Will the Puppy Have Vaccinations and Deworming Before Coming Home?
Yes, the puppies receive deworming at around 7-8 weeks and their first vet checkup with vaccinations at the same time. The next set of shots is usually due around 11-12 weeks, which is about 2-3 weeks after your puppy comes home. Keeping your puppy on schedule for vaccinations is crucial, and your vet can guide you during your first appointment.
Can I Take My Puppy to Public Places When I First Get Them? While it's important for puppies to socialize between 8-16 weeks, it's also crucial to protect them from infectious diseases until they are fully immunized, usually by 16-18 weeks. You can introduce them to safe environments like trusted family and friends' homes but avoid high-risk places like pet stores and dog parks until they're fully vaccinated. Always carry your puppy when out and about, including at the veterinarian's office, and avoid letting them on the floor. Use caution at dog stores and pet stores as these areas may not be clean and could harbor germs.
How Often Does She Need to Be Groomed?
Grooming should be done every 6-8 weeks, depending on how long you prefer to keep her coat.
Does Crate Training Help with Potty Training?
Yes, crate training accelerates the potty training process. Start with short periods in the crate during the day and at night.
Should I Only Let Her Out into the Backyard or for Walks Once She Has All Her Vaccinations?
It's safest to keep your puppy in your yard until they've had all their vaccines. You can introduce them to a harness and walk them around your yard.
Do Puppies Usually Get Up in the Middle of the Night to Pee?
Removing food and water at 8:00 each night and taking her out just before bedtime can help her hold it longer throughout the night. If she wakes up in the middle of the night, take her out but don't wake her up to go potty.
How Many Hours at a Stretch Do Puppies Sleep at Night?
Puppies typically sleep in 5-6 hour stretches at night, but they may wake up more frequently when adjusting to a new environment.
How Often Should I Walk Her, and for How Long Each Time?
In the beginning, focus on taking your puppy out to potty every 1-2 hours. For every 10 to 15 minutes of play, expect them to sleep for about 2 hours. Avoid overplaying with them, especially around children, and keep the crate area off-limits to ensure they have a safe space to retreat to when needed.
For training and puppy help, we recommend resources like Baxter and Bella, which offer valuable guidance and support.