Thursday, May 17, 2012

Lessons from Mom

It's amazing to watch my Icelandic Sheepdog female Totty play with and teach her puppies; she's the best mother I've ever had. (Maybe I say that every year!) I love this breed. They still have most of their important primitive instincts which makes them unique and very special.

Today each puppy got "collared". 

I get them used to a collar before they leave their birth home so that their new families can take them for a walk on a short leash immediately after their arrival. 

They love being able to walk on the grass (or even the cement) after being cooped up for the duration of the flight. Without a collar, it is harder to control the puppies when they arrive. 

The last thing you want to have happen is for your puppy to escape from you and scoot out into traffic on the tarmac after successfully traveling all the way from my home to your home! 

If your puppy is being shipped, please take a leash with you to the airport. Attach the leash to the collar and make sure the collar is still securely closed before releasing the pup for a little exercise. 

It's also a good idea to take a small kitchen garbage bag in order to remove and dispose of the absorbent material (shredded newspaper) that may have become soiled during transport. A fresh cotton towel or more clean newspaper may be nice to replace the dirty material you throw away at the airport.


The pups are also very likely going to be thirsty and/or hungry on their arrival at their new home. Bottled water and some kibble would be appreciated. Food is love. I tape a sandwich bag with their kibble, Eukanuba Lamb and Rice Puppy, to the crate and usually the airport staff feed and/or water the puppies on their voyage. If the bag of kibble is still attached, you may use that because they will be familiar with its taste, smell and texture. These puppies, however, are not fussy. They will probably be happy with any food.

Their stomachs may be a little upset after the trip, especially if it is a long one, so feed them relatively bland food until you are sure they are OK.









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