Q: Can I come to see my puppy before 8 weeks of its age?

A: The answer is NO. There are several reasons why we do not let anyone around the puppies between birth and 8 weeks...and all those reasons are to protect the puppies. Like a new baby, the opportunity for young pups to pick up infectious diseases is increased with all new contacts. Their immune systems are building, so at this time, the moms and pups live in whelping nests which are separate from all outside traffic. Most illnesses and diseases are innocently carried on people’s shoes and clothing. Entire litters of puppies can be wiped out within 48 hours by the puppy killer parvovirus. This disease could be picked up unknowingly by people in a schoolyard, a park, or on a sidewalk - and this is only one disease. We cannot risk exposing our dogs and our puppies to diseases that could destroy them.

 

Q: How old must be puppies before they can leave for their new home?

A: Puppies must be 8 wks or older (this is an international standard). It is very important for them to be with their mother and/or with other dogs and around people to help their socialization and learning skills.

 

Q: When they will be checked by the vet?

A: Puppies will get their first shots at 7 weeks of age. They will be carefully checked by our vet and they will be identified by a microchip registered with the Canadian Kennel Club.

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Q: When can pups go outside for the first time?

A: Overall, your puppy can go outside as soon as you bring him/her home. You do not have to wait to take your puppy outside. Keep in mind, however, that your puppy is not fully vaccinated and his immune system is not fully functional. Ensure that you take the necessary precautions and your puppy should be fine.

This is a period of socialization you do not want to miss out on. Therefore, exposure to new dogs, environments, and experiences should be balanced with caution and care.

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Q: Do puppies need other vaccinations and when?

A: Puppies need to get 2nd shots 3-4 weeks after the first one and then 3rd shots again 1 month later. Your vet will tell you when you should come. With the 3rd shot, your puppy will get as well a Rabies vaccination - this one will be just for one year.  After that, your puppy will need vaccinations only once a year. Then the Rabies vaccination will be for 3 years. NOTE: the latest news about annual vaccination - it is suggested to rotate ALL vaccines in three-year intervals. Ask your vet...

 

Q: How much food should we give to our 8-week-old puppy?

A: At this age, puppies are already fully weaned and they eat solid food. As a new puppy owner, you will receive from us a bag of that food, which will last for several days. Each puppy is getting around ¼ of a cup 3 x a day. Watch your puppy: is he/she eating all the food? (If not, take the rest away and next time feed a little less; if the puppy eats all the food and is still asking for more, you can add a little more). You have to watch also his/her stool carefully: stool should be a darker colour and firm inconsistency. If it is very soft or even running, you are feeding too much, or there could be other problems. IMPORTANT: Diarrhea is a very serious condition and it has to be treated immediately. Contact your vet for advice.

 

Q: When is the time to switch feeding from 3 x a day to 2 x, or even 1 x a day?

A: If your puppy will not eat all the food you give him, or will not start eating immediately, (that is usually around 4-5 mo. of age, or even later), it will be the time to change feeding. And again: watch his stool, appetite, and his weight. Don't forget: freshwater has to be available at all times. 

 

Q: At what age we should stop feeding puppy food and start feeding food for adult dogs?

A: Change the food at the time of spaying or neutering your puppy - around 5-6 months of his/her age.

At that time your puppy will not need as much protein and will stop growing too fast.

 

Q: How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

A: - see "ARTICLES - WEIGHT MANAGEMENT"

 

Q: Do I need to deworm?

A: We are deworming our puppies every two weeks with a medication called "PYRAN" - you can buy it from your vet. Then follow the instructions from our " ARTICLES - STRATEGIC DEWORMING GUIDELINES"

 

Q: When our Blenheim (white & chestnut) or Ruby puppy will get a darker brown colour?

A: The chestnut colour on Blenheim and Ruby puppies is very light when puppies are born. This will get darker with age (between 6 mo and 1 year). You can see already at 8 wks of age that the brown colour is getting much darker on their ears.

 

Q: How should I be prepared for a new puppy?

A: Please, see  "ARTICLES - WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR PUPPY"

 

Q: How difficult is it to train Cavaliers?

A: Cavaliers are extremely intelligent dogs and even puppies are very fast learners. They will do anything to please you. See our paragraph about training. Start with simple commands immediately - see my articles about puppy training ... "ARTICLES - HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR TRAINING YOUR PUPPY", "WORDS FOR THE PUPPY", "HOUSE-BREAKING THROUGH CRATE TRAINING", "THE FIRST FOURTEEN DAYS IN NEW HOME"...

 

Q: Do Cavaliers need special grooming?

A: It is very easy to take care of your little boy or girl. All they need is a little brushing every day. Once a week check their ears if they are clean without any discharge (a sign of infection), also check and clean their teeth once a week. When you come for your puppy, we'll give you more information about the prevention of ear infections...

 

Q: What kind of brushes and combs are the best for grooming my Cavalier?

A: Bellow is the picture of some brushes and combs I use.  

 There are two wire brushes [one is flexible - for brushing and massaging your pup while you are watching TV ... O:) ], the metal comb is mainly for combing longer hair, the furminator and the shedding blade are used to remove loose hair, and undercoat, and you will need any kind of a nail clipper. 

 

 

 

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Q: Is there any different care needed for our Cavalier in the wintertime?

A: It is very nice about Cavaliers, that they all like to play in the snow and they don't need extra coats to keep them warm as long as they are active. For sure, you will not leave them outside too long and when they come back to the house, you will make sure that they will not have melting snow on their coats... It is a good idea to trim the hair on the bottom of their feet, so the snow will not form snowballs. And remember: if you are cold outside, your four-leg friend will be cold as well. In the cities try to avoid salt on sidewalks...

Puppies, when they are 8 - 12 wks, can be out for "business" only and then right back in.

 

Q: Are the Cavaliers good for a family with little children?

A: Yes. Cavaliers are a very gentle breed and you should be only concerned about children not harm a little dog. Don't allow your small children to carry the puppy around in their arms.  The puppy might jump out of their arms and get injured by falling on the floor. Young puppies will not play for too long and it is important to teach your children when it is time for the puppy to get his/her rest. The puppy should have his place (crate) - refuge, where it shouldn't be disturbed.

You can go to our page "CAVALIERS & KIDS" to see some pictures of kids and puppies from our kennel in their new homes... Read as well the TESTIMONIALS on the next page...

 

Q: Is it a problem to have a Cavalier in the same household with another dog or cat?

A: We had many calls from new owners being afraid about Cavaliers sharing a home with some other pet. Cavaliers are not a dominant breed; they like to make friends with everybody and if your other dog or cat will start to be aggressive, Cavalier will lie down and expose his/ her belly - saying: O.K. you are the boss. Can we play now??

You can go to our page "CAVALIERS WITH FRIENDS" to see some pictures of Cavaliers from our kennel with their new friends...

 

Q: How do I choose the vet?

A: Ask your friends, a groomer, or a breeder...Remember: vets are not equal and they certainly don't charge equally. Many times they are more concerned about their bank account than the health of your pet.  If you are concerned, get a second opinion.

 

Q: What size crate should we get for our puppy?

A: Get the size of the crate big enough to fit the adult Cavalier - app. 36" L, 21" W, and 26" H. It is a good idea to get a small enclosure, and playpen (like fencing) as well - if you don't have any other safe place for your puppy when you are not home, or for nighttime. Inside the enclosure you need to place a dish for water, which should be available all the time, then you can place the crate there (that would be a place for the puppy to sleep). Never leave the puppy in the crate with the door closed overnight. That playpen will be also the place where the puppy can do its "business" and not make a "mess" in the crate. You can also get a "Potty Patch" for your puppy. See the picture: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will also need a small carrier for your puppy for car travel... It would be safe for you and your puppy as well. The last thing you want is to have a puppy under your feet when you drive... 

 

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Q: Which deodorizing spray/liquid is the best for removing dog urine smell from floors?

A: We are using "Bio-BAC" = live liquid bacteria with natural odor control (used in hospitals, long-term care, schools, hi-rise, kennels, clinics... You can find info on the Website: www.corpchem.com or you can ask in any pet store what they have and recommend.

 

Q: How should we care about teeth?

A:  It is best if you start your puppy to get used to touching his gums and teeth as soon as possible. Young puppies will not need their teeth cleaned yet, but they have to gain trust in you, which will be important in their adult years when you might need to scrape off some tartar build-up. After each cleaning, you should use a soft (baby) toothbrush and quality toothpaste. Ask us and we will show you the tools we are using and how we do it...

Here is an interesting site about cleaning the teeth of your dog and how to make your own toothpaste:

https://www.facebook.com/doctor.karen.becker/videos/10155846422022748/

 

 

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? PLEASE, CALL US......