START WITH A REAL FOOD DIET FROM THE BEGINNING TO HAVE A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE

Do your homework! There’s a huge amount of misinformation in the pet food industry; and processed foods are actually the unhealthiest despite the clever marketing.

Use real foods with real nutrients versus the synthetic stuff found in burned, crunchy dry dog food.

Don’t want to make your furry best buddy’s diet?  There are many new Lightly Cooked diets on the market that are great quality, and many are delivered to your door!

FIND YOUR VET

‍This is a critical step in keeping your healthy puppy a healthy adult!
Find someone with an open mind who actually listens to you and cares what you think.

Look up online reviews, ignore the best and the worst…. the truth almost always lies in-between.

Want a holistic slant? Check out www.AHVMA.org and see what holistic vet options are near you!

Remember, you can interview vets before you get your puppy. It’s a good way to see if you are a good fit!

That first month with you is critical in setting the tone for your new puppy with regard to training and socialization. The socialization window closes at 12 weeks. Most pet parents get their puppy at 8 weeks of age, which gives you just 4 weeks to get your puppy socialized. Also consider that it is easier to train good habits than un-train bad ones. The key is to do it safely, where your new furry friend can learn in a safe environment, creating a more stable, happy puppy, as well as a stable, happy pet parent. 

Socialize your puppy safely before 12 weeks!

Take them to stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Do doggie play dates with older dogs whose vaccine history you know in your fenced backyard. 

Introduce them to a friend’s cat who is used to dogs!

Create a Puppy Port-o-Potty with a piece of sod in a shallow box or invest in a Doggie Lawn, to take with you when you leave the house.  Genius!

Training is not an option - it’s a must!

Dude, no offense, but if your dog isn’t listening to you, you are part of the problem.  Start early!

Have someone lined up to teach you how to train your new puppy before you get the puppy.

Sending dogs off to training schools invites disease transmission and a dog that listens to them and not you.

DIY? Godspeed. It’s great to have a back up plan just in case!

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Creating a safe environment for your new puppy is super important, but It’s not just the physical environment, it’s the internal environment too.  The number one most important aspect of being a pet parent is knowing where hidden dangers/toxins lurk.  Your job is to research the top areas for those hidden items that can change the trajectory of your puppy’s life forever. There is no need to be afraid, but there is a cute, fuzzy reason to be informed and prepared!  That lil fuzzball is relying on you to be his or her champion.

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Research Vaccines Before Going to the Vet

Educating yourself on puppy vaccines ensures that you make the best decisions for your lil fuzz ball.

I strongly recommend researching Drs. Jean Dodds and Ron Schultz, two well-known veterinary vaccinologists.  I have been following their work for 25+ years.

Use Dr. Dodds vaccination schedule.

I often hear, “I wish I had known.” or “Why didn’t my vet tell me?”  Skip the lamenting and be ready to make key decisions!

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Remove all toxic substances out of the “strike Zone”

The Strike Zone is simply that area your dog can reach.  Watch out for small climbers like JRTs. as they are crafty.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES

FOODS & ADDITIVES

TOXIC PLANTS

DRUGS

PEST CONTROL AGENTS

CLEANING SUPPLIES