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Here are a few things you might find helpful with the new addition to your household. We also have a puppy care booklet and a number of handouts which will be going home with each of the puppies. If there is anything else you need to know, now or at anytime in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. As responsible breeders, we feel our responsibility to the puppies began when they were born and does not end when they leave us but lasts a lifetime. That said, we should probably let you know of one of our policies. If at any time in the future you feel you cannot keep the dog, we would like to reserve the right to buy her back. We are sure this won't be an issue but like to make it clear from the start.
Our puppies are fed dry puppy kibble and will be fully weaned by the time they go to new homes. At one year of age, you can change to the adult dogfood but be sure to do it gradually, .i.e. mix it in with the others for about 4-7 days, to avoid stomach upset. A lot of people feed their dogs on a schedule, four times daily, but we have always made it a practice to leave food down for them to eat whenever they are hungry. Whatever works for you is fine, just be patient if/while the pup gets used to a schedule. It is important that fresh water be available at all times.
The puppy will be getting used to paper training by the time they leave us, however still at the very early stages. We would suggest putting her out or wherever you choose(some have had success litter training them) immediately upon waking or after eating or before any activity that will excite her. When we trained Lexie we tried to get her outside at least every couple of hours. Always offer positive encouragement when she does her business where she's supposed to. A treat works wonders as well as positive reinforcement. Lexie looks for hers now everytime she comes inside!
If you are kennel training your puppy, it is a good idea to start early. Whatever you decide, for the first few nights, expect the puppy to cry. Some close contact with people helps. Other times, a ticking clock in /besides the bed can help. As you can imagine, it is an adjustment for them to be away from their "family". Don't worry, they do adjust!
Your puppy will have had his first needle by the time you get her. The next one will be approximately 4 weeks after that. Please be very careful where you bring your puppy until she has had all her vaccinations. Parvovirus can live in the environment for years and it only takes one exposure to lead to death if not caught early. First deworming will also be done.You should get a veterinary record with your puppy when you pick her up and this or your vet will tell what she will need. Spaying (or neutering if a male) will need to be done before she reaches maturity. Your vet will be able to tell you the best time for this but I believe it is somewhere around 7 months of age.
As with our children, puppies get some comfort from chewing while they are teething. It is best to have suitable toys on hand. If you find your puppy is chewing household items, ours especially loved Barbie dolls when they were puppies, a firm no and replacing it with a chew toy is probably the best course of action. If you don't catch them "in the act", it does no good to say anything to them as the puppy will not associate what she did wrong with your disapproval. (This is the same as with housebreaking) Encourage the puppy when she starts to chew on her own toy. Fortunately, they outgrow the chewing stage when they stop teething, usually around 30 weeks of age.
Ideally, a Bichon should be brushed daily to keep the coat free of mats. Though this is not really a big issue until their undercoat grows in at about 6 months of age, it is a good practice to begin early so your puppy sees it as a positive part of her day. Two essential tools would be a slicker brush (flat brush) and a steel tooth comb. Both are available at Walmart for about $6-8 each. We use a blue dog shampoo which helps keep them white. As with most pink skinned dogs, too frequent bathing dries the skin so we would recommend once every 3 weeks or so unless needed. Blow-drying the puppy will give her that "fluffy" look that the breed is known for. Nails need to be kept short. If doing this yourself, be careful not to go too short as you will cut into the vein and it will bleed (and hurt!). Groomers will do the nails when you take her to be groomed as something that is included in the price. Bichons do get "tear stains' around the eyes which need to be cleaned out. There is a product made by Wahl available at Walmart for this as well.
All puppies need plenty of attention and love of course. With regard to toys, I would suggest something without any eyes/parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. Our Bichons have different preferences- Toby loved soft teddybear type toys while Lexie likes rubber squeaky ones. I'm sure you'll find out your puppy's preference before too long.
You also might want to keep things off the floor that might be viewed as a chew toy. Lampcords or extension cords and the like should also be out of her reach if possible as they are a temptation to chew.
Remember that your puppy has yet to learn what is good and bad behaviour. Be consistent in your expectations and training and it will pay off. Please be patient while she is learning and keep in mind that she is, after all, a baby. And from her early days with you until her senior years, she will provide you with unconditional love and affection.
