Puppy Care Guide

Your First Week Home

What to Expect

Your new puppy will be adjusting to a brand new environment, away from their littermates and mother. This is a big change! Expect some nervousness, accidents in the house, and lots of sleeping. This is completely normal.

→ Schedule a vet visit within the first few days
→ Keep your puppy in a confined area (crate or pen) when unsupervised
→ Establish a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, and bedtime
→ Introduce family members slowly and gently
→ Let your puppy rest—they need 18-20 hours of sleep per day!

Feeding & Nutrition

Feeding Schedule

8-12 weeks old:

4 meals per day

12-16 weeks old:

3 meals per day

6 months - 1 year:

2 meals per day

1 year and up:

1-2 meals per day

Nutrition Tips

• Feed a high-quality puppy formula food
• We recommend continuing with the food sample we provide
• Always provide fresh, clean water
• Avoid table scraps and toxic foods (chocolate, grapes, xylitol)
• Consult your vet before changing foods

Potty Training & Pine Pellet Box

We Use Pine Pellets!

Our puppies come with training on using a pine pellet box for potty training. This method is effective, natural, and environmentally friendly!

Pine Pellet Training Steps

1. Set up the box in a designated area
2. Take puppy to the box after meals, naps, and playtime
3. Praise enthusiastically when they use it!
4. Clean out wet pellets daily, replace monthly
5. Be patient—most puppies are housetrained by 4-6 months

Why Pine Pellets?

✓ Biodegradable and eco-friendly
✓ Low dust and less tracking
✓ Great natural odor control
✓ Easy to clean and maintain
✓ Inexpensive

Socialization & Training

Continuing The Critical Socialization Important (8-16 weeks)

This is the most important time for your puppy's development. Positive experiences now will shape their temperament for life!

Introduce Your Puppy To:

• Different people (men, women, children)
• Other friendly dogs and pets
• Various environments (parks, cars, etc.)
• Different sounds and textures
• Grooming and handling

Socialization Tips:

• Keep experiences positive and low-stress
• Use high-value treats and praise
• Don't force—let puppy explore at their pace
• Protect from scary situations
• Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class

Basic Training Essentials

Start Early & Be Consistent

Jack Russells are smart and eager to please, but they can also be stubborn. Start training immediately and use positive reinforcement.

Focus on These Basics First

1. Sit - Start with this easy command
2. Come - Essential for safety
3. Leave it - Prevents dangerous behaviors
4. Stay - For impulse control

Health & Wellness

Vaccinations

Follow your vet's vaccination schedule. Puppies typically need:

• 8-10 weeks: First shot
• 12 weeks: Second shot
• 16 weeks: Third shot
• 1 year: Booster

Parasite Prevention

Keep your puppy protected:

• Flea & tick prevention
• Heartworm prevention
• Deworming as needed
• Ask your vet for recommendations

Spaying/Neutering

Most vets recommend:

• Age: 6-12 months
• Prevents unwanted litters
• Reduces certain health risks
• Discuss timing with your vet