BONNIE BLUE DOODLES

This is information that I have learned the hard way through out the years. I am in no way a substitute for a licensed veternarian. These are just helpful hints & reccommendations that I have found work for me. Take what you want & leave the rest.

The rule of thumb is if your dog isn't show quality, then he or she isn't breeding quality. Check your dog against the AKC or CKC breed standard. If your dog follows the breed standard, has a good bite, straight legs, etc. plus a fantastic temperament then you are able to breed your dog.

Never breed your female on her 1st heat or before she is at least 1 year old (18 months to 2 years old for larger breeds).

Most breeders skip every 3rd heat cycle to let the mother rest. Never breed every cycle under any circumstances. And if your female had a large litter or there were any complications, make sure you skip her next heat cycle to let her rest so your puppies & mother will be healthier.

 

 

When you bring your new puppy home always keep him or her on the same food that the breeder had him or her on for at least 2 weeks. Then you can slowly change it, if you feel the need to.

To change the food introduce the new food into the puppy's diet mixed with the old food over a 10 day to 2 week period gradually adding a little bit more new food & a little less old food each day. By the end of the 2 week period the puppy will be completely switched to the new food.

I always reccommend a NATURAL PREMIUM DOG FOOD. I personally reccommend NATURAL BALANCE PREMIUM DOG & PUPPY FOOD. All of my dogs have always done fantastic on it! I would NEVER feed a 'grocery store' type dog food!

If your dog is scratching & biting it's fur & tail they usually either have fleas or are allergic to their food. Dogs with allergies also lick their paws constantly.

The top ingredients in dog food that dogs are usually allergic to are CORN, BEEF, & PRESERVATIVES. Natural Balance Pet foods do not contain any wheat, corn, beef or preservatives in any of their varieties of dog & cat foods.

Take some time & read the labels & it will help you decide what food you really do want to feed your dog. The #1 ingredient should be a MEAT not a GRAIN!

 

Dogs need clear, clean water available to them constantly.

I have found that if I give my dogs filtered water exclusively then I do not get any yellow spots on my yard. Try it, it really works!

I swear by stainless steel dog dishes. They are practically indestructable, dishwasher safe, afforadable, & don't cause discoloration to your dogs face.

Plastic dishes can & do cause discoloration on the face & nose.

Crockery is nice too, but it breaks.