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YOU'RE GETTING A PUPPY, NOW WHAT?
1. 🖋️ Our Puppy Contract(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_4a0e37c3069d409694e746ea3bba5295.pdf) can be filled out online and emailed to me at gocheelabs@gmail.com. I will provide the AKC and microchip details at pickup.
2. Order Paw Tree Real Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe dog food. We recommend their puppy kit with probiotics, salmon oil, etc. Ultimate Puppy Kit (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Ultimate-Puppy-Starter-Kit-Large-Breeds-D331?queryID=a53daa7a105d579a88e844ffa1ae5280)
3. Order 10-in-1 Multivitamin (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/10in1-Multivitamin-32432?queryID=163d2ada98828f35ae507a07719caf95)
4. Order Treats.(https://www.gocheelabs.com/shop) Here are our favorites:
- Farm Hound's Treats/Chews (https://prz.io/LYqlOAAIN)- Use link for $20 off
- Dog Bully Sticks (https://www.dogbullysticks.com/collections/beef/products/12-natural-bully-sticks?variant=46192268804324)Pig Ears, Bully Sticks & Yak Chews - Use code “GocheeLabs” for 15% off.
- Moose Antlers (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.refs.cc%2FF50rtHAa%3Fsmile_ref%3DeyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoyMzMwNTI4NTk5fQ%253D%253D%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNEllUWIzYldQeDFXM3VRNwEerZ1Ygkx4vF_DZtvqnWKcsj4_IiG0TX9ldOCCl2uedZd3s2KFimBeixCncsY_aem_rSeiYu06nexjJzOP748t_g&h=AT1qvX3fjmyZ4a6uABG54Wr40XQdhRr0E_-1FxwdaplZTGMxO742Z7KqmhLLSkUVwZcgWthSJ8MVzM0Hvzpcsox-HHC4kuiLdQ3mnNiw2UFC1BPeWoORC4MfUSzXl_fvW7Msguh0fqLMu9wNADlAP3Hfs-nwsrfs&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT1snTo0FCBznF8WGd9K3UwmfSloQa_aYoZCey4V7_zmAyUVzGtL1m_oCGe8MyQGI60CFTPZaMGWQBcq2Dz7H3agy4ArWyfU4UjCvt45N2rQOIf6ANMHWiqVfisf-k6X6ciQoWehmViUx9qmAhjIN5TMRkzylgHKAz2fZW3GRfvxRKw)
- Bixbi Jerky and Treats (https://bixbipet.com/dog-treats/)(see the dog food section below for discount codes)
5. 💭 Get familiar with Puppy Culture(https://shoppuppyculture.com/products/the-essentials-bundle-for-puppy-owners/#a_aid=586d1fe5c07f4). Start at Disc 1 Section 7 - The Communication Trinity(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_fb2cd2f721e84cf9ba0dbee87a082c39.pdf) to pick up where we left off.
📝 NOTE: It's recommended you watch a video 3 times. Once to get the overall picture, a second time to observe the puppy, and a third time to observe the trainer's mechanics.
6. Order Toys(https://www.gocheelabs.com/shop)
7. Order Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth.(https://wolfcreekranchorganics.com/library/defaq.html) We give 1 heaping TBSP per meal for parasite control.
8. Order Grooming/cleaning supplies(https://www.gocheelabs.com/shop)
9. Order Doggie Lawn (https://cutt.ly/PkLT1pN)if you are setting up an indoor potty area in the crate, playpen, or balcony.
10. Order Flea Free (http://wolfcreekranch.net/flea_free_food_supplement.html)for flea and tick control.⚠️Research the dangers of Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, Simparica, or Revolution topical or tablet flea/tick treatment as well as yard treatment that contain Isoxazoline? They are known to cause seizures, allergies and more. Here's the FDA alert.(https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fact-sheet-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-adverse-events-associated-isoxazoline-flea?fbclid=IwAR0BiwteiwmqMYnbcoUOgwcOJXT_7-ByY_h0q8szop6_qkeNJi1xAGoWYD4)
11 Order Flea and Tick Spray (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Flea-Tick-Spray-10-oz-2476?queryID=0011284af042de8d8f8703c8a2b09cf6)
12. Join our FB Puppy Family Page (http://facebook.com/groups/685239565317359)to share brags and follow littermates.
13. Join the Puppy Culture Discussion Group (http://facebook.com/groups/383694245140783/)to ask questions or share stories about the PC protocols.
14.🚗 Puppy pickup supplies:
Leash, Blue-9 Harness, crate (at least 24L x 18W x 21H), blanket or Yak Mat,(https://www.gocheelabs.com/shop) water and bowl, treats, one or two toys, potty bags
15. 💉Schedule a 9-week wellness visit. ⚠️No vaccines needed until 12 weeks. Essential vaccine schedule(https://www.petmd.com/sites/default/files/DogVaccinations-PetMD-R2.png).
16. Properly fit and adjust your Blue-9 harness(https://youtu.be/oDYtuZbAQyg)
🛑 Getting a Puppy Culture Puppy does NOT mean you are getting a fully trained puppy. Your puppy is still a puppy and has the natural desire to bite, bark, jump, dig, chew, whine, cry, howl, etc. These are all part of normal puppy development and curiosity and must be directed into what’s appropriate for the time and place.
🟢 Getting a Puppy Culture puppy DOES mean your puppy is prepared to learn and is eager to start forming a bond with and pleasing you. This means you are free to start training your puppy so you and your puppy are clear on the household expectations.
🧠 Realize that your puppy is ONLY 8-weeks-old so just because your puppy has been introduced to Resource guarding, Crate training, Loose leash walking, Sit, Retrieving, Wait, Manding, Attention is the Mother, etc. does NOT mean the skill is mastered. We expect new puppy families to get familiar with Puppy Culture(http://shoppuppyculture.com/#a_aid=586d1fe5c07f4) so they can pick up where we left off.
The Puppy Culture Essentials - Playlist for Puppy Owners w(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_a3f9d07c73c24251bf4d55be7d570c85.pdf)ill guide you to the specific section you need help with.
Nutrition is the key to a long, healthy life! More than 60% of hip, elbow, and eye issues are a result of poor nutrition. Because we want your puppy to have optimal health, we ask PawTree, Raw, or the other recommended foods to be fed for the first two years. We personally feed a combination of all. TLC i(https://gocheelabs.com/so/6cPIqqV83/c?w=Kg3YFI0Ol6S-UblLrnJstx4trCEVkbYdVlejmCuZoY0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly90bGNwZXRmb29kLmNvbS9udXRyaXRpb24vZ29jaGVlbGFicy8iLCJyIjoiNWRhNzA3MjctMGMxNi00Y2JmLTkwZGQtMjFhMGIxZWY0MTA2IiwibSI6ImxwIn0)s the most affordable option.
NOTE: OUR PUPPIES GO HOME EATING PAW TREE. If feeding a different food, please keep your puppy on Paw Tree for a full month before starting to transition, to avoid GI upset.
Option: Paw Tree Real Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Ultimate-Puppy-Starter-Kit-Large-Breeds-D331?queryID=a53daa7a105d579a88e844ffa1ae5280)
• Real meat is the first ingredient
• Antioxidant-rich to help support a healthy immune system
• Pro/prebiotics for a healthy digestive tract
• Taurine to support heart and eye health
• Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Natural DHA – supports healthy brain development
• Formulated for reduced stool volume
• Glucosamine to help maintain joint health
• Calcium/Phosphorus for bone & tooth health
• Developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists
• Made in the U.S.A.
• They also offer a wide variety of other pet products, such as Shed Support Shampoo (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Shed-Support-Shampoo-32241)
We like the Puppy Kit Paw Tree has that contains probiotics, salmon oil, dog food, and more! ORDER HERE (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Ultimate-Puppy-Starter-Kit-Large-Breeds-D331?queryID=a53daa7a105d579a88e844ffa1ae5280) (https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Ultimate-Puppy-Starter-Kit-Large-Breeds-D331?queryID=a53daa7a105d579a88e844ffa1ae5280)
Option: Bixbi's Rawbble Dry Dog Food and Freeze Dried (https://bixbipet.com/) (https://bixbipet.com/)
• Limited-ingredient
• Freeze-dried raw-coated recipes
• Made in the USA with real meat
• Thoughtfully sourced with cage-free, pasture-raised and wild-caught proteins
Subscription discount provides pet parent an additional 5% off the normal 10% subscription discount. Subscription discount code: gochee
To place a single order, use the code: TASTEOFBIXBI for a one-time 20% savings.
ORDER HERE at Bixbi.com (https://bixbipet.com/)
Option: Life's Abundance All Stages(https://lifesabundance.com/Category/DogFood.aspx?realname=20653527&cat=4&hdr=&Ath=True&crt=0)
• Made in the USA
• High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles
• Calcium & phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
• Dietary fiber for a healthy digestive tract
• Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for healthy skin & coat
• An antioxidant system including vitamins C & E
• A proprietary blend of vitamins & minerals
• Prebiotic fiber & guaranteed probiotics
• Nutritious vegetables & whole grains
ORDER HERE (https://lifesabundance.com/Category/Products/Dogs/Food/HealthyStartDog.aspx?realname=20653527&cat=0&hdr=&Ath=False&crt=0&Category=HealthyStartDog_v11(Pet_Base)&Sku=101200)
Option: TLC Whole Life(https://tlcpetfood.com/nutrition/gocheelabs)
• Meat-focused, high-quality protein sources
• Glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints
• Packed with Omegas for healthy skin and coat
• Meets AAFCO’s nutrient profile for All Life Stages (optimal for puppies to adults)
ORDER HERE (https://tlcpetfood.com/nutrition/gocheelabs/)for $5 off your first order!
Trupanion Go Home Day Offer: (excluding NY and FL)
· 30 days of coverage with no upfront payments
· Immediate coverage, waiting periods are waived
· $250 deductible, 90% coverage and no payout limits
· Coverage for new unexpected injuries or illnesses (more information about Trupanion online)(https://trupanion.com/pet-insurance/why-trupanion)
*Terms and conditions apply. See the policy at Trupanion.com/pet-insurance
You can activate as early as the day before pickup which is what I would recommend, that way you will have that piece of mind your puppy is already protected on pick up day! You will have 24 hours after bringing your puppy home to activate the coverage.
To activate your offer, you can call Trupanion’s 24/7/365 Customer Care Team at 855-266-2156 or visit Trupanion online here (https://trupanion.com/enrollments/certificate)and provide the code: BR1GL22521
For more information about Trupanion's policy coverage, click here.(https://trupanion.com/pet-insurance/why-trupanion)
Feel free to check out this video, which further explains your special offer: Benefits of the Go Home Day Offer(https://trupanionvideo.wistia.com/medias/8mvbusjsve)
New York Families use this code: BR2GL22521 - Florida Families use this code: BR3GL22521
COMMON NEW PUPPY CHALLENGES
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🕒 Your puppy is eating PawTree Turkey & Sweet Potato(https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000?itemCode=2344&itemCode=Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000) 3 times a day. We feed at 6AM, Noon & 6PM.
🍖Puppies grow at an incredible rate during the first 6 months so they need food increases regularly. We increase their daily food intake by ¼C each week until 6 months. This gives a more gradual increase which reduces your risk of upsetting the GI system. Reevaluate at 6 months. Increase or decrease based on your puppy's individual needs. A WORD OF CAUTION: IF YOU FEED BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION ON THE BAG, YOU WILL BE OVERFEEDING, WHICH RESULTS IN DIARRHEA.
Example of weekly food increase (including treats) from 8 weeks to 6 months:
Week 8 - 1 ¼C daily total
Week 9 - 1 ½C daily total
Week 10 - 1 ¾C daily total and so on.
🍗🥩🐟 We start your puppy on 🦴raw meat a(https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000?itemCode=2344&itemCode=Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000)nd PawTree (Turkey & Sweet Pota(https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000?itemCode=2344&itemCode=Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000)to(https://pawtree.com/gocheelabs/product/Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000?itemCode=2344&itemCode=Real-Turkey-Sweet-Potato-Recipe-GM2000)), which uses high-quality ingredients we are proud to recommend. Receive 20% off your first order using coupon code: INTRO4U
🍗When feeding 100% raw the general rule is to feed 3% of the puppy/dog's body weight and adjust from there.
Prey raw feeding guideRaw feeding guide for puppy's(https://www.rawfeedingadviceandsupport.com/prey-model-raw-pmr)
Raw food calculator(https://perfectlyrawsome.com/pmr-barf-dog-cat-raw-feeding-calculators/?fbclid=IwAR17_60CXI5R3YsZq57Azu5UJStG1YRV3H2Yd724BZzWYAqTKrbcD8NKvPs)
🛑 Although we prefer to feed mainly raw, this option doesn’t work for most families, so here are the criteria we used to select a high-quality dog food to recommend to our puppy families.
AVOID • Cornmeal • Brewers rice • Corn, Soy, Wheat, Wheat gluten, Rice flour, etc. • Artificial coloring/dyes. • Food additives and Preservatives. All of these ingredients are fillers and DO NOT promote the health and nutritional needs of your dog. They are sources of empty or non-nutritious calories that contribute to pet obesity. If a pet food company is using high-quality, natural ingredients, there will be no need to enhance the flavor of the food with these ingredients.
📋NOTE: We add 1T Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth(https://wolfcreekranchorganics.com/library/defaq.html) per meal for parasite control. This also firms up loose stool.
💩 Diarrhea: There are many reasons for a puppy to have diarrhea or soft stool. Those reasons include, but are not limited to stress from moving, vaccinations, dewormer, change in diet, overfeeding, etc. If your puppy is experiencing soft stool, get them on a quality probiotic. We highly recommend Full Bucket Probiotics(https://bit.ly/3AzwYyC). (Use link for 20% off all orders).
❌ Underfeeding is a large contributor to anxious and unsettling behavior in dogs. It also causes stunted growth and organ failure. Puppies grow at an incredible rate and their food needs to increase about once a month until 6 months old. If your puppy is waking early in the morning or doesn't settle after a 2 AM potty break, this is a good indication they are overdue for a food increase.
⚠️ Over-feeding is a common problem that causes rapid bone growth and swollen joints which lead to hip dysplasia. Use the body image chart and feeding suggestion as a guide.
🏡 After your puppy settles in and starts feeling comfortable, a bit of crate or playpen regression is normal. Here are some things you can do starting the day puppy comes home to reduce the regression.
🚨 NOTE🚨 Puppies are NOT left in a crate for several hours during the day with the door locked, without appropriate breaks necessary for their age. That is adult behavior and an unrealistic expectation for a young puppy.
📝 If your puppy can not be supervised during the day while you are home, set up an 8’x8’ puppy play area with access to potty bells so the pup can notify you of those needs. This is a great place to add a crate with the door removed and a comfy Crate Mat. This gives your pup the option to sleep in their crate during the day. Puppy Culture(https://shoppuppyculture.com/products/the-essentials-bundle-for-puppy-owners/#a_aid=586d1fe5c07f4) teaches new families a great puppy playpen setup.
⚠️ The safest place for a puppy that is home alone is in a crate with the door closed. How long your puppy can stay in the crate during the day depends on its age. The rule of thumb is one hour for each month old. This means you can expect a two-month-old to stay in a crate for 2 hours at a time, a three-month-old for 3 hours, etc… If a puppy needs to remain in the crate for a longer duration, someone will need to let them out of the crate at appropriate times, as outlined above, to meet their food, exercise, and potty needs.
🔊 Play crate and playpen games as soon as you get your puppy home and continue to at least once a day. Call puppy into the crate or playpen and give high-value treats for entering. (Bits of cooked chicken, beef, fish) This is also a great opportunity to reinforce the puppy’s name and come with someone calling the pup back out of the crate or playpen and just giving a piece of kibble. Play for 3-5 minutes a few times a day.
👀 If you are using a puppy playpen, you will want to start 1-minute manding sessions soon after you get your puppy home. Continue manding sessions a few times a day as you walk past the playpen when the puppy is in the playpen. Manding sessions are simply clicking/marking an automatic sit with eye contact and rewarding that behavior with a high-value treat. We like to toss the treat a few inches away but within the puppy's vision so the puppy has to get up, get the treat and intentionally come back, sit and make eye contact again. Note: you can do manding sessions anywhere, not just in the playpen. To end a manding session, we toss 10 or so pieces of kibble in the play area and let the puppy forage for them as we walk away.
🪑 A continuation of the first crate and playpen game. Have pup run in the crate or playpen, click and treat. No treat for coming back out. After a few times, wait for the pup to sit before click and treating. Then wait for eye contact, click and treat. Then close the door and open it immediately, click and treat. Now that criteria is established, keep the door closed for longer and longer durations before clicking and treating. It may be a few seconds before you get to minutes. The goal is to click and treat BEFORE your puppy gets worked up.
🍖 When settling in the crate for bedtime, this is a great time to give a raw turkey neck or chicken drumstick. A pig ear, any raw meaty bone or chew will work. Give it for five minutes then refrigerate until the next crate session.
⏰ Grab a timer. (Smartphone timer works great.) Puppy’s needs are all met and it’s time for a nap or bedtime. With the puppy in the crate and door closed. Put a small metal food bowl in the crate so they wait for the ping sound of the kibble hitting. Every 30 seconds drop a treat in the bowl. After a few minutes, drop one treat every minute for 5 minutes. Then one treat every five minutes, leaving the room and coming back to give the treat. You do this whether they are barking and howling or not. After a few minutes or so they eventually settle and wait for the next treat. Don’t say anything to the puppy. The goal is to get the pup to focus on anticipating the next treat.
🔁 Your pup is familiar with these games, as they have played them with us.
❌ If your pup isn't settling into the crate for nighttime sleeping, increase each meal by 1/4 C, increase their evening sniffari walk outdoors and reevaluate the amount of time they are in the crate during the day.
Additional ideas:
1️⃣. Put a drop or two of lavender essential oil on Snuggle Puppy.
2️⃣. Put Snuggle Puppy in the dryer right before bed so it’s nice and warm.
3️⃣. Take puppy on 15-30-minute adventure “sniffari” walk before bed.
4️⃣. Put the crate next to your bed so the pup can see you and you can hear when the pup needs a potty break.
5️⃣. Turn on soothing music.
📝 Remember, the crate is a den to be used while the owner is home but can’t supervise. Intelligent use of the crate provides a place of safety allowing a dog a place to settle down and ward of destructive behavior. Do not use the crate for extended periods of time, it’s not a dog sitter. It doesn’t provide an outlet to release energy. A locked crate is the safest place for a puppy when home alone. You MUST offset crate time with adequate and age-appropriate physical exercise and mental stimulation.
SUSAN GARRETT'S CRATE GAMES(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_a90220faa1f240218bbe88577137285d.pdf)
MUCH ADO ABOUT FUSSING SUSANNE SHELTON(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_73af582b6bdc459193b8d7c7213de5e6.pdf)
For additional crate training, refer to your Puppy Culture DVD's Disc 3 section 17(https://shoppuppyculture.com/collections/dvd-bundles/products/complete-bundle-for-puppy-owners/#a_aid=586d1fe5c07f4)
🔊 If you are struggling with crate training or not finding results with the above techniques, seek professional help before the issue becomes a habit or destructive pattern.
💓 Patience, snuggles, consistency, and love are the best puppy training tools. 💓
📷 🚽 Potty training is all about you and your puppy working together.
Questions your puppy has are:
🚪 Which door do I use?
🎤 How do I let you know I need to go?
🗺 Where do I go once in the yard?
🛎 When you can’t supervise (but are home), puppy should be in a small area with access to the bells. When your puppy plays with them, take him out to the same area each time and give a high-value reward immediately after he goes. This teaches the puppy which door to use, how to notify you he needs to go and where to go. Slowly expand the indoor area as the puppy catches on.
NOTE: Doggie Lawn (https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1423643&u=2298649&m=91836&urllink=&afftrack=)has the perfect solution if you are setting up a potty area in the playpen, crate or out on the balcony.
When do they need let out?
🧸10 minutes after starting play
🍖 15 minutes after eating
😴 Immediately upon waking up (even from naps)
⏰ Every hour until you learn puppy’s routine.
💡 Your 8-week-old, puppy isn’t fully potty trained, but with consistency will quickly grasp the concept.
📝 Our puppies are introduced to bells and a doggie door. If you choose to train using one of these methods, the transition from our home to yours will be smoother.
💩There are many reasons for a puppy to have diarrhea or soft stool. Those reasons include, but are not limited to: stress from moving, vaccinations, dewormer, change in diet, etc. If your puppy is experiencing soft stool, get them on a quality probiotic. We highly recommend Full Bucket Probiotics(https://bit.ly/3AzwYyC).(https://bit.ly/3AzwYyC) (Use link for 20% off all orders).
🔊 If you are struggling with potty training and you are not finding results with the above techniques, seek professional help before the issue becomes a habit or destructive pattern.
💓 Patience, snuggles, consistency, and love are the best puppy training tools. 💓
🌟Your first order of business when bringing home a new puppy is organizing a socialization plan so you can meet their needs before the critical 12-16 week socialization window closes. Dogs are not lawn ornaments. They need mental and physical stimulation as part of a daily routine.
🧠Distributed learning sessions are great for exercising your dog’s mind.
👃 Scatter feeding and scent games are wonderful methods to burn energy.
🧒 Under supervision, children should play fetch or spend time teaching dogs too.
DOG SOCIALIZATION checklist(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_c37daccf2b9e40c3a8fc3ca948145843.pdf)
For additional socialization discussion, refer to your Puppy Culture DVD's Disc 3 section 20
🐕 When you bring a new puppy into your life, it's critical that you realize their entire world just changed. The bed they sleep in, toys they play with, voice and appearance of their caregiver, smells in the air, the layout of the house, where to potty...literally everything changed. This can cause a new puppy to be anxious. You must be proactive and make the new environment welcoming to prevent unwanted fear or stressful behavior.
🏡 If your puppy will be alone while you work or run errands, this will be an adjustment and you need to teach your puppy how to deal with. This is a change that new puppy families should give as much attention to teaching your puppy to be alone as you do crate and potty training. This is done by gradually increasing the time they are alone...from seconds to minutes.
🎥 Now You're Here, Now You're Not(https://0ba1b463-6412-4f51-a61d-b3d6d0e963fd.filesusr.com/ugd/e0485b_2c4aba6e3bf24a1baabf1f951d2fc632.docx?dn=ALONE.docx) is an excellent video that teaches you how to prepare your pet to be alone.
Preventing Separation Anxiety(https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/lessons/preventing-separation-anxiety-2/)
Shape your puppy to relax.(https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/relax-on-cue-how-to-help-your-dog-chill/)
Teach your dog to be home alone(https://0ba1b463-6412-4f51-a61d-b3d6d0e963fd.filesusr.com/ugd/e0485b_2c4aba6e3bf24a1baabf1f951d2fc632.docx?dn=ALONE.docx)
🔊 If you believe your puppy is experiencing separation anxiety and you are not finding results with the above techniques, seek professional help before the issue becomes a habit or destructive pattern.
🦈 Puppies can go from cute to piranha in a second flat! They especially like flappy ears, wagging tails, squeals from children, pant legs, quick fingers, bare feet and frilly dresses.
🖐 Did you know pulling your hand away quickly activates the prey drive too and may actually encourage MORE biting. This is why it’s important to give an OUCH, swap a toy for your hand or foot, remove yourself from play and/or put pup down for a nap. 🦷 Puppies bite while they are exploring, playing, teething, overstimulated, bored, tired, etc...
⚠️ Labradors were bred to retrieve. It’s their love language and a huge part of who they are! This means they will have a natural desire to chew, carry things in their mouth, chase moving objects...every aspect of retrieving. This can be compounded with the teething phase as they add biting to the mix. Biting, chewing, shredding, tearing are natural behaviors and can be at their peak during the 12-20 weeks of teething. If we don't provide a way for those needs to be met, your puppy will find a way to meet them. Puppies have natural needs and when those needs are met, it reduces their desire to bite.
Those needs include:
1️⃣ Physical stimulation: exercise, 15-30 minute adventure walks, playtime.
2️⃣ Mental stimulation: puzzles, training.
3️⃣ Social stimulation: interaction with other animals.
4️⃣ Environmental stimulation: challenges and changes in their living space.
5️⃣ Sensory stimulation: sight, scent, and sound differences in their living space.
6️⃣ Food stimulation involves feeding a variety of food and feeding out of a variety of slow feeders, Licki Mat Tuff Buddy, meaty bones, etc.
🍖 To satisfy their natural desire to chew, provide a variety of chews. This includes Nyla bones, yak chews, antlers, pizzles, hoves, stuffed Kongs, tripe chews.
🧸 Puppies will favor different toys (rope, rubber, soft, etc.) depending on their teething stage. Keep a variety on hand and swap them out as they change stages.
🎥 Record interactions when your puppy is biting. Rewatch them in slow motion so you can observe any triggers.
📝 Keep a journal of the times your puppy is in a biting mood. They are typically most mouthy first thing in the morning or right before an overdue nap. Reserve chew projects for those times.
Be prepared and have a solid biting inhibition plan in place. It's important for you and your puppy's happiness and well-being!
HOW TO SURVIVE PUPPY TEETHING(http://clickertraining.com/how-to-survive-puppy-teething-and-nipping)
For additional biting training, refer to Puppy Culture DVD's Disc 2 section 11/12(https://shoppuppyculture.com/collections/dvd-bundles/products/complete-bundle-for-puppy-owners/#a_aid=586d1fe5c07f4)
🔊 If puppy biting is out of control or you are not finding results with the above techniques, seek professional help before the issue becomes a habit or destructive pattern.
💓 Patience, snuggles, consistency, and love are the best puppy training tools. 💓
🛑Everyone should avoid wrestling with young dogs. Wrestling with pups increases the pups’ urges to play bite and teaches them that biting humans is ok. Many people with dogs that nip at their hands and clothes at every opportunity or play bite excessively have taught their dogs these behaviors by playing rough with the dog. Playing in the backyard for 10 to 15 minutes once a day is not enough exercise for many young dogs.
⚠️ NOTE: 🏃♀️ Dog’s do NOT exercise themselves and sending them to the backyard by themselves does not give them the exercise they need. This is one of the responsibilities you are taking on. 10-minute walks several times a day is better than 2 hours all at once. While it is a challenge to limit your puppy, you will be thankful and they will be happier in adulthood.
WHAT IS AGE-APPROPRIATE EXERCISE?(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_7d22c012a6d2451aae683924226b9cbe.pdf)
AGE-APPROPRIATE EXERCISE GUIDE(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_2908ad8b243f4faf8d56756eaf8cc37e.pdf)
🐕 If any of the following statements describe your dog, it is likely he/she is not getting enough exercise or attention: Paces from room to room, rarely lies down, even when others are relaxed, barks for attention, constantly steals objects, whines for attention, never stops jumping when people are visiting, digs, chews and destroys everything in sight, races along the fence barking at every other dog or person that passes by, runs away every chance he gets, digs under the fence, escapes and roams the neighborhood.
WHAT ARE DOGS CORE NEEDS?(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_fc91f4836e5c43b59c8a0ad0c7734975.pdf)
🦴Hips: Protect your puppies’ hips! Too much exercise is not good for a developing puppy, as the bones are not stabilized. Rough playing, high jumping, stair climbing and excessive running prior to 1 year old could also cause hip injury.
Did you know genetics isn't the only factor that contributes to hip dysplasia? Most hip dysplasia cases are environmental.
Such as:
• Overfeeding
• Poor nutrition
• Rough play
• High jumping
• Excessive stair climbing
• Excessive running prior to 1
• Spaying/neutering prior to 2
Do your part to protect the joints and ligaments of your growing puppy.
HOW TO PREVENT HIP DYSPLASIA(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1nxFbEz7mk)
#1 & #2 CAUSE OF HIP DYSPLASIA(https://www.dogworksfitness.com/single-post/2017/12/28/the-1-and-2-common-injury-factors-for-puppies-and-its-not-just-about-hips-and-elbows)
📋 You will likely be encouraged to spay or neuter your puppy at an early age. Research strongly discourages the practice of early spay/neuter. Under 2 years is considered early. Ultimately, the decision is yours, so educate yourself on the early spay/neuter risks first. Reasons indicated in research The sexual hormones are needed to tell the dog’s body when to close the growth plates. Without those hormones, growth plates will keep growing. Spaying or neutering your dog too young exposes your dog to serious health risks later in life. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spay/neuter. It means you should wait until the hormones have done their work and helped your puppy physically mature into an adult dog. When she/he is around 2 and starts to physically look mature, the growth plates have closed and she/he should have the proper bone density. By waiting, you will avoid most health problems associated with early spaying/neutering.
🕒 Spaying/Neutering before 2 years old greatly increases your risk of hip dysplasia, behavior issues, hypothyroidism, increased risk of diabetes, obesity and cancer.
EARLY SPAY/NEUTER RISKS(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_acbaa7a816f74173a948026ec4267bb1.pdf)
ADDITIONAL STUDIES ON SPAY/NEUTER IMPLICATIONS(http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/news/health-implications-in-early.html)
DR. BECKER: THE TRUTH ABOUT SPAY/NEUTER(https://youtu.be/enPCZA1WFKY)
💓 Patience, snuggles, consistency, and love are the best puppy training tools. 💓
Have a solid training plan in place BEFORE YOU BRING PUPPY HOME so you have a foundation to build on.
💓 Patience, snuggles, consistency, and love are the best puppy training tools. 💓
Keep training sessions short. Long sessions lead to brain fog and are counterproductive. Your puppy is ready to work on attention, wait, leave it, place, sit, name, kennel, leash walking, and hand targeting.
This sample schedule is put together with short distributed learning training sessions. Modify it to fit your schedule, training needs or desires and lifestyle. The exercise guide (https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_7d22c012a6d2451aae683924226b9cbe.pdf)is a wonderful resource to get you started.
🏡 6 AM Good morning! Potty & exercise.
🔊 6:30 AM Breakfast 3-minute training
😴 6:33 AM 10-minute rest/sleep in crate
🔊 6:43 AM 3-minute training
😴 6:46 AM 10-minute rest/sleep in crate
🔊 6:56 AM 3-minute training
🚽 6:57 AM Potty break
😴 7-9 AM 2-hour rest/sleep in a crate or play area (good time for a pig ear, Kong or Licki Mat Tuff Buddy)
🏀 9-10 AM Potty then supervised free play
🏡 10 AM Potty, raw meaty bone for 5-10 minutes in a crate then exercise/playtime.
🔊 10:30 AM 🔁REPEAT morning routine.
🔊 2:30 PM 🔁REPEAT morning routing.
🚶♀️7 PM Take on 15-30 minute "sniffari" walk. Allow to noodle and explore at their pace.
😴 10 PM Bedtime: Puppy in a locked crate next to your bed, with a comfy blanket, warm snuggle puppy with a drop of lavender on the underside & soft music.
🚽 2 AM BORING Potty break (This is not the time to play, exercise, reward. Potty and right back to bed.)
🏡 6 AM Good morning! Potty, breakfast & exercise.
Resource Guarding is so easily prevented if you spend a few minutes each day implementing the techniques taught in Puppy Culture. Refer to Disc 2 Section 13 - Resource Guarding Puppy Culture Essentials Playlist
"My little angel would never growl at me...would he? Yes, I’m afraid he would. Resource guarding often does not emerge until the puppy is closer to 18 months old. The sad thing is that resource guarding is virtually 100% preventable with some ridiculously easy early interventions, but owners don’t do them because their puppy is “so sweet.” You need to do these super easy and quick protocols NOW with your puppy, while he’s still little and cute."
“Resource Guarding – as we show in the Puppy Culture film. Pay attention to all four areas we address, and I would add that you should interrupt your puppy frequently when playing, pick him up, treat, and place him right back down again….If you run into any real difficulties, see Jean Donaldson’s book, MINE! and seek professional help if you feel any hesitancy with the protocols.”
🔊 If you are struggling with resource guarding and you are not finding results with the puppy Culture 4-step techniques, seek professional help before this becomes a dangerous or destructive habit.
💓 Patience, snuggles, consistency, and love are the best puppy training tools. 💓
⌚ If you've watched Puppy Culture's WITH OPEN ARMS (https://madcapuniversity.com/products/with-open-arms-and-a-level-head-how-to-welcome-a-puppy-into-your-life-1/#a_aid=586d1fe5c07f4)series, the following handouts will be beneficial.
Training Priorities(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_f1af25b8019847f6a98179acb3055476.pdf)
Observing your puppy(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_2513b30d74484147a1596b0bb4a8fa0c.pdf)
Teaching downtime(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_e087f29b13b443e38e26b417b0c74738.pdf)
Self-regulation(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_93db122e42424c6cb23fb9cbb7cd10aa.pdf)
Wants vs Needs(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_da0a229430974562b49711aeb495b6de.pdf)
Clicker timing (https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_c022858c9a2a46878d811c440369d1e8.pdf)
Treat suggestions(https://www.gocheelabs.com/_files/ugd/e0485b_5677da88e9394ab583544d1c6c2cd66f.pdf)
Force-free, fear-free, positive reinforcement dog trainers we recommend.
• Pawsitive Training - Heather Bowden1-757-269-1442(https://www.ptservicedogs.com/about)
• Homeward Bound - Emily Blythe1-608-535-9743(https://www.facebook.com/hbbehavior)
• Cooperative Canine - Jenny Wyffels 1-469-450-8118(https://www.cooperativecanineconcepts.com/)
• Melena DeMartini - Separation Anxiety(https://malenademartini.com/)
• What to look for in a trainer(https://stacythetrainer.blogspot.com/2020/04/what-kind-of-dog-pro-do-i-need.html?fbclid=IwAR0QhuqwRH_kcCzI-NKSZhWxl462rG9ka5iD-6Iw3GrYTnhCG0tYGqkcZz4)
Need assistance finding a pet professional?
• Fear Free Veterinarian(https://fearfreepets.com/resources/directory/)
• Find a Holistic Veterinarian(https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/)
• Veterinary Hospital(https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/hospital-locator/)
• Fear Free Groomer(https://fearfreepets.com/resources/directory/)
• Pet Poison Control Hotline(https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/)
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