Important information about your new puppy

Health

Your puppy will receive at least the first two sets of puppy vaccinations prior to it's shipment to you. Depending on the age of the puppy when it is shipped it also may have received additional vaccinations The puppy has also been wormed at least 3 times. Your Pomeranian will come with an individualized health record from us detailing the dates and types of vaccines and wormers that have been administered. Please take a copy of this record to your vet at your first puppy check so they can recommend a future vaccination and worming schedule.
All puppies will be seen by a licensed veterinarian and will have a health certificate prior to shipping. In order to receive this health certificate we will need your legal name, address and phone number where you can be reached the day of shipment as these items are necessary for the health certificate.
There are many puppy diseases and parasites out in the world that a young puppy is susceptible to. They can be picked up anywhere. Many of which like parvo can even be brought in on the soles of your shoes! Prior to your puppy receiving ALL 4 sets of puppy shots, NEVER, NEVER set a young puppy down on the ground or on counter tops in public! Never let strangers pet your puppy. Do not let your puppy have contact with strange dogs. It is recommended that you don't even take you puppy out in public until they are fully vaccinated. Also make sure all visitors to your house wash their hands prior to handling you new ball of fur. Remember even vaccinated dogs are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites, make sure to follow your vets recommendations to limit their risk.

Shipping

Just like people, most of our puppies arrive to their new homes on an airplane. Air transportation is the fastest and safest way for you to receive you new Pomeranian. We ship mostly via American Airlines. If your airport does not offer service by AA then we may be able to use other airlines for a slightly higher shipping cost. Dogs are transported in the cargo section of the plane in pressurized and climate controlled area separate from the baggage. Airlines stipulate that we can only ship when the ground temperature is predicted between 20-85 degrees. If you live in a very hot place in the summer or a cold place in the winter please let us know when purchasing a puppy so we can try and work around the temperature. You are also always welcome to fly in and pick up your puppy. Dogs traveling with passengers are not regulated the same way cargo shipped dogs because they always remain with you. This is also the safest way to transport extremely small tea-cup sized puppies so you can care for them during the entire trip.
After we book the flight for your new puppy we receive a confirmation number. We will email this conformation to you; print this and take it with your ID to the airport to pick up your puppy. This is usually near the luggage pick up area but you need to call the airline ahead of time to find out exactly where they have live animal pick up. Some airports have alternate out of terminal pick up locations. Calling ahead will save you frustration and delays during pick up.
Your new puppy will arrive in a new airline approved plastic shipping crate loaded with shredded paper and with a small amount of food taped to the top. Airline security regulations prohibit us from placing anything else such as leashes, blankets or toys inside the crate. We strive to book the shortest and most direct flight so as to limit stress and travel time for you new puppy. However, even on the shortest of flights, sometimes turbulence in travel can case "accidents" so your new Pomeranian may have soiled on itself. Come prepared with some paper towels and wet wipes just in case. Your new puppy should arrive happy and excited to see it's new family but remember it has already had a long day of travel so try and limit it's excitement for the first 24 hours so it can rest. If you are purchasing a teeny tiny tea-cup pomeranian MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND OUR SECTION ON HYPOGLYCEMIA!!! With very tiny puppies administer Nutri-Cal immediately upon your arrival to the airport and several times a day for the first few days. With all new puppies watch them closely to make sure they continue to eat and drink regularly. The new sights and smells of it's whole new world can be overwhelming. The travel crate that it was shipped in will provided a safe refuge with it's familiar feel and smell. Now is a great time to start crate training your new puppy!

While in our care your Pomeranian puppy was free fed (available at all times) Eukanuba small breed puppy dry food. This food can be purchased at most quality pet food stores. You can click on the photo to read more about this food. DO NOT change your brand of food abruptly. If a change of food is required, mix the Eukanuba small breed puppy dog food with your new brand for at least a week, gradually increasing the amount of the new brand until the switch is made. Promptly treat any signs of loose bowels (which can be a sign that the new food is not being tolerated well) in the manner recommended by your vet. If you choose to switch to a different brand make sure and READ THE INGREDIENTS LABEL!!! Many inferior and some high end dog foods are loaded with ingredients you don't want your dog eating! Make sure meat is the number one ingredient on the ingredient list. Dogs are carnivores and are designed to eat meat not corn! Also know what kind of meat you are getting, if they don't tell you what kind of animal the meat came from it could be anything. High quality food will typically have lamb, chicken or beef as their main ingredient. Chicken or lamb tends to be easier to digest, but the others are ok too. Most low end and even name brand dog food is mostly corn and other bi-products your new Pomeranian needs the maximum nutrition available. Never feed a generic brand food or one that does not bear the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) seal of approval.
Provide your Pomeranian with high quality food and water at all times. Also make sure they are actually EATING their food! Your Pom should eat small amounts of food throughout the day and take frequent rest periods. It is also important to provide a quiet, out of the way place where your Pomeranian can rest. Make sure not to overtire a small dog and watch your Pomeranian closely if it has not been eating like it should. Do not give your Pom too many treats as this could cause it to go off its food. An occasional tidbit is ok, but do not make it a habit of feeding people food or treats. Treats and table scraps are not formulated for optimum nutrition. Table scraps usually contain way too much salt, sugar and preservatives to be healthy for a dog. Canned food is also not recommended because it can have detrimental effects on the health of the teeth. Toy breeds are known to have a high incidence of dental disease. If you must feed a soft food, make sure your Pom has regular veterinary dental care and brush its teeth daily and provide plenty of chew toys. Toys are also very necessary for puppies when they are teething. If they don't have toys to chew on they will find something else! Long skinny rawhide chews are great for toy breeds with small mouths. These seem to be the only ones that small dogs can get all the way to their back teeth.
If your puppy has been eating a specialized diet while in our care we will provide you with more detailed information on the care of your new puppy.

 

Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. A Hypoglycemic attack is somewhat similar to human diabetic low blood sugar attack. Because of the Pomeranians small size and high-energy requirements, the Pom just like all toy breeds is predisposed to episodes of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This is especially a concern in the very small, tea-cup or pocket Pomeranians especially during times of illness or stress. Stress can be caused by entering a new environment (such as changing homes), during excessive traveling, change of diet or any major change in the Poms daily routine. Hypoglycemia tends to occur at night or very early morning hours, however, it can occur at any time. Hypoglycemia can be recognized by a dog or puppy suddenly becoming weak, listless, and confused or unaware of its surroundings.   The Pomeranian may be unable to walk without stumbling or may not be able to stand up at all. The gums will appear pale and the eyes will look dazed. As symptoms progress untreated, the Pom may go into convulsions, seizures, and coma followed by death. Repetitive late stage hypoglycemia episodes can lead to brain damage or sudden death. Hypoglycemia progresses quickly so it is vital that all toy breed owners be familiar with it symptoms. At the first signs of Hypoglycemia, you MUST administer some form of glucose. Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup are the most popular form of glucose used. Nutri-Cal in very inexpensive (less than $10 a tube) and can be found at all major pet retail stores such as Petsmart.  We recommend that ALL new Pomeranian owners buy a tube of Nutri-Cal to have in case of emergencies. THIS COULD SAVE YOUR POMERANIANS LIFE!!! If you find your Pom in a Hypoglycemic attack administer Nutri-Cal IMEDIATELY DO NOT TAKE THE TIME TO CALL THE VET FIRST!!! If the Pom is unconscious, immediately rub the glucose (Nutri-cal, Karo syrup, even pancake syrup) on it gums and under it’s tongue. Let us repeat DO NOT TAKE THE TIME TO CALL YOUR VET UNTIL AFTER administering some form of glucose. The Pomeranian should respond quickly to treatment, especially when glucose is administered in the early stages of an attack. Even if your Pom appears fine after receiving the glucose, it is important that you contact your vet as complications can occur. After your dog has sufficiently recovered from the attack it is important to offer your Pom some high protein food. Such as beef (human) baby food, banana yogurt baby food, or some other easily digested high protein food. We recommend monitoring your puppy for at least 30 minutes after a hypoglycemic attack. Hypoglycemia is usually preventable. Provide your Pomeranian with high quality food and water at all times. Also make sure they are actually EATING their food! We highly recommend Purina ONE healthy puppy dry dog food. Your Pom should eat small amounts of food throughout the day and take frequent rest periods. It is also important to provide a quiet, out of the way place where your Pomeranian can rest. Make sure not to overtire a small dog and watch your Pomeranian closely if it has not been eating like it should. DO NOT change your brand of food abruptly. If a change of food is required, mix the old brand with the new for at least a week, gradually increasing to amount of the new brand until the switch is made. Promptly treat any signs of loose bowels (which can be a sign that the new food is not being tolerated well) in the manner recommended by your vet. Do not give your Pom too many treats as this could cause it to go off its high protein food.

 

Before your puppy comes home try and prepare a safe and friendly environment by making sure your house is "puppy proofed" similar to how you would "child proof" a home. Look at your house from a puppy’s point of view and remove any hazardous items. Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out of puppy’s reach. Move or remove any poisonous plants. Keep all electrical cords out of reach of teething puppies. Have a place designated for your puppy to sleep, eat and potty. Never leave a young pomeranian puppy outside in your yard unsupervised. Tiny puppies can fit though the smallest of spaces in a fence and be lost! It is preferable to purchase a puppy exercise play yard that you can set up both indoors and out they provide a safe and portable area for your puppy. Supervise children and other pets closely for the first few days to ensure that they will not injure you new arrival. Although your puppy will come with some food, you will need to purchase Eukanuba small breed puppy dry dog food to have on hand. If you are going to be eventually switching to another brand don't start the switch until your new puppy has settled into it's new environment for a few days. Don't forget to get a couple of food and water dishes too. Make sure and have Nutri-Cal (or another generic brand) on hand in case your puppy experiences hypoglycemia, also read and understand the section on Hypoglycemia. Toys and chews can help you bond with your new puppy and give it something to do while you are otherwise occupied. Decide where you want to have your Pomeranian sleep whether it's a wire crate or a dog bed in a small room, have it ready when your puppy arrives. Don't forget to have a harness and leash available, we don't recommend collars for young puppies. Harnesses are much better for small dogs to learn to walk on a leash. Poms DON'T require constant brushing like drop coated breeds. But they should be groomed consistanlty to stay healthy and clean. There are numerous styles of brushes to choose from. Have at least one ready so you can get started bonding right away with your puppy during grooming sessions. There are many, many more fun and exciting dog items available. This is only a very basic list to get you started on the day your puppy arrives. With all the choices out there you may become a regular at the local dog boutique!

The most important aspect of dog training is to reward or praise you puppy every time she does the right thing! For example: praise her when she chews on her own toys instead of the couch or eliminates outside instead of in the house. The more time you spend with your puppy, the quicker and easier it will be to train her.

House training is the number one concern for many new puppy owners. There are many different ways to accomplish this task. All of them require persistence on your part. Remember your puppy is like a small child learning to use the toilet and they will have accidents sometimes. There are 100's of books, DVD's and even private trainers to help you have success teaching your puppy. Choose the best method that works for your family and lifestyle. With all methods remember that young puppies cannot hold their bladder for long periods of time so if you are regularly required to be away for any length of time choose a method such as litter box training, puppy pads or use a doggie door so your puppy can relieve itself without you letting him out.
One of the easiest ways to house train you puppy is to use the crate training method. The crate can be either plastic or wire. The crate your puppy was shipped in will work fine, however many people prefer collapsible wire crates that allow more air flow. These crates are readily available and sell for less than $50 The crate needs to be small, only large enough for your puppy's bed. If the crate is too large the puppy will sleep on one end and eliminate on the other. Many of the wire crates now come with adjustable dividers that expand as your puppy grows. The key to house training is to establish a routine that increases the chances that your puppy will eliminate in the right place in your presence, so that she can be praised and rewarded; and decreases the chances that your dog will eliminate in the wrong place so that she will not develop bad habits.
Crate training is so efficient because dogs do not like to soil their resting/sleeping quarters if given adequate opportunity to eliminate elsewhere. Temporarily confining your dog to a small area strongly inhibits the tendency to urinate and defecate. If your dog does not eliminate while she is confined, then she will need to eliminate when she is released, i.e., she eliminates in the right place and when you are present to reward and praise her.
Be sure to understand the difference between temporarily confining your dog to a crate and long term confinement when you are not home. The major purpose of confinement when your are not home such as in a bathroom or kitchen is to restrict mistakes to a small protected area. The purpose of crate training is quite the opposite. Short term confinement to a crate is intended to inhibit your dog from eliminating when confined, so that she will want to eliminate when released from confinement and taken to the appropriate area. Crate training also helps teach your dog to have bladder and bowel control. Instead of going whenever she feels like it, she learns to hold it and go at convenient scheduled times. Eventually your entire house becomes "off limits" and she learns to only relieve herself outside.
Crate training should not be abused, otherwise the problem will get drastically worse. The crate is not intended as a place to lock up the dog and forget her for extended periods of time. If your dog soils her crate because you left her there too long, the house training process could be set back several weeks.
Your dog should only be confined to a crate when you are at home. Except at night, give your dog an opportunity to relieve herself every hour. Each time you let her out immediately take her outside. Once outside, give her about three to five minutes to produce. If she does not eliminate within the allotted time period, simply return her to her crate. If she does perform, then immediately reward her with praise, food treats, affection, play, an extended walk and permission to run around and play in your house for a couple of hours. For young pups, after 45 minutes to an hour, take her to her toilet area again. Never give your dog free run of your home unless you know without a doubt that her bowels and bladder are empty.
During this crate training procedure, keep notes as to when your dog eliminates. If you have her on a regular feeding schedule, she should soon adopt a corresponding elimination schedule. Once you know what time of day she usually needs to eliminate, you can begin taking her out only at those times instead of every hour. After she has eliminated, she can have free, but supervised, run of your house. About one hour before she needs to eliminate (as calculated by your notes) put her in her crate. This will prevent her from going earlier than you had planned. With your consistency and abundance of rewards and praise for eliminating outside, she will become more reliable about holding it until you take her out. Then the amount of time you confine her before her scheduled outing can be reduced, then eliminated.

If you ever find an accident in the house, just clean it up. Do not punish your dog. All this means is that you have given her unsupervised access to your house too soon. Until she can be trusted, don't give her unsupervised free run of your house. If mistakes and accidents occur, it is best to go back to the crate training. You need to more accurately predict when your dog needs to eliminate and she needs more time to develop bladder and bowel control.

Again remember it is important that you make provisions for your dog when you are not home. Until your puppy is older and completely housetrained, she should not be allowed free run of your house. Otherwise, she will develop a habit of leaving piles and puddles anywhere and everywhere, especially on the absorbent carpet. Confine her to a small area such as a kitchen, bathroom or utility room that has water/stain resistant floors.

"Puppy Uglies"

Somewhere between about 3-8 months old most pomeranians go through a hair coat change that is lovingly referred to as the "Puppy Uglies" This is when they shed their baby hair fluff and get in their adult hair. Puppies tend to look straggly or shaggy. They may look leggy and disproportionate. They might look awkward and be clumsy. Don't worry it is absolutely normal! This is their adolescent stage and their hormones are raging. The puppy is experiencing a change similar to what teenage girls and boys do during puberty. By the time the pup is between 9-18 months old he or she will have a thick full coat again which is usually even fuller and more fluffy than before! Adult Poms may also have a similar coat change at various times in their lives. If you don't spay your female you can expect to see this coat shedding after her heat cycles and especially after having puppies when her hormones are surging. Click HERE to see some photos of some puppies going thru and past the puppy uglies. Some Poms just fly through the "uglies" and you will hardly notice a change (usually during winter months) but most will go through the uglies. Take some photos of the "ugly duckling" and wait for the "swan" to appear!