Preparing for your New Puppy...

We recommend reading the following books: 

My Smart Puppy & How to Train Your Dog to Come by Sarah Wilson and 

The Loved Dog by Tamar Gellar (see the links below).

A new "Teddy Bear", Shichon, Shihpoo or Maltipoo puppy will need to have nap times throughout the day to rest.  It is also important that he has a warm place to sleep. Be aware that play times are kept short, whether the play is with people or other pets. Puppies can play themselves into exhaustion or not take the time to eat or drink. All contact between a new Teddy Bear Shichon, Shihpoo or Maltipoo puppy and resident pet should be supervised for the first two weeks. Be especially careful if your other pets are much larger than your new puppy. Until your Teddy Bear Puppy has completed its immunization shots, remember to keep your Teddy Bear Shichon, Shihpoo puppy away from areas where non-resident pets may frequent. When your puppy comes home, it is NOT fully immune to the many devastating and fatal viruses until all booster shots have been given. Puppy booster shots are typically completed at 4-5 months of age.  We encourage you to speak with your licensed Veterinarian about completing these vaccinations when you receive your puppy.  

Your Shichon/ Zuchon or Shihpoo puppy will be up to date with our excellent deworming and vaccination program when he/she goes home! Your new "Teddy Bear", Shichon, Shihpoo or Maltipoo puppy should be eating two-three times a day, 1/4 cup of dry food (approximate).  We recommend Life Abundance and can purchase from this link > https://lifesabundance.com/timbercreekpuppies as your puppy grows follow the directions on the bag for the age and weight of your puppy. It is essential that puppies eat small meals often. Missing a single meal can cause these puppies to have dangerously low glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Do not put the food in a bowl and assume your puppy is eating. If necessary, we will instruct you on giving the puppy ½ teaspoon of chicken baby food or EnerCal morning and evening until a jar/tube is finished.  

Your puppy can be switched to an adult formula food between 9-12 mo. of age.

 If you choose to switch to a different brand of dog food, the change must be a gradual one. 

This gradual change will be better for your puppy.

Keep household cleaners & chemicals out of your new puppy's reach. 

Restrict access to food, plants and chemicals that are dangerous to dogs:  

-Foods: chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, chives, moldy foods, alcoholic beverages, nuts, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, corn on the cob, Xylitol, milk. 

-Plants: Azalea, Amaryllis, Daffodil, Bird of Paradise, Eucalyptus, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Calla Lilly, Morning Glory, Rhododendron, Rose, Jade, Tomato plants, Tulips, Poison Ivy/Oak

-Chemicals: Antifreeze, Ibuprofen, rat bait.