Puppy Tips and Shopping Tips

Your new baby will need to be kept on the same food as I feed here for a while.

You can slowly switch the baby over to a different food safely, if you gradually change it, taking about one week to do so.

The dry food that I feed here is: Chicken Soup for the dog lovers soul.

A wonderful natural, human grade and never frozen chicken, salmon and much more!

This also can be found in a pet store or some feed stores.

For your westies babies stay away from beef, wheat, soy, brewers yeast and corn.

If you are unable to shop anywhere except in a grocery store, I recommend Purina ONE lamb and rice.

One of the very best dry food, that I love is Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance.

I would feed it all of the time, if I could get it out here.

I can have it shipped in, but have had enough shipping problems, that I had to stop.

If you can get it in your area, it would be well worth the switch.

As far as a RAW diet or a Barf diet, my own thoughts are: I would rather see a semi raw diet and no offense to dedicated raw feeders. But, I have never seen a coat fed on raw that can compare to a kibble or raw and kibble fed dog. Also the color seems to darken and stain with the raw.

I think it is very difficult to be sure a raw diet has all it needs and this is my own thoughts....but I feel more comfortable feeding from an experienced food, all natural and one that ranks high in the "whole dog journal"

I supplement with Vitamin C, 50 to 200 mg. per day, depending on age and size.

a pro biotic to keep the digestive system in good order and help to utilize the nutrition in the food.

when you bring your baby home, use bottled water, gradually changing over to your water and again taking about a week to do so.

You can have wonderful water in your home, but it is still different than what the baby is used to having.

Taking a week to change water and feed, prevents awful messes and a baby with an upset tummy!

by supplying him or her with plenty of their own goodies.

I have baskets full of toys and chews in almost every spot of the ranch.

There are natural cookies, fun toys, balls that you can hide goodies in, and I still like the good old rawhide.

With the rawhide, I usually buy large rawhide bones, and as they chew, be sure and cut off any straggly pieces, we don't want baby to swallow any pieces, just have fun chewing and teething.

You will need a crate that will last and fit, when your baby is grown.

I have the Jeffers icon at the top of the page because they are so much more reasonable for the same brands you will find at the pet stores or in expensive catalogs.

If you are shipping you will need two dishes (please don't forget)

I like a stuffed soft animal as a friend for shipping and chew toys.

If you do not have an enclosed area for your baby and wish you did, look up the exercise pens, they are great! I use them alot at the dog shows, they fold up easily and set up into a 4x4 foot play area.

When shipping by air, we use Northwest VIP, Delta Pet First or Alaskan/Horizon Air.

I generally will ship to neighboring states, if the baby is flying alone. The price ranges from 97.00 - 120.00 on Alaskan/Horizon

However NW is where you find the best longer distance flights, with the least amount of stops and flying time.

If the baby has very far to go, I prefer that you fly in yourself and take the baby back in the cabin with you.

This eliminates all the worry and gives you time to bond with your new baby.

A few years ago, a dear malamute friend was taking the babies to their homes by Van. This was wonderful.

My Son and life long friend will do the transporting and spoiling of the babies, taking them to many states across the country.

These young men have been raised with the westies and mals all of their lives and they have been working with me for many years also.

getting out on the road, so we won't have to worry about shipping the babies any longer.

We lost a baby after she went to her new home, due to chewing on an electrical cord.

It was a family get together and while no one was looking, it happened.

The baby could have been saved, if the people would have noticed what had happened and took her to the Vet right away. However waiting until morning proved fatal.

Keep your little baby off of the beds and furniture while unattended.

We also lost a baby after she went to her new home, because of falling off of the bed on to her neck.

They just stepped away for a second and that is too long.

Remember a determined little terrier can do amazing things!

They were designed for digging, they do it seldom if they are not left alone for long periods of time.

However a bored and lonely baby can get away from you so fast, and you will be heartbroken.

Many babies are stolen, lost, hurt by other large animals or hit by a car.

Upset tummies can happen and when they do, go to a white rice diet with a little chicken broth for a day or two. Pepto Bismo is great stuff, every four hours.

If you see an awful watery diarrhea, vomiting, call your VET immediately.

As mentioned in the policy page, your baby will have all of the vaccines he or she needs for their age, before leaving the ranch.

are the ones that I use, they are the best and the best in the order written.

I will send you a health record with instructions on what else your puppy needs.

NEVER EVER DO YOU LET ANYONE, VET'S INCLUDED GIVE YOUR BABY A RABIES VACCINE BEFORE 6 MONTHS OF AGE AND I PREFER A YEAR OLD.

There have been 4 babies die because of this, I tell everyone about it and many are talked into a rabies vaccine by their Vet.

terriers do not tolerate them and many have been in seizures within minutes after getting the vaccine.

Strongid given every 2 weeks until they reach one month old, then every three weeks.

At 2 months old, I will worm again with Panacure, for three days in a row and once again 2 weeks after. I will have a fecal done at this time. (Which is a test from the Vet to make sure there are no worms in your baby.)

All Puppies are born with worms. And the Mother can be completely clear of worms, but babies will still be born with them.

You should worm your puppy at 4 months old and have a fecal done to make sure they are clear of worms.

If your puppy has any worms, after the worming, you will see dead worms in the stool. Don't be alarmed, this is a good thing :o)

One of the best ways I know for a new baby to sleep is: Put the baby in a crate with lots of toys and a chew. Set the crate by your bed, where you can reach in with your fingers if they start to cry.

Remember, it is loud here and they feel more comfortable with a radio playing softly or there are several toys you can buy, that have music and some with heartbeats.

When you have to go somewhere without baby, or you are busy, or just need a housebreaking break.....

Put the baby in their crate for some downtime, they need a break too.

Babies still sleep so much, at a young age and they need their rest.

Include the chews and toys and they are safe and learn that is their very own little hideaway.

I have found it best to think of your new furbaby as a small toddler.

They are in the house with you and then they are taken outside to go to the bathroom and that is the furthest thing from their mind. It can be frustrating and this does require lots of patience :o)

They go outside into a whole new world! It's exciting and adventurous! Going to the bathroom is the Very Last Thing on their mind.

Take a lunch or a good long book with you, the outside world needs to become ordinary, as the inside of your house has become. When it becomes not quite so exciting, they will settle down and start realizing going to the bathroom outside is a good thing and mom and dad are so happy!

If they do eliminate themselves in the house, be sure and take it outside to a spot you are preferring they go to. Even if it's a puppy pad, take it out or a paper towel you cleaned up a wet spot with.

Keep in mind, if you don't spend enough time outside and bring them in to soon, the excitement will leave as they are brought in and that is when they remember " oh, I have to go to the bathroom"

My husband used to tease me and say, "hurry and bring the puppies inside, they probably are out there squirming and have to go to the bathroom!"

Rewards seem to hurry the whole learning experience also.

I do not have allergy problems in my babies, but many do and I receive so many e-mails from worried westie parents.

However there are many things that can become an itchy problem.

Green grass is fun to roll on! And pick up those tiny little bugs that bite!

Flea bites are horrible! And many are allergic to them, which makes it so much worse.

Many times it is the food, something is a little to rich for them, protein to high or the food may contain to much of one ingredient. I have a couple of dear westie friends that truly believe in Eagle pack lamb and rice, and also...I love the Natural Balance.

Remember about never pulling moisture from the coat, be careful when you buy your shampoos and careful with your treats also.

If you have an adult westie with serious itching problems, drop me an e-mail and I will share my knowledge of these problems with you. And try to direct you to a person who can help you, if I can't.

I will update this page frequently with new tips . (last update 06/09/04)


	THE ROBINS RANCH \| home Puppy Tips and Shopping Tips PUPPY CARE Your new baby will need to be kept on the same food as I feed here for a while. You can slowly switch the baby over to a different food safely, if you gradually change it, taking about one week to do so. The dry food that I feed here is: Chicken Soup for the dog lovers soul. A wonderful natural, human grade and never frozen chicken, salmon and much more! You can find this in a pet store and some feed stores. I also feed Pro Plan Natural This also can be found in a pet store or some feed stores. For your westies babies stay away from beef, wheat, soy, brewers yeast and corn. If you are unable to shop anywhere except in a grocery store, I recommend Purina ONE lamb and rice. One of the very best dry food, that I love is Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance. I would feed it all of the time, if I could get it out here. I can have it shipped in, but have had enough shipping problems, that I had to stop. If you can get it in your area, it would be well worth the switch. As far as a RAW diet or a Barf diet, my own thoughts are: I would rather see a semi raw diet and no offense to dedicated raw feeders. But, I have never seen a coat fed on raw that can compare to a kibble or raw and kibble fed dog. Also the color seems to darken and stain with the raw. I think it is very difficult to be sure a raw diet has all it needs and this is my own thoughts....but I feel more comfortable feeding from an experienced food, all natural and one that ranks high in the "whole dog journal" I supplement with Vitamin C, 50 to 200 mg. per day, depending on age and size. 50 mg as a baby. I also use Probios a pro biotic to keep the digestive system in good order and help to utilize the nutrition in the food. WATER when you bring your baby home, use bottled water, gradually changing over to your water and again taking about a week to do so. You can have wonderful water in your home, but it is still different than what the baby is used to having. Taking a week to change water and feed, prevents awful messes and a baby with an upset tummy! CHEWING prevent your baby chewing precious things of yours, by supplying him or her with plenty of their own goodies. I have baskets full of toys and chews in almost every spot of the ranch. There are natural cookies, fun toys, balls that you can hide goodies in, and I still like the good old rawhide. With the rawhide, I usually buy large rawhide bones, and as they chew, be sure and cut off any straggly pieces, we don't want baby to swallow any pieces, just have fun chewing and teething. SHOPPING When you go baby shopping: You will need a crate that will last and fit, when your baby is grown. This is called a 200 or 300 series. I have the Jeffers icon at the top of the page because they are so much more reasonable for the same brands you will find at the pet stores or in expensive catalogs. the crates approx. measure 27 x 20 x 19 You will want a nice soft snugly pad or blanket. a dish for water, a crock works great! If you are shipping you will need two dishes (please don't forget) I like a stuffed soft animal as a friend for shipping and chew toys. If you do not have an enclosed area for your baby and wish you did, look up the exercise pens, they are great! I use them alot at the dog shows, they fold up easily and set up into a 4x4 foot play area. SHIPPING When shipping by air, we use Northwest VIP, Delta Pet First or Alaskan/Horizon Air. I generally will ship to neighboring states, if the baby is flying alone. The price ranges from 97.00 - 120.00 on Alaskan/Horizon Delta's pet program usually costs approx. 168.00 Northwest at 225. - 300.00 However NW is where you find the best longer distance flights, with the least amount of stops and flying time. If the baby has very far to go, I prefer that you fly in yourself and take the baby back in the cabin with you. This eliminates all the worry and gives you time to bond with your new baby. A few years ago, a dear malamute friend was taking the babies to their homes by Van. This was wonderful. Each baby had attention, excellent care and was SAFE. We do plan on starting up this service again, this fall. My Son and life long friend will do the transporting and spoiling of the babies, taking them to many states across the country. These young men have been raised with the westies and mals all of their lives and they have been working with me for many years also. We are looking forward to the "Puppy Luv Express" getting out on the road, so we won't have to worry about shipping the babies any longer. ELECTRICAL CORDS Puppy proof your home! We lost a baby after she went to her new home, due to chewing on an electrical cord. It was a family get together and while no one was looking, it happened. The baby could have been saved, if the people would have noticed what had happened and took her to the Vet right away. However waiting until morning proved fatal. Keep your little baby off of the beds and furniture while unattended. We also lost a baby after she went to her new home, because of falling off of the bed on to her neck. They just stepped away for a second and that is too long. PLAY YARDS Puppy proof your yard also! Remember a determined little terrier can do amazing things! They were designed for digging, they do it seldom if they are not left alone for long periods of time. However a bored and lonely baby can get away from you so fast, and you will be heartbroken. Many babies are stolen, lost, hurt by other large animals or hit by a car. Think Ahead Upset Tummies Babies are very similar to little vacuum's :o) Upset tummies can happen and when they do, go to a white rice diet with a little chicken broth for a day or two. Pepto Bismo is great stuff, every four hours. 1/4 tsp. for a baby. If you see an awful watery diarrhea, vomiting, call your VET immediately. You could be facing Parvo, Corona or Coccidia. VACCINES AND WORMINGS As mentioned in the policy page, your baby will have all of the vaccines he or she needs for their age, before leaving the ranch. However, they will probably need from one to two more. Fort Dodge Duramune, Proguard, Vanguard Plus are the ones that I use, they are the best and the best in the order written. I will send you a health record with instructions on what else your puppy needs. NEVER EVER DO YOU LET ANYONE, VET'S INCLUDED GIVE YOUR BABY A RABIES VACCINE BEFORE 6 MONTHS OF AGE AND I PREFER A YEAR OLD. There have been 4 babies die because of this, I tell everyone about it and many are talked into a rabies vaccine by their Vet. terriers do not tolerate them and many have been in seizures within minutes after getting the vaccine. LYME vaccines do not do well either. KENNEL COUGH only to be given in nasal form. LEPTO only to be given after 16 weeks of age. WORMINGS Your baby will also be up to date on their wormings. Strongid given every 2 weeks until they reach one month old, then every three weeks. At 2 months old, I will worm again with Panacure, for three days in a row and once again 2 weeks after. I will have a fecal done at this time. (Which is a test from the Vet to make sure there are no worms in your baby.) All Puppies are born with worms. And the Mother can be completely clear of worms, but babies will still be born with them. You should worm your puppy at 4 months old and have a fecal done to make sure they are clear of worms. If your puppy has any worms, after the worming, you will see dead worms in the stool. Don't be alarmed, this is a good thing :o) BEDDY BY TIME One of the best ways I know for a new baby to sleep is: Put the baby in a crate with lots of toys and a chew. Set the crate by your bed, where you can reach in with your fingers if they start to cry. Remember, it is loud here and they feel more comfortable with a radio playing softly or there are several toys you can buy, that have music and some with heartbeats. WHEN YOUR BUSY When you have to go somewhere without baby, or you are busy, or just need a housebreaking break..... Put the baby in their crate for some downtime, they need a break too. Babies still sleep so much, at a young age and they need their rest. Include the chews and toys and they are safe and learn that is their very own little hideaway. HOUSEBREAKING I have found it best to think of your new furbaby as a small toddler. They are in the house with you and then they are taken outside to go to the bathroom and that is the furthest thing from their mind. It can be frustrating and this does require lots of patience :o) But, as a toddler reacts, so does the puppy. They go outside into a whole new world! It's exciting and adventurous! Going to the bathroom is the Very Last Thing on their mind. They forget all about it and want to play and explore. Take a lunch or a good long book with you, the outside world needs to become ordinary, as the inside of your house has become. When it becomes not quite so exciting, they will settle down and start realizing going to the bathroom outside is a good thing and mom and dad are so happy! If they do eliminate themselves in the house, be sure and take it outside to a spot you are preferring they go to. Even if it's a puppy pad, take it out or a paper towel you cleaned up a wet spot with. Keep in mind, if you don't spend enough time outside and bring them in to soon, the excitement will leave as they are brought in and that is when they remember " oh, I have to go to the bathroom" My husband used to tease me and say, "hurry and bring the puppies inside, they probably are out there squirming and have to go to the bathroom!" Rewards seem to hurry the whole learning experience also. ITCHY BABIES I do not have allergy problems in my babies, but many do and I receive so many e-mails from worried westie parents. However there are many things that can become an itchy problem. Green grass is fun to roll on! And pick up those tiny little bugs that bite! Flea bites are horrible! And many are allergic to them, which makes it so much worse. Many times it is the food, something is a little to rich for them, protein to high or the food may contain to much of one ingredient. I have a couple of dear westie friends that truly believe in Eagle pack lamb and rice, and also...I love the Natural Balance. Try one of these, switch slowly. Remember about never pulling moisture from the coat, be careful when you buy your shampoos and careful with your treats also. If you have an adult westie with serious itching problems, drop me an e-mail and I will share my knowledge of these problems with you. And try to direct you to a person who can help you, if I can't. I will update this page frequently with new tips . (last update 06/09/04) Have a wonderful day!