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Care of Your New Boston Puppy
The first few weeks. At 8-12 weeks of age, the average
age puppies are sold, they still require more sleep than
play time. Children should only be allowed short play
periods, then it's off to bed for the puppy. It's a good
idea to keep dry food available all the time, as well as
fresh water. Change uneaten food every day. In addition,
twice a day a small amount of dry food mixed with a
little water and some canned meat can be offered. After
a few hours throw away left over wet food. Discuss the
type of food to use with your breeder. And don't forget
those booster shots. See your vet soon after purchasing
your new Boston puppy.
Children and the new puppy.
Children and puppies are meant to be an unbeatable team.
However, if the kids haven't had dogs, or puppies
before, be prepared to closely supervise all play times.
Never allow your children to rough house with the puppy,
and never allow your children to tease a puppy. Bringing
a new puppy into a house also brings responsibility on
your part. The bond that develops between children and
their family pet will last a lifetime, and is an
important character development for children. The bottom
line here is love, and kindness, and more love.
House breaking and crate training.
Be patient. Housebreaking takes time and requires
bladder control. Like human babies, there is no set time
that this will take. It's physical control. All puppies
want to be clean and to please you, but be patient. The
rule of thumb is: Take the puppy out to do his duty, or
on a piece of newspaper:
first thing in the morning;
after each meal;
after every nap;
the last thing at night.
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Please buy a
crate!
Socializing your new Boston puppy. This is a very important
part of the puppy's development.
Hold and love your pup, let children play, gently, with him,
and take the pup for short walks. Protect it from larger
dogs but let passers by pat the puppy. To be a good family
member, your new puppy needs to be people oriented.
Exercise.
The ideal setup is a fenced in area so your Boston can run
loose. It doesn't have to be the whole yard, nor do you need
to use expensive fencing. Daily walks are another good way
to exercise your Boston, good for you and the dog. They love
it too.
Grooming.
Cut those nails every other week. In order to avoid
bleeding, trim only the tips, that part beyond the 'quick'.
It's helpful to have either the breeder or your veterinarian
give you a lesson in nail cutting. It is a lot easier than
you think. Bathing does not need to be done as often. If
your pet gets really dirty, then it's time for a bath. Towel
dry and don't put the dog outdoors until it is completely
dry.
Clean the portion of the ears that you can see very
carefully with a dampened Q-tip during bathing. And it's a
good idea to accustom him to having his teeth brushed. Your
vet has doggy toothpaste.
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Manners and Training
Not every visitor wants to be jumped on, and Bostons
have springs on their feet! Do plan to get your pup
under control and obeying commands early on. Set the
ground rules at the beginning of your relationship.
You are the alpha, and that's not debatable.
Your family pet needs a leader and it must be you.
Leaders stick to the rules, but are kind and loving
at the same time. Don't be a pushover. don't let
your Boston run the house. They are good at trying
to do just that!
Veterinarian Care
The breeder will let you know what shots the puppy
has already had, and will give you a schedule for
further vaccinations.
Visit your vet within days of purchasing your new
Boston puppy and he too will update you on all that
is necessary to raise a healthy pet.
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