In choosing a puppy, be certain beforehand that each member of the family is truly enthusiastic about having this particular breed of dog as an addition to their circle.  Dogs are much too intelligent not to sense whether or not they are liked.  If your puppy feels unwanted, you may find an unhappy dog on your hands that could easily turn into a "problem child." 

The great majority of dog buyers prefer to watch their pet grow from sprawlingly playful puppyhood to dignified maturity as opposed to purchasing an adult dog.  Before you get a puppy be sure that you are willing to take the responsibility of training and caring for his/her physical needs.   The early training is most important.  An adult dog that is a well-behaved member of the family is the end product of your early training.  Remember that your new puppy knows only a life of romping with his litter mates and the security of being with his/her mother, and that coming into your home is a new and sometimes frightening experience.  The new puppy will adjust quickly if you are patient and show him/her what you expect.  If there are small children in the family be sure that they do not abuse the puppy or play too roughly with him/her.   A puppy plays hard, but it also requires frequent periods of rest. Before you bring your new puppy home, decide where it is to sleep and eat.  Purchase an inexpensive collar and leash for the puppy as it will soon outgrow it.  Ensure that you have the proper puppy feed (Eukanuba Medium Breed Puppy)  and purchase some toys.  Make sure you have everything you will need prior to bringing the puppy home.

The puppy's first night at home is likely to be disturbing to the family.  Keep in mind that suddenly being away from its mother, brothers and sisters is a new experience and the puppy may be confused and frightened.  If you have a special room in which you have it's bed, be sure that there is nothing in the room that the puppy can play with that may cause it harm.  Be sure that all lamp cords are out of reach and that there is nothing that it can tip or pull over.  Check furniture that the puppy may get stuck under or behind and objects that it might chew.  If you want the puppy to sleep in your room it probably will be quiet all night, reassured by your presence.  If left in a room by itself the puppy will cry and howl, and you will have to steel yourself to be impervious to its whining.  After a few nights alone the puppy should adjust.  The first night that the puppy is alone it may be wise to put a loud-ticking alarm clock as well as any toys in the room.  The alarm clock will make a comforting noise, and the puppy will not feel as though it is alone.

Every dog likes to have a place to call his own and holds nothing more sacred that his own bed whether it be a rug, dog crate, or dog bed.  If you get your puppy a bed be sure to get one which discourages chewing.  Also be sure that the bed is large enough to be comfortable for him when he is full grown.  Locate it away from drafts.  Given a choice, a young dog instinctively selects a secure place in which to lounge, rest or sleep.  The walls and ceiling of a crate, even a wire one, will answer that need.  Once he regards his crate as a safe and reassuring place to stay , you will be able to leave him alone in the house.

At the time of purchase you will receive a small bag of Eukanuba Medium Breed Puppy to continue your puppy's regular diet.  As a general rule, a puppy from weaning time (six weeks) to three months of age should be fed four meals a day; from three months to six months, three meals; from six months and into adulthood, two meals.  This is simply a recommendation.  Remember that all dogs are individuals.  The amount that will keep your dog in good health is right for him, not the "rule book" amount. 

Do not change foods or change amounts of food provided too rapidly.  If the puppy gets diarrhea it is very possible that it is eating to much or it's system is not accustomed to any dietary food change you present. 

Breaking to collar and leash is one of the simplest and greatest things you can teach your new puppy - it is simply a matter of getting the puppy used to it.  Put a loose collar on the puppy for a few hours.  At first it may scratch at it and try to get it off, but gradually the puppy will take it as a matter of course.  To break the puppy to lead, attach the leash to the puppy's collar and let it drag the leash around for a couple of hours.  When the puppy becomes used to it pick up the leash and gently pull in the direction of travel you desire.  The puppy will think it is a game, and with a bit of patience on your part the puppy will allow itself to be lead.

Indoor Housebreaking: While housebreaking your puppy, do not let him have the run of the house.  If you do you will find that he will pick out his own bathroom, which may be in your bedroom or in the middle of the living room rug.  Keep him confined to a small area where you can watch him, and you will be able to train him much more easily and speedily.  A puppy does not want to dirty his bed, but he does need to be taught where he should go.  Spread papers over his living quarters, then watch him carefully.  When you notice him starting to whimper, sniff the floor or run agitatedly in little circles, rush him to the place that you want to serve as his relief area and gently hold him there until he relieves himself.  Then praise him lavishly.   When you remove the soiled papers, leave a small damp piece so that the puppy's sense of smell will lead him back there the next time.  If he makes a mistake, wash the area at once with warm water, followed by a rinse with water and vinegar or sudsy ammonia.  This will kill the odor and prevent discoloration.  It shouldn't take more than a few days for him to get the idea of using newspapers.  When he becomes fairly consistent, reduce the area of paper to a few sheets in a corner.   As soon as you think he has the idea fixed in his mind, you can let him roam around the house a bit, but keep an eye on him.  It might be best to keep him on a leash the first few days so that you can rush him back to his paper at any signs of an approaching accident.

The normal healthy puppy will want to relieve himself when he wakes up in the morning, after each feeding and after strenuous exercise. During early puppy hood and excitement, such as the return home of a member of the family or th approach of a visitor, may result in floor wetting, but that phase should pass in a few weeks.  Keep in mind that you can't expect too much from your puppy until he is about five months old.  Before that, his muscles and digestive system just aren't under his control!

Outdoor Housebreaking:  You can begin outdoor housebreaking training on a leash even while you are paper training your puppy.  First thing in the morning take him outdoors (to the curb, if you are in the city) and walk him back and forth in a small area until he relieves himself.  He will probably make a puddle and then walk around, uncertain of what is expected of him.  You can try standing him over a newspaper, which may give him the idea.  Praise your dog every time taking him outside brings results, and he will get the idea.  You will find, when  you begin the outdoor training, that the male puppy usually requires a longer walk than the female.  Both male and female puppies will squat.  It isn't until he is older that the male dog will begin to lift his leg.  If you hate to give up your sleep, you can train your puppy to go outdoors during the day and use the paper at night.

Don't be frightened by the number of diseases a dog can contract.  The majority of dogs never get any of them.  Don't become a dog-hypochondriac.  All dogs have days when they feel lazy and want to lie around doing nothing.  For the few diseases that you might be concerned about, remember that your veterinarian is your dog's best friend.  When you first get your puppy, select a veterinarian whom you have faith in.  The Doctor will get to know your dog and will be glad to have you consult him/her for advice.  A dog needs very little medical care, but that little bit of medical care is essential to his good health and well being.  The dog needs:

1) Proper and quality diet at regular hours
2) Clean, roomy housing
3) Daily exercise
4) Companionship and love
5) Frequent grooming
6) Regular checkups & Preventative Care by your Veterinarian
7) Preventative Medications (Heartworm and Flea/Tick Preventatives)

Please note that to ensure your dog's health you will need to have all proper vaccinations provided by your Veterinarian.  We will provide the appropriate care and vaccinations according to age for your puppy until you acquire the puppy.  It will be your responsibility to continue this care throughout puppyhood and the life of the adult dog.  Puppies are provided vaccines and veterinary care at the following intervals

1)   3 weeks old - dewormer
2)   6 weeks old - vaccines and dewormer
3)   9 weeks old - vaccines and dewormer
4) 12 weeks old - vaccines and dewormer (We recommend monthly hearworm preventative be started at this age)
5) 16 weeks old - vaccines (Assuming you have started heartworm preventative deworming is not necessary)

Once all the puppy booster shots have been provided your pet will only require preventative vaccinations on an annual basis.  The first annual check up will be due 12 months after the 12 week vaccinations are administered.  Annual vaccinations follow the schedule of the rabies vaccine which is provided at the age of 12 weeks.