Hello Families!

Our sweet pups are really coming along nicely. Eyes are open now, and they are all starting to learn to navigate their way around! In just a few more weeks we will really start to see their individual personalities shine forth!

As I mentioned in my last e-mail, every week I will be sending you helpful information in preparation for your new addition to your family!

I have all my shopping recommendations on my website under the "SUPPLIES" tab. Click here to see the full list. Please note that although it'd be wonderful to have everything on the list, it is by no means required. I've made it super easy as everything is categorized and set up for one click shopping on Amazon. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions :)

Just a few things I'd like to mention:

I DO NOT recommend pee-pee pads...it only encourages the pup to potty in the house. As you might know, the puppies have been litter trained while here at Snickersdoodles. At home, try to encourage your pup to go to the same spot in the yard to do his/her business. The idea is to find the place in your yard that you want to be your "potty spot". This should aid in your potty training efforts. As they grow, getting them to go on a pad or in a litter box will not be such an easy task and will send mixed messages in my opinion. So start off on the right foot by avoiding pee pads and litters boxes, etc in your home and take your pup outside, frequently, to do his or her business. I will send you home with a potty training booklet and most families tell me their puppies are potty trained within 2 weeks of having their puppy. So be consistent and patient and your pup will be potty trained before you know it.

I’ve had numerous customers tell me that the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy worked wonders to help soothe their puppy the first few nights their pup was home. I have some here that I will rub on their mom to get the scent for an easier transition, all I ask is that you purchase one to exchange with the one I'll give you here. The one you bring me to exchange needs to be new in the package. Snuggle Puppy -  if you'd like to check it out and purchase one to bring with you when you come pick up your puppy, click the link. Please note: If your deposit was received after 11/1/2020, your puppy comes with his/her own Snuggle Puppy and will be microchipped.

Leashes: Your pup will come with their first leash (flat nylon slip collar). There are many options on leashes. Leashes with traffic handles are also great to assist in keeping your dog close – but they are often more helpful after the puppy has grown up a bit. A 4-6ft leash is recommended. I don't recommend you leave a collar on your puppy. It can easily get caught on something and can be catastrophic if this happens when you are not home. If you choose to use a harness, get one that clips in the front to avoid pulling. The ones that clip on top only encourage pulling. Here’s the one I recommend: Freedom No Pull Harness

Toys: I recommend toys such as Kongs (puppy size), Balls (various sizes), fetch toys, plush toys, soft training treats, bully sticks, and a case of Pork & Venison canned food (for your Kong….we’ll talk more about this next week). Yogurt works great in the Kong as well. Here’s a great website filled with healthy Kong recipes. My recommendation is to stuff 2 Kongs and freeze them. Offer one to your puppy when he/she is having quiet crate time, when you need to leave for a few hours and at night time. Using plain Greek yogurt mixed with other safe fruits and veggies are not only yummy for your puppy, but it’s great for their gut health.

Food: We will discuss food, supplements and treats in depth next week :)

Your puppy will need to be on a monthly heartworm preventative as soon as your vet feels it is appropriate. Flea prevention is optional. Many veterinarians will recommend a product called Trifexis or other oral medications which is a pill that is for both heartworm and flea prevention (Comfortis, Nexgard, Comboguard, etc). I don't like these products as they can lead to adverse neurological episodes such as seizures, lameness and even death! Many, many breeders, including myself, have now added to our contracts that the use of oral flea products (even once) will void your health warranty. DO NOT USE THEM!! There are other products on the market that have been around a long time that are super safe and effective. I like to recommend Heartguard for heartworm prevention and Wondercide, Revolution, Frontline Plus, Advantage 2 or Activyl for flea prevention. Many of these can be purchased over the counter at Pet Smart and PetCo. If you would like more information on why I don't like oral flea medicine that contain pesticides, read these articles as well as Google "adverse reactions to Trifexis" (or any of the others I mentioned above):

The FDA issued the following warning in September 2018:

If you can think of anything else (shopping wise) that you might have a question about, please feel free to email me. I will help you the best I can.