GSMD Take Home Instructions
And FAQ’s
Feeding Information:
Currently eating Merrick Whole Earth Farms Puppy Formula and Orijen Large Puppy.
¾-1 cup (this will increase fairly quickly), 3 times per day, current schedule is 6am, 3pm, 10pm but can be adjusted according to your schedule.
Crate training is highly recommended for the safety and wellbeing of your new addition as well as your house and belongings! Puppies will be puppies!
Potty training can take a fair amount of time. Frequent potty breaks, crate training and a quick feed/walk schedule can help. Remember, Swissies are slow to develop physically and can often lack the physical ability to hold it for a long period of time until they are older and more developmentally mature.
Spay/Neuter: The recommended time is usually around 1+ year old for males and after a females first heat cycle. Great care must be given that no accidents happen while a female is in season, a pregnancy at such an early age can be a dangerous issue! Some theories say that spaying a female prior to her first heat can lead to urinary incontinence later in life. The ultimate decision for “when” should be between you and your vet but do not let them push you into it too early!
Shots: Puppies require a series of 3 parvo/distemper, 7, 10 and 13 wks as well as worming. They will have received their first shot, initial wormings and microchip prior to leaving for their new home. Rabies should be given at approx. 16wks. A comprehensive (yet conservative) worming/shot program should be set up with your vet during your first visit to ensure the health and wellbeing of your new addition. I recommend a titer test after the first year booster, no need to give pups shots that they do not need!! The more conservative you are the better!
Swissies LOVE their food and water!! If they are a food hog, make sure that you have food stored in a safe place. Especially in the beginning during potty training, I would not allow free choice water (except when weather dictates!). Input = output, if they drink constantly, they will urinate constantly!
Socialization is key to a happy, healthy well rounded adult Swissy! Expose them to anything and everything you can think of. Once they have finished their first 3 shot series, take them everywhere with you. Sports games, soccer, football, softball, etc… They will meet and see a wide variety of people and events so new things won’t seem too scary! A puppy/obedience class is highly recommended for socialization purposes as well as training both you and your new addition.
I am sure you will have other questions as your pup grows and develops. Please feel free to ask and stay in touch. Nothing makes me happier than hearing updates about my former babies!
Dana Hounsell
302-540-9860