Huge Savings Huge Savings Inside! Puppy Care Guide - Greencross

Have youconsidered adoption?At Petbarn, we believe that all pets deserve the chance tohave a happy and healthy life with a loving family. That’swhy we don’t sell dogs and cats, but partner with animalshelters to find forever homes for pets. Dogs that are available for adoption have beenmicrochipped and undergone a vet health check. Dogs up for adoption often have some level of training. They’re socially adapted and family friendly. Dogs that are up for adoption are desexed. By adopting, you’re saving a life. Dogs in adoption centres are just looking for lots of love. There are thousands of puppies available for adoptionevery year, so don’t think you can only purchase a puppyfrom a breeder! Like all pets, puppies and dogs bring so much joy toyour life and can improve both your mental andphysical health.Ready to adopt?Find the best dog for you through Petbarn and SavourLife’sdatabase of rescue dogs across Australia looking fortheir forever homes by visiting petbarn.com.au/services/adoptions or by using your phone camera to scan the codeto the right.Scan here with yourphone camera!13

The power of adoptionHow one person’s passion for helping animals changedthe life of 35,100 dogs (and counting).Do what you love and you’ll neverwork a day in your life For Michael McTeigue, founder of SavourLife,he’d always dreamed of helping save rescuedogs. This realisation put the wheels in motionfor Michael to follow that dream, quit hiscorporate career and start SavourLife – anAussie dog food company that donates 50%of its profits to pet rescue organisations.14 petbarn.com.au“I’ve always had a soft spot for dogs, andnow rescue dogs in particular,” says Michael.“My best mate Buddy, a Labrador, whopassed away at 15, was the inspiration forSavourLife. I think if one dog that we helpsave brings a millionth of the happiness tosomeone, that he brought to our lives thenthat would be an awesome thing.”

SavourLife dog foodand treatsSavourlifeEssentialsChicken PuppyFoodThe pairing of a fantastic cause with anatural, Australian-made product hasallowed Michael to contribute so much topets in need. “We’ve now reached over 4million in donations and shared this with over250 rescue groups in every state or territoryand supported the re-homing of over 35,100dogs!” he says.This includes his two “Chief Tasting Officers”Missy the ‘Tripawd’ and Max the Labrador.“Missy was abandoned at four weeks oldwith a crushed leg and Max was abandonedas a six-month-old puppy – he’s an exampleof the myths around rescue dogs. If youwant a puppy or particular breed, believe meyou can find them.” Michael and his smallteam, work hard to grow SavourLife moreand more. “When I make a decision for ourbusiness, I always ask ‘Will this help us savemore dogs?’ – It’s a really simple guidingprinciple.” And the need to support adoptionis great. “There are over 100,000 dogsabandoned in Australia every year and weare determined to fix that.”SavourLifeAncient GrainsGluten FreePuppy FoodSavourLifeGrain FreeChickenPuppy FoodSavourLifeAncient GrainsLarge BreedPuppy FoodSavourLifeAustralian MilkyTraining TreatsFind your new best friend through Petbarn and SavourLife’s nationalrescue dog database.Visit petbarn.com.au/services/adoptions15

A First StepsTop breedsWhen you’re looking for your new best friend,check out some of Australia’s best-loved breeds.PoodleMiniature Poodles make for intelligent and joyfulcompanions, but like most dogs they can get boredeasily. Comical and clever, these well-proportioneddogs are popular as show dogs. Miniature Poodlesare not keen on outdoor living – they love humancompanionship and are ideal pets for families andthe elderly. They do require regular grooming andattention to their coats. Like most small breedsof dogs they can be prone to dental disease so it’simportant to establish a robust dental preventativeplan early on.MalteseEasy to get along with, playful and mild-mannered,Maltese are the epitome of a companion dog.They are famed for the straight, silky white hairthat forms their coat. This toy dog breed is trustingand devoted to its owner and makes a perfectlapdog. Malteses are highly intelligent and excel incompetitive obedience, agility and learning tricks,but you will need to keep up your training schedule!Jack Russell TerrierFearless to a fault, the Jack Russell Terrier is a merry,cheeky, devoted and loving breed that gets alongwell with children and strangers. They are extremelyintelligent and thrive on action and adventure somake sure they’re mentally and physically stimulated.As they’re full of energy, a daily run or game of fetchis important, and professional obedience training issuggested from an early age to bring out the best inyour buddy.16 petbarn.com.au

Border CollieA Border Collie is a very active dog and is sure tokeep you on your toes. Bred for herding sheep,they are a highly intelligent breed, known for theirtenacity and obedience. A happy Border Collierequires regular interaction, play and training. Onthe plus side, they will be high-fiving you in no timeat all – when they’re not running rings around youwith energy to burn. They thrive on regular exercise;so daily walks and games of fetch will keep themstimulated. This breed is most suitable for peoplewho have plenty of time to spend with their newfurry family member.Mixed breedsDon’t forget about the wide world of wonderfulmixed-breed dogs! Often you’ll be lucky enough toenjoy some of the best character traits of two orthree different breeds. There are so many friendlypups in adoption centres just waiting for foreverhomes. The centre will have worked out the dog’stemperament and energy levels to help them finda family with a lifestyle that suits. You can learnall about your prospective pet before you makethe big commitment. Plus, when you adopt a dog,you’ll bring home a very grateful puppy.Dog Breed SelectorFind your newbest friendAre you dreaming about bringing a puppy into your home,but can’t decide which breed is right for you?Our Dog Breed Selector matches your needs with a breedthat’s perfect for your lifestyle.Visit petbarn.com.au/petspot/dog-breed-selector orscan the code with your phone’s camera.Scan here with yourphone camera!17

A First StepsPuppy developmentAs your puppy grows to become a well-rounded dog,these are the milestones that will make you a proud parent.NewbornPups at this stage rely solely ontheir mother until they’re three orfour weeks old.Hill’s Science DietSmall BitesPuppy Food2 to 7 weeksTheir eyes and ears open andthey start to walk and bark.They will start developing theirmilk teeth.Pups can start to be weanedfrom 4 weeks of age and slowlyintroduced onto a solid diet –they can be fed small amountsseveral times a day.NexGard SpectraFlea and TickTreatment8 to 10 weeksPuppies arrive at their new home! At thisstage, they’ll start their toilet trainingif not already, lead training and you’llneed to know where they’re at with theirvaccinations and parasite prevention.They’ll need: Puppy pads. Collar, lead and ID tags. Training crate. Toys and a bed. Prevention from parasites such asfleas, ticks and worms.They’ll need: Puppy-specific foodenriched with DHA for braindevelopment and vision, aswell as premium ingredientsto help them grow strong.18 petbarn.com.auFreshcoEco-FriendlyTraining Pads

2 to 3 monthsOnce your puppy has completedtheir vaccinations at around 14-16weeks, they’ll be ready to step outinto the world.They’ll need: Clean-up bags for waste. Odour neutraliser (for anylittle accidents).They’re anadult dog!12 to 18 monthsIf your dog is a small or medium breed,at 12 months they’re now an adult andwill stop growing in size. Large breeds willcontinue to grow until they reach theirfull height and weight at around 18-24months. When puppies become adults,it is important to transition them frompuppy food to adult dog food which willprovide them with the right balance ofnutrition for their life stage.They’ll need:KongPuppy ToyFreshcoWaste Bag Refills Super premium adult dog food. New harness, collar and bed, basedon their growth. Dental care essentials.4 to 5 monthsTheir baby teeth start to fall outat around 5 months and theirpermanent teeth start to grow.They will be more responsiveto training and it’s importantto reinforce skills learnt atpuppy school.It’s still okay to feed 3-4 smallmeals per day and this canslowly decrease to twice daily.They’ll need:You can book your vetappointments online!Visit greencrossvets.com.au/book-online6 to 12 monthsDepending on the breed, some puppieswill start to slow their bone growth.Smaller breeds will reach sexualmaturity; this is an ideal time to have aconversation with your Greencross Vetsto confirm when is the most appropriatetime to book your puppy in for desexing. Treats for training. Grooming essentials.They’ll need: Teething and chew toys. Activity-based toys for fun. A trip to the vet.19

B Settling InHow to puppyproof your homeConsider your home through the eyes of a curious puppyand make adjustments so it’s a safe and secure environment.The kitchen containsdrawers and cabinets withinteresting smells andtastes. It’s likely that yourpuppy will want to exploreeverything, so secure yourshelves with childprooflatches to keep your puppyout of your food andcleaning products.The bathroom has manyhazards for a curious puppyincluding medication, razors,cotton buds and soap.Be sure you keep the toiletlid down too as shallowpools of water can pose adrowning risk.The bedroom will certainlyinterest your new puppy20 petbarn.com.auas they get to know yourscent. Shoes, clothing, hairties, toys and other smallchewable items should besecured for safety.The living area haselectronic gadgets andloose cords that your puppymight chew. Don’t leavehandbags, phones, remotes,kids’ toys and magazines(or really anything of value)lying around, as there’s a riskof them being chewed andswallowed.The backyard andgarage have obviousdangers, includingchemicals, like paint andcleaners. Some plants canbe toxic to pets, too. Youshould also check that yourpuppy can’t escape the yardthrough gaps in the fence.Remember: dogs can dig!Vet advice:A puppy gate is greatfor blocking your puppy’saccess to areas theyshouldn’t explore.

Welcometo the familyArriving at their new home can beoverwhelming for your new puppy.Here are some things to keep inmind to help your new pet feel likeone of the family.Meeting the familyIntroduce your new puppyto your family and otherpets slowly and gently.Take notice of how yourpuppy is feeling as theywill communicate anydiscomfort. Here are sometips for ensuring they’ll bebest buds in no time.Kids and puppiesKids and puppies are agreat match, provided theystart out on the right foot.If introducing a puppy tochildren, try to keep the kidscalm and let your puppyapproach the kids, not theother way around. Introducebabies in a gentle, positivemanner, holding them safelyout of reach. Arrange a‘safe zone’ for your pup –such as a cushioned crateor a kennel – where theycan retreat to if they feelthreatened or overwhelmed.Remember that you shouldnever leave a puppy or dogalone with a young child.Vet advice:Put some puppy padsdown before introductionsare made as your puppymay get excited and havea few accidents!Puppies andother petsIf introducing your puppyto an existing pet, do thefirst meet and greet onneutral ground. A local parkis a good idea here. Thiswill prevent resident petsfrom feeling threatened.Ensure your existing petand your puppy are upto date on health checksand vaccinations beforeintroducing them.21

B Settling InSleeping through the nightThe first night at home with you might be the first time yourpuppy is away from their mum and litter mates. Here’s a fewideas to help them settle in.Create a cosy space foryour puppy to sleep in, forexample, follow the stepson page 23 to set up yourpuppy’s crate.Tire your puppy out with avariety of chase toys andmentally stimulating toysthroughout the day so thatwhen night comes, they’reready to head straight to bed.Wind down before bedtimeand teach your puppy to dotheir business before bedso they will stay asleep forlonger. Remember, if yourpuppy is sleeping in a crate,they will not be able to holdtheir bladder overnight andso they will have to be let outin a few hours.22 petbarn.com.auSeparation anxiety is notuncommon and if yourpuppy whines or tries toleave their bed, simplycorrect them in a firm butgentle manner. Try to resistputting your puppy in yourbed as this will be a hardhabit to break as they growolder and can be unsafe forthem. Instead, you can placetheir bedding close to yoursuntil they settle.Provide a snuggly toy foryour puppy to cuddle withwhile they adjust to beingaway from their mother andother siblings. Use an objectthat has the familiar scentof their mother and littermates and include an itemwith your scent on it so theylearn to feel safe with you.It may take a couple ofnights at home for yourpuppy to settle in, but withthese handy tips you’llbe catching those zzz’stogether in no time.We recommendAromaDogFleeceBlanketPuppy ToyYoursDroollyOriginalDroolly DogDog Toy

Which bed is right?Should you go for a bed, kennel or crate? Find the perfectsleep zone for your puppy with these pointers.Selecting the right bed is a must for all puppies,even if you’ve decided that they will sleep in akennel or crate. As puppies spend a lot of timesleeping, creating a cosy and calm space for yourpup to sleep in means choosing beds that featureplush lining and bolster walls for snuggling. Ensuringyou have the right amount of padding to supportyour puppy’s growing joints is key. Be sure to choosebedding they can grow into and that has easywashability in case of any accidents.KennelKennels are perfect for puppies that will live asoutside dogs or share the house with kids and otherpets. When you select a kennel, consider the sizeyour puppy will grow to. The kennel needs to be bigenough for them to turn around and lie down incomfortably. Keep the kennel raised off the groundand make sure it’s not too far from your house,so your puppy doesn’t feel isolated. Add in somecushioned bedding and your puppy will love theircosy refuge.CrateA crate offers your puppy their own safe haven.Crates also limit destructive behaviour and arehelpful for creating a routine, plus, they can beused on car trips. Your puppy needs to be able tocomfortably stand-up, lie down, turn around andstretch inside their crate.We recommendCrate training 101Getting your puppy to use theircrate is a gradual process. Set up the crate so it’s cosy andinviting. Put a crate mat on thebase and add a soft bed. Leave the crate door openand tempt your puppy in witha treat or toy. Place the treat or toy in the backof the crate so they have to gocompletely inside to retrieve it. When your puppy first ventures intotheir crate stay close and reassurethem that all is well. radually close the door but stayGwith them and encourage theirgood behaviour. eep the “closed door” periods shortKat first. When you’re happy that your puppyis relaxed in the crate, with thedoor closed, leave them alone –initially for short periods, graduallyincreasing the duration. ake sure that their crate is aMsafe haven; never use this as apunishment area.For more info:CountourDog TrainingCrateAll DayCosy CottageDog BedFor more tips on how to crate trainyour puppy, visit: www.youtube.com/PetbarnAustralia23

B Settling InPuppy must-dosWhile nobody likes paperwork, the quicker you getonto this, the quicker you can ensure your puppy’shealth, safety and happiness.

Microchipping and registrationIn most Australian states and territories, havingyour puppy microchipped is mandatory. This is aquick and relatively non-invasive procedure thatallows you to register your puppy so that if theyever stray, a vet or pound can use the microchipto identify them and access contact details via aprivacy protected database. Many local councilsrequire residents to register their dogs before theyreach 12 weeks of age, and fines can apply if youdon’t do so. Check whether your puppy has alreadybeen microchipped, as many breeders will do thisas standard procedure. Ensure you register your petwith a national pet registry for even easier lost petrecovery. If your pet has not been microchipped,take them to your local Greencross Vets to havethis quick and easy procedure done.Greencross Vets’ Healthy PetsPlus wellness membershipprogram makes doing the rightthing for your puppy simple andaffordable. Membership benefitsinclude unlimited consultations,free vaccinations, free WebVetadvice 24/7 and exclusivediscounts!See page 48 or visitgreencrossvets.com.au/healthy-pets-plus to learn more.Pedigree pupsIf you’re welcoming a pure-bred puppy into yourfamily, it’s worth knowing their family tree. Breedersshould supply papers that show that the puppy isregistered with the relevant breeder association.Ask the breeder for the registration of your puppy’sparents, including certificates showing they’ve beenscreened for any common hereditary diseases.For more information onmicrochipping, visit your localGreencross Vets.Health checklistRegistered breeders and pet adoption centres willhave taken your puppy for their first vet healthcheck, which includes the first round of vaccinationsand microchipping. Make sure you have a record ofthe following: First vet health check Microchipping Vaccination record Parasite prevention planKeeping a record of this information will be usefulwhen your pet starts puppy school and is alsonecessary if you’re thinking of sending your puppy todoggy day care, a boarding facility or for a pampersession at the groomer.Vet advice:Regular, twice yearly healthchecks are important tomaintain health andwell-being and for the earlydetection of disease.25

C FeedingWhat should I feedmy puppy?Feeding the right food is an important part of giving yourpuppy the best start in life. A super premium diet is the bestway for your little one to gro

02 The joy of a new puppy 04 Before getting a puppy 06 The power of adoption 08 Top breeds 10 Puppy development 12 How to puppy proof your place 13 checksWelcome to the family 14 Puppy checklist 15 Puppy starter kit 16 Sleeping through the night 17 Which bed is right 18 Puppy must-dos 20 What should I feed my puppy 22 Benefits of super premium food 24 What are the food options for