Bonnieview Kennels, Golden Retrievers, Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada

My Havanese puppies are on puppy food when they go home which is moistened and soaked in the beginning and then, once their teeth are in, given dry with a bit of added water. They can be on puppy food up to 8 months of age. The all transitional formula that I use is called TLC, which allows puppies to grow at their normal rate. This formula is 28% protein and 17% fat which is more than adequate for puppy growth. Puppy should be transitioned to adult food around 7-8 months of age. This is a Canadian product distributed from their warehouse in New Hamburg, ON. They have been producing pet food since 1994 and have NEVER had a recall. This is a high quality product that I endorse 100% and all of my dogs, adults and puppy alike, are on it.

I also recommend putting your puppy on a good probiotic that can be obtained at a better price from most pet stores rather than from the vets.

For more information on the dog food you can go to:

https://tlcpetfood.com/nutrition/bonnieviewkennels/

Parasite elimination and control is and will always be a big problem in kennels such as mine and I endeavor to have all parasites removed from my puppies before they go to their new homes. However, occasionally a puppy will go home with a parasite. I have many visitors that come into my establishment, mostly children, and that may be the main reason for this occurrence. I adhere to strict hand washing before and after handling puppies but sometimes these practices are not followed as well as they should be. Even though there is a greater risk of passing parasites to my puppies I still believe in letting folks come in to visit so that they will see and know that my facility is legitimate and that I am a person of integrity. What you see is what you get. Visiting also helps to socialize my puppies which is one of the most important factors in raising sound pups.

One parasite that can be an issue is called Giardia. It is not usually serious in puppies but rather a nuisance parasite and it can be eliminated by antibiotics. Many puppies and adult dogs live with this parasite with no symptoms but it can cause diarrhea in puppies especially if they are stressed.

It is not the mark of a responsible breeder to give blanket antibiotics that can eliminate parasites such as Giardia. The overuse of antibiotics causes resistance pathogens and can be in turn harmful to humans. There is a risk that a puppy going home from a litter can develop this problem d/t stress of a new environment and I want potential owners to be aware of this. It's just a chance a new owner has to consider. If symptoms occur, I would ask that I be contacted and I will be happy to give advice and directions on how to proceed to correct the problem. More than likely you can have your vet treat it with an antibiotic called metronidazole which usually resolves the problem quickly.

I HAVE STARTED MY DOGS AND PUPPIES ON A PRODUCT CALLED

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE)

It is amorphous silica and has a multitude of benefits for both animals and humans including elimination of parasites from the digestive tract.

It is NOT an insecticide and has virtually no side effect.

Also, it is very cost effective.

I order it online from:

Diatomaceous Earth.ca

7-142 Waterloo Street

More information on DE at:

www.holisticlivestock.com/de_faq.htm

Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)

can also be purchased in many Pet stores

TIPS ON TRANSITIONING YOUR PET

FROM PUPPY TO ADULT FOOD

Here are a few suggestions

to transition dogs to a new type of food as well

75% current diet + 25% new diet

50% current diet + 50% new diet

25% current diet + 75% new diet

The day intervals can certainly be longer but this gives you the basic method of transitioning to a new formula

It's good to do compare shopping but if you are visiting multiple kennels please be respectful to myself and other breeders and take some simple precautions to avoid possible transference of diseases.

Avoid going to multiple kennels within a 24 hour period.

Practice stringent hand washing upon arrival and when leaving kennels and bring different foot wear if you have visited a different kennel

within a week or longer.

Many folks have inquired about the introduction of a new puppy to their cat. I use to raise Siamese kittens and have a fair amount of experience in this area so I thought I would just add a few

In most instances, cats and dogs learn to live happily with one another in a short time but please be aware that the cat usually has been there first so he/she is the boss so when the relationship is new, these suggestions will hopefully help insure that it develops peaceably.

Get them use to each other's scent gradually by keeping them separated for a day or two.

If possible, let the first sight of each other be through a baby gate or screen.

When they finally meet in the same space, keep the puppy on a leash and make sure the cat has an escape route if needed. Don't push them together but rather let the introductions be made slowly and in a calm atmosphere. The cat should not be scolded or punished if it decides to swat the puppy. The puppy will learn to respect the feline. However, do take steps to protect the puppy from injury especially to the eyes.

One thing you will have to insure is that the cat's food and kitty litter be in an area where Fido cannot get at it. The high protein in cat food can cause kidney damage in your pooch over time and I don't think I need to elaborate on the hazards of your puppy's eating of "used" kitty litter.

I hope these few suggestions will be helpful to ensure a peaceful introduction of your puppy to the cat of the house.

NEW PUPPY MEETS OLDER DOG

Best place to make first encounter with an established older dog is outdoors rather than the house

Outdoor would be considered a neutral area

Never introduce a new puppy face to face with an older dog as an adverse reaction can occur such as a nip to the puppy's

Always turn puppy's back end towards the older dog so that he/she can have the opportunity to sniff the new puppy's butt

This is how dog's meet each other and get acquainted

Keep a leash on the older dog for control just in case a scuffle occurs

It is very rare for an older dog not to accept a new puppy into the fold

Also, care should be taken not to lavish all your attention on the puppy initially

The older dog should still be taken on walks alone and playtime as before

Some experts say that dogs do not harbor jealousy but I beg to differ

I do not recommend putting your dog on a heartworm or flea prevention program. I strongly feel that this is detrimental to the animal's health. You are feeding your puppy insecticides which is a poison!!

Here are some interesting and informative articles on this subject that I think every pet owner should read:

"Bonnieview Kennels will replace a puppy for any congenital defect, that causes the puppy to undergo euthanasia, up to two years of age".

I strongly believe that a puppy should not be spayed or neutered before one year of age. Reason being...the hormones that are present, before a spay or neuter, are responsible, not just for sexual maturity, but also for growth and development of muscles and ligaments. Spaying or neutering an animal removes these hormones. This results in ligaments and muscles that are not fully developed to their full potential. Definitely this compromises joint health. As well if there is any underlying joint problem it will become much worse if there is no structure that is 100% sound to hold the joints in place. Spaying or neutering, as such, will not cause hip dysplasia, but again, will make an existing problem worse or predispose the animal to injury when working or playing hard,

thus putting sound joints at risk.

Most canines require a full year to mature properly. However, in the case of a Golden Retriever, they should not be altered until 18 months as their growth plates do not close till then.