ATB believes that a well prepared, informed new puppy owner:
- Researches the breed and it's breeders
- Recognizes normal dog behavior vs. abnormal behavior
- Knows how to prevent or resolve potential problems
- Takes dog ownership seriously
- Is ready to love and care for a puppy through it's senior years
ARE YOU READY??
(Note: 2 links to free puppy books at end of article!)
J & A's Brittanys - Preparing for 1st Day of the Rest of Their Life:
A Suggested Check List for Preparing for Your New Brittany Puppy
Preparation is key when it comes to welcoming a new puppy into your home. By the time the first day of the rest of the new pups life begins, you have probably already welcomed them into your heart. Amidst all the joy and anticipation it's equally important to plan their homecoming with the same attention required in researching the breed of pup, find and work with a reputable and experienced purebred breeder. (If working with a rescue group they would also guide you along these lines.)
We have "enhanced" the checklist page from our 'Puppy Take Home Packet' usually distributed before the special day arrives. Helpful for anyone preparing for a new puppy, we have highlighted specific information for our ATB family. Although this information is geared to the Brittany, it's also helpful in all new puppy situations.
We have a take home packet with specific articles for the Brittany which were published over time in the American Brittany Club. Most articles were from a wonderful book written by David Webb and Martha Greenlee called "The Brittany: Amateurs Training With Professionals" . While the book focuses on training a Brittany pup for field trialing, it also includes help on selecting a Brittany puppy, how to socialize a Brittany, and how to crate train them.
Disclaimer: We always recommend you consult often with your own vet regarding the well being and care of your dog. Our advice, tips, opinions, and suggestions are based on our own experiences but should never replace that of your DVM!
CHECK LIST
CRATE: You will need a Medium sized crate for your Brittany Puppy. Choice of material is left up to you. We use both wire and plastic successfully and there are advantages to both. Never use the crate for punishment, always associate it with something fun. A lot of people have two crates, one for the car, another for home! In the beginning it may be helpful to carefully drape a sheet over a crate to further in still a sense of security for your pup in their 'den'. A crate is not a cage and is a happy place for a puppy. We suggest feeding pup in it's crate right from the start, using the word "kennel up". If a positive foundation is laid from the beginning, one in which your own anxiety about using a crate is eliminated, then a crate is a highly succesful took for not only potty training, but throughout the life of the dog. You will be able to safely and securely travel anywhere with a dog that has been crate trained properly.
Multi-dog family tip: We do not recommend that two dogs share the same crate. Even if they end up laying down together and falling asleep we believe each dog should always have it's own crate. Always.
ATB: Please bring your crate when you bring your puppy home. They should ride in their crate at least part of the way. It's especially useful if you make a stop along the way, you can put your pup safely in the crate. If pup gets carsick on the way home as many often do, it's a lot easier to clean the crate than your car, clothes, etc. Your pup does not need to be coddled and held like a newborn human baby - honestly and using a crate from day one lays a good foundation. It is dangerous at anytime to travel with your dog loose in the car.
CRATE PAD: You can get a few crate pads, dog beds and leave them in different rooms, teaching pup that they have their own special place to go lay down to in each room. This works well if you us a special chew toy, bone, etc. only when they are on their pad. Elaborate dog beds and luxurious blankets are very appealing but may not be practical, at least not in the beginning. Think practical, sensible, and logical. Always watch for signs of chewing and discourage. If pup tears up a bed or pad in the crate, remove it. Some people use towels and as long as they aren't eating it that's a good alternative too.
PUPPY COLLAR (Regular, basic, dog collar)
We will have an appropriate puppy leash and lead available for you to take home with your pup. Our friends at Bruce Enterprises in Buxton, Maine make them. Save the leather or fancy collars for later as they quickly outgrow them. As your pup grows and develops replace the collar accordingly. A good fit around the neck will prevent the collar from slipping over the pups head but will permit you to easily slip several fingers in between the collar and the neck. ALWAYS check to be sure the collar is not too snug or tight and replace as needed. Please do not revert to a harness until your puppy has learned the proper way to walk on a leash and collar.
ATB: We will begin early leash/collar training with them.
PUPPY COLLAR (Training Purposes)
We feel it's important to take the time to properly leash train a young puppy using a training collar. A Brittany can be extremely challenging to leash train. Unless it learns to yield to the owner at the other end of the leash and collar at an early age you may have a frustrating life-long battle on your hands, literally. In my humble opinion the best way to do this is with guidance from an experienced dog obedience trainer, using gentle leash corrections that begin with a soft, nylon slip collar commonly referred to as 'choke collars'. (With unruly pups we are supportive of using any of the Herm Sprenger type of collar as long as you have been instructed in the proper way to use with a young pup.) The same collars used for handling a dog in the show ring is useful in the early stages of leash training. Learn the proper way to place a slip collar on a dog and absolutey NEVER ever leave a dog unattended that is wearing any type of slip collar. Training your pup to walk nicely on a lead can be a very fun and rewarding experience, should always be positive for you both, and it's important to begin this right away! Remember, it's not so much about rigid obedience training to walk perfectly at heel as it is to teach your pup to want to be with you, to want to follow you. If you're getting one of our pups you are agreeing to basic puppy classes.
ATB: Your puppy will be introduced to a collar and a leash before going home. On that very special first day of the rest of their life they will literally be ready for you to 'pick up the lead'!
PUPPY CLASSES: Signing our purchase agreement indicates you will also sign up for basic puppy training skills and take it from there. Doing so provides yet another opportunity for socializing your pup. The AKC has an exiting new training program geared just for puppies "AKC S.T.A.R." This program will teach you how to best communicate with your puppy and provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs and get them off to a great start. It's also a natural lead in to the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC), another program we highly recommend for all pet owners. Having said that, most places are very specific as to age and immunization requirements. Go and observe a training class at a place you are considering. Get a feel for it and speak with others. Recommendations are always helpful from other puppy owners who have successfuly completed puppy kindergarten, early training classes, etc.. Early puppy training is always a worthwhile investment regardless of your plans for your Brittany puppy. A great way to have fun with your pup, it can lay the foundation for all future training opportunities.
ATB: SIGN UP & LET US KNOW ! Your ATB agreement indicates you will participate in basic puppy kindergarten classes to continue the structured socialization process which began here. We need to know when and where your classes have been schedule before puppy goes home - thanks!
HARNESSES / HEAD HALTERS
Although frequently asked, I have mostly remained neutral regarding harnesses. I guess if it works for the animal and the human then it works for me. In the past, they were most often used for specific smaller and toy breeds, especially those Brachycephalic (short nose) breeds like Boston Terriers etc. Other than a dog that was harnessed for a specific job, training or conditioning purposes you did not see them used routinely on pets as you do today. My approach towards harnesses has been more utilitarian than anything. Regarding head halters - I don't like to see head halters used on Brittanys. Period. I will concede that I am getting to like the Gentle Leader E-Z walk harness but only for certain situations. The trend these days is more people are using harnesses to avoid the pulling and that's understandable. But you still need to teach your dog to have manners and not pull when on a regular leash/collar as I already noted before.
LEASH: I realize some of this information is redundant! For young pups we suggest a very narrow nylon leash, the more lightweight the better. Again we highly recommend the Lupine leads in a 4' length for a young puppy. A 'trigger style' lightweight snap is a good choice. Again, stay away from heavy weighted 'hardware' around your pup's neck. When we are training a youngster in the house we will leave a short lead attached for them to drag. It gives us something quick to reach for and provides opportunity for an unexpected gentle leash correction if needed. It also works for keeping a pup close at hand while cooking, food prep, etc. If you have several of the floor pads noted above scattered throughout the house you can easily bring one over to where you are working, give pup a treat/toy, and with your foot simply step on the lead to teach pup to lay quietly nearby. This is successful also during meals if you are not opting to crate at dinnertime. We do recommend crating at mealtime - why set pup up for failure regarding it's natural reaction to the wonderful, tantalizing human food? Why tempt yourself to toss pup a tasty morsel of mouth watering steak?
RETRACTABLE LEASH: No! No! No! I do not recommend them and discourage relying on them for taking your dog for a walk. They do not help your puppy learn to walk correctly on a leash. Extreme caution is advised as many have string like leads that can wrap around puppy or humans and cause injury. I have even read about cases of amputation! We also have personal experience of a dog running out the full length of the lead, stripping the gear, and either breaking off the snap and/or pulling the entire unit out of our hand. Sorry, but ATB gives flexible and retractable leads a definite Thumbs down!
2 BOWLS: 24 oz, Stainless steel, tip proof bowls work nicely with Brittanys. Or, teach pup to eat inside the crate and use a 1 small dog pail clipped to the inside of the door for water and a small stainless steel dog dish for food. We have great success with pup learning to love their crate and run to it by this method! When feeding a young pup, leave food down in dish for @ 10 minutes. Then take the dish up. Help your pup out with regular feeding times and train them to eat at those times. Don't encourage picky eating by adding flavorings, tidbits, table scraps, etc. Don't make the mistake of changing dog foods every time your pup becomes finicky about eating. Again, set your puppy up for success right from the start by crating them while you eat.
DOG FOOD: Poor dog food can result in poor coat and bone development, allergies, and even behavior issues. Do pay attention to your dog food, cheaper is not better. It is best to stick with one dog food and not try a variety of them in the first year. We do rely on Purina Pro Plan products because our Brittanys have done well on this brand for many, many years. There is no need to experiment with different brands. Don't buy your dog food in the grocery store. Just don't. Multi-dog family tip: If you already have another dog at home which is doing well with a particular brand of dog food by all means introduce a puppy version of that food to your pup.
ATB: We will provide you with your pups feeding schedule and a small supply of their puppy food. They will be eating Purinan Pro Plan Savor for puppies.
TOYS/CHEWS: The ‘Original Kong’ for puppies (stuff it with peanut butter, treats etc.) Nylabones/Gumabones for pups. There are other age appropriate puppy toys suitable for teething, chewing, relieving stress, etc. but we believe Kong and Nylabone products are the best. Do not use rawhide treats, toys or bones of any type. Have several Kongs and Nylabones available to survive teething and chewing stages. Your puppy will be in full teething/mouthing mode. Set your puppy up to win by always teaching them what is acceptable to chew on and what is not. Another inexpensive teething aid can be made by soaking clean washcloths in water, wringing them out, and then tossing them into the freezer. Always supervise chewing activity or playing with toys. Use logic and common sense when purchasing toys etc. Please consider the age of pup as well as the size, material, durability, and safety of the items. If you have a dehydrator you can purchase boneless chicken breasts, slice into thin pieces, dehydrate then break up and use for treats!
HOUSETRAINING SUPPLIES: Your pups vet, leash, crate, and even treats are all valuable tools during house training. Housetraining will be your first hurdle to overcome! Again, don't set your pup up to fail by allowing them full range of your home. The use of barrier gates or x-pens will greatly assist you. Set an x-pen up in the middle of the kitchen floor (or where there is a washable surface), place newspaper or puppy pads inside, include a blanket and/or small crate. There are some really nice setups . Spend more time enjoying your pup and less time cleaning up by being prepared. Absorbent paper towels, Out! Cleaner (available in Wal-Mart), Enzyme based cleaners work best on carpets, Puppy Pads. There are a lot of puppy pads and methods of house training but the best method is being faithful to take your pup out on a regular schedule.
GROOMING AIDS: The grooming basics are: brushing, bathing, ear care, nail trimming, and haircutting. Grooming aids come in every shape and size and are available online at sites such as Jeffers, PetEdge, Revival, etc. I have a few favorite tools for basic grooming but would not be without the Furminator! Of special note regarding young puppies are the toenail clippers designed for kittens. I have found them to be the best choice for very young pups. When their nails grow stronger and bigger, I switch to another type of toe nail clippers. I prefer the scissor type used along with a Dremel; John prefers the guilotine type. The important thing is to weekly clip their nails so that the 'quick' retracts back and stays there. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, take your dog to a vet or groomers for this. I do have a handout to be used exclusively with Brittany dog in regards to basic and normal grooming routine as well as instructions on how a Brittany is groomed for a show. Here is one of the best websites I've ever seen on Brittany grooming. http://www.brittanygrooming.com/ Please trim the tail flag from your dogs tail and also keep the ear hair fringe short, it should not grow beyond the 'ear leather'. /Grooming a Brittany isn't limited to show grooming. It's mostly weekly nail clipping, teeth and ear checks. If you are going to use a groomer make sure you use one who knows how to groom a Brittany so that it looks like a Brittany when finished!!
ATB: We begin trimming nails of nursing pups at 1 weeks old, or sooner if needed! Their mother appreciates it. Our frequent handling of young pups also includes their sensitive toes and feet. We like to think that this makes it easier for pup to adapt and accept frequent weekly nail trimming by their owners.
ATB: YOUR VET NAME AND PHONE NUMBER: Prior to bringing pup home please schedule an appointment with your vet to occur within 48 hours of pup’s homecoming. Please provide us with vets name and phone number. (Pup will have been examined twice by our veterinarean. The first exam at @48 hours and the second exam @8 weeks old. All necessary medical procedures and state health certification are done by a DVM including dew claw removal, tail docking, and first shots. Pup will have been dewormed by us and a stool sample submitted to our vet at 7 weeks of age.) We will provide you with our suggested immunization schedule.
ATB: REQUESTED READING: “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by the Monks of New Skete and if hunting, also read “Bill Tarrant Trains Gun Dogs”. Breed specific information. (Example: The Complete Brittany by Maxwell Riddle). It is extremely important to understand what is normal puppy behavior. See the two links at the bottom.
ADJUSTED WORK SCHEDULE: We really recommend that new puppy owners with full time jobs schedule their vacation time around the time of pups homecoming. Caring for a puppy is a full time job. I feel that a young pup should really never be left alone (crated or otherwise) for long periods of time. Behavior and developmental issues can develop in any puppy including separation anxiety, excessive licking or chewing, howling, and destructive tendencies. All the good work and the wonderful foundation laid goes out the window for a well bred puppy who is then expected to remain home alone during an entire work day. Make all necessary arrangements well in advance of homecoming in as much as is possible, preferably from the moment you are confirmed for a pup! Simply said, if it's not possible to make time or rearrange schedules to care for a new pup properly, then perhaps it is best to wait for another time for a new puppy until you are better prepared or to rethink why you want a puppy. If it's for companionship, it does not make sense to have them live their life all alone.
A Day In the Life of an 8 Week Old Puppy
This is a specific schedule which I designed based on how we trained our own 8 week old pup when he first came home to us. Starting with the first day, I kept note of all his activities, his most active/sleepy times, when he needed to go to the bathroom, play times and his general overall behavior. It worked so well that I made it into an easy to follow schedule for others to post on their refrigerator. Anyone can use this and simply change the time frame to suit your pups personal needs and your schedule! We've used this Day In The Life Schedule for 10 years now with many pups of our own. If you 'd like a copy please just request via email.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE: Here's two FREE books written to address training concerns of dogs under 6 months of age written by Dr. Ian Dunbar for your perusal. Dr. Dunbar is the founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the Sirius Dog Training program, the first off-leash training program specifically for puppies. My views may not always line up with the views he presents but it's always beneficial to acknowledge additional viewpoints and suggestions for training. His program emphasizes the importance of teaching bite inhibition, early socialization, temperament training, and simple solutions for common and predictable behavior problems, as well as basic household manners. He targets 6 month and under pups.
