Adopting a Knightcastle puppy

Adopting a Flat-coated retriever puppy, particularly if it is your first dog, represents a major event in your life. To ensure that it begins on the best possible note, some advance preparation is needed.

The key areas are outlined below. Please feel free to contact Knightcastle at any time to help you locate the resources that you need.

Neighbours

You should discuss your plans for a puppy with adjacent neighbours. Of particular importance is your proposed location of the pen, especially if it is to be along a perimeter fence. If they are willing, try to arrange for your neighbours to meet the new puppy when it arrives, or as soon as possible afterwards.

Food

When your puppy moves to your house, virtually everything will be different. One of the few things that can and should be the same is his food it already had here at Knightcastle.

Inside the house

Protect electric or network wires by hiding them. You can also put baby outlet plugs in electrical outlets to avoid electrocution.

Check the toilet paper in your bathroom, it's something very funny for puppies!

Outside accommodation

It is most essential that the pen and/or fencing be in place before your puppy arrives. Without this, toilet training could be become diffucult.

A shelter is a good idea. It should have a wooden platform or other suitable floor of at least one meter by one meter. If possible, you should consider making it double that size. Pretty useful in summer after a swim at the lake!

Natural (e.g. trees) or made (e.g. overhead tarp) shade is absolutely crucial for the hot months.

Equipment

The basic equipment that you should have BEFORE the puppy arrives is as listed below:

• Wire dog crate
• Two large food bowls, one in the house, the second one outside
• Combination leash and adjustable collar

We will tell you about the grooming equipment needed when you pick up your puppy.

Poop disposal

This should be planned in advance so that you are ready for the puppy’s arrival. Methods vary from using the regular garbage (double bagging) to composting to mini-septic systems.

Veterinarian

If you do not already have a veterinarian, you should try to locate one before you take possession of your puppy. Neighbours with pets (preferably large ones) are a good source.

Ideally the vet clinic should be available for emergencies on a 24 hour basis.

We will arrange for the puppy’s initial wormings and first shots at eight to nine weeks with our vet. Your vet will advise you of his recommended schedule for further shots (boosters and rabies).

Most vets recommend a daily or monthly preventative medication for heartworm. After the first year this is no problem; however, in the first year, should you and your vet decide to put the puppy on this medication, please ensure that the puppy’s weight is monitored closely to ensure the correct dosage.

Obedience classes

Socializing your puppy is important. You should contact local Kennel and Obedience Clubs and/or private trainers to find out the availability of group lessons and minimum age for such classes.

Objects to avoid

From personal experience, please avoid rope toys or any objects that your puppy can chew and eat.