Above you wil find
#1. A plastic tote with blankets inside.
This is the best alternative to a bed I have found for pups as the plastic tote is easy to clean out with accidents, and the
blankets can easily be removed for washing.
#2 Under the plastic tote is a heating pad.
The cord is run under the side of the peg boards. This insures the pups don't have access to it. A heating pad
is necessary for small pups up to about 3 months (especially in the winter months) to keep them warm. Only half of the
bottom of the tote has the pad under it. This way if your pup gets too warm they can move away. NEVER ALLOW ANY
ACCESS TO THE CORD! A chewed cord could cause devistating effects for your baby pup.
#3 Puppy pads and a pad holder are how
your puppy has been started on potty training. The pad holder insures that the puppy doesn't chew the pad to peices
and drag it around. I have found pad holders at most big pets stores (ie. Petsmart, Petco). The type of pads you
use are your choice, but the best I have found are the natures miracle pads as they have a smell that attracts pups to potty
on them.
#4 Make sure your pup has access to food and water
at all times until they are 4-6 months old. You will know when it's time to regulate food as they will eat too
much and never have a full bowl. Most toy dogs should have access to food at all times as they use up too much energy
for their tiny bodies and need to refuel more frequently than bigger breeds. Lack of food could result in a low blood
sugar attack.
#5. Don't forget to buy your pup toys and
good quality chews (not pig ears as they splinter) Puppies get bored and need something to entertain them.
I have found the most aggressive dogs don't play and the best socialized dogs have plenty of toys. Having chews on hand also helps
ensure that while they are teething, they don't chew on things they aren't suppose to. It's pretty good for dental health
as well.
#6.This little house is build simply from 4- 48X24"
peg board and attached together with zip ties. This is relatively inexpensive. These pre-cut peg boards
cost around $4 each. Peg boards are awesome as your puppy can see through the holes. It gives them a wide open
feeling. The peg boards are easy to store when you don't need them, as they are thin and because they are attached with
zip ties you can just cut the ties and use new ones if you decide at some point after your dog is grown to use this again.
A playpen is another great alternative for a small puppy just make sure if adding a
heating pad you thread the cord through the bottom hole under the mat and leave the heating pad under the mat to keep your
pup from coming into contact with the cord or pad.
Toy pups should never be left out in the open when home alone or not being watched as, #1 There are too many dangers
and choking hazards and #2 they can easily be stepped on when not paying attention to where they are.
