Useful Puppy & Doggie Tips
PLEASE KEEP THE PUPPY INSURED
After taking your puppy home, it is essential that it is kept on the same diet as the breeder has been using for at least two or three days. It can be very traumatic for a young puppy to change home without the added problem of coping with a new diet - a puppy's digestion is easily upset. If you wish to change the diet, you should do so very slowly - adding a small amount of the new diet to the old food, and gradually increasing the amount over a period of about 5 days.
We have found over many years that a varied diet is best for a growing setter.
The puppy diet at the moment: -
Breakfast - Goats or Puppy milk and All in One puppy meal "Beta"
or Weetabix and milk. (1/2 to 3/4 pint milk) Not cows milk
Dinner Minced Raw Tripe /Beef or Lamb plus plain biscuit meal.
Teatime As above (Dinner)
Supper Goats/Puppy Milk and a few biscuits to eat.
As your puppy grows, increase the meat and meal so that he maintains a good rib cage - Setter puppies should be well rounded but not too fat.
At about five months
Providing the pup is of a good weight you can reduce the meals to: - Breakfast Dinner and Evening meal.
By Nine Months
Again only if the puppy is maintaining a good body weight - feed: - Breakfast and the evening meal.
Please remember to always provide fresh water.
Bed and Bedding
Your puppy should have his own bed where he knows he is safe and can rest undisturbed. Ideal bedding is a VET bed blanket - washed in sensitive detergent only.
A Large indoor cage can be useful -
Train the puppy to sleep here - they need lots of rest periods as well as exercise. Also, the puppy can be put in its cage when he has to be left for short periods to prevent damage to the home.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE PUPPY IN THE CAGE FOR LONG PERIODS
Worming, Vaccinations & Vets.
Puppies should be wormed at 3 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks (with a puppy syrup or tablets). We personally use Drontil. Your puppy will have been wormed by us but you must continue the worming - ask your vet about the frequency.
Check with your vet at what age he recommends beginning the course of vaccinations -we microchip at this time
We prefer waiting until our puppies are around 10 or 12 weeks and have the injections done individually so as not to over dose the immune system.
Remember that your puppy must not be taken out and about until his course of vaccinations is complete.
Unfortunately some vets seem to be suggesting all sorts of treatments to some new owners - the most common being neutering and the removal of small umbilical hernias, neither of which are always necessary. Before agreeing to anything (and these operations can be very expensive!), always discuss it with the breeder first, and perhaps get a second opinion. I know vets need to make a living, but some seem to be taking things a little too far!
Ears
It is important to check inside the ears regularly (at least twice a week) and if you see any brown wax to clean them out thoroughly with an ear-cleaning lotion such as Leo or Auraclens - your vet will advise. If an ear infection does arise see your vet as soon as possible.
Thornit is a very old fashioned product and widely used by breeders today. We personally use this - it is not a veterinary product - it can be purchased from some pet shops and definitely online.
EXERCISE
Young puppies need to exercise themselves freely (the garden is sufficient) and sleep when tired.
Do not take them on long walks or exercise with older dogs or large breeds unless supervised and restricted.
HIP DYSPLASIA
It is most important that you read all the notes about this issue on the English Setter Association Website - re Health Matters
http://www.englishsetterassociation.co.uk/links.htm
Grooming
Try to get your pup used to being groomed from an early age. Use a soft brush at first and later when he has more coat, a strong wide toothcomb and "slicker" brush. Regular grooming will make him look neater and you can keep a check for small cuts etc. and treat these accordingly.
English Setters are renowned nibblers, so it is wise to treat any skin problems as soon as they appear. Again check the
English Setter Association Website : Health Issues
Baby Talc - Can be used to clean the coat
Baby Wipes are used to clean the body, eyes ears etc.,
(see grooming chart)
House Training
A young puppy cannot control his natural needs and must not be expected to be clean both day and night until he is about 4 - 5 months old, even then mistakes can happen.
Take the pup out after meals - snacks - sleeping and also last thing at night and first thing in the morning.
Keep Newspaper close to the doorway, especially at night as our puppies have been used to toileting on paper whilst with us.
Always Praise a Puppy for being good
Remember - A Naughty Puppy can be funny and cute but
A Naughty Adult is a worry and a nuisance!
Teach him that NO means No and what is and isn’t acceptable right from the start!
Further information
Further details on these and other topics are in a booklet produced by the English Setter Association booklet, and a recent book on the breed.
Similar publications, including a glossy yearbook and regular newsletters, are sent to all members.
Membership details can be found via the English Setter Association Website
http://www.englishsetterassociation.co.uk/links.htm
Finally - please keep in touch.
Most reputable breeders like to know how their pups are getting along.
If you need any help or advice, please don't hesitate to ask. And, should the situation ever arise that you cannot keep your Setter (for whatever reason), please contact us immediately and we will either have the puppy back for rehoming or give you every assistance to find a suitable solution to the problem.