Frequently Asked Questions & Faq's Pup comes home
Questions Frequently asked before and after buying your new puppy!
VACCINATIONS ARE UTMOST IMPORTANT RULES WHEN VACCINATING A "WEIMARANER", PLEASE FOLLOW THE WCA RULES BELOW, OR READ THE OTHER ARTICLES I HAVE PUBLISHED ON MY WEBSITE IN REGARD TO ADMISTERING ONLY "ONE SHOT" AT A TIME...
WCA Policy Regarding Vaccinations:
Acute reaction to combination shots, auto-immune reaction, sometimes occur in a small number of Weimaraner puppies. The first modified live virus shot may go smoothly, but the subsequent shots cause a severe immune system reaction from the puppy. Lethargy is noted which is rare for a puppy. A rising temperature, elevated white blood count, plus a lack of interest in food; the puppy may eat much less enthusiastically or not at all. The fever continues and lymph nodes swell. Swollen joints and weakness make the puppy unable to stand. A trip to the veterinarian is imperative. Treatment varies from giving large amounts of steroids to giving aspirin with antibiotics.
The Board of Directors of the Weimaraner Club of America recommends when vaccinating Weim puppies, the Distemper and Parvo shot vaccines be administered separately, a two week interval between each vaccine. Any other vaccines should be administered separately as well. While this protocol helps, it does not prevent the auto-immune response in all puppies. The shot schedule is more time consuming, but worth the effort.
We have had this adverse reaction happen to one of our pups that was adopted to her new family, and eventually wound up with severe kidney problems, including unable to gain weight,etc.Causing enormous heartbreak to her new owners.The shots were administered to her from a vet.That obviously didn't know anything about the "Breed" in general.So Please be cautious when having the shot schedule administered. Check with your breeder what is the best time to do the shots, and abide by the above rules when giving shots to your pup/dog..PLEASE !
TRAINING RULES:My Training Philosophy
There is no substitute for a well trained dog. I believe that every dog should go through an obedience training class. Any advice that I give will follow these simple principles:
All dogs should follow basic commands, come, down,
sit, stay, heel, walk, down stay, and settle
.
Training should be done in short intervals no longer than
15 min. at a time and approximately 2 times a day
.
A dog should never be hit, forced, threatened, or
frightened into following commands but patiently taught
rewarded and encouraged to learn. I do not believe in
using harsh tactics when training dogs. I feel that they
do not work. Consistency is the key. I recommend
using praise and food rewards to encourage performance.
I have found that dogs naturally respond to this
.
I believe that all dogs, no matter the age, have the ability
to learn new things and be wonderful pets.
How much and how often should I feed my new puppy?
It’s important to establish good eating practices early. I always say to feed at least 2x/day and as much as they will eat in one sitting. Increase the food as they start to clean it all up. They should leave a little in the bowl each time they are fed. When the puppy gets about 4 months old, you can begin to limit their intake. You don’t want them to become a picky eater but on the other hand, you don’t want them to be rolly pollies. When they get about 6 months, you need to be careful about overfeeding. A heavy, growing puppy puts stress on the bones and joints so you don’t want them to overstress their frame.
Where can i go to find information about comparison on dog foods and what to feed my dog?
This site will of course tell you to feed their food, but here is a place that will give you the information regarding different puppy food and dog foods, which has what ingredients they contain...Which ones has by products, and CORN in , that should be avoided for skin allergies as well as other food allergies that cause loose stools, etc.. http://www.naturapet.com/display.php?d=comp-wiz
When can I take the puppy to obedience school?
As soon as you have had at least one distemper/parainfluenza and two parvo vaccinations you can take the puppy out to public places. Until then, you should avoid contact with the public and especially, with other dogs.Keeping in mind that Weimaraners can't tolerate the "Distemper" and "Parvo" shots together at the same time. BEWARE of the shots, and DO NOT let your vet talk you into allowing them to administer both shots at the same time.. This is discussed about in other sections of the website.If you have any questions at all about the shots, PLEASE call us or email us with any and all questions regarding the time when shots should be given. You do not want to lose your new pup due to a vet administering shots at too young of an age, or due to giving both of the shots at the same time.. Make sure you take them back to the vet in Two full weeks before giving the second shot to them.Weimaraners immune systems cannot tolerate shots very well at a young age. The Corona and Lepto shots should NEVER be given to your puppy. When administering shots, DO NOT give them until at least 9-12 wks of age.. We have experienced this first hand in a puppy that eventually had to be put down due to the negligence of a vet that did just as i spoke about above this ... So please, if you dont' want the added vet expenses and a very sickly puppy, that very well develope kidney problems, as well as make them die.Do NOt allow this to happen.
When should I visit the vet?
Take the puppy in ASAP and take the health guarantee with you. You might also take a fresh stool sample. Puppies often have round worms even though they have been previously wormed. The stress of the new environment nurtures a new growth of parasites that might have been missed by earlier wormings. Another common parasite is coccidia. Coccidia causes diarrhea and is usually self-limiting but can become a major problem in a stressed puppy. Since puppies eventually develop an immunity to the coccidia, this problem is not seen so often in older dogs.
How often will the puppy have to piddle?
The first two weeks the baby will have to go about every 2 hours. Or More, depending upon how much water intake the pup is left to drink. This period may be longer but it’s easier to plan for the shorter time. As soon as the puppy begins to stir after napping, gather him/her up and take to the designated bathroom area. Then they are good for a couple of hours before having to go again. Stools usually follow almost immediately after a meal.Keep taking the puppy out to the bathroom after playing, drinking, eating, and upon waking.If you want your puppy to get potty trained and have fewer accidents in your house, then please make sure you are taking it out to potty frequently. DO NOT EVER PUT THE PUPS NOSE IN THE URINE OR FECES, THAT IS ONLY GOING TO HARM THEIR SENSES, AS WELL AS SCARE THEM FROM GOING NEAR YOU.Be very calm and gentle with your puppy, you will gain its trust in you alot quicker if your not hollering at the pup, than to yell and hit the puppy..Do NOT ever hit your puppy with your hand.. Your hand is for petting and soothing the puppy to come to you, rather than to be afraid of your hand or anyone else's..Use a newspaper thats rolled up, or a can with pennies in it, and shake the can when its doing their business where they shouldnt' be doing it.. Making sure you scrub the area it might have messed in with Vinegar and soap solution, so that the smell of amonia does not linger in that area, or it will be sure to keep going back to the same areas to go potty.As it smells of it.. Make sure you leave a poop or two in the area you want to train your dog to go potty in, that will attract him to going back to the same spot everytime.
What if my puppy has diarrhea?
The first couple of days are stressful for the new puppy, especially with the change in food and water. You may get a loose stool similar to pancake batter. If this persists or turns more watery it needs to be addressed quickly. Call me (or your breeder for web readers) or check with your vet. Worms often cause diarrhea and that can be “fixed” by having the vet worm the puppy.You can give your pup a teaspoonfull of Kaopectate for the loose stools.And cut back on water intake.Check the pups gums, if their white then your pup needs to see a vet immediately, for being dehydrated. They should be pink and healthy looking.
How often should I give water?
Limit a puppies intake of water upon picking up your new puppy, as he/she is used to having constant drinking available from their momma, so they will want to drink water as much as you provide to them. Limit a cup of water at a time in the beginning, and eventually up their intake of water, dependant upon what their stools look like.. If its too soft, cut back the water, if too hard, increase water intake.. When they get to be about three months of age, you can leave water out and not worry about them drinking too much water at one time..Until then, watch all water intake, and only give limited supplies of water.Putting a small dish attached to the door of his/her crate, if crate training, and going to be away at work for most of the day. You can still provide them with water to drink if they get thirsty.. We suggest that you feed and water your pup immediately upon waking in the morning before you do anything else. That way they will have gone potty before you have left for work.And will hopefully not have any accidents while your gone.. Leaving a radio on while your gone is a good idea.And lots of toys that aren't harmfull to them. Along with something good to chew on when he gets bored. If you have a neighbor or family member to check on them during the time your away it is a very good idea to have that take place. If not, perhaps you can come home on your lunch break to let them out potty.. Puppies sleep most of the day, and do get bored easily by themselves.
See the next article on leaving the pup alone while gone.For more information.
What about leaving the puppy alone while I work.
As I mentioned earlier, this will result in a totally maladjusted dog. Someone needs to spend some quality time with this puppy throughout the day. A good lunchtime play period can be followed by confinement. Leave a radio playing. Just remember how terrible neglected children turn out. If you must leave your puppy, make sure the area is puppy proof. Use baby gates to section off a kitchen area. The more room available the better. You can place the crate in this area. Leave the crate door open. Make sure there are no electrical cords anywhere little teeth can find them. Some people hire someone to come in and play with the puppy during lunchtime.
What types of toys should I buy?
Avoid the rawhides unless they are huge and the puppy can’t swallow them. They love old shoes and clothes. Unless you dont' want your new shoes chewed up, keep them out of the reach of a new puppy. Socks can become a problem as the puppy gets larger and begins to ingest everything. A swallowed sock can end up being a monumental vet bill. As can be a piece of papertowel. Balls are great if they are too large to be swallowed. Puppies are like little babies and will put everything in their mouths. Check out your yard area for any articles that the puppy might ingest. Bark or mulch seems to be attractive. Ingested wood will not show up on x-rays. Rocks are another source of worry. For some reason, puppies and some older dogs love to chew and swallow rocks. Surgical removal is really expensive. (If at any time of your weims life, you notice a complete lack of appetite, general lethargy and lack of bowel movements, suspect a rock and get some x-rays asap.)
I have witnessed rocks and small gravel in our own puppies stool, hopefully they will pass, but they dont' always pass in their stools, so keep a watchfull eye on them.
What kind of crate should I use?
Get a crate that is large enough - a 400 airline size. If you use the crate as a “den” where he/she goes to sleep, make sure the door is open and can’t accidentally close. You can close the door at night but expect the puppy to have “accidents” in the crate. If you plan on closing the door…have a blanket in one part and paper in the other. Don’t put a pan of water in the crate as it will get knocked over quickly. Use a cup that attachs to the door of the crate for the water. Please read the article on crate training that comes with the puppy.
What should I bring when picking up my new puppy?
Bring a small soft collar and leash. Cat size if it is for large cats, it will work. If you stop at a rest area or anywhere on the way home, make sure the puppy is securely leashed. They will be very frightened and dash for the underside of your car. Imagine trying to get under the car to retrieve your new Weim baby. Puppies will do better in your arms rather than in a new crate. Remember, they’re going to be scared and holding them on the way home will help reduce that initial stress. Most puppies will fall asleep shortly after your trip gets going. Give them some warm cuddly blankets to cuddle up in. And keep them warm, if its too warm outside, provide them with fresh air..NEVER LEAVE YOUR NEW PUPPY IN A CAR WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP WHILE YOU STOP TO GET A BITE TO EAT, A CAR CAN HEAT UP WITHIN MINUTES.AND YOU MIGHT RETURN TO A DEAD PUPPY.
How long will it take for the puppy to adjust to my home?
Usually two days is the adjustment time. Some are only frightened for a few hours, but most are a little cautious about the new surroundings. The total time for the transition is usually two wks.To get used to everyone in the home, the new surroundings, as well as other pets inside the home. Never leave the new puppy unattended with a family dog that has lived there before the puppy came into the home. Jealousy is very common among other pets in the family when bringing home your new addition.Always give your other pets more attention than you are giving the puppy, so he/she doesn't feel left out. Introducing them on neutral territory is the best idea, rather than bringing in the new puppy and plopping it down in front of your other pets.Let them sniff and lick one another. Keep a wat
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