Taking Your Puppy Home Basics

We are so excited for you to bring your puppy home! Your pup has already received much care, love and consistency of care at our home. We are providing the details of our routine in hopes that it will support you in caring for your new family member in the best possible way.

To begin with I usually suggest this list in preparation for your pup.

  • 2 bowls – one for water, one for food
  • 3 dog beds so that you don’t have to carry them around
  • 4 Soft blankets
  • First Aid for Dogs kit which you can find on any good dog site like chewey.com
  • Put a roll of paper towels in your car and a 1 gal plastic bag in case of accidents like vomiting or ….
  • Bully sticks
  • Hooves
  • Real meat treats with no chemicals what so ever
  • Sweater or coat for cold weather
  • Light shirt for sunshine if your dog has thin coat and pink skin

The First Week – A Crucial Time

When you bring your puppy home it is so important not to overwhelm its sensibilities with loud noises, busy days, lack of rest and too much handling. These are very common mistakes people make.

However, if you instead take the first 3 days to live quietly with your pup, get your schedules down, allow him or her to investigate his indoors and outdoor environments and get used to the new water taste that will definitely occur… then your puppy’s immune system makes a bounce and the grief of the changes it has suffered begin to shift to new joys and the depth of your new relationship.

Once the first 3 days are over, you can invite people to come visit and meet your pup. Don’t allow them to carry your pup around as it is very dangerous should someone drop your pup from the height of being held. I always recommend to invite people to hold the pup on a chair or couch with carpeting or a soft floor beneath or even better get on the floor with the puppy and do a 5 minutes Hands On Play time with the pup. That is really fun.

Finally toward the end of the week it may be time to take your pup for a ride in the car. Make it short and visit with your pup while you ride. A sweet time to get out and see the world. All the while keeping the schedules of eating, rest, play and time with you in place.

When you roll out of week one with your new friend, they will have the confidence to meet more complicated situations without having to be vigilant and will be excited to meet the new people, places and things that surround your world.

Consistency As a Form of Communication to Dogs

Serving your dog consistently with the environment, structure, rest and play it needs communicates to your dog it’s importance in your life. A puppy will blossom it’s own unique personality when it’s needs are met consistently. It will have all the energy required to listen, to learn and to love.

Think about what your life is like if you don’t eat on time. Do you get agitated? Or weak? Or maybe just want to sleep? Dogs are really no different. They need the consistent inputs of daily life to be reasonable and quality so that they can pursue the interests in their lives just like us.

Your puppy will learn swiftly if it isn’t worrying if it is going to eat or not or if it is hungry. It won’t be anxious if it can count on when you come home and when it goes out to the bathroom.

All of these actions speak volumes to your pup as they would with any living thing. So, understand that taking your puppy home is just the beginning of your discipline to giving it a consistently reliable life so it can give you the love, humor and best friend you always wanted.

One last note, think about a person in your life who you could always count on. Do you count the few loves of your life? Dogs do the same.

Bringing Your Puppy Home

First remember that your pup is going through a huge change. They may have never been outside if you got it at 8 weeks old. People changes, dog family changes, time alone changes, sleeping pattern changes in a crate instead of a pen, water changes and so on. Be gentle and aware that they will need a few days to settle in and give yourself and your pup the time they need to move out of the shock of the transition and into daily life routines and relationships.

How Do You Get Your Dog to Come When You Call It? – The 1000 Times Rule

Having your pup come when you call them is vitally important to ease of living and for safety. It is crucial if your dog gets loose to come when you call them back or they can get injured, hit by a car or lost. Also, dogs that listen to their name and respond relevantly are dogs with relationships that work with their people. So, there is a good attitude on everyone’s part both dog and person which simply feels good.

The 1000 times rule is a great tool to use to get your dog to come to you for life. This beats obedience class by far! It’s simple, the idea is to get your dog to come to you successfully from the very beginning of knowing one another 1000 times. It sounds ominous, but it actually moves very swiftly. You would be surprised how many opportunities a day there are to call your dog.

So, in the beginning you start off with easy name calling and responding by calling him or her to dinner or calling them to go outside with you, or for a treat or when you sit on the floor and call them to play. The idea is that you call your dog 1000 times successfully and increase the difficulty as you gain stability in their response. For instance, you wouldn’t call your dog at the moment someone is arriving at your door. Yet most people do that without thinking and the dog relates the use of his or her name to being kept away from the fun things. Or you say the name when you are correcting them.

The 1000 times rule suggests you move from sweet moment to sweet moment developing easy response situations where your pup is most likely to come to you. So if you are outside and your pup is running wild and you want then to come in? Just sit on the ground and get interested in a twig or leaf or something at hand. Talk about it out loud for a second or two and then call the dog to check it out with you. When the dog comes show it to them and give a love. Then get up to go inside and the dog will most generally follow.

This takes 2 things. The first is an attitude that I know my dog wants to do what I want them to do and second it takes a trustful attitude. You have to have a right mind, not a fearful mind telling yourself that no matter what you do the dog won’t come. You want to be relaxed and stead instead.

People say they don’t have time. I always laugh at that because an untrained dog who doesn’t come to its name steals more time than you can imagine. Putting the few seconds into the 1000 times rule daily until you get to 1000 times is easy, sweet and takes less and less time each time you are successful. Your pup will develop muscle memory and want to do it naturally.

This rule applies to everyone in the family. For instance if there are 2 children and 2 parents, then it will involve 4000 times in total! Yeah, sounds like a lot. But as I said, it goes swiftly and you will be doing things just like it anyway. Why not do what works best?

Bedtime

Your new pup will require a great deal of rest. Dogs sleep many more hours than we do, an average of 16 to be exact. We suggest keeping your schedule pretty homebound and restful for the first 3 days. It will definitely help with potty training as stressors will subside and the new relationships will enter your pups life.

Let your pup learn the lay of the land, so to speak. They need to get used to the food and water changes, find their rhythm sleeping in their dog bed, eating and learning where and when all their daily affairs are conducted!

The key is a consistency for their sleep cycle, eating and outside times. (See The Daily Routine and Housebreaking Made Easy article)

Whatever rhythm works for your family has to work for the pup. Remember, waiting is never the best choice as they are learning and require redundancy to build muscle memory.

Your pup is used to an 8:00 pm bedtime with a 6 am wake-up, but can easily adjust to the new rhythms of your family if they are done little by little.

Crating your pup until he or she is housebroken is best. It will also help him or her feel safe and clear about a space or den of it’s own. And then once the training is over it will be able to sleep with you easily, but can use their den whenever they want.

Though I recommend using a crate at least an hour a day for all dogs at least 5 days a week to reduce stress if on occasion they have to go to the vet and be crated while there. The additional stress of having to be crated if they are not used to it while ill is not fun.

We recommend putting a hoof or other item in their crate to chew as a treat when resting. Keep the crate by your bed so your pup doesn’t feel alone and in no time he or she will be settled into a routine.

Place the crate near your bed, cover it, of course making it breathable. If your pup cries at night, tap their crate on the top and say “Nitey Nite” quietly and lovingly. Nothing else. If your pup persists, simply get up and take it outside without any toots and whistles!

That means no goodies at night for putting you to work so that the pup will learn to sleep through the night before calling you to go outside. Having just been removed from their pack, your puppy is going through a big environmental and social change.

Kindness works well here without worry. And dogs, like children, respond to relevant input. If your pup has a need, fill it. Then don’t let your pup go beyond reason if you notice he or she is doing that! Your puppy is intelligent and will play with triggering you to do things as well as you training them!

Eating

Royal Frenchels eating times are at 6:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:30 pm for 8-week olds. We also give a small treat if a pup stays up late to increase blood sugar overnight.

You can shift the timing, but remember not to be sudden. Puppies do well with their natural circadian rhythm. They get up with the sun and go down with the moon. You can play with it, but puppy training is best this way. And they will most likely fall asleep anyway! An hour change is fine one week at a time, shifting it so as not to cause the pup lack of success or unhappiness with whining or soiling at the wrong times.

Food

American dog food companies are killing our dogs. When I was young Labradors lived on the average of 15 years! Now they live an average of 9. What made that difference? Dog food is a huge factor.

When dog food companies put the chemicals in the food they use, and the ingredients to make the food it starts out rather innocent. Then they heat it to exorbitant highs to kill off the bacteria. It not only kills the bacteria it also kills the food value and turns the food to a toxic poison that slowly over time kills your dog too.

Make mealtime a great time with rich delicious meals that matter to a dogs life. They are just like us. They require certain nutrients to grow well, probiotics to digest well and living foods that energize their day, feed their coats and clarify their minds. Yup, dogs can feel just like us, oh so poorly with the dog foods on the market. Even the “organic” “natural” most expensive ones!

A raw food that is well balanced with the nutrients the dogs need is best. We suggest Dr. Marty’s dog food or something similar. No preservatives. No chemicals. Healthy probiotics and great vitamins.

Food is such an important part of any living things life. Dumping bad kibble day after day just doesn’t even really makes sense if you think about it. So, after considering what I am sharing I am sure you will agree.

Your dog looks forward to variety, fresh ingredients and a well prepared meal just like you!

Water

A word about water. Water changes effect dogs considerably which many people take lightly. Water is a big deal for dogs. They taste it, smell it and look forward to their water regularly. Dogs smell 100 times more than humans. So their water is a bit of a gourmet experience. Your pup has been on well water here at Royal Frenchel so a change to city water means chlorine. So, give them the best water you can get to ensure an easier transition and longer life. Many people use bottled water or have water filtering systems at their homes to get rid of the chemicals.

As your puppy grows you will notice a feeding drops out quite naturally. Just leave that one out (lunchtime). You will find that your pup will end up eating two meals per day, one in the morning and one in the early evening. Royals often tend to eat more at their evening meal.

When feeding your puppy, place food down for 15 minutes or so and watch for signs that your pup is done. When the puppy walks away, take them outside immediately while calling their name and praising them. See below for further housebreaking instructions.

We also use Nuvet vitamins as it supports a great immunity and stable growth of bones, muscles etc. They are the vitamins you get when you purchase your pup.

Housebreaking and Potty Training

Puppies need to go to the bathroom after waking, resting, eating and before sleeping. EVERY TIME!

These are crucial times for your dog’s awareness to form the habits that serve them. It will work every time if you are consistent and immediate.

If you wait, you will pay the consequences at first. However, you are very lucky as Royal Frenchel’s are the easiest dogs in the world to adapt to house training.

So, when your pup first awakens in the morning, take them out swiftly. Or get there while he or she is asleep and wake them with love, harness them while loving sounds are spoken and then walk them out with ease to their place. (Don’t ever use a leash on collars for walking dogs as it isn’t good for them medically. It can cause various symptoms and long-range issues with eyes etc.) Praise your pup well. Go back inside and remember, pups go to the bathroom two times in the morning! So, when the puppy walks away from their food and water, as we said above, take them outside immediately while praising them again. Positive reinforcement is necessary.

These walks are ultimately easiest if you do this by calling your puppy to you and putting their harness on. Then walk to the area outside where you want them to go to the bathroom and tell them the same words each time to go to the bathroom. This command will become a signal to your pup later and make it easy for them to go anywhere, anytime they need to without concern over distractions.

When you bring your puppy in from outside use the 5 Minute Hands-On Play exercise. And if you can do it on the 2nd out and in, play with them for at least 10-30 minutes. Do this in the first month and you will get hooked yourself!

Your pup will associate going to the bathroom well with playtime and will learn very swiftly. Allow them to remain out for at least 45 minutes with an eye on them and within a small area or room that is puppy proof and where you are together.

The idea is to generate success with no accidents. Forty-five minutes before crating is a good time to ensure that success and have a great time.

Then crate with a toy and chew; bone, hoof or bully stick. Keep an eye on our site for fun treats as well. Your puppy will naturally get his rest when he is done playing alone. Then start the routine over again. With this application, there should be no need for obedience class for your pup.

For an in-depth Royal Frenchel Step by Step Method of Housebreaking see Daily Routine and Housebreaking link to article here:

DAILY ROUTINE AND HOUSEBREAKING

Crates

Dogs are den animals and feel safe and secure when they have a special cave of their own to retreat to for naps, breaks and downtime or to hide or store toys! They don’t necessarily relate to them as “prisons” like humans!

You will find the crates we use on our site and are generally 20 to 24 inches depending on the size of your locations. We do not use travel crates as they are not as comfortable for the dog and are made of plastic which isn’t great for the dog either.

Our crates are made from wire and coated with enameled paint. They are easy to clean and sterilize and look well just about anywhere especially with the crate cover you choose. We suggest 2 door crates.  They are best for most locations making it easier to choose how and where you put the crate. The one door crates often don’t work in certain areas as they have only one direction they open in.

We like them because the puppies can see through the wire, and you can cover it easily for a sweet den effect. You can also get three doors on them which makes them really moveable and easy to get in and out of when you want to. However, we don’t find that we use a third crate door which is generally on the top very often. So the two-door is best.

Dogs are den animals and feel safe and secure when they have a special cave of their own to retreat to for naps, breaks and downtime or to hide or store toys! They don’t necessarily relate to them as “prisons” like humans!

You will find the crates we use on our site and are generally 20 to 24 inches depending on the size of your locations. We do not use travel crates as they are not as comfortable for the dog and are made of plastic which isn’t great for the dog either.

 

Our crates are made from wire and coated with enameled paint. They are easy to clean and sterilize and look well just about anywhere especially with the crate cover you choose. We suggest 2 door crates.  They are best for most locations making it easier to choose how and where you put the crate. The one door crates often don’t work in certain areas as they have only one direction they open in.

 

We like them because the puppies can see through the wire, and you can cover it easily for a sweet den effect. You can also get three doors on them which makes them really moveable and easy to get in and out of when you want to. However, we don’t find that we use a third crate door which is generally on the top very often. So the two-door is best.

Signs Of Stress

Take notice of these signs of stress, and if you have any, feel free to phone us or simplify your routine and help your puppy relax in familiar surroundings. Many people don’t realize that overexposure to places and various people handling puppies, including their human families, can make them sick. If you see any of these signs, simplify and allow your puppy an uninterrupted routine. If these signs do not subside within two to three hours, take them to the veterinarian:

  • Runny nose
  • Shaking
  • Lethargy
  • Not eating or drinking (most common for a Royal Frenchel Bulldog)
  • Diahrrea

Puppy Vaccinations

I believe that shots are necessary through the first year both puppy vaccines and the boosters at the end of the year. However, there is much controversy over the yearly booster from then on. I do not give them again, yet in today’s new corporate veterinary experience they suggest yearly boosters. As I said, I don’t find them necessary myself nor would I recommend it unless a new need in your local community with dog ills has arisen which your vet can make you aware of. Otherwise, I always err on the side of fewer medicines.

Many breeders are seeing difficulties with dogs who get shots each year unnecessarily, with compromised immune systems. So, after much consideration and reading (which you can also do along with discussing it with your veterinarian) we do not give yearly shots to our adult dogs.

They are doing very well with this practice. Puppy vaccines are not simple things. They can have effects we don’t want to trigger as well as protect our beloved animals.

You will want to use heartworm medication and receive a rabies vaccination as well. Please refrain from a rabies vaccination for as long as you can. I recommend 6 months old unless you have to for some reason such as dog care protocols at your local dog sitter. Your veterinarian will set you up at the right time for these medications as they occur later the first year. Just remember not to forget to start your heartworm medication by the end of month 11.

Important note:

French Bulldogs (which helped create the Royal Frenchel) are at risk for some anesthetic medicines. Though most vets don’t use them today, some still might.

Please notify your veterinarian about your pup’s line having Frenchie genes. Make certain it goes in their medical record in red to ensure they always remember your pup’s history. They can use other medications easily once they know this information about your mini french bulldog.

That’s it for now! Feel free to contact me with any questions anytime. Remember, you have me for life now! Use me well. I have seen more pups and pup situations than most vet will in their entire careers. I specialize in pups. Though I am not a veterinarian by far, I am very versed in the breeds I have raised and created and know often simple methods of settling issues that may come up at any time in the life of your pup.

Spaying and Neutering

I generally recommend spaying and neutering by the 5th to the 8th month. The 5th month for neutering and the 8th month for spaying. There is no hurry and the hormones activated help brain development so, you want to hold off until the final changes are about to take place of either going into heat or the boy interested in females.

Also, Royal Frenchels are like mini french bulldogs in that they are very small and so you want to wait as long as you can to have surgery and the anesthesia that goes along with it.

Puppy Proofing

Puppy proofing your home for your new pup can be simple if you think of the world of the first 18 inches from the floor up! Remove or hide all cords, wires, plugs, leather objects as pups love leather and absolutely no cleaning supplies within standing height of the pup.

Watch where you put your shoes, how close a chair is to a table as it can be a good launch spot for a pup wanting to investigate the land of that table as well! lol!!!

Be reasonable and simply notice as you would with a baby. Pups are naturally inquisitive and will wonder and get into things you would never think of. So in preparation, think the first 18 inches from the floor up and protect your belongings and your puppy!

Royal Frenchels are not chewers. So your will have an easier time of it with a Royal Frenchel puppy. Also having safe chews around such as toys, bully sticks and hoofs etc. will take up their time quite successfully. Invest in them and make your day easier.

Puppy Training

Royal Frenchel puppy training is the easiest in the world by far. Royals want to know their people and they live for a great balance between themselves and their people. They enjoy serving so learning to communicate what you want with your Royal Frenchel puppy is an easy thing to do.

Just remember to be consistent with both the immediate timing and communication that you make. If your puppy is getting into bad habits, use a water bottle with a red top and say “RED” before spraying it. If the dog does something that you have already told them not to do, say “RED” and spritz them with the water. That is generally the most you have to do with a Royal Frenchel.

Always feel free to contact me should you have questions about training your Royal. I am happy to give you good proven pointers along the way.

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