Getting a New Puppy? First, You Wait!
Well, it’s done. You did the research, read the books, waded through websites, stalked the facebook groups, and you found a breeder close to you (ME) . You probably hours making your list of questions about puppies, adults, and when the litter will arrive, and how to veiw photos of the newborns, and how often videos will be available, and if you can facetime your puppy before they go home even.
Finding a good breeder is the best way to go, as this will be someone who knows the pedigrees (health and structure) and spent time raising & critiquing their own tone able to produce healthy happy loving puppies and adults. Your breeder is able to discuss any questions that you may have regarding your new puppy. She will guide you toward the best training techniques and will “be there” for you for that dog’s entire life.
Your breeder can rattle you a list of things to buy for your puppy: blankets, bells, a collar, leash, water bucket, food bowl, and toys—oh, my, yes, toys! You can’t walk by the toys in the store or forget them when you look online!
You and your family decide that waiting for that perfect puppy with a great support team is the best way to go.
So the call comes: The sire and dam have been bred, and now the sixty-three day wait for the puppies to be born begins. Then another eight to ten weeks ... but really that is no time at all to wait for your puppy to ensure you will have many happy years together. It sure seems like a long time at first, but human babies take nine months- and thats like 373 days! ((**WE ARE HERE**)) 😉
It’s week seven, and the time is coming. You might go visit the dam, ((but more than likely you see photos and videos)) and she’s got a round belly—and is that bump on her side a little foot pushing out? She likes her tummy rubbed and just wants to sit or lay around now.
Another call: The babies are being born! Is it really 2 a.m.?? Three boys and two girls, a chocolate merle, a blue and three harlequins. Did you put in a request for a specific color? Pattern? And a certain sex? ((Don't ask your breeder at this moment- but give her a chance to sleep a bit and she will sure be able to tell you exactly what you hoped for...
You are not allowed to come to the house to see the puppies the first 7 weeks, but there are birth photos, and candid shots of momma & babies bonding peacefully.
Though vistors are not allowed (to prevent the spread of viruses 🦠) with the number of photos and videos its like looking through the door or window. Newborns are vulnerable to cold, and their room is kept very warm. They are so cute, and do they really only weigh one pound and four ounces? Did you know their little ears are closed, and their eyes aren’t open yet?
Week three, and they are starting to stand and toddle around. Their ears and eyes are completely open. They are highly sensitive to sounds and see quick movements. You will see breeder try to hold tight when she snuggles them to assure them they are safe.... and watch her close and you will catch her breathing in puppy breath.
Week six, and hold on! They are so cute and playing and jumping in their playroom. All of them rush to her for snuggling, and maybe a little puppy-nibble to say hi. A standard black & white harlequin puppy boy races toward her feet and grabs at her pant leg. It’s hard to hear her tell him "No", while handing him a stuffy. But in your heart you also know its part of the training too. You eye the whole litter looking for those tell tail markings that make Your puppy stand out...🥰
Puppies don’t go to their new homes until after eight weeks, or for us we try to wait a bit longer—10 weeks. ((With first puppy shots at 6wks we do allow visits starting at 7 wks))
It isn't much longer now..., and you are willing to wait. A puppy from a reputable breeder will give you years of happy and healthy love and friendship. In addition you’ll have a person who will be able to answer any questions you may have throughout your dog's whole life.
Week Ten, and congratulations! 🎊 You are bringing home your new canine family member. You almost feel like you have know this puppy their whole life already- and in a way you do! Your breeder shared ups and downs, milestones and any setbacks with you to the point you KNOW your puppy's personality already. Your breeder presents you with a written agreement (unless you got the copy thru GoodDog) supplement information, the first month of insurance and a list of things to work on with your puppy.
Continue to talk with your breeder as your puppy grows up. She is able to give you breed insights and training techniques. A good idea is to take your little one to training classes to ensure he is well mannered in public. The camaraderie of other dog owners will give you a chance to talk about issues you may have that someone else has been through and can help with. AKC has puppy STAR and Good Citizenship programs, PetSmart offers beginner obedience classes, there are probably Great Dane clubs nearby that offer classes as well. Once a good foundation is established, the options are limitless- Akc Obedience trials, dock diving, agility, lure coursing, & scent work, to name some activities. There are neighborhood opportunities too nursing home visits, pre-school show & tells, etc.
And even if you don't have the time for any of the above, having a well mannered, polite 100+ lb dog is NEVER a bad thing!
Ours enjoy camping, boating, jeeping, and casual strolls through pet friendly stores.