| POINTS TO PONDER BEFORE PURCHASING A PUPPY |
| At RAINBOW KENNEL we feel puppies deserve forever homes. We want to make sure our pups are placed in permanent loving homes. A Cocker Spaniel lifespan is 12-14 years or more and its very common for Cockapoos to live 18-20 yrs or more. Make sure that everyone in the family is agreeable to getting a new puppy. Puppies will upset the regular routine, will awaken to go out the first few weeks and may disturb family members etc. Puppies do chew on items left within reach (including sometimes hands, clothing, shoes, children's toys etc), jump on people, have housetraining accidents if not supervised, leave treasures in the yard, etc. Are all family members willing to help in the care, clean up and training of the puppy or are some willing to take up the slack? Parents should not plan to have children or young teens who are often preoccupied untertake total puppy care. It should be discussed who is in charge of puppy care before the pup is purchased. Babies, toddlers and young children must always be supervised when they are interacting with the puppy. Puppies do scratch and accidently nibble on young fingers. Small kids pick up, pull hair, squeeze, and drop small pups. An adult must always supervise youngsters for safety of pup and kids. Before the pup comes into the home it should be discussed what is acceptable behavior for the new pup, for instance should the pup be in a crate while we eat to prevent begging and where should the puppy sleep?" Make sure the family spends sufficient time at home. If everyone is always at sporting events, friend's houses, extracurricular activities etc. after working a full day think wisely about how much time the family will actually be spending with a puppy. Puppies require quality time. If everyone works full time, can someone be hired to come in midday to spend at least an hour to feed, walk the pup, and play with him or her to prevent boredom and make sure the pups needs (bodily and social) are met, if not a pup is not feasible as most pups need to be fed and pottied midday until 6 months or so and I feel to be away all day is not in the best interest of a dog, someone needs to come in and play to releive boredom even after that. Think about your family situation. If there is anything of a stressful nature, like discord between family members (divorce pending), an already haggard shedule etc, now is not the time for a new puppy. Seperation anxiety is fueled with "clingy" owners. Puppies cost much more than purchase price. They must see a veterinarian several times during the first year of life, getting regular vaccinations, flea and heartworm protection, etc. Generally they are spayed or neutered at about 6 months. Thereafter generally once a year visits for vaccinations, and possibly heatworm testing and flea/tick control, and visits for any illness or accidents. Our pups require professional grooming about every 8 weeks or so. This is something that owners can learn to do if you can cut your child's hair you can groom your own dog! There are the added expenses of dog food, treats,toys, etc. Make sure budget allows for puppy expenses. Ideally your yard should be fenced (unless pup will be on a leash) and your house must definately be puppy proofed. that means removing poisonous plants and anything dangerous to he puppy must be put out of reach. We ask that you purchase all basic supplies needed before your pup comes home. We have a list of the necessary items. We raise "your" pup to be as adaptable and friendly as possible and ask that you keep it in "learning mode". Ideally pups should experience different types of people and animals, young children, infants, elderly. Animals such as cats, horses if they will be so exposed, or small animals early on if in the house such as ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs etc. \They should experience riding in a car asap (they have gone to the vets and back here) and if they will swim should be exposed early in puppyhood either in a shallow tub with toys if off season or at the edge of a pond/lake. Every new experience should be pleasant and relaxed. Again, Ideally, buying one of our puppies means you are taking on a companion for it's lifespan.These pups are people oriented and bond strongly to their owners. They give you unconditional love and in exchange we ask that you meet their basic needs of food, shelter, medical care, grooming , love, companionship and socialization. Patty |