| MY PROGRAM |
| Feeding: All my Chis are fed the same whether they are pregnant, nursing or are puppies. The only thing that changes is the quantity being fed. I believe it is necessary for dogs who are in a breeding program to be fed a very high quality diet on a consistant basis. Breeding is stressful for both the studs and the mamas and they need the best nutrition to insure healthy pregnancies and healthy puppies. Dry Kibble- I free feed dry kibble and switch off between several top quality grain free high protein , low carb kibbles. A couple I use are Orijen and Taste of the Wild. Each brand offers a little different formula and ingredients and by switching off between them I feel my dogs are getting a greater variety of nutrients. Raw meat and homemade food - All the dogs get a morning meal of either Primal raw meat medallions,Natures Variety raw meat medallions, or my homemade dog food. Pregnant and nursing moms, puppies and Studs that are currently breeding are fed 2-3 times a day. Puppies also get Innova Evo grain free canned food when they are being weaned. All of my Chis drink filtered water. I wouldn't drink my tap water so I don't give it to them either. |
| Deworming, Vaccines and dewclaws I deworm with Panacur for 5 consecutive days before placing my puppies. Panacur is a broad spectrum dewormer that is safe for pregnant and nursing moms and puppies. It is also an accepted treatment for Giardia. I also give Albon as a preventive from Coccidia. Coccidia is present in all dogs but in times of stress can multiply and cause diarreah. Worms, Giardia and Coccidia can be very dangerous for puppies who are already stressed from the transition to a new home and can increase the risk of Hypoglycemia problems. I take all my puppies to my Vet for their first vaccine at 8 weeks because it is a good indicator as to whether the puppy is ready to transition to a new home. If the puppy handles the stress of the first car ride, the strange smells and sounds of the Vet's office and being handled and poked by strangers then I have a good idea how they will handle the stress of a new home. The Chihuahua standard does not require dewclaws to be removed however I think they look ugly and they are a pain to keep the nail trimmed so I have them removed. |
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| This is my dog room. When I am gone to work and the weather is too cold this is where my dogs hang out. They also sleep here at night. I have an air purifier in all the rooms where my chis are kept. Also plants are natural air purifiers |
| This is my nursery/office. The pen is 6 ft x 4 ft. The whelping box is the bottom of a plastic kennel. I use lambswool pads and there is a heating pad underneath when needed. I pin a blaket over the top to give them a den feeling and it helps keep drafts and the cold out. There is an area for moms to get out and lay away from their pups and the potty pad is far enough away so it is sanitary. This pen is in a quiet room away from the other dogs so mom doesn't get stressed. |
| Puppies are moved to this pen which is 7 ft x 4 ft at about 4 weeks. As they get more active they are allowed the freedom of the dining area when I am home to supervise. They are right next to the family room and kitchen so they get used to all the hubbub of family life. We interact with them more having them right in the middle of things which leads to better socialized puppies.. |
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