So you want a toy size puppy...
Do you really?
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Do you really?
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Toy sized puppies are FRAGILE. They need constant monitoring for at least the first two weeks.
Get down on floor level and look around for hazards that your pup might be able to reach, it takes much less of a toxin or shock to take your puppy's life than it would for a larger dog. And they can escape through tiny holes in gates, gate doors, or under gates!
Please don't take your puppy out with a collar before obedience training. A toy sized puppy that pulls constantly against a collar can damage his trachea or esophagus. Please use a well fitting harness.
And be aware of the area that you put your puppy on outside until it is fully vaccinated. It can come into contact with disease, and (in puddles it can pick up parasites like giardia). When they are old enough (ask your vet) it is imperative that the puppy have all its shots and be protected from fleas, ticks, heart worm and other worms. Please do not use the cheaper products sold in stores... they almost 100% don't work and they can make your puppy critically ill. Follow your vet's recommendation.
Once you assume ownership of a puppy, it becomes your responsibility to see that your puppy is safe, eating enough, and not stressed. Sure it's great fun to show your puppy to all of your friends and family, but I caution against that for a few days. You are a stressor to your pup until it gets used to you. The environment is a stressor to your pup until it gets used to it. Being without mama and littermate's is a stressor for your pup. Your new baby needs the same considerations that you grant when bringing home a new human baby. They need love and cuddles and play time, but they also need to rest and learn the comfort of their crate. "Does it have to be a crate?"... No, but it must be a place where there is lower lighting, lower noise, and where they can curl up and feel safe. A puppy's instinct is to find a place to hide while sleeping... a crate just works well for this. And if the pup becomes accustomed to sleeping in the crate with the door open, then it is very easy to crate train them when you want them in the crate with the door closed! The pups temperament comes into play here. A very outgoing puppy may be happy curled up on your lap for a nap and may not need a "den" made in a crate. A moderate temperament in a dog may mean that it can take quick power naps in their "safe place" then be ready to play and romp again. A puppy with a quiet temperament may need longer or more frequent naps in it's quiet place. It may take longer to feel safe in it's new surroundings. Puppies are a lot like human babies, they each have their own little personalities.
One thing for sure, they rely on YOU for all of their needs. If your puppy is a good eater, they may need to eat only every 5-6 hours. But if your puppy is not eating well, it's time to stay with them 24-7 to try to figure out what is going on. Are they a picky eater? Are they stressed? (Handled to much?, too warm?, too cold?)
I recommend Nutri-Cal as a quick energy source. Put some on your finger and rub it in the roof of the puppy's mouth and around their gums. This will give them a boost of sugar and nutrition. If they won't eat on their own, then you must mash their food and maybe rub a little into the roof of their mouth to get them started. If they refuse that, then it's time to try different canned food or chicken / beef baby food mixed with baby rice cereal.
If that doesn't work, you have a CRISIS. Rub Nutri-Cal around their gums and on their tongue, Karo syrup, honey or maple syrup may also be used. If the pup gets weaker rather than stronger in the next 5- 10 minutes, then it's time to head to your vet (or emergency vet if it's on a weekend or during the night). Your pup can slip into critical condition very rapidly.
Luckily, this doesn't happen very often, but when it does, your swift treatment is crucial.
I'm not trying to frighten you, I'm trying to prepare you for a crisis (and then pray it doesn't happen)!