, heart conditions, diabetes and many types of cancer, while extending the life and improving the vitality of many dogs.

I highly recommend NuVet Plus to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! It’s not available in stores, and is only available to the general public with an order code from an authorized pet professional.

For your convenience, you may order online by clicking on this link www.nuvet.com/93674   or directly from the manufacturer by calling 800-474-7044 and usingOrder Code: 93674,.  You can also save an additional 15% and assure you never run out of NuVet by choosing the “AutoShip” option at check out. 

 

• Grooming products.

• Whether you are going to do your puppy's grooming, or just maintaining the puppy/dog in between visits to the professional groomer you should still have some grooming products.

• While Bulldogs do not need brushing to prevent matting like long hair breeds, they should still be brushed on a regular basis. They can be brushed with gentle slicker brush, zoom groom, etc.

• Bulldogs need their noses moisturized. Products that could be used are made specifically for dry noses as well as products like bag balm, Vaseline, coconut oil.

• Wrinkles and ears need to be cleaned. Ear cleaner can be used in ears along with wipes/qtips (never clean further into the ear than you can see). Wrinkles should be dry.

• Nails need to be cut and or filed. There are a number of different types of nail clippers that could be used - which ever type you feel most comfortable in using should be fine. There are a number of different types of drummels/files that could be used. We recommend a cordless drummel for filing nails. You should check your dog's nails on a regular basis. We recommend the nails be trimmed as soon as there is enough to trim/file away to prevent your dog's nails from getting too long. We also recommend getting kwik stop - this product can be used if the nail is cut too short and start to bleed - this product can stop it. 

• Shampoo – you want a quality shampoo intended for use on dogs.

• Grooming equipment we suggest includes a grooming table. Whether its a quick or full grooming at home, or a full groom at the groomers it can be helpful for your pet to establish that he/she is normally groomed on a grooming table and that he/she is to stand stay for grooming on the table (Our puppies are groomed on a grooming table while they are with us).  There are many different grooming table options on the market, however one we recommend for those who may not want a grooming table out all the time is a portable folding grooming table so that way the table can be folded and stored away when not in use. Another option that does not take up too much additional space is a table top that fits on top of the crate. 

• With each type of grooming tool there can be slightly different tools out there - from different brands, sizes, shapes, colors - sometimes it is best to check out grooming tools in person to see what fits your hand most comfortably and to see the quality of the tool. 

• Some brands we have had good experience with include: Andis, Oster, Chris Christensen, Wahl. 

• Some shampoo/conditioners we have had good experience with include Fresh n Clean, Chris Christensen, B3 Salon products

 

 

• Pet insurance - no living creature is perfect. At some point a medical issue may occur whether the dog be from healthy health tested parents or not, whether the dog is vaccinated or not, whether you are careful - at some point an illness or accident may occur. Please consider pet insurance. Do your research. Different companies may offer or cover different things and pricing may vary. 

 

 

 

Dog Services

 

We recommend that you look into dog/pet services that you and your puppy may need in the future. Although you may not need these services the day puppy comes home or shortly after, before you know it one will be needed, and its best to be prepared. Please also keep in mind most pet services can be scheduled ahead of time, and may not be available, or easily found on short notice. 

 

 

• First we recommend looking into veterinarians as your puppy's health is a top priority. This is a pet service your puppy will need all throughout his/her lifetime from puppy to senior dog you will need to take you dog to the veterinarian for routine and preventive care, vaccinations, wellness visits, spay/neuter, maybe even an illness or injury at some point in his/her lifetime. It is important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian once your new puppy comes home. We recommend that you take your new puppy to the veterinarian within the first 48 hours of ownership that way you get your puppy established with your veterinarian. You can also schedule his/her next visit and schedule his/her next vaccinations and discuss scheduling spay/neuter. Please keep in mind - if at any point in your dog's life you know or suspect that he/she is injured or ill - please contact a veterinarian as soon as possible as it is in your dog's best interest. Please also remember to keep in mind local emergency hospitals just in case an accident happens and your regular veterinarian is not open or able to quickly attend to your pet in time of emergency. 

If you need a veterinarian we highly recommend Dr. Rossi and staff at North Penn Animal Hospital in Lansdale, PA. 

 

 

• Remember all dogs need grooming. Bulldogs should be groomed by groomers experienced with Bulldogs/Brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic breeds can over heat much easier than other breeds. Its also important that your groomer is familiar with Bulldogs so they know how wrinkles should be cleaned – not all breeds have the extra folds of skin. It is important that they are cleaned. Its also important that Bulldogs are dried completely as other skin issues could arise from being left wet.

 

 

• What happens when you go on vacation, business trip, unexpected trip, etc? Although it may be nice to think your puppy can go away with you, or you have a friend, family member, or neighbor to watch him/her while you are away plans don't always work out. It's always good to have a pet sitter or dog boarding facility in mind. There are in home pet sitters that could watch your dog in your home, or in their home, as well as there are boarding facilities that board dogs on a regular basis. It can be helpful to get in touch with potential pet sitters, and boarding facilities, as well as tour the boarding faculties, and learn about their requirements that way if you do need one in the future, whether its for a planned vacation or unexpected trip who may be caring for your dog while your away can be easily determined since you already looked into it ahead of time. You will also want to know if they have any requirements (for example vaccination requirements, require you bring food, etc). 

• Is puppy going to be home alone a portion of the day and need care while you are away? Its best to determine ahead of time who will be taking puppy for a walk, doing playtime etc. Whether its a family member, friend, neighbor, or professional pet service (example: dog walker, doggy day care, etc) it can be helpful to look into. 

 

• Training classes! We highly recommend you enroll your puppy in an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Puppy Kindergarten, or similar class to start out with. No matter what training a puppy leaves their breeder with, you the puppy's owner can always add to and practice what they are learning or recently learned. Please keep in mind classes may have prerequisites such as your puppy having obtained certain vaccinations to be eligible to participate in a class, some classes may be one on one with you, your puppy and a trainer or they may be group classes, and many classes may not allow new owners/pups to join in at any week, as well as they may require you to sign up in advance.  Look into local training clubs in your area. There are benefits to both private and group lessons. Private lessons may help you and your puppy better focus on your problem areas and may provide more attention to you and your puppy. Group lessons can be a great way for owners to socialize their puppy with other puppies/dogs and other humans. Leaving home to go to training lessons can also be great in helping to get your puppy better used to traveling. Although puppies can and should still be trained at home or anywhere you are - by joining a training class a trainer can aid you and your puppy in successfully training your puppy - and help you ensure your puppy is the well balanced, well manner family dog you want him/her to be. 

 

Training – all types of training! We cannot emphasize how important this is for you to continue with your puppy!

No matter what age you get your puppy – the youngest you could possibly, or maybe you got an older puppy – whatever this puppy’s age is and no matter what training the puppy received before coming to you - you should still continue his/her training. This includes all types of training including socialization. No matter what training and socializing your puppy has received before coming home you should still continue training and socializing your puppy. A dog being acclimated to, and cooperative for grooming and car rides even take training. Housebreaking takes training. Even once you think the puppy is finished his/her obedience training class, seems great with other dogs and puppies, etc. – if you stop working on it the puppy could regress. Whether your puppy is simply going to be you’re a family pet, etc they all require training to succeed. 

 

What are some things that we may suggest you may wonder?

 

For all puppies 

• Crate training and housebreaking 

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  • A new puppy can easily have an accident if your eyes or hands are not on the puppy. This can be where crate training helps. Whether it be with a potty accident or puppy getting into something he she should not (maybe even chews up something valuable, something that can’t be fixed, something irreplaceable, or even harmful and or toxic if chewed or swallowed. Remember if something gets swallowed that should not be eaten – that could cause damage to the dog’s digestive tract, may cause a blockage, may not be passed on its own and require surgery)- being in a crate can help ensure your puppy’s safety. 

• Socialization

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  • People – your puppy will likely quickly get to know you his/her owners and frequent visitors or neighbors, however puppy should still be socialized with others. It’s important to socialize with new people as sometimes a puppy will get to know the people in your life that you see on a regular basis and be very friendly and outgoing with them, however they may not be with strangers if they not socialized with others on a regular basis. 

  • Other dogs – It’s important to socialize a puppy with other dogs to help ensure you have a dog that is social with others. Depending on the age of your puppy he/she may have limited vaccinations and may be suspectable to illness since full immunity is not gained if not all vaccinations are completed. You can speak with your veterinarian regarding when he/she feels full immunity will be present so you can visit more dog friendly locations and visit with other dogs. If you know of other social dogs that are vaccinated and not ill – they may be safe options to socialize with in the meantime. 

  • Once the puppy has completed his/her vaccinations puppy we highly suggest that you the owner and the puppy enroll in a group basic obedience class (AKC S.T.A.R. puppy, puppy kindergarten) – these classes not only help to train your dog, but to help you in training your dog, as well as to socialize your puppy with other dogs and other people. (These classes will likely have an age/vaccination requirement, as well as they should be pre-enrolled in before ready to start so that way the class is not full when you are ready to join).

    • Your puppy will need the full set of distemper/parvo combination vaccination and rabies vaccination (rabies is state law). 

    • Depending on if you are going to be going out to other dogs on a regular basis – for example dog parks, dog day care, boarding, group dog training classes, dog shows, etc. – you may want to consider having your dog vaccinated with Bordetella (kennel cough) and Canine influenza (flu) vaccines. 

    • Please be very careful with vaccinations. As with any type of medication there can be side effects. We highly recommend waiting and doing one vaccination at a time, rather than multiple vaccinations at the same time. It can limit the chances of your dog having side effects as well as that way you if your dog does have a side effect you can determine what vaccine caused a side effect. 

  • If you have, or plan to visit, or interact with other types of animals with your dogs you may want your dog socialized with other types of animals as well.

• Traveling – Whether your puppy is going to be a family pet, therapy dog, service dog, show dog, etc. – whether he/she will travel frequently or only maybe just primarily for necessary trips to the groomer, veterinarian, boarding kennel, etc. – he/she should still get used to and enjoy car rides. Dogs can get stressed, car sick, worried – and just not like car rides – so whether traveling is going to be a daily, weekly, or monthly occurrence, for short or long rides, we do recommend getting your dog used to traveling as a puppy. Traveling will be a much better experience for both the puppy/dog and you if its enjoyable for the puppy/dog. 

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  • During these car rides it’s also important to take into consideration safety – both of you the driver, anyone else in your car, and the puppy/dog. These safety measures should be taken for each car ride. 

    • In some states it is actually state law that your dog either be confined to a crate or with a dog seat belt.

      • This is not only for your dog’s safety but also to help ensure that the dog is not getting into anything he/she should not, that he/she is not chewing anything up – not distracting you (possibly causing an accident) or coming up front with you (possibly causing an accident).

• Grooming – keeping your dog groomed helps maintain good hygiene which also helps maintain good health.

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  • Stand stay on the grooming table 

    • Standing still and staying while on the grooming table is not only helpful to the groomer – but helps to ensure your dog’s safety. If the dog is moving around a lot - he/she is at risk of falling off the table as well as at risk of being cut by the clipper blades or scissors if hair is being cut. If he/she walks, jumps, or falls off the table he/she may get hurt. 

  • Being used to noisy grooming equipment

    • It is very helpful for a dog to be used to what may be noisy loud grooming equipment (examples: clippers, clipper vac, air force dryer, drummel) so that way the dog does not get scared off the table or out of the tub, so he/she does not attack the grooming equipment (or groomer) out of fear of the grooming equipment, and so that way the dog is not scared, stressed, worried as an effect of these sounds they may not hear on a daily basis. 

  • Being handled all over 

    • Sometimes owners just pet their dogs in a particular spot (which is ok to focus on) however a puppy/dog should allow you to handle it all over – touch and look inside the ears (thy do need the insides of the ears cleaned), pick up his/her foot (to trim/file nails), touch the tail, belly, face/mouth area/ teeth (if teeth are brushed), etc. as all parts of the dog usually need to be checked and groomed in some way to help ensure your dog’s good hygiene.

  • Your dog being well behaved – calm, still, cooperative – not only does this make it a happier and stress-free experience for your dog, but it can also be better for you and the groomer. The groomer will likely be able to groom a cooperative dog quicker than an uncooperative dog. The dog’s behavior, coat condition, and your desired haircut can also affect the price you are charged by the groomer for the grooming services. 

• Walking on a leash - although its nice if your dog follows you around in the yard at home off leash or you'd like him/her to be off leash in public areas (dog park for example) or will be doing certain shows off lead, its still important that your puppy does learn how to properly walk on a leash. 

 

 

We do try to give our puppies a great start before leaving us, however the puppy will still be what you the primary lifetime owner makes him/her – so the training, socializing, etc. you do with him/her from the time you get him/her and throughout his/her entire lifetime is very important it will make a very big difference. The puppy will be the dog you make him/her.

 

 

As always, we are happy to answer questions before you get your puppy, when you pick up your puppy, and after. We are happy to help in any way we can. Remember - Diane have raising puppies for many years, as well Diane has been training dogs (earning various AKC performance and conformation titles) as well as professional training dogs and their owners for 30+ years so we are happy to offer advice where we can.

 

 

 

 

 

Do your research!

 

We are happy to provide any advice or suggestions we can and answer any questions we can, and give feedback/experience on what we can, but please keep in mind there are so many products, services, etc out there sometimes we are not able to give our experience with everything or suggestions for everything, or there may be something new, and research may be needed to get more information.

 

Please remember all products you use on your dog - from the food you feed, the parasite prevention you use, the shampoo or cologne you or the groomer use on your dog, the cleaning products you clean your dog's things with and your home with, the weed killer you use in your yard or at the local dog park you visit, etc etc - all of these things can effect your dog's health. 

 

Please keep in mind if at any point your dog is put on a medication - educate yourself on the side effects! Even if its an over the counter flea/tick parasite prevention/treatment product this can still have side effects. If at anytime if your dog's life your dog is given a medication from the veterinarian - ask your veterinarian all of your questions regarding your pet's diagnosis, treatment/medication, etc. 

 

Please do your research on local dog laws for where you live. There can be many things that you need to take into mind as a dog owner. Also as we mentioned above there can be different laws regarding how your dog travels in your car, so if you are traveling with your pet please be aware of dog laws where you are traveling. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep in touch!

Remember, we the breeders, Kim and Diane, we care about our puppies and where they are going. We hope that every puppy is going to a great, loving, caring, well educated, well prepared, new owner/family/forever home. We are happy to anwser questions if possible even after you take your puppy home. We love to get updates and pictures of the puppies through their lives, so please feel free to stay in touch, or even share to our Facebook page so others can see your updates too (many times puppy owners like to see their puppy's relatives, and potential puppy buyers like to see feedback from other owners too). 

 

 

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