Being prepared to bring your new "Bully" home is essential, below are a few items you will need to start and some basic do's and don'ts......... Shopping List Collar- it is a good idea to get your new "Bully" accustomed to wearing a collar when you first bring him/her home. Adding an ID tag will help in the event your puppy becomes lost. The collar is also an important training tool. Leash- for training purposes or just to take a leisurely stroll down the road, it is your puppies vehicle to the outside world. Bowls- you will need two bowls, one for food and one for water. Stainless steel flat bottomed bowls with rubber will help in preventing spills and sliding. Bed- a nice soft bed large enough to stretch out on, you may consider purchasing one large enough for him/her to grow into. *** It is also a good idea to make sure it's washable, as we all know they will have  accidents .......... Crate - it has many purposes, it serves as a bed, housetraining tool and travel carrier. It should be big enough for them to stand and turn around in. If you plan on purchasing one larger be sure it has an adjustable divider to limit space while he/she is a puppy. It will then allow more space when they grow. Gate - like the type you would use for a toddler, they will keep your "Bully" out of areas you don't want them in. Choose one that is tall enough that they can't jump over and the spaces small enough so they can't squeeze through. Playpen - comes in several sizes, gives your "Bully" enough room for playtime and confines them so they won't get into any trouble. Toys - and lots of them, keeping your "Bully" occupied and entertained by providing an assortment of fun toys. Remember teething "Bullies" love to cheewwwwwwwww....... bones made of hard rubber and other fun stuff like rope toys or balls that dispense treats will keep them busy for a while. Avoid toys with small objects, as they can break off and be swallowed, causing your puppy to choke. Treats - provide your "Bully" with premium quality treats, DO NOT give the RAWHIDE, it breaks off and expands causing them to choke. Nail Clipper and/or Grinder - keep the nails short and well manicured. Brush - a good brush with flexible rubber bristles. Baby wipes - for the quick cleaning of the wrinkles, eyes and ears. These are our suggestions to help you make it easier in the beginning............  Coming Home Bringing your "Bully" home, remember he/she is a baby and like all babies they need sleep ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ..... They also need alot of love, attention and nourishment. It is important to follow your breeders feeding routine: the same times, amounts and the same brand of food and supplements. As change will only upset your puppys tummy. Puppies are normally fed 2-3 times a day or you can keep food available at all times. Fresh water should be provided at all times also. Kibble should be premium quality as the "Bulldog" has skin sensitivity and sometimes allergies to certain ingredients in food. Premium food promotes growth, healthy skin and coat and solid stool. Most puppies kibble is softened with warm water, some add baby food, egg or yogurt. Do not feed your "Bully" anything that contains "Soybeans". If you decide to change the puppies kibble, do so gradually, adding more of the new brand for the old until it is all new. You may also give your puppy a vitamin supplement, if it says "one a day" two is not better. Supplements to be careful of are vitamins E,D and A. Be sure to take your new "Bully" to your veterinarian, normally within two days of bringing him/her home. Keeping in mind to bring all records of vaccinations, worming and don't forget the stool sample. What not to feed your "Bully": Alcohol - small amounts of alcohol can result in aclohol poisining, which can lead to death. Chocolate - contains theobromine, which can be fatal. The darker the chocolate, the greater the danger. Coffee and Tea - Both contain caffeine and theobromine. Macadamia Nuts - eating too many can cause paralysis. Symptoms include mild fever and upset stomach. Depending on how many are consumed, within 12-24 hours the back legs will become paralyzed: the front legs are either unaffected or minimally affected. But the back legs no longer work. The good news is within 72 hours the dog is fine, as though nothing has happened. The bad news is that some dogs may be euthanized because they are misdiagnosed as having a severely injured disc, particularly among breeds where injured discs frequently occur. Nicotene - tobacco products are deadly, so make sure that your "Bully" does not eat any cigars, cigarettes, snuff or chewing tobacco. Onions - can cause hemolytic anemia, symptoms include pale mucus membranes, loss of energy, lack of appetite. They can also feel the cold more and try to find a warm corner. It may also include a fever or faster heart rate. Treatment may include a blood transfusion and or vitamin B12. Xylitol - an artificial sweetner, can cause sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.  |