Puppy Schedule

Hey!!

We are QUICKLY approaching when the puppies start going home. I cannot thank you again enough for trusting us to raise your new family member. We have enjoyed getting to spend the last 8 weeks with them and I cannot wait to watch them grow (meaning I want lots of pictures from you guys)! 

Please make sure you go back and read the puppy supply list and information that was posted to this blog a couple of weeks ago. There is a lot of helpful information on there about your puppies first night, crate training and the do's and don'ts of having a new puppy.

Currently all puppies are eating 3/4 cup of dry puppy food (TLC Puppy Food).

We feed them at 7am, 12:30 pm, and 6:00 pm

For potty training purposes make sure to take your pup out right after they finish eating. Each puppy will grow at different paces so I cannot tell you exactly when to increase their food. If your puppy is finishing their food and searching for more then this will be a good indicator it's time to increase. If your puppy has soft stools after eating then this can be an indicator that they are getting too much food or their body is not having enough time to break it down before the next meal. If this is the case then you can go to larger meal for breakfast and dinner (and skip lunch). The main thing is that we do not want an obese dog so do not over feed. Also, the number 1 question I get asked is when should we transition to adult food. Some vets say 6 months and some say 12 months. This all depends on how quickly your puppy grows. We do not want them to grow too fast, so consult with your vet at each appointment as to when they think is a good time to transition.

Remember when your puppy arrives that this is all new to them. This is the first time they have been away from their siblings (aka cousins) and us. Give them time to adjust and do not overwhelm them. If you have small children try to make this transition as calm as possible. Also, make sure your home is puppy proof. They are curious and also teething...so it is VERY important to make sure they are in a safe area.

Potty training: The fun fun part of a new baby puppy :)

Patience is key. Remember they have to learn it is not okay to go potty inside your house. Also, remember they cannot hold it through the night. They will need to be let out about every 3-4 hours...this includes night time too. If you stick to a plan then you will have a potty trained pup in no time.

Last but definitely not least is creating a well behaved puppy. Always ask yourself- I know this behavior may be cute now but will it be cute when they are 70 + pounds?!? For example, if a cute little puppy jumps up on your leg and your initial response is to pet them or pick them up then you are rewarding that behavior and they do not understand why they are no longer allowed to do that when they are 12 months old. So, no jumping or chewing....make sure to correct these behaviors from the beginning. 

If you have any questions at any time please do not hesitate to ask....we are here to help in any way possible. 

Enjoy your new puppy and please keep us posted on how they are doing!

Thank you,

Alyson Stuart

Southland Goldens

Week 7 Video

 Hey!

Here is your week 7 video of Mr. Luke 

Week 7 Video

www.southlandgoldens.com

Week 6 Video

 Hey!

Here is your week 6 video of Mr. Orange (aka Luke)!

Hope you enjoy!!

Have a great weekend

Week 6 Video

Thanks,

Alyson

www.southlandgoldens.com

Week 5 Video

 Hey!

Here is our week 5 Video

Hope you guys enjoy :)

Week 5 Video

www.southlandgoldens.com

Week 4 Video

 Hey!!

Here is our week 4 video

Hope you have a great 4th of July

Week 4 Video

Thanks,

Alyson

www.southlandgoldens.com

Southland Goldens T-shirts

Hey Everybody!

I sent this out in an email but wanted to post to the blog too....

Hope you all are enjoying the weekly puppy videos! We are placing a new order at the end of this week for our Southland Goldens T-shirts. You have probably noticed me wearing them in all of the videos :)

The shirts will be short sleeve with a pocket on the front. Our Southland Goldens logo will be on the pocket. On the back will be our "puppies in the truck" design. I have attached a photo of what the shirts will look like so you can see. Our order will be for the blue color that is in the picture. 

We do have a few seafoam (green) short sleeve shirts still in stock if you are interested in that color just let me know (we do not have any larges left).

The shirts are $20 for sizes Youth Small to Adult XL

Adult XXL and up are $22

I will be placing the order on Friday so hopefully they will be in by the time your puppy is ready to join you. Text me your size/ color (blue or green)

Feel free to share with family and friends- I may be a little bias but they are super cute shirts :)

Thanks,

Alyson Stuart

Southland Goldens

www.southlandgoldens.com

Puppy 101 and Supplies

 Puppy 101

Your puppy will be joining you and your family soon…how exciting!!! However, the first couple of days in their new home can be stressful for your new puppy. Remember this is the first time they have been away from their mother, littermates and their first human family. This is also a new time for you so we have come up with a list of do’s and don’ts to hopefully make this transition as smooth as possible.

1.      Puppy Proof Your Home:

This is VERY important. There are many things that your new puppy can get into that are harmful for them. You will want to puppy proof your home just as you would for a baby. For example, there does not need to be any cords that your puppy can get to…they will chew on them! There are chew repellent sprays that you can use to spray furniture legs to keep your teething puppy from chewing them. The best option is to have a safe environment that your puppy can play in without you having to be right there….there are many different size playpen options that will work.

2.      Bringing your puppy to meet their new family:

Remember this is all new to your puppy…make this a calm time. Let them explore and get use to everything. All puppies are different…some may run around exploring and some may just freeze because they are overwhelmed. Either way it is perfectly normal and doesn’t define “what your puppy will always be like”.

If you have another pet put them away at first when your new puppy arrives. Once your puppy is comfortable in the new area you can introduce other pets. Also, if you have small children try to let your puppy get comfortable with their surroundings before bringing them around the puppy….kids excitement can scare your puppy at first. The calmer this initial introduction is the easier it will be for your pup. Also, remember your puppy will need sleep after a long day with a lot of change so allow them to do so.

3.      Setting a routine for your new puppy:

Puppies are like children…they need a routine. We will send you a copy of the routine they are on when they are with us. You are more than welcome to change it up (gradually) to better fit your lifestyle. Just remember at 8 weeks they are still babies and need to go potty frequently. They will need scheduled eating, play, potty and rest times. You will be able to lengthen the time between potty breaks as they get older. When you take your puppy out to the bathroom make sure you take them to a spot you always want them to use. While it may be easier to let them use the bathroom right by the back door in the middle of the night just remember you do not want your full grown dog always going potty right by the back door! Also, potty time is always serious business….this is not a time to play. Just repeat the command you use (ex. “go potty”) until they do….once they do give them light praise and then back inside or to their play area.

4. The first night:

Oh the joys of the first night! Your puppy WILL cry. You WILL believe this may never end. I promise you it will and they will survive. Remember this is their first night away from the world as they know it. We will send home a blanket with their littermates and mom’s scent…use it! This will bring some comfort to them. We have also found it helps to have a stuffed animal in there for them to cuddle up to (this is how they sleep with their littermates). Even though your puppy is crying do not let them out of the crate or pay them any attention. You do not want your puppy to associate that the more noise they make the more likely they are to get out of the cage! Stick to your routine and only let them out when it’s time for them to go potty. I promise as the days go by if you stick to your routine the puppy crying will end.

     5.  Training:

I cannot stress enough how important it is to start training your puppy as soon as you get them. There is a book called “The Perfect Puppy” by Gwen Bailey (It can be found on Amazon). I recommend reading this before your puppy joins you. It gives a lot of great advice on raising a well behaved dog! 

Do not let your puppy get away with a behavior if it is something you would not want a full grown dog to do. For example it may be cute that your puppy jumps up on your leg for you to pet them but they will quickly be 70 + pounds and it will not be nearly as cute! Same goes for allowing them to play bite…this is a big no no and should be corrected immediately. 

6. Supplies:

Here are a list of supplies we recommend having for your new puppy

a.      Leash and Collar. Your puppy will need a collar that can be adjusted easily. The collar should fit snuggly so it won’t slip off but not too tight; you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pup’s neck. Make sure to check this frequently because your puppy will be growing quickly. Most of our puppies are wearing 8-11 inch collars before they leave at 8 weeks and they are usually as loose as they can go. A leash is needed for walks, potty break and training. I would recommend a short leash in the beginning so you are in control during the training process….you do not want a dog that is going to pull you around the neighborhood- you want one that will walk by your side.

b.      Crate and playpen. We are big on crate training and playpens- not only because it keeps your puppy safe when you are unable to watch them but it also helps with the potty training process. I recommend purchasing a 42” wire crate. These crates will be too big for your puppy at first so make sure you purchase the crate with a divider to section the place off where your new puppy will sleep. You do not want them to have the whole crate because dogs do not like to go potty where they sleep….if they have the option to go to the other end of the crate to potty then come back to sleep that makes the potty training process a lot harder. Make sure your puppy is able to stand up, lie down, turn around and stretch inside the crate. Here is an example of a crate we recommend: Amazon.com : Large Dog Crate MidWest ICrate Folding Metal Dog Crate Divider Panel, Floor Protecting Feet Large Dog : Pet Kennels : Pet Supplies

 c.    Puppy Food- We feed TLC puppy food. You can purchase the food by clicking here: TLC Whole Life Natural Pet Food - Free Home Delivery (tlcpetfood.com)

 d.  Food and Water bowls. There are many different types of doggy dishes to choose from. I would recommend using a stainless steel bowl because they are easy to clean and sanitize (unlike plastic bowls which can easily get scratched and hold bacteria and residue in these areas). They also cannot be chewed up by a new teething puppy.

 e.      Grooming. We use baby shampoo on all of our puppies and adult dogs. You will also need a brush, nail clippers (make sure to only cut the hook of the nail off. If you are uncertain have your vet show you the proper way) and tooth brush. Start a regular grooming routine as soon as your puppy joins you- this will make the process a lot easier when they are adults. We use the furminator brush to help cut back on the shedding...here is the one I personally like Amazon.com: Furminator De-Shedding Tool for Large Dogs with Short Hair

f.      Toys. Puppies love toys. We recommend strong durable, well-made toys (like kong toys) that are sized appropriately for your dog. Cheaper is not always better- you do not want a toy that your dog can easily take apart and swallow small pieces. Rope toys are also good as they help floss teeth while the puppy plays. Also make sure to get fetching toys such as tennis balls. I am not a fan of rawhide bones so my advice is to steer clear of those. I do like the greenies- they are great for their teeth Amazon.com : GREENIES Original Regular Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, 36 oz. Pack (36 Treats) : Pet Snack Treats : Pet Supplies

g.        Cleaning Supplies. Your puppy is going to have accidents inside. You will need to use an odor neutralizing cleaning supply that removes all traces of urine and pet stains to keep your puppy from repeatedly using the same spot. There are many different options online

h.    Dog beds- I highly recommend you do not purchase a nice fluffy pillow for your new puppy- unless you want to come home to a nicely shredded cotton ball. Your puppy is teething and 99% of them will shred their bed within the first few days. I am a big fan of the Kuranda beds...our adult dogs love them too. They are cool in the summer and you can buy pillow toppers for the winter time. Amazon.com : Kuranda All-Aluminum (Silver) Chewproof Dog Bed - Large (40x25) - 40 oz. Vinyl - Smoke : Pet Supplies

i.     Training- There are different types of training treats. We use Zuke's puppy training treats. Amazon.com : Zuke's Puppy Naturals Puppy Treats Pork and Chickpea Recipe - 5 oz. Bag (33085) : Pet Supplies

        We use clicker training for our dogs- here are a few training accessories I recommend for our pet owners who have a dog staying for Masters Training. Clicker-  Amazon.com : Patty Both Clicker training 2 pcs - click and train pet training dog, cat, horse, pets : Patty Both : Pet Supplies

       Treat bag- Amazon.com: Vivaglory Dog Treat Bag, Hands-Free Puppy Training Pouch with Adjustable Waistband and Built-in Dog Waste Bag Dispenser, 2 Ways to Wear, Black: Pet Supplies

j.     THIS IS A MUST BUY- Last but definitely not least is what I consider a lifesaver for the puppies first few nights home. This would be Mr. Lambchop. Puppies are used to sleeping on top of their littermates in groups so we have found that having this lambchop gives them the feeling of sleeping in a "pack". Buy it now- thank me later :)

     We use the jumbo size while the puppies are here with us. Pet Supplies : Pet Toys : Multipet's Officially Licensed Lamb Chop Jumbo White Plush Dog Toy, 24-Inch : Amazon.com

Week 3 Video

 Hey!

Here is our week 3 video. Hope you enjoy :)

Week 3 Video

Thanks!

Alyson 

www.southlandgoldens.com

Walking/ Running

 Hey!

I posted this video yesterday to our Linda/ Tommy litter but I wanted to share it with you guys too. It is just a short clip but you can see Mr. Orange is right there with all the other puppies (walking/ running around).

Also reminder that the final puppy balance is due by the time the puppies are 6 weeks old (which will be July 18th).

Please make the check payable to Southland Goldens

Mail to:

Southland Goldens

2050 County Road 5523

Troy, AL 36081

Thanks!

Alyson Stuart

Southland Goldens

www.southlandgoldens.com 

Week 2 Video

 Hey!

Here is our week 2 video. Hope you enjoy :)

Week 2 Video

Thanks!

Alyson

www.southlandgoldens.com

Happy Friday

 Happy Friday!

Mr. Orange is doing great! We will have his week 2 video posted tomorrow

Week 1 Video

 Hey!!

Here is our week 1 video! Mr. Orange  and Sandy are both doing great :)

Also, be on the look out for an email regarding puppy food.

Week 1 Video- Click Here

Thanks,

Alyson

www.southlandgoldens.com

Big Boy

 Mr. Orange is the big man on campus....he has 16 cousins now and still has them all beat size wise :)