Raising Your Puppy the Right Way
This page is packed with information on how to best raise your puppy. Please take the time to read through it, as it could make all the difference in ensuring your puppy grows into a happy and healthy dog!
Your Puppy is Just a Baby
It is crucial to remember that your new puppy is still a baby, even if he does not seem like one. He can eat, play, and give kisses, but do not let that fool you. Puppies need plenty of rest, just like human babies. Many people call me concerned about how much their puppy sleeps, but rest assured, this is perfectly normal!
Stress can play a significant role in your puppy’s life. Make sure you read my Stress Page to understand how to minimize the impact of stress during this transition.
Guidelines for Adjusting Your Puppy to a New Home
Your puppy needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. Do not overwhelm him right away. Gradually introduce him to your children and other pets, but limit the amount of time they spend handling him. I have had many families tell me their puppy is constantly being held by their kids, to the point that the poor puppy never touches the floor! If you have small children, make sure your puppy has alone time in his crate to rest without isolating him completely.
If you are worried about whether your puppy is eating or drinking enough, try this: count out 30 pieces of soaked dog food and measure out 1/2 cup of water. At the end of the day, you can count the remaining pieces and remeasure the water. This way, you will know exactly how much he is eating and drinking. This method will give you peace of mind and help you assess whether he is eating enough.
Remember, your puppy should have access to as much food and water as he wants. Please do not follow the feeding suggestions on the bag of dog food. Puppies need more nutrients to grow healthy and strong.
Limit Visitors
One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to wait before allowing visitors to meet your new puppy or taking him out to visit others. Your puppy is still adjusting to his new family and home, so it is important not to overwhelm him. Give him time to eat, sleep, and drink without the added stress of new people and environments.
Avoid Table Scraps
Small breed puppies, in particular, cannot handle table scraps until they are much older. It is very easy for them to get loose stools, and the smaller they are, the more prone they are to this. I once gave a tiny three-pound, eight-month-old puppy a few bites of cooked eggs, and sure enough, she ended up with loose stools. Be careful!
Proper Food and Water Guidelines
Your puppy should always have access to fresh water. I prefer to keep the food and water bowls separate to prevent food from ending up in the water. Raised bowls are especially important because they aid in digestion. You can even find bowls that attach to the crate for convenience.
Feed your puppy four times a day or leave food out so that he can eat whenever he wants. Small puppies should not go too long without eating because they can develop hypoglycemia, which can be deadly. If you notice your puppy becoming lethargic, apply honey or pure maple syrup to his gums and contact your vet immediately. You can read more about this on my Hypoglycemia Page.
Distilled water is the best choice for your puppy, as tap water often contains harmful chemicals like bleach and fluoride. Fluoride has been linked to various health problems, including cancer, so it is best to avoid it for both your puppy and yourself.
Choosing the Right Dog Food
I used to simply tell my customers what to look for in dog food, but after years of trial and error, I have learned that not all foods are created equal. Even the higher-quality brands sold in stores may not be as healthy as they seem. In fact, you cannot purchase a truly high-quality dog food in a store.
I now recommend Life’s Abundance Dog Food, which is delivered right to your door. The prices are reasonable, and I even suggest switching your cat to it if you have one! Make sure you order the grain-free version.
Building Up Your Puppy’s Immune System
Many people who buy puppies from me opt out of vaccinations, heartwormers, flea chemicals, and antibiotics, which is great! However, it is not enough to simply skip these toxic treatments. You need to actively build up your puppy’s immune system to protect them from illness.
If you are unsure how to protect your puppy naturally, please ask me. It is crucial to understand how to strengthen their immune system without relying on toxic chemicals.
The Dangers of Fluoride
Fluoride is extremely harmful to both your puppy and yourself. It disrupts collagen synthesis, leading to the breakdown of bone, cartilage, and other vital tissues. Fluoride has been linked to cancer, genetic disorders, and muscle degeneration. Do some research on it—it is truly toxic.
Avoid Rawhides and Chewies
Rawhides are not safe for puppies or dogs. They become slimy and can slip down a puppy’s throat, causing choking. They are also difficult to digest. I also recommend avoiding Greenies for the same reason.
The Best Crate for Your Puppy
When choosing a crate, opt for a small wire one instead of plastic. Plastic crates can make your puppy feel isolated from the family, and in the summer, they can get too warm inside. A wire crate allows your puppy to see what is going on around him and feel more connected to his surroundings.
The Dangers of Vaccinations
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of avoiding over-vaccination. Vaccines alter the DNA and weaken the immune system, and this can be passed down to future generations. My puppies come from generations of non-vaccinated parents and grandparents, which gives them a strong foundation for good health.
Veterinarian Pat Bradley, DVM, notes that the most common issues he sees related to vaccines are ear and skin conditions, such as chronic discharges and itching. Behavioral problems, like fearfulness and aggression, are also often exacerbated by vaccines. Many of these issues begin shortly after a vaccine and worsen with each additional shot.
Why I Do Not Vaccinate
I do not vaccinate my puppies because I believe it compromises their health. I have seen too many instances of dogs developing health problems or even dying after vaccinations. In fact, most people who call me with sad stories about their puppy’s death report that it happened four days after vaccination.
If you want your dog to live a long, healthy life, skip the antibiotics, heartwormers, flea products, and vaccines. It is important to ensure your puppy has not been raised on antibiotics, as these can cause long-term damage to their immune system.
Veterinarian Richard J. Holliday, DVM, has stated that antibiotics disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which serve as the first line of defense against disease. Antibiotics can also lower the animal’s white blood cell count, weakening their immune system. This is why it is so important to raise puppies in a holistic, chemical-free environment.
Conclusion
Raising a healthy puppy takes time, dedication, and a commitment to providing the best care possible. By avoiding harmful chemicals, vaccinations, and unnecessary medications, you are setting your puppy up for a long, happy, and healthy life. Take the time to educate yourself on natural and holistic care methods, and always feel free to reach out to me for advice and support.
