Over the years we have been gathering and documenting our puppy information to help new puppies and new owners settle in together. We hope this information is of value to you and your new baby…

• Give him lots of love.
• Keep him warm.
• Always have fresh water available.
• Trim nails weekly.

Take the time to settle him in and make him feel secure.  It is often a good idea to coincide a weeks holiday to spend with your puppy to get to know each other and establish a routine.

Keep him away from other dogs and places where dogs have been until he has had his final vaccinations and for ten days thereafter.  Make sure that the vaccinations are done on time. Boosters are necessary every twelve months.

Make sure he has a warm sleeping area he can call his own.  A cardboard box in the laundry with lots of blankets will do to start, the sides keep the draughts out and the box can be replaced until he finishes the chewing stage.  Ideally, his bed should be raised at least two inches above the ground.

DO’s and DON’Ts

• DO make sure that you increase the amount of food given as your puppy grows.
• DO be extremely careful with electrical cords.  Puppies do have a tendency to chew and this could result in an unfortunate accident, even a fatality.
• DON’T ever give your puppy cooked bones of any sort.
• DO have him checked for worms when he has his final vaccination. Worm your puppy earlier if you feel it is required. Thereafter worm your puppy every three to six months with a reputable brand, such as Drontal All Wormer. Your puppy was wormed at 2,4,6 & 8 weeks, with the next worming due at 12 weeks (at the same time as their vaccination).
• DO keep an eye out for fleas. To keep your puppy free from worms, you must keep him flea free. Use a good flea powder until at least three months, then you can change to a flea collar. Never use both simultaneously
• DO ensure that you wash your puppy only when necessary and always rinse him with warm water after being at the beach to prevent the salt drying out his skin.
• DO watch for flies during the warmer months, especially around the ears. Using a good personal repellent will keep the flies away, but ensure that you reapply it regularly.
• DO be firm but fair, but never cruel. There is never a need to hit a puppy or for that fact dog. Your tone of your voice is enough for the puppy to understand whether it has been good or not.
• DO register your puppy with the local shire and ensure that he is wearing a collar with identification at all times. This will save a lot of heart break if your puppy accidentally gets out.
• DO give your puppy a chew toy or lamb flap to chew, especially during the teething period between 3 to 6 months.
• DO socialise your puppy. Introduce your puppy to your friends and family that come around to visit.
• DON’T ever leave your puppy alone with you children. This is as much for the puppy’s sake as the childrens.
• DON’T forget that your puppy is a baby for at least a year whatever size he may be, so don’t expect too much too soon
• DON’T forget he still needs a lot of sleep, don’t let children and visitors overtire him.
• DON’T expect him to sleep outside in a kennel at night as he is still a baby and cold is one of the biggest killers of puppies.
• DON’T forget that your Vet is your puppy’s friend. It is better to be safe than sorry. So if he appears listless and off his food, don’t wait – ACT. Watch for signs of “Parvo” as he will not be fully protected until four months old. Signs of Parvo include vomiting, diarrhoea and listlessness and at the first sign rush him to the vet. Tomorrow is generally too late.
• DON’T ever leave a slip collar (choke chain) on him whilst he is running free, as it can literally choke him.
• DON’T over-exercise your puppy. His bones are still growing and they should only exercise they should receive is puppy play until 12 months.
• DON’T let your puppy jump in and out of cars. Their bones are extremely fragile and this is putting undue stress on their joints at an early age.
• DO ensure you speak to your vet about Heartworm and make a decision wether you wish to give your puppy daily or monthly heartworm tablets. You should generally start giving a puppy heartworm tablets around 5 months of age.

Enjoy your new family member and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for any reason at any time.

Bravadobe’s show team and litters are proudly sponsored by Royal Canin

We recommend and feed all our Dobermanns on Royal Canin Formulas