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- Do your homework!
Read all you can before your puppy arrives. This site provides some
basic information on Grooming, Feeding, Health and Veterinary Care, and
Housebreaking and the Use of Crates. Your breeder or veterinarian can
recommend additional resources.
- Select your breeder
carefully. He
or she should be a resource for you for the lifetime of your Cesky, so
choose someone you feel comfortable with and can talk to easily.
- If possible, visit the
breeder's home and see the dogs, including the parents of your
puppy. The dogs should look healthy and well cared for, and the
area where they are kept should be clean. If a breeder is
reluctant to let you visit his or her home, this should be a red
flag.
- Make a list of the
questions you have so you don’t forget, and expect to answer questions
about yourself and your lifestyle in return. A good breeder wants
to ensure that each puppy is placed in the best possible home for that
animal. Be as honest as possible, as your answers will help the
breeder match you with the puppy that best fits your needs and
situation.
- Expect to sign a contract
that provides for the well being of the puppy for it’s lifetime.
Review it in advance (the hectic day when you pick up your puppy is not
the best time) and be sure you understand it and are comfortable with
it.
- Have a plan before your
puppy arrives.
Where will she sleep? What will he eat? What is the schedule for
feeding and housebreaking? Where will you confine him when you are not
able to watch him? Where in the house is off limits? How will
you train her? Thinking things through before hand will help ensure a
smooth transition.
- Try to keep a consistent
routine.
Ask the breeder about the pup’s current routine, diet, etc., and try to
change as little as possible for the first few weeks. Leaving
mom and siblings and familiar surroundings is traumatic, and the more
familiar you can make things, the less traumatic it will be. Make all
changes gradually.
- Take your pup to the vet
within the first 2 days for a checkup.
Be sure to bring the health information provided by your breeder. Your
vet will need this for the puppy’s records
- Anticipate an adjustment
period. Don’t
be surprised if your puppy cries the first few nights while making the
adjustment to being apart from littermates and mom. Ask the breeder to
provide you with a towel or toy that "smells" like home.
This may help the puppy feel more at ease.
- Avoid exposure to diseases.
Try to keep your puppy away from areas where other dogs have been until he
or she has had at least 2 sets of vaccinations. If you have a fenced
yard or private area, you can begin housebreaking outside. If not, you
may want to continue using newspaper indoors until the second vaccine is
given. Please read the information provided on housebreaking and crate
training.
- Puppy proof your home.
Puppies love to chew electrical cords, small objects on the floor, etc.
Provide safe, acceptable things to chew (toys, Gum-a-bones, etc.)
Ceskys have a tendency to destroy and eat toys. This can cause
dangerous intestinal blockages, so it is wise to remove toys when you
cannot watch the pup. Watch out for bedding materials as well.
Keep your puppy in a confined area where you can watch him/her. If you
can’t watch, keep the pup in a crate or other enclosure where he/she will
be safe. Never leave the puppy alone on a counter, table, couch or
crate. Always keep him/her on a lead unless you are in a confined
area.
- Contact your breeder if you
have a question or problem with your puppy.
Most breeders are always anxious to hear how the puppies are progressing,
and a photo, call or letter periodically is greatly appreciated.
- Enjoy your new baby!
With lots of love and proper care, he or she will be your devoted and
faithful friend for many years to come.
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