Week #6 - Summer 2023 Litter
Weekly Litter Update - July 20, 2023
We're excited to share that our litter did exceptionally well during their visit to the vet today. They received vaccines, microchips, and a comprehensive examination, all of which went smoothly. The vet was impressed by their calm and non-stressed behavior, which is quite uncommon among most puppies. We're proud of our little ones' excellent health and demeanor, and we can't wait to watch them grow into happy and content companions!
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Puppy Weight Tracker
During the first two weeks, we weigh the puppies twice a day. After that, we transition to a weekly weigh-in. The chart below only displays the average of the two weights for that day. Because the puppies are so small, weights are taken in ounces.
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Time to Schedule The Family Meeting
In two weeks, your new puppy will be coming home. Before that happens, it's important to have a family meeting with everyone who will be regularly interacting with the puppy. The purpose of this meeting is to establish clear rules and expectations so that everyone is on the same page. This will help prevent confusion and frustration for the puppy, as they won't receive conflicting messages from different family members.
Once the rules have been established, it's important to refer back to them often and have quick check-ins to ensure everyone is following them. This will help ensure the puppy is well-behaved and happy in their new home.
It's important to take your time with this process and listen to everyone's input. Make sure everyone is fully on board with the rules before moving forward. Depending on your family's unique situation, you may be able to complete this in one meeting, or you may need to break it up into multiple sessions. It's important to come to an agreement and make sure everyone follows through.
Let's get started! Below are some example questions to consider, but make sure to cover all the important aspects of your family's life with the new puppy.
- Where will the puppy be sleeping?
- Is it okay for the puppy to sleep in bed with anyone?
- Can the puppy jump up on furniture?
- Where will the puppy be allowed to roam around the house?
- Where can the puppy go off-leash outside?
- Will there be a designated area outside for the puppy to use the restroom?
- How often will we pick up the puppy's poop?
- Are there any rooms where the puppy is not allowed?
- During meals, where will the puppy be?
- Is it okay for the puppy to have food or treats from the table?
- When it's time to eat, will the puppy have to wait until released to her food bowl?
- Is it okay for the puppy to jump on people?
- Can the puppy jump on tables or take things from counters?
- Is it okay for the puppy to lick people's faces/hands/arms?
- Can the puppy drink from the toilet bowl?
- Can the puppy chew on shoes or clothing in the house?
- Where should we keep puppy toys?
- How will the puppy travel in the car?
The questions above are designed to promote thoughtful discussion and aid in the creation of your household rules. It's important to consider that not all decisions are trivial. For instance, allowing a young puppy to jump on others may appear harmless or endearing, but could become problematic when the puppy reaches adulthood. Similarly, permitting a dog to take things off a counter may not seem like a big deal until they accidentally consume poisonous food, and you have to rush them to an emergency vet on a holiday like Thanksgiving.
Once you've established your household rules, we would appreciate it if you shared them with us. Did you integrate any guidelines that we didn't cover in this template? How do you ensure that all of your family members are on board? Please let us know at hello@oakandmagnolia.com.
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Important Dates
June 8, 2023 - Litter Birth Date
July 15, 2023 - Selection Day
July 20, 2023 - First Vet Visit (Today)
August 5, 2023 - Pickup/Delivery
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Easing the Transition - Setting Goals
The first few weeks of having a new puppy can be a challenging transition for both you and your furry friend. To make things easier, it's important to create a clear plan.
In this section, we'll help you set some simple goals for the first few weeks of living with your puppy. The key is to reduce your puppy's anxiety and help them succeed in their new environment.
The first week is the most difficult, so it's important to keep things low-key and give your puppy plenty of attention. Try not to leave them unattended for long periods of time (even an hour can feel like a long time to a young puppy). Minimize visitors and commotion, as this can increase anxiety and prolong the transition period.
While you may be eager to introduce your puppy to family and friends, allowing them time to get used to their new surroundings is best. Setting goals for the first week and month can help you bond with your puppy and ensure their success in their new home.
Here are some recommended goals for the first 30 days of having a new puppy:
1. Teach your puppy their name and train them to come when called, regardless of what they're doing at the time.
2. Begin house training by closely supervising your puppy and learning to recognize when they need to go out.
3. Take frequent potty breaks every 30 minutes and after meals.
4. Reward your puppy with praise and treats when they go potty outside.
5. Take your puppy to the vet for their first check-up and make sure they have all their appropriate vaccinations.
6. Train your puppy to sleep through the night in a crate and have at least one quiet time during the day.
7. Bond with your puppy daily with chasing, fetching, and tug-o-war.
8. Take your puppy on at least two easy, short walks per day to avoid injury to their developing joints.
9. Teach your puppy at least two tricks: sit, stand, lay, or wait.
By the end of your first month, you should have earned your puppy's trust and be able to enjoy going on regular walks and playing with them daily. Additionally, you should have learned how to communicate effectively with your puppy.
First Week Checklist
Puppy knows her name.
Focus intently on house training; this is your number one priority this week. Going potty outside in your designated area reinforces good behavior, while every accident in the house reinforces bad behavior.
Work on the puppy's biting. We recommend having a tagline on your puppy at all times while she is out of her enclosed "safe area." When your puppy bites, gently pull her away with steady pressure.
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Scheduling Your First Vet Visit
If you're getting ready to welcome a new puppy into your home, scheduling their first visit to the veterinarian is crucial. Many new pet owners are surprised by the difficulty of securing an initial check-up and often have to wait for weeks or even months to get an appointment.
Oak and Magnolia's health warranty requires a vet visit within a few days of bringing the puppy home. Therefore, it's a vital step that is sometimes overlooked, and it's best to schedule the first visit for 2-3 days after bringing your furry friend home.
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