This document (several pages) is based upon questions that are most frequently asked by new puppy owners. All material is original to Onpoint Kennels and is based upon our years of experience raising Dual Champion Vizslas. Suggestions for changes are always welcome.
FEEDING:
We personally use a high energy high quality food (30% protein & 20% fat content) for our high energy working dogs. We will be happy to discuss this in more detail so please contact us. We are also strong advocates of Purina, and recommend, the Purina Pro Plan line of food, specifically Purina Pro Plan Performance. For Puppy Food we feed, Purina Optimal Start Puppy Chow and recommend it for your new puppy. We strongly advise that you make little or no dietary changes during the first two months that you have your puppy. This includes keeping treats to a minimum. Please let us know before you make any changes to you pup’s diet so that we can be sure that you are making the right choice. Be wary of vets who sell their own food and recommend that you switch – they are just trying to make a sale just as the pet store will also attempt to upsell.
Pick one type of quality food the dog likes & stick with it! In general, always feed in the crate. Following are additional guidelines and tips to assist you:
- feed your puppy food 3 X day until 7 months, starting with a large handful of food
- after 7 months, gradually switch to a quality adult food and feed only 2 X day
- at 1 year, feeding once a day is fine; again don't hesitate to call us to discuss the fat and protein content your dog may need or for other related requirements. This will depend on your dog’s exercise!
- NEVER feed your dog canned food as this does not provide your dog with the protein/fat required for proper development. Dry kibble is also preferred to avoid dental problems in future.
Note: It has been unfortunately proven that 85% of owners create the problem of obesity in their dogs. Obesity is one of the most serious health problems affecting dogs but it is one of the easiest to rectify. Please contact us anytime if you are unsure about your dog’s weight or development.
- Lastly, there is no point feeding in the crate if the door is left open. This accomplishes nothing!
- Keep fresh water available outside the crate at all times.
- REMEMBER, A FAT DOG IS NOT A HEALTHY OR HAPPY DOG!
THE FIRST COUPLE OF NIGHTS...
Your new family member may have some home sickness at first. This is to be expected and should not be a source of worry to you. Remember that this is the first time the pup has been separated from its littermates and his/her whole extended family. Follow our guidelines on how to crate train and you’ll never have a problem. If you are unclear on this concept, please let us know. It usually will take about a week for your pup to settle in and not cry all night! If the pup does not eat well the first day or two, try not to get concerned. Make sure that there is fresh water available morning and night. Remember, always feed in the crate ! Remove all uneaten food after 15 minutes! If all food has been eaten at the end of 15 minutes, increase amount at next feeding interval. Crate door should be closed - water left outside the crate! If the pup does not eat, take the food away until the next regular feeding and then re-offer it. If you start adding things to make it taste better you will develop a picky eater and probably end up adding things for the rest of your dog’s life. Avoid treats until eating is back to normal. Vizslas are not dumb, when they are hungry enough, they will eat; give them choices and treats, and they will insist on always having these. Before you call and claim that your puppy doesn’t like its food, ask yourself - if the puppy didn’t like the food, how did the breeders get it to live, grow and thrive on the very same food for the last four weeks ?!? Most owners do not understand the importance of properly feeding their dog. Never get into the habit of free feeding (leaving a bowl down always full of food). This simply is not good for your dog. You cannot monitor the food consumption so there is no way of telling if your dog is sick and has lost its appetite. Also, feeding in the crate helps reinforce the idea that the crate is a “good” place as well as prevents possible confrontations between your dog and children regarding the food bowl!
CHILDREN AND PUPPIES...
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to supervise your children with your puppy. Accidents can happen that can permanently damage your pup. A drop can result in brain damage, internal bleeding or hip and bone problems! Although puppies appear rough and hardy, they are in fact very fragile. A broken bone may never heal correctly if it occurs on a growth plate! Remember, puppies should never be thought of as a toy for the children. They are a responsibility of the adults of the family! We have a rule at our house for all visiting children (under 10 years of age) that perhaps you should use at your house. We NEVER allow children to carry our puppies. While young children may well be able to handle a 10 lbs pup, they often do not realize that the pup the very next week is 15 lbs and simply too strong for them. Start your puppy and children off respecting one another and you’ll avoid many potential hazards. Lastly, just because your children are good to puppies, do not assume that all children are. Vizslas are particular intelligent dogs. If a neighbourhood child mistreats them, they will remember and become fearful or mistrusting of all children - even yours! Also, be sure to have your children use to picking up all small toys. Your puppy will chew on these toys and small pieces could choke it!
A puppy is a transition for the whole family!
