* PUPPY PROGRAM *
Resources
Here at Trusted Oak Kennels, we want you to have a dog you enjoy, and we want you to be comfortable taking care of it. We also care for our dogs and puppies and want them to be comfortable and well taken care of. Please refer to the information below as resource to help you both be happy with your new addition.
The internet is full of “How To” videos and websites devoted to training. Do your research and be prepared before you bring your puppy or new dog home. We are here to help and answer any questions you have, whether this is your first puppy or it’s been a few years since you had a puppy in the house. I also highly recommend Weimaraner Ways, by Virginia Alexander. It can be found at www.weimaraners.com. The Weimaraner Club of America is another great online resource for breed specific information related to training and health. www.WeimaranerClubOfAmerica.org
When do I start training my new puppy?
Day one! It is never too early to start training and setting your dog up to succeed. Every interaction you have with your puppy is a learning experience so don’t miss out on the small opportunities that will have a huge impact down the road.
Before the puppy comes home it is important to decide what the ground rules will be. Will they be allowed on the couch and bed? Make a list of commands and make sure everyone uses the same commands such as: Sit, Stay, Down, Ack! (I use this for NO). It is important that everyone in the family uses the same commands and that all the humans are pack leaders.
What else?
Find a vet that is up to date on new vaccine protocols and later spay/neuter times. Does your vet like and respect the breed and are they willing to listen to you about breed specific research you do?
Puppy proof your house much like you do for a toddler. Houseplants, electric cords, and off limit children’s toys should be protected.
A puppy first aid kit is a good idea and should include your vet’s phone number, poison control and emergency numbers. I keep bandages, tweezers, antibacterial wash, non-stick vet wrap, eye wash, iodine, Benadryl and a muzzle.
Crate training is very important even if you don’t plan to crate your dog. Crates can be used as a training tool and also provide a den-like sleeping area that is safe and comfortable for your puppy to unwind and relax. Yes, sometimes they need a break from us too.
Checklist
· “Well Puppy” vet visit scheduled 2-3 days after getting your puppy
· Small Dog Collar
· Cinch leash (save the harness for when they are older and have learned to heel)
· Crate
· Exercise Pen
· Chew Toys - Bones, stuffed animals, ropes, kong
· Treats
· Nail clippers
· Blanket or Big Toy for comfort
· First Aid Kit
Food
We feed Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy. Puppies should be on a high quality large breed puppy food until at least one year to 18 mos. Dog Food Advisor
Health-Development-Socialization
Keeping our puppies' and dogs' physical and emotional health excellent is a huge priority for us here at Trusted Oak Kennels. By 8 weeks of age, Trusted Oak Kennels' puppies will be very well socialized and have been handled daily. We feed our puppies twice a day until the mother weans them, then move to 3 times/day. We strongly believe that the last 2 weeks before the puppy goes home is critical in their disposition. Their temperament is a combination of nature and nurture but from our experience, the puppies learn their place in the pecking order during this time. We do not send puppies home before 8 wks of age. The last two weeks (6-8) also gives them time to develop a better immune system. Our puppies are taken for walks through the pasture and introduced to different environments and stimulants. They will be taught basic manners and exposed to ponds, trees, rocks and different types of terrain. We also choose to restrict the traffic in and out of our kennel and on our property to avoid the possibility of exposing the puppies to excess germs.
We do temperament testing at 7 weeks to learn more about their personality and try to match each individual puppy with the right family. We have found that it is better for us to help you select a puppy based on both our daily interaction with the puppies and an understanding of what your goals are.
Registration
Our puppies are sold with limited AKC registration. The difference in full and limited is that with limited you have no breeding rights. You cannot register a litter of puppies out of your limited registered dog. If you are looking towards breeding, give us a call and we can discuss what your goals and options are.
Shipping
We do not ship puppies in cargo but we will fly with your puppy and meet you at your airport for a face to face meeting to deliver your puppy. The cost for hand delivery depends on the cost of the airline ticket. Many of our buyers that choose this option use their accumulated miles or points and the ticket is free. You may also fly to Will Rogers World Airport in OKC and we can meet you there for a $100 additional charge. Puppies can fly with you in a carry on bag and the price for flying with a pet is $125 for most airlines. There are also pet transport companies on the market that might be a good option for you. Please be sure to ask us about shipping if that is something you need.
Cost
There can be some variation with each litter so feel free to contact us for exact pricing. Our number one priority is placing our puppies in the right home, with the right family, at the right time.
That was a lot of information but it will be here for you to refer to anytime.
We are here to help! Reach out to us with any questions.