Kirby Mountain Sporting Dogs
Can I Visit the Puppies?
Many people
question if they can pick out, see, or play with their puppies before they are
ready to go at 8 weeks old. The answer
to the question is NO. There are several reasons why we do not let anyone
around the new puppies between birth and 8 weeks – all to protect our dogs and
your puppy. Below you will find not only
details as to why the answer is no but also information as to what you can do
in the mean time to prepare for your puppy.
First, it is extremely stressful for the
moms to have strangers visit as she is caring for her new litter. This in turn will put stress on the new born
pups. Remember, you are one of many
people (sometimes as many as 25) who are getting a puppy, not including
everyone else who “just want to peek at the new babies.” If we allow everyone to see, touch, or spend
time with the new pups, the mom’s routine would be disrupted: her eating and caring for pups and even her
ability to produce enough healthy milk for them could be at risk.
Like a new
baby, the opportunity for young pups to pick up infectious diseases is
increased with all new contacts. Their
immune systems are building, so at this time, the moms and pups live in
whelping nests which have controlled temperatures and are separate from all
outside traffic. Most illnesses and
diseases are innocently carried on people’s shoes and clothing. Entire litters of puppies can be wiped out
within 48 hours by the puppy killer parvo virus. This
disease could be picked up unknowingly by people in a school yard, a park, or
on a sidewalk, and this is only one disease.
We can not risk exposing our dogs and your puppy to diseases that could
destroy them.
Your puppy is
not the only puppy. By protecting all of
our puppies from stress and disease that could be brought on by high traffic,
we are 
protecting your puppy. Just think about how you would feel if
someone who just wanted to see his or her pup happened to bring in stress or
illness that would cause us to lose a litter and you to lose your future
puppy. We have heard from many people
that pet stores, other breeders, or other kennels let clients visit puppies;
the reality is that their number one concern is selling a puppy. Also, will those people be there to support
you, replace the puppy, or guide you in the days, weeks, or years after you get
your puppy home? Are they willing and
capable to help you with training, breeding, behavioral, or health
questions? Just because someone allows you to see the puppy, it does not
indicate the quality of dog or of service you will receive throughout the
puppy’s lifetime.
An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure. We take great care and much time
caring for all of our dogs and their puppies. It is time and energy
consuming. This is what we do best, so please let us do it. We
understand your excitement, and we are happy that you are enthusiastic about
getting your pup. But until you take your puppy home, we are responsible
and the puppy’s health and safety is our priority. I guarantee you that
in 8 weeks after the birth it will be well worth your wait.
IN THE MEANTIME WHAT CAN YOU DO?
You can come to
meet us, see the adult dogs, and see any litters that have been vet checked,
immunized, and are 8 weeks old.
You can look at
Kirby Mountain Sporting Dogs website at www.kirbymountainkennels.com
and see our recently posted pictures.
You can prepare your home for your new
puppy:
Puppy proof the house,
Get a Vari
Kennel (type of dog crate) for crate training,
Get some good puppy toys (we recommend nylar
bones, gummi bones, and other chew toys – not
stuffed or squeaky because the pup can choke on
stuffing and the squeeker),
Get your leash and collar (9-10”),
Get dog food (we feed Purina Pro Plan chicken and rice
puppy kibble),
And a stainless steel food and
water dish.
Hopefully you can keep busy until your pup is ready to go
home.
Feel free to call us with questions. We’re here to talk with you about the
progress of the pups.
|
Updated
7/12/03 |
goldy©2003 |