These are just my ideas and words of wisdom over some things that might help and have worked for me over the years. I do not say they are the only way, what ever works to keep you and your puppy happy is the way to do it.
1. I do recommend crate training both for the puppies protection and your material items protection. Left alone any puppy will get bored and chew. I like to use a kennel that is welded wire and has the slide out plastic tray for easy cleaning. Such as this one which I picked up from PETsMART. It is large enough that I can use it even for a grown dog.
2. For the first few nights if you will take a fruit jar (mayonnaise jar) and put very hot water in it, put the lid on tight were it won't leak, wrap in a towel, the puppy will curl up next to it and sleep. He is missing the warmth of his brothers and sisters and this gives him something warm. If you use a hot water bottle make sure it is covered to where he/she can't chew a hole in it.
3. Puppies have to go potty after playing, eating, and
sleeping. So if you're trying to potty-train remember to take them out after
each of the events, or when they first come out of the crate. Remember their
bladder is small and they can't hold it a long time. If I know I'm going to be
gone and can't let them out then I partition off a place in the bathroom where I
can put down newspapers and use a Wee Wee pad on top of that. These are treated
with a certain scent and the puppy will use it. The name of these is Fresh n'
Clean Pads by Lambert Kay and they run about $7.99 at PETsMART. You'll wonder how
how you ever got by without them.
Fresh 'n Clean Pads By Lambert Kay
These ultra-absorbent pads are treated with pheromones to attract puppies to eliminate in the correct spot
Accidents can happen and I try to prepare by keeping this on hand. I have been very happy with it.
Puppy & Dog Starter Kit by Nature's Miracle
Because accidents happen you'll want to have this kit ready when you welcome your new puppy
4. Give a variety of safe toys, ones that squeak, rattle, chewable, and move. This will entertain them and they will be less likely to chew on things they shouldn't. I use Nylabone Chews and Wiggly Giggley toys. The puppies love them. Also available at PETsMART. Can you tell I do a lot of my shopping there? I do because the puppies get to go also and this is a great way to socialize. Everyone wants to pet the puppy and the puppy gets used to new sounds, strange people and the unexpected.
Wiggly Giggly by Multipet
"As seen on the Oprah Winfrey Show " It wiggles It giggles This new toy will leave you and your dog laughing out loud
Missy (WHFT) also loves these type of toys.
Soft Bite Hedgehog Dog Toys
Gives a rib-tickling squeak when it's squeezed!
5. If they do start to chew, Bitter Apple (sold at most pet stores and normally doesn't stain, but test in a section that doesn't show if you're unsure) will work to keep them from it, also hot sauce or vinegar will help detour them. Don't put so much on that it will make them sick, but lightly wiping hot sauce on chair legs or computer cords will stop them from wanting to chew.
Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray
Grannick's original spray formula is designed to discourage fur biting hair chewing and licking of hot spots
6. Just like babies they want to taste, jerk and pull cords, baskets, and anything loose. So baby proof your rooms so that the antique basket is out of reach. Set those loved items up out of reach until puppy gets older. Be sure to leave his/her toys down within reach. Mine have a big wicker basket that holds their stuffed toys, wiggly giggly balls, etc. and they haven't ate the basket yet. They find their other toys more fun.
7. Even if you don't have children or other pets, it is a good idea to still socialize your puppy so that it doesn't grow up to be afraid or dislike. It is especially important with a terrier to let them know that they cannot attack or chase small animals, being a hunting dog they can kill or maim. I recommend obedience training for your puppy and taking it on walks to the park, PETsMART, or have play days with friends. This way he/she is exposed a variety of different sounds, smells and people.
8. I really recommend a book called "Dog Behavior" by Ian Dunbar, Ph.D. it is not that expensive; $12.95 is what I gave for it at Pet Smart. It covers the different levels of development and how to deal with biting, fighting, and socialization.
9. Grooming: You can strip or clip a Wire Fox. Unless you are showing in conformation classes, I recommend clipper grooming; it is easier, less painful on the dog. When the color starts to fade which it does over a period of years, you can strip just the colored area and the color will be restored. I do this every other year or so. You can tell by the pictures of grandma Wire, she has been pet clipped for 9 years and the color fades. She hates stripping but will put up with it if I ask. We do the color on her back every other years. She's due for it again as you can tell the color on her back is not dark anymore.
10. I feed my puppies IAMS Lamb and Rice and I do not have any skin problems and it also helps them grow and develop correctly. There are many highly advertised dog foods out there, but that does not mean they are good for your dogs. I was swayed by a major dog company's advertisement and started my puppies on their food. I started getting problems with Rickets. I was very upset because I had never had this problem, but I listened to my vet and put them back on IAMS. I am very glad I did. I cannot recommend enough about this dog food. It is the dog food I send home with each of my puppies and I hope you will continue to feed it to them.
Iams Puppy Lamb and Rice Formula
Meets the unique nutritional demands of growing puppies
Hope this helps a little and if you have any special questions, please write or call whichever, I don't mind in the least. I have stayed in touch with many people over the years who have bought puppies from me and I always enjoy hearing how they are doing and getting pictures. Love those pictures. Thank all of you for giving my kids a good home with love and attention. They give us so much with their unquestionable love and devotion they deserve the best we can give them.
Need to order some items for your puppy? You can do a search here and check
out PETsMART for what you want.
