So you have a new puppy!
Thank you for your interest in Off Road Ranch Corgis. We strive to breed Corgis that are healthy in body and mind. Our goal is to give our families the longest, healthiest and happiest life with their precious new puppy.
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I wanted to give you a list of some of the necessities you will need before your pup comes home. Some of you have already owned a Corgi and may know some of this, but it bears repeating. Of all the items you purchase for your pup, NONE is more important than high quality food and NuVet Plus immune booster*
SHOPPING LIST
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PLEASE order the first 2 items BEFORE your pup comes home
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I feed NutriSource Puppy . It is clear of any GMO ingredients and has not had any recalls. You can order online at NutriSource.com or find it at Kahoots or most smaller healthy pet stores. Do not get the Grain Free. If considering other food or treats, PLEASE feed a 5-star dog food and check www.dogfoodadvisor.com for reviews and ratings. You can sign up for food recall alerts there too. Nutrition is KEY. Many pet food companies are owned by candy companies and contain fillers and harmful ingredients.
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I use and highly recommend NuVet Plus Immune Booster (powder or wafers). A ‘treat’ your pup loves that keeps them healthy by protecting cells and boosting immune function. It’s exceptional for puppies as they are most vulnerable with low immunity when transitioning to a new home. Why NuVet? Exceptional quality and reputation. Please check their website, it explains it all! 21 years recall free, human grade ingredients and manufacturing. I can’t tell you how important a healthy immune system is for pups. You can order online at NuVet using this link for a discount www.nuvet.com/56159
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I have enclosed the information in your puppy pack which you will get when you pick up your puppy but I would like you to have this ready in advance so that your pup doesn’t miss a day. A 90-day supply is $60 ($20 a month –or- $16 if you select auto-ship). I am using the powder for the pups. I also use the conditioner for those days that the puppies stink but they don’t need a full bath. It is wonderful!
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My puppies have been given bottled water only. Just regular Kirkland bottled water. If you want to change them over to “city water”, please do it slowly over the course of 2 or 3 days.
IDEAL APPARATUS
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A medium size crate. We prefer wire crates over the plastic. Corgis are nosy. Buy inexpensive bedding to put in the crate. They will chew it up or scratch it up or even both!
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Potty Pads, if you choose to use those in training. I recommend the reusable/washable pads that are sold on Amazon. They will try to eat the blue plastic ones .
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A good sturdy X-pen to put the crate into which allows your pup a little room for movement yet still contains her/him when you aren’t able to watch her/him. Amazon has some nice ones. I have a piece of vinyl from Home Depot under the X-pen to protect my floors.
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Harness. Please get a harness instead of a collar to begin with. This is much more comfortable for the dog until he/she is completely leash trained. We still use harnesses on most of our older dogs.
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6-foot Leash. Leather leashes are more comfortable in your hand than a cloth leash. Longer leashes (10-20 feet) are great for training the “come, stay” commands so you may want one of these too. Please do NOT use a retractable leash on your puppy. They can be quite dangerous and harm a puppy.
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2 bowls – Stainless Steel are the healthiest (plastic is toxic) and easiest to keep clean. Get the ones with rubber on the bottom so they aren’t pushed around.
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Brush – we use the Furminator brand
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Nature’s Miracle Spray - for those ‘oopsie’ moments that all puppies have.
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Nail clippers and Styptic Powder (or cornstarch). The nails should never be long enough that you hear a “clicking” on the floor. These pups have had both the nail clipper method and dremel method performed on their nails. If you don’t want to do it yourself, most groomers will trim the nails for $5.00-$10.00. They will require it about every 8 -10 weeks or so.
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Lots of toys!!!! One or two at a time is sufficient. Empty water bottles with the top removed are personal favorites of these pups. Skineez (toys with no stuffing) are also loved. All puppies love having a stuffed animal in their crate that is larger than they are. I’m sure you have seen pictures of the polar bear. That is Cricket’s bear. For some reason all Corgis LOVE soccer balls. Yes, the regular size soccer ball. Get one if you can. Get lots of chew toys, puppies do chew. If you use bully-sticks, please limit it to about 5 minutes to start.
MEDS TO HAVE ON-HAND
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Can of plain pumpkin – NOT pie pumpkin. This will help ease any loose stool or constipation issues that may arise in your puppy or dog. I give about 1⁄2 teaspoon with their meal when there is an issue. You can also get a pumpkin powder from Amazon that you can use when needed.
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Proviable Probiotics Paste – I keep one paste on hand for when the pup may get stressed (vet visits) or not feeling well.
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Purina Fortiflora -- probiotics for everyday use.
SHOTS and WORMING
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Puppies have been wormed at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 (if still here at the ranch) weeks. Details are in the shot record that I will provide each puppy in their back-pack that I send home with them.
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Puppies were given a Parvo vaccination at 5 weeks, Distemper at 7. Details are in the shot record that I will provide each puppy in their back-pack.
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All puppies must be taken to the vet within 48/72 hours to receive updated shots and worming per the vet’s recommendations. Each vet is different, with different protocols.
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PLEASE DO NOT take your puppy out to a dog park or anywhere else that multiple dogs are without having your vet’s ok. PARVO and Distemper are not fun and they can absolutely kill your puppy within days. Just wait the extra couple of weeks, feed them the NuVet and get the next shots due. I promise you it will be worth the wait. Most pups are allowed out with other dogs AFTER their last shot around 16 weeks.
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HINT: Please tell your vet that your pup is not fully vaccinated and see if you can wait in the car instead of in the waiting room with her/him. Dogs at the vet are usually there because they don’t feel well. If your vet won’t allow this, I would consider finding a new vet. If you must take the pup inside the office, carry him/her. DO NOT allow the pup to walk.
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MOST IMPORTANTLY
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Enjoy your new precious family member. Please email, text, FB me with any concerns you may have. I am here for you for many years to come. Please send me pictures and updates, too. We love seeing the babes grow into healthy, secure adults!
-Deb
Off Road Ranch Corgis
P.S. Check out some of our favorite things that are optional but good to have. Whenever possible we secure a discount for our Corgi family, just apply the code at check-out if you decide to opt for any of these items
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