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Looking for a special family member? We at CR Puppy Love are here to help you do just that.

 
 


 

Congratulations!

So, you have decided, (or almost decided) to purchase a puppy! The information on this page will help you with all those questions you are now contemplating, and will make the puppies transition from his present home to yours a more pleasant experience for everyone involved. And yes, it saves the breeder a ton of typing e-mails, and leaves them with more time to play with their puppies!

 

Please Puppy Proof In Advance!!

Make sure you prepare your home, garage and yard before giving the puppy the run of these areas. Remember the home and yard is an exciting and potentially dangerous place for a new puppy. Inside, check for exposed electric cords, open cabinets with anything toxic (oven or drain cleaners, insect poisons or traps, floor and furniture polish, anti-freeze, lawn chemicals and paint, anything that common sense tells you wouldn't be healthy for your puppy.) stored there, closets that you don't want the puppy in, doors that do not latch securely, trash cans should have lids to keep the puppy out, plants or anything on the floor that could harm the puppy. Holiday's are potentially dangerous for the puppy. Electrical cords, Christmas tree tinsel, ribbons, needles and thread, string and rubber bands can all be deadly if swallowed by your puppy. Use baby gates to keep your puppy in safe areas. Shoes are common casualties to new puppies, keep them safely put away in closed closets. Children's toys also frequently fall victim to teething puppies. (Good way to teach the kids to keep their toys picked up?) Have a few chew toys ready for the puppy to start proper training right off the bat. Don't forget the yard! Check your fence for escape holes, gaps at the bottom of the fence, between gates or corners that may of been fine to hold an adult dog, but not your new little puppy. Make sure the fence is high enough to hold an adult dog, extra fencing may be necessary to surround backyard swimming pools, ponds, gardens and compost piles. Keep outdoor trash, lawn chemicals, gardening tools,  potted plants and any other object that may hurt the puppy out of his reach.  Remember this little guy or gal is in a new world and very much an explorer and has no idea what is dangerous and what isn't.


Picking up your Puppy at the Airport?

First, check with your local airline to see exactly where you are to pick your puppy up. In some cases, puppy's come into the main terminal, in other airports they go to the cargo buildings. You will need your airway bill number, (which you will get when shipping arrangements are made) and a photo ID in most cases to claim your puppy. Leave home in plenty of time to get there and find the place to pick up your puppy. When your puppy leaves the breeder, he should be freshly bathed, but quite often, puppy's get air sick, or can't hold it for the entire trip, so bring along some paper towels, and if you have access to it, a bag of shredded paper, it works much better at keeping messes off your puppy then just a towel or newspapers laid flat in the bottom of the crate. There should be feed and water dishes attached to the crate, so you don't have to worry about bringing those. Depending on how far you have to drive home, you may need to bring some feed, to start the feed changing process, and a bottle of water. Some kennels have deep water wells, with pure, untreated water, so if you have a source of non-chlorinated water, it would be better for the puppy. If you  are not far from home, it most likely will be better not to feed the puppy at the airport, though a drink of water should be offered. The exception to this rule would be toy breed puppy, these need frequent feedings to avoid sugar shock. Please do not try to leash break your pup in the airport parking lot. New collars can be difficult to get adjusted right, and your puppy will undoubtedly have a tantrum his first few times on a leash, and a busy airport parking lot is not a good place to have a loose puppy!

If you are picking up your puppy from the breeder or from a kennel, it would most likely be best to transport him home in a crate. Puppy's often do get carsick. You will need the same supplies as for the airport pickup, paper towels and shredded paper, and feed and water dishes for longer trips home. The breeder will send home some feed for him, and if you have a long trip, a jug of our good water will be needed.


Feeding

A bag of feed will usually be attached to your puppies crate if shipped, or given to you when you pick up your puppy. This is the feed that they are accustom to eating. You will need to decide before hand what type of puppy food you wish to feed, then over the pups first few days at home, mix the 2 feeds together, gradually increasing the amount of the new feed. This will help prevent sudden changes to the digestive system of the pup. Usually a breeder will attach to your pup's crate a puppy starter kit. This kit includes a lot of good information on puppy care, house training, coupons for puppy food, and lots of other goodies. The shot record and registration papers are usually in the starter kit also. Also, the crate your puppy is shipped in will be sufficient in size that you can use it for several weeks if you chose to house break your puppy by crate training it. (the best method, in my opinion.)


Home Coming

As soon as you get home, take your puppy out to the spot in your yard you want him to use for his toilet. Give him some time to explore, sniff, and in general take in his new surroundings. Give him a chance to settle in before offering food, if the flight time and trip home have not been overly long. Puppies will react in one of two ways to new surroundings. They will either be a bit nervous and shy, or in the case of most terriers, they will be ready to explode into action after being crated for so long during shipping. Let them get some exercise, but remember, especially if you have children, pups are just like babies, they do sleep a lot. Make sure you give the puppy some rest time between romping with the human kids. Do not be alarmed if the puppy is a bit shy at first. Remember, they have just left the only home they have ever known, and are in a totally strange, new place. Even the climate may be different. Dogs sense of smell is far more sensitive than ours, even the air will smell different. And with that comment, A true and funny dog story from a great breeder. "I spend a lot of time socializing my pups to make them great family companions, so it worries me if pups act unfriendly or frightened when visitors come to the kennel to see them. On several occasions, I have seen pups that were the most lovable, friendly little guys you ever saw, that would freeze in total terror when held by some woman. I just couldn't understand it. At that time, all my kennel helpers were female, so they were accustomed to women, had they had a reaction like that to a man holding them, it would of made more sense. It took me forever to figure out what was causing it. It bothered me for a long time. But one day a lady came to look at a pup, and it came to me in a flash.....well, actually, it came to me on the breeze, I smelled her when she opened the car door, even though I was a good 20 feet away, she must of stumbled when putting on her perfume and dumped a 1/2 a bottle on herself! Sure enough, when I handed her a sweet, friendly little puppy, the poor puppy froze in absolute terror! I have to add,
I'm one of those people that can't even walk down the detergent isle in the grocery store without choking. I hate perfume, it chokes me to death, so I never wear any.

So, if there are any shortcomings in my socialization program, that would be it. If you want to wear perfume, you'll just have to get the pup used to it yourself, sorry!"


Things Puppy Will Need

OK! Lets go shopping for your new puppy. Your puppy will need food and water dish. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are best. They are easiest to keep clean and sanitary for the puppy. Now something to put into the new dish. How about...food? The breeder should provide a starter amount of food the puppy has been eating. See "Feeding" above on this page. A crate, some people feel a crate is more of a cage then a secure and safe place for the puppy or dog to retreat to when tired or stressed. Putting your puppy into his/her crate to rest in the day time or sleep at night is an effective house training method. Most puppies won't soil the area where they sleep. Crates can be constructed of plastic, fiberglass or wire. So far so good. Now lets get your puppy something to sleep on. Bedding you can use an old towel, blanket or buy an easy to wash puppy quilt at your local pet store. Don't forget you can use a baby gate to keep your puppy in safe areas. If your puppy or dog is going to go in the car with you, get him/her a canine seat belt. These can be purchased at your local pet store too. These will limit your pets movement around the car and protect him/her if you have to stop suddenly. Your puppy will need a collar. This is to attach his/her identification, so if he does get lost you can be found, his/her rabies tag and license. Of course you are going to exercise and walk your new friend so you will need a leash. Get at least a six foot standard leash or a retractable leash which will allow you to shorten or lengthen the leash with the touch of a button. In case your puppy gets lost he will need an Identification Tag. This tag can be purchased at most pet stores. It should be engraved with your puppy's name, your name, address, telephone number and any important medical information. You want your puppy or dog to look nice and it is important that your puppy be groomed. Your puppy will need a brush suitable for his coat, a flea comb, a nail trimmer and for his teeth a dogie tooth brush and dogie tooth paste. Talk to your vet or groomer for specific brushes you need for your puppy or dog. Now! chewies and toys to help keep this little bundle of teeth from destroying everything he can get his mouth around. There are numerous chewies and toys to choose from. Rawhide, rubber and nylon chew toys can keep your puppy or dog busy for hours. Please watch your puppy or dog to make sure he/she isn't swallowing large unchewed chunks of the chewie toy. When buying rawhide chews for your puppy or dog only buy American-made white rawhide. Foreign rawhide may contain chemicals. Toys number in the thousands, there are rope toys, squeaky toys, rolling toys, fat toys, flat toys, green toys, red toys, toys that look like tools and toys that look like just about anything. Watch your puppy or dog with a new toy so he don't destroy it in a matter of minutes or choke on a piece of it. You may have to try several toys to find one that is sturdy enough for your puppy or dog and one that he likes. Be sure all toys and balls are large enough not to get lodged in your puppies or dog throat. OK! I'm tired and it's time to get your puppy settled in with his new family and things. Enjoy and love your new found friend for he/she knows no limits to the love and enjoyment he/she will provide for you.



Short Hair

Country of Origin: Mexico.
Size: Shoulder height: 6 - 9 inches (15.24 - 22.86 cm).
Weight: 1 - 5.5 lbs.


Long Hair
  • Coat: Can be long or short. A variety of colors are acceptable.
  • Character: These dogs are intelligent and sometimes too brave for their own good. They usually bond with only one person.
  • Temperament: Living with other dogs and cats is usually not a problem. Small children may regard the dog as a toy.
  • Care: Regular grooming with a brush and comb is required. The claws must be kept trimmed, and teeth must be checked frequently for tartar buildup.
  • Training: Although they are usually not trained because of their small size, Chihuahuas are eager to learn.
  • Activity: Chihuahuas can usually get enough exercise by running around indoors.

Country of Origin: Cuba or the Mediterranean.
Size: Shoulder height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches.

  • Coat: Is non-shedding, and can come in a variety of colors including cream, chocolate, pure white, or combinations of several colors.
  • Character: The Havanese is very intelligent, happy-go-lucky, lively, and playful.
  • Temperament: Havanese get along well with children and other pets. They do well in almost every social situation.
  • Care: The coat requires brushing often and is not normally clipped.
  • Training: This breed is eager to please, but positive reinforcement works best.
  • Activity: This breed's need for exercise are average. Short walks once or twice a day should keep it happy.

Country of Origin: Italy/Malta.
Size: Shoulder height: 20 - 25 cm (7.75 - 9.75 inches).

  • Coat: Long white hair and no undercoat.
  • Character: This dog is eager to learn, friendly, and sociable.
  • Temperament: This dog gets along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets.
  • Care: This dog requires quite a bit of grooming, from daily brushing and combing to applying special lotion to remove  ugly tear stains. Dead hair should be brushed out, as the Maltese does not shed. Irritating hairs around the eyes need to be removed.
  • Training: Encouragement rather than harsh words should always be used when training this breed. They are very sensitive.
  • Activity: The exercise needs of this dog are uncomplicated. It will adapt itself to the activity level of your family.

Shih Tzu

Country of Origin: Tibet.
Size: Shoulder height: 25 cm (9.75 inches).

  • Coat: Is longhaired and can be a variety of colors including black, red, beige, and sometimes white.
  • Character: The Shih Tzu is an independent breed that is intelligent, lovable, affectionate, sociable, and cheerful. It is not as outgoing as most breeds. It seldom barks.
  • Temperament: This dog always behaves with dignity, and gets along with other household pets and children.
  • Care: A lot of grooming is required. To prevent tangles, the coat must be combed everyday. It is necessary to provide a hair bow or something similar to keep the hair out of the dog's eyes. Special eyedrops must be applied to keep the eyes clean. The ear passages must be cleaned regularly as well.  To keep the coat in good condition, it is necessary to take the dog to a professional groomer every two months to be clipped.
  • Training: This breed's somewhat obstinate nature makes consistency essential in the training process.
  • Activity: Shih Tzus are happy with short walks.

TCup Poodles

Country of Origin: France has been officially recognized as the country of origin
Size: Shoulder height: Height: up to 10 inches Weight: under 7 lbs

  • Coat: Fine, frizzy, wooly. Permitted colors are grey, brown, apricot, black, and white. A Poodle with a corded coat is rare.
  • Character: Poodles are sensitive, intelligent, lively, playful, and eager to learn. They bond closely with their family.
  • Temperament: This breed gets along well with other animals, other dogs, and children. Visitors will be announced, but they are generally friendly toward them.
  • Care: The amount of grooming necessary for show dogs should be left to a professional and requires a substantial investment of time and money. Poodles that are not intended for show competitions are usually trimmed with the hair left longer on the head, legs, and ears. The Poodle sheds little to no hair and are generally good for allergy sufferers.
  • Training: The intelligence of a Poodle makes training a fairly simple process. They quickly learn what is expected of them.
  • Activity: The breed will do okay in a home without a yard. Fairly active indoors. Enjoy long walks and will be happier if given a regular opportunity to run and play.

Westie
West Highland WhiteTerrier

Country of Origin: Scotland.
Size: Shoulder height: 28 cm (11 inches). Weight is around 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs).

  • Coat: Double-layered with a topcoat that is rough and hard and a soft, short undercoat. The color is always white.
  • Character: Also commonly referred to as the Westie, this breed is a boisterous, playful, alert, and independent breed. It is very extroverted and can be stubborn.
  • Temperament: The West Highland White Terrier needs to be trained at a young age not to try to dominate other dogs or chase cats. If you have children, it makes a good playmate because it can handle rough play.
  • Care: The coat must stay hard so it is not recommended that it be washed too frequently. If the dog gets dirty, the hair should be allowed to dry and then be brushed out. The coat needs to be hand-plucked twice a year.
  • Training: This particular dog can be naughty, so occasionally it may need to be corrected. Training will have to be consistent and firm.
  • Activity: This dog loves to run around, play with balls, and just have a good time. In spite of its diminutive size, it does need a lot of exercise. It will try to wander off, so a well-fenced yard is required.

 

Message from one of our Top Designer Breeders

DESIGNER PUPS - A Designer Pup is actually a hybrid - a combination of two purebreds. Typically one breed is a poodle which adds intelligence and when bred to a shedding breed creates a pup that is low shedding to non-shedding. We have found that the best disposition of both breeds consistently comes out in our pups with none of the genetic problems associated with a purebred. We started out 15 years ago with a Lhasapoo. We immediately fell in love with their hybrid personality which is loyal, affectionate, eager to please and easy to train with a sweet and patient nature and have since expanded to breed Maltipoos, Cockapoos and Yorkie-poos.

 

LHASAPOO’S - The Lhasapoo hybrid personality is loyal, affectionate, eager to please, easy to train with a sweet and patient nature. They relate well to people, especially children and other animals which makes them the perfect choice for a family pet. They are non-shedding and consistently have the best disposition of both breeds.

 

COCKAPOO - The Cock apoo is famous for being loyal, affectionate, eager to please and easy to train, a true combination of the best qualities of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle temperament.  They are a medium size dog with an average height of 12-16 inches and average weight of 12-20 pounds. Their hair coat is usually low-shedding to non-shedding.  Their sweet nature, patient disposition and sturdy build make the Cockapoo a wonderful choice for a family pet.

 

MALTIPOOS AND YORKIE-POOS - This little guys have the same Hybrid personality of their larger counterparts - loyal, affectionate, eager to please, easy to train and non-shedding. For people that want a smaller dog this is the perfect choice. The pup are usually 3-6 pounds - a tiny treasure!

 

Female pups make a better pup than a male - True or False? Females love everyone but tend to bond more with one person in the family. This can be a problem if the pup is picked for one person in particular because the pup may not pick that person to bond with. You will want to get a female spayed to insure you don’t have an accidental breeding, usually around 6 months of age. Males tend to love everyone equally. If a male is neutered before they get a "male instinct", usually around 6 months of age. They are very loyal to all family members and make just as wonderful a pet as the female. All puppies are easy to train when training is consistent with plenty of rewards for good behavior.

CR Puppy Love
(515) 250-3599

 

Sandy Duncan
with Jessie as a pup and Jessie as a full grown dog

Sandy is one of many well known people to adopt CR PUPPY LOVE puppies

Sandy and Puppy Jessie

Call Colene for more information on pups:

Colene: [email protected] (515) 250 3599


Falafel, our guard dog.


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