New Puppy!

FrenchieDante · Jun 8, 2014

My puppy was born May 2nd, and I will be bringing him home June 27! His name is Dante. I guess that means he will be 8 weeks? The breeder said he will be 9 weeks... But the dates don't match up. Anyway, I'm nervous as heck! I'm a first time puppy raiser (i've had puppies growing up, but I was not responsible for them). I'm already freaking out about parvo, overheating and feeding. Will take any and all advice!

eeturk · Jun 8, 2014

Welcome! I too was a first time puppy owner when I got my little guy (now 7 months). It is definitely a learning curve, but places like this are great for all of your questions! I am crazy overprotective mom and I worry tons too, so I feel your pain! Please post pictures and updates, we love to see them! Things like feeding vary based on your dog (I just now figured food out for mine and I've had him since 12 weeks!).

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Alice Kable · Jun 9, 2014

Welcome and congratulations on your puppy!

2bullymama · Jun 9, 2014

:welcome3: And congrats! We can all help you along... Ask any question you have someone will have had experience or insight to help

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Julie Stevenson · Jun 9, 2014

Congrats! Yes lots if help in here. Love this board

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FrenchieDante · Jun 9, 2014

Thanks everyone. I am so excited to embark on this journey. So, I was wrong. Will be bringing the puppy home July 7 -- he will be 9 1/2 weeks and will have his first set of vaccinations June 27! I am scared to death to take the puppy outside until he is finished his vaccinations. I live in a city, so I don't want to take any chances. Hoping I can take him out before 16 weeks though... What a boring beginning of life to be stuck inside!

Schimpfy · Jun 10, 2014

Hi I was just in your shoes we found dogs who had their shots and started his socialization asap and started socializing with all sorts of people immediately. As long as you are willing to carry him around until his second shots he can get out and socialize. At this stage the main problem is biting they seem like sharks but this does get better in time and practice it is normal so do not freak out or worry that something is wrong. I recommend crate training and good food right off the bat as it plays a huge part in development and allergies. I feed mine Fromm puppy gold. They also like carrots, apples, yogurt and so much more as you will find out through your studies. Oh and by the way, they can be the most stubborn of all breeds and then there is the stink eye my Chance is developing his. Another good hint toys do not have to be expensive to start as they will be destroyed, empty pop bottle, old towel, broom just always remember to supervise as they chew and swallow anything. String is one of the worst and it can wrap around the intestine so get in the habit of checking his toys and chucking any damaged ones. Have fun, give and receive lots of loving and do not forget to tell us stories and show us pics.

davidh · Jun 10, 2014

Congrats on your new pup, and we are looking forward in seeing pics of your baby. Here is a great article from our sister site about welcoming pups to your home. It will work for Frenchies too.

http://www.englishbulldognews.com/content.php?354-Welcoming-Home-Your-New-Bulldog-Puppy We feed ours FROMM Puppy Gold in the Pink bag and they do great on it. We started Henri who was 9 weeks old when we got him, about 1/4 cup three times a day. He is 16 weeks now and we are feeding him just a little under 1/2 cup three times a day. Once he is about 6 months of age we will cut back to twice a day and about the same amount, but just cut in half. Once they get get about 18 months of age you can start to cut back on their food, so they will not get over weight. We feed out adult females 1/2 cup twice a day.

FrenchieDante · Jun 11, 2014

Thanks for all the feeding advice! I was wondering if you all could give me some recommendations on safe, unsupervised toys. Dante will be in his crate while I'm at work, with some good friends coming over to take him out and spend an hour with him while I'm gone until he gets bigger. Lucky for Dante, I only work 3-4 days a week. I feel horrible to leave him from 6-2am, with only an hour play break in between. I'll feel especially horrible if he has no toys to play with!! Should I leave something in his crate for him? I've heard Nylabones are good, but not fool-proof. Also Kongs... But again, not fool-proof.

eeturk · Jun 11, 2014

We use antlers! They don't splinter and my guy is a heavy chewer hasn't managed to break off chunks of anything

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Jakeyjake · Jun 12, 2014

"We use antlers! They don't splinter and my guy is a heavy chewer hasn't managed to break off chunks of anything"

We use antlers too. They can be a bit pricey, but they last for a very long time. We have found the ones that are split down the middle to be the most appealing for our pups so they can get to the marrow. Good luck and congrats!

eeturk · Jun 12, 2014

Jakeyjake said:
"We use antlers! They don't splinter and my guy is a heavy chewer hasn't managed to break off chunks of anything"

We use antlers too. They can be a bit pricey, but they last for a very long time. We have found the ones that are split down the middle to be the most appealing for our pups so they can get to the marrow. Good luck and congrats!

Agree with the split ones. Also if you have a tj maxx or similar store, try there. Mine constantly has antlers on clearance and I pay about $3 for the medium sized ones versus like $20 at the pet store!

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