The litter is now 8 weeks old, making them just over a year old in human equivalent. They are at the critical stage of dog development, and any bad experiences the dog learns now will be remembered, so change of home and owner needs to be a careful time to avoid the puppy becoming stressed. In all respects they are mini versions of what they will be at full size and full of energy and hungry to explore and sense their new world.

The puppy’s main routine is Eating (growing fuel) then Sleep (growing time) and Play (learning time).

When your puppy is handed over it’s vaccinations will be as scheduled. It will also be fully wormed, have had it’s nails clipped, been vet checked and they are fully healthy.

He will have his own vet bed blanket that the litter have been sleeping on for the previous week. This is a key source of security with the familiar scent of his siblings and mother. This should be put in his new sleeping area to create a familiar environment that he will feel secure in. Avoid washing this for the first few weeks.

The puppy will also have his first collar and lead, familiar toys and first eating dish. We also provide his initial food for settling in.

Your puppy is insured for 5 weeks by the Kennel Club. It is recommended you continue this.

What you need to have ready:

Invest in a residence cage. This is by far the best sleeping and security area for your puppy. Do not waste money on a small cage, you need the largest size as this will be used for the whole of the dogs life at adult size. (e.g. SAVIC Dog Residence 118cm with end and side door access + cover).

Large run or similar for stretch and exercise out of residence cage.

A couple of dog blankets to snuggle into since he will be away from the group snuggling together for warmth and security.

Old towels for any cleaning up or playing.

Heavy duty kitchen roll - multi pack amounts. Newspapers for pee training / run area.

Poo bags. Black kitchen bags.

Kennel disinfectant (Formula H) and floor mop.

Royal Canin Maxi Puppy dog food x 4Kg bag to start. Puppy will be on this to 15 months.

Winalot Classic in Jelly - Multi Tray.

Puppy specific treats.

Dog dishes - recommend stainless steel, non slip. Note interim dishes will be from floor use, ideally leading to raised dishes for adult dog. (e.g. SAVIC 28cm Ergo Feeder).

Water dish should be secure from spilling and sufficient capacity not to run out. Always have fresh water available - change frequently each top up.

Chewing/teething toys - e.g. Kong brand, rag rope, squeaky ball etc.

New collar and legally compliant ID tag to suit.

Feeding:

To 5 months - 3 feeds a day at approximately 8 hour intervals. Last feed at night approximately 2100 before bed time.

Core diet is Royal Canin range for Maxi sized dogs i.e. Royal Canin Maxi Puppy 4Kg and 15Kg bags.

(This is whole food, not mixer, and is premium technical product made from real meat unlike other “complete” dry foods). This is the essential component of your dogs nutrition for ensuring proper growth.

Currently 120 grams per day. Add 1/4 boiled and 3/4 cold water to soak for 10 minutes so that it leaves the mix wet with some gravy.

Add 1/2 can Winalot Classic mixed through 1 meal per day at this stage.

Water should be available in drinking bowl always.

DO NOT feed any human processed food and biscuits, including chocolate etc. These can cause serious harm and be potentially fatal to your dog. (Chocolate is toxic to dogs, causing renal failure).

Monitor your dogs weight at all times and follow feeding guidance for up to 44Kg adult dog. (Royal Canin Maxi Range).

Safety:

You are responsible for your puppy’s safety. It is still a child and learning by exploring, mainly through it’s senses of smell and taste. So everything is capable of being picked up and chewed or swallowed. Therefore do regular checks that there is nothing lying about that it will find and then try out. Cables and similar hazards need to be kept out of reach. Your puppy already has considerable force and cutting ability in it’s first teeth.