Information needed about new puppies.?

Question

I will be getting a female Chihuahua puppy in 2008, and was wondering what I should include on my checklist. For example, whether they're wormed, KC registered, have insurance, have had their jabs, how much the jabs cost, expenses other than the actual price of the dog etc.
I just want to make sure I have the finances and health of the dog all sorted or ready to sort when I get her.

Answer 1

You should first check out with KC if breeders are registered with
them! Then you should visit breeders and find out if their puppies are kennel or home reared. Some breeders leave mum and puppies in kennels. It makes puppies far more likely to react badly (Fright) at any household noise. Other breeders keep the whelping box in their own home, handle puppies who grow used to everyday moises such as hoover/washing machine/tv etc ... Those puppies are quicker to settle in their new home.

You should also contact the Chihuaha club. They'll be able to give you stacks of advice, probably put you in touch with a Chihuaha owner whose experience will be helpful.

Start checking out pet insurance covers as well. If you have a garden, make sure it is properly fenced so your dog can enjoy it without any fear of him/her disappearing through a hole in the fence (It happens more often than you'd think) and think of ways to make your home and garden puppy friendly!

Ask your Vet if he offers puppy classes. They are excellent! My Vet offered puppy classes so puppies could socialise at an early age, got little competitions and treats! They then went on to junior classes etc. It was really good because puppies watching other puppies do the 'sit' soon felt encouraged to do it as well!
Then any owner could ask questions abut their dog to Vet nurses in attendance, and it was a good way to bring dogs and people together.

You should also find out if your dog will need a licence! Some countries do! Also, and for your own sake and that of your dog, find out about Missing Pet Bureau and cost of microchips! They are far more effective than anything else. Finally, should you intend to visit Europe, find out costs involved for the pet passport.

You will also need to think of a decent bed, food, toys etc. While also planning to make time for yourself and puppy!

It is so good to find someone actively preparing for the arrival of a puppy in plenty of time! Congratulations for being so thoughtful and my best wishes to you and pup!

Answer 2

What a kid--2008, ehhh. You shouldn't get the pup until it's 8 weeks old. I guess there's nothing wrong with a pet shop, but I wouldn't buy my pup there. I'd rather use a local breeder and go look the place and pups over before hand. Maybe you can start by researching the newspapers so you know where the Chihuahua pups are and how much they cost. Your pup should be wormed and have it's first shots by the time you pick it up. I'm not sure about the shot schedule after that, but you can probably plan on a couple of vet visits the first year for rabies, Parvo and other vaccinations. You need to find out about Frontline, or something equivalent, that protects your pup from fleas and ticks and then there is a heart worm medicine, too. That used to be done by the owner on a monthly basis, but could have changed. Sooner, rather than later, you'll have to get her spade so she doesn't come into heat. I think the AKC registration is about $25. Some people use "puppy puddle pads" to potty train their dogs and they are a little pricey. I bet if you went on the Purina web site you'd be able to find all kinds of information about puppy care and raising. I think it's wonderful that you are so enthusiastic and responsible.

Answer 3

don't forget equipment. You will need a puppy collar and lead, feeding and water dishes, puppy food, possibly a crate for house-training (only a small one as you won't need a big one. The puppies should be wormed but they need worming every month til they are six months old so go to your vets and find out how much they charge for worming tablets. Also it might be wise to get some recommendations on local vets as some charge high prices for checkups. You will also need flea treatment but will have to wait til pup is twelve weeks old. Training classes from 12 weeks an essential. Look for an APDT trainer as they charge low prices for exceptional standards and they offer a variety of classes from puppy through to advanced obedience.

Puppy jabs will cost about £40 in total and are given at 8 and 10 weeks. Your pup can go outside after twelve weeks.
Also budget for insurance as even though they are small dogs, chihuahua's do get problems with their eyes, so try a company like pet plan which offer life time cover.
A lead and collar should cost about £5 no more you won't be needing them for that long. Food bowls can be picked up for about £1.99 each. I recommend steel as they are hygenic and easy to clean.I'd also advise getting a puppy book now, as they have a basic kit list for the new owner in them and many great tips. I'd recommend 'The Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey.

Hope I've helped, good luck

Answer 4

Hi there, when I got my puppy you definately have to include all prices here is a checklist I done, make sure puppy is KC registered, insurance, jabs at vets Becka had 2 for being able to go out which cost £32.00 at her vet lead and collar, puppy food, worm treatment and flea treatment, bowls best having the stainless steal one for water as it tends to spill less and a plastic for food, toys, bedding we also got these training nappy pads for her when carrying her say to the shops and putting down on the floor and I must say they worked wonders. Be prepared to add extra money onto your budget just incase for emergencies I'd say we paid around £150-£200 on all her "little things" lol good luck with your puppy I hope this info helps.

Answer 5

You're asking all the right questions, which is the best start for you both. It never hurts to think ahead.
If you ask ask around now you'll be able to get your name on a breeders list, reputable breeders rarely need to advertise their pups for sale because they have a waiting list of owners ready before they mate their female.
Both parents, but especially the female, need to be vaccinated and wormed byu the vet and the breeder should have all the vets papers to show you. If you don't know what papers look like you can ask at any vets for the receptionist to show you, they're not all identical but you'll get an idea of what they should look like.
Its also a good idea to find out about any problems in the breed and again the vets are in a good position to advise you on what you need to know.
You can also ask around your local vets to get an idea about fees for various services, most vets print out a price list now. Pick one you feel comfortable with when you're there, one where the staff try to be helpful. Its far more important then the difference in price.
I'd agree that insurance is a godsend if you ever need it.
As you don't know much about pups and how to pick a healthy one, you're going to have to rely on someone else's opinion to help you, see if any of the local vets know of good puppy training classes and go to say hello before you get the pup. Sit in on a few classes to observe, the trainer will be able to give you loads of advice.
As a rough guide I'd say that £300 on top of the purchase price will be enough to buy the essential equipment and toys, and pay for essential vaccinations.
Heres a website run by dog trainers where you can get booklets that teach you how to settle a new pup in to your home, and how to housetrain.
Best of luck, you're going to have loads of fun.

Answer 6

Make sure that you get your dog from a reputable breeder, or someone that raises them because they love the dog. Stay away from pet stores or puppy mills.Once you get your puppy, you will need a puppy crate, transportation crate, dishes, collars, puppy pee pads, shots / de wormer and puppy physical will run about $150, heart worm pills cost about $10 a month, spay and neuter Will range between $75 - $140(depending on the sex of the pet),good pet food will run about $15 a month, if your dog is AKC/CKC registered when you get- you won't have to pay for that, check first if the breeder has done it for you. Plan on spending a lot of time with your new puppy. To train them, put them on a 2 hr potty run- take them outside every 2 hrs. I applaud you for thinking about all of this in advance.

Answer 7

Well, first any smaller breed dog, for the most part, tend to be harder to train than bigger dogs. Just the way it is. It depends on how hard you want to work at training. If not very hard, then a dog isn't for you. Any dog, no matter the breed is going to take at least a month to fully house train. A better option, if you really want a dog, is to get an older one that is already trained. And any dog will go outside for walks, etc. All dogs crave exercise. You don't really need supplies for house training, other than getting up in the middle of the night (and during the day) to take it out when it needs it. You can crate train if you want. I hate pee pads so try not to use those as the dog learns to do it's business on that and not on grass like nature intended.

Answer 8

2008? Do you mean, 20:08, which is a bit precise, but would mean that you need to know NOW, or 2008, which is two years away, and means you really don't need to worry for very roughly 23.8 months.
Ask the breeder! If they are any good, they will tell you everything you need to know.
Failing that, type "puppy" into amazon, and select the most popular book.
One question though, If you want a dog, WHY a Chihuahua?

Answer 9

You've had lots of very good advice from other people but one other thing you should think about is getting her micro-chipped so that if she strays or is stolen you have a better chance of finding her again. In the UK this costs anything from £10 (animal shelter) to £25 (vets). It's a painless injection into the scruff and your little dog is ID-ed for life.

Answer 10

ok if it is at all possible give it pedialite. i have a boxer and he got parvo as a puppy. i stayed up with him for a week and a half while he had his iv. just make sure to keep them warm andplay with them. but yes worm them maybe when they are a month old. call continental kennel club (ckc) and have he/she registered trust me it makes u feel better when ur dog is registered. and no need to get expensive food just make sure it doesnt have a lot of fatty acids and a lot of vitamins they need in it.