FOOD & WATER
Your puppy should remain on puppy food until they reach a year old. Feed your puppy three to four small meals each day for a total of 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food daily. Their tiny stomachs can't handle large portions, so frequent feeding helps maintain their blood sugar levels and supports healthy growth. If you change from the food we have been using, remember to do so gradually by mixing the new with the Pedigree Puppy so their digestive system can handle the change. Be sure to choose a food that is formulated for small breeds and always have fresh water available.

BEDDING
Your new puppy is still a baby and needs plenty of rest during the day. They will do best in a small, quiet area away from a lot of noise. Be sure their bed is in a small space that is comfortably warm. Let this be their safe space. Some puppies do best with a snuggle buddy with a heart beat. You will go home with a blanket with Nola's scent on it. Keep it in their bedding area so they have mama's scent close by.

POTTY TRAINING
Set a routine! Puppies should go outside first thing in the morning, right after a nap, before and immediately after snuggles and playtime, and right before bedtime. At first, you will want to bring your puppy outside frequently - maybe even every 20 minutes! Be consistent! Use the same phrase each time you bring them out. We use the phrase, "Let's go potty" as we open the door and reinforce potty time with "Go potty" while we are outside. Be sure to use the same door and take your puppy to the same spot. You may want to use the hanging bells on your door knob! Some puppies do great with learning to ring the bell to let you know it's time to go out!

WHAT TO EXPECT
For the first few days, you may see some of these things that are considered normal: whining or crying, loose stools, potty accidents, separation anxiety, timidness, lack of appetite, and teething.

To help your puppy adjust, it is recommended that you spend plenty of time with them and help them get used to you and your family as well as their new routine. Puppies do best on a routine - including a consistent bedime, potty times, and meal times. Give your puppy time to adjust to their new environment before beginning training sessions or unnecessary outings. 

LOTS of potty breaks, playing and cuddling will help grow the bond between you and your new puppy. Be sure to have toys on hand for them to chew on. Puppies will be teething soon and need that chew toy! 

Their little nails can get caught very easily! Be careful to pull the material off of their nails. Don't yank! If you hear your puppy whining, it may signal the need to potty, have something wrong, or simply miss you. Remember: Licks are Puppy Kisses! 

WHAT TO AVOID
We recommend that you avoid highly populated areas, such as dog parks, vet clinic floors, busy dog friendly areas, dogs you don't personally know, kennels, overly loud noises such as fireworks. Don't leave your puppy alone where they can fall, chew electrical cords (or shoes), or chew something they could choke on! 

Do not leave your puppy alone with another pet or small child. Supervising your new puppy while it is with another pet or small child is the best way to protect your puppy from an accident. 

Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, we suggest keeping them away from dogs you do not know. Only dogs that are up to date on shots and that have never been in contact with Parvo should be around your puppy. If you have a dog who has had Parvo in the past, we recommend keeping your puppy in his own area away from the other pet until your puppy is fully vaccinated. Parvo is highly contagious and very difficult to get rid of. Preventing contact with potentially contaminated areas and adhering to your vet schedule is very important in making your puppy's health a priority.