Puppy Schedule

Hey Everybody,

We are QUICKLY approaching when our puppies start going home. I cannot thank you again enough for trusting us to raise your new family member. We have enjoyed getting to spend the last 8 weeks with them and I cannot wait to watch them grow (meaning I want lots of pictures from you guys)! 

Please make sure you go back and read the puppy supply list and information that was posted to this blog a couple of weeks ago. There is a lot of helpful information on there about your puppies first night, crate training and the do's and don'ts of having a new puppy.

Currently all puppies are eating 1/2 cup of dry puppy food (Hills Science Diet....Large Breed).

We feed them at 7am, 12pm, and 5:30pm
They will be ready to move up to 3/4 cup once they go home

For potty training purposes make sure to take your pup out right after they finish eating. Each puppy will grow at different paces so I cannot tell you exactly when to increase their food. If your puppy is finishing their food and searching for more then this will be a good indicator it's time to increase. The main thing is that we do not want an obese dog so do not over feed. Also, the number 1 question I get asked is when should we transition to adult food. Some vets say 6 months and some say 12 months. This all depends on how quickly your puppy grows. We do not want them to grow too fast, so consult with your vet at each appointment as to when they think is a good time to transition.

Remember when your puppy arrives that this is all new to them. This is the first time they have been away from their siblings and us. Give them time to adjust and do not overwhelm them. If you have small children try to make this transition as calm as possible. Also, make sure your home is puppy proof. They are curious and also teething...so it is VERY important to make sure they are in a safe area.

Potty training: The fun fun part of a new baby puppy :)

Patience is key. Remember they have to learn it is not okay to go potty inside your house. Also, remember they cannot hold it through the night. They will need to be let out about every 3 hours...this includes night time too. If you stick to a plan then you will have a potty trained pup in no time.

Last but definitely not least is creating a well behaved puppy. Always ask yourself- I know this behavior may be cute now but will it be cute when they are 70 + pounds?!? For example, if a cute little puppy jumps up on your leg and your initial response is to pet them or pick them up then you are rewarding that behavior and they do not understand why they are no longer allowed to do that when they are 12 months old. So, no jumping or chewing....make sure to correct these behaviors from the beginning. 

If you have any questions at any time please do not hesitate to ask....we are here to help in any way possible. 

Enjoy your new puppy and please keep us posted on how they are doing!

Thank you,

Alyson Stuart

Southland Goldens

Week 7 Video

Hey Everybody,

Here is our week 7 (and final) video

WOW....these weeks have flown by...at least they have for me.

Thank you again for trusting us to raise your new family member. Please keep us updated on how they are doing and send lots of pictures :)

Too cute...

Week 6 Video

Hey Everybody!

Here is our week 6 video :)

Picking process will begin now...I will be in touch with each of you soon!

Hope you enjoy 

Week 5 video

Hey Everybody,

Here is our week 5 video. These pups are so much fun. 

Hope you enjoy :)

4 week Vet check up

Hey Everybody,

We went today for our week 4 vet check up and everyone looks good! As you can see from the pictures below they weren’t very stressed by being there lol

Week 4 Video

Hey Everybody,

These pups are so much fun now!! Here is our week 4 video. Hope you enjoy :)

Also I have had people as about final payment. You may mail a check to Alyson Stuart at the following address:

Southland Goldens

PO Box 60

Troy, AL 36081

I will let you know as soon as I receive your payment

Thank you!

Too cute not to share

This was just too cute not to share. Luke LOVES spending time with his “siblings” (aka puppies)

Have a Happy 4th of July

Only 6 more days until Monday...which means more cute videos :)

Week 3 Video

Raise your hand if Monday is now your favorite day of the week 🙋‍♀️

Here is our week 3 video. Hope you enjoy :)

Week 2 Video

Hey Everybody,

Here is our week 2 video. Hope you enjoy :)

This was too cute not to share 🥰

Puppy 101 and Supplies

Your puppy will be joining you and your family soon…how exciting!!! However, the first couple of days in their new home can be stressful for your new puppy. Remember this is the first time they have been away from their mother, littermates and their first human family. This is also a new time for you so we have come up with a list of do’s and don’ts to hopefully make this transition as smooth as possible.

1.      Puppy Proof Your Home:

This is VERY important. There are many things that your new puppy can get into that are harmful for them. You will want to puppy proof your home just as you would for a baby. For example, there does not need to be any cords that your puppy can get to…they will chew on them! There are chew repellent sprays that you can use to spray furniture legs to keep your teething puppy from chewing them. The best option is to have a safe environment that you puppy can play in without you having to be right there….there are many different size playpen options that will work.

2.      Bringing your puppy to meet their new family:

Remember this is all new to your puppy…make this a calm time. Let them explore and get use to everything. All puppies are different…some may run around exploring and some may just freeze because they are overwhelmed. Either way it is perfectly normal and doesn’t define “what your puppy will always be like”.

If you have another pet put them away right now. Once your puppy is comfortable in the new area you can introduce other pets. Also, if you have small children try to let you puppy get use to everything before bringing them around the puppy….kids excitement can scare your puppy at first. The calmer this initial introduction is the easier it will be for your pup. Also, remember your puppy will need to sleep after a long day with a lot of change so allow them to do so.

3.      Setting a routine for your new puppy:

Puppies are like children…they need a routine. We will send you a copy of the routine they are on when they are with us. You are more than welcome to change it up (gradually) to better fit your lifestyle. Just remember at 8 weeks they are still babies and need to go potty frequently. They will need scheduled eating, play, potty and rest times. You will be able to lengthen the time between potty breaks as they get older. When you take your puppy out to the bathroom make sure you take them to a spot you always want them to use. While it may be easier to let them use the bathroom right by the back door in the middle of the night just remember you do not want your full grown dog always going potty right by the back door! Also, potty time is always serious business….this is not a time to play. Just repeat the command you use (ex. “go potty”) until they do….once they do give them light praise and then back inside or to their play area.

4.      The first night:

Oh the joys of the first night! Your puppy WILL cry. You WILL believe this may never end. I promise you it will and they will survive. Remember this is their first night away from the world as they know it. We will send home a blanket with their littermates and mom’s scent…use it! This will bring some comfort to them. We have also found it helps to have a stuffed animal in there for them to cuddle up to (this is how they sleep with their littermates). Even though your puppy is crying do not let them out of the crate or pay them any attention. You do not want your puppy to associate that the more noise they make the more likely they are to get out of the cage! Stick to your routine and only let them out when it’s time for them to go potty. I promise as the days go by if you stick to your routine the puppy crying will end.

     5. Training:

I cannot stress enough how important it is to start training your puppy as soon as you get them. There is a book called “The Perfect Puppy” by Gwen Bailey (It can be found on Amazon). I recommend reading this before your puppy joins you. It gives a lot of great advice on raising a well behaved dog! We use clicker training as well as a pinch collar for our puppies. There are many different training methods but if you are interested in this way then I will be more than happy to help you with it.

Just remember do not let your puppy get away with a behavior if it is something you would not want a full grown dog to do. For example it may be cute that your puppy jumps up on your leg for you to pet them but they will quickly be 70 + pounds and it will not be nearly as cute! Same goes for allowing them to play bite…this is a big no no and should be corrected immediately. 

6. Supplies:

Here are a list of supplies we recommend having for your new puppy

a.      Leash and Collar. Your puppy will need a collar that can be adjusted easily. The collar should fit snuggly so it won’t slip off but not too tight; you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the pup’s neck. Make sure to check this frequently because your puppy will be growing quickly. Most of our puppies are wearing 8-11 inch collars before they leave at 8 weeks and they are usually as loose as they can go. A leash is needed for walks, potty break and training. I would recommend a short leash in the beginning so you are in control during the training process….you do not want a dog that is going to pull you around the neighborhood- you want one that will walk by your side.

b.      Crate and playpen. We are big on crate training and playpens not only because it keeps your puppy safe when you are unable to watch them but it also helps with the potty training process. For those of you whose puppy is flying you can use the crate they arrive in for a while. It is the perfect size for when they are little. For everyone else I would recommend purchasing a 42” crate. These crates will be too big for your puppy at first so make sure you use a divider to section the place off where your new puppy will sleep. You do not want them to have the whole crate because dogs do not like to go potty where they sleep….if they have the option to go to the other end of the crate to potty then come back to sleep that makes the potty training process a lot harder. Make sure your puppy is able to stand up, lie down, turn around and stretch inside the crate.

c.       Food and Water bowls. There are many different types of doggy dishes to choose from. I would recommend using a stainless steel bowl because they are easy to clean and sanitize (unlike plastic bowls which can easily get scratched and hold bacteria and residue in these areas). They also cannot be chewed up by a new teething puppy.

d.      Grooming. We use baby shampoo on all of our puppies and adult dogs. You will also need a brush, nail clippers (make sure to only cut the hook of the nail off. If you are uncertain have your vet show you the proper way) and tooth brush. Start a regular grooming routine as soon as your puppy joins you- this will make the process a lot easier when they are adults.

e.      Toys. Puppies love toys. We recommend strong durable, well-made toys (like kong toys) that are sized appropriately for your dog. Cheaper is not always better- you do not want a toy that your dog can easily take apart and swallow small pieces. Rope toys are also good as they help floss teeth while the puppy plays. Also make sure to get fetching toys such as tennis balls.

f.        Cleaning Supplies. Your puppy is going to have accidents inside. You will need to use an odor neutralizing cleaning supply that removes all traces of urine and pet stains to keep your puppy from repeatedly using the same spot. 

Here is a little trick... purchase a large lamb chop stuffed animal and lay the blanket with the littermates scent under it....we have found this helps pups on their first couple nights as they are use to laying on top of each other :)

Week 1 Video

Hey Everybody,

Here is our week 1 video. Hope you enjoy :)

Happy Friday

Weight update

Hey Everybody,

Here is a weight update. 

Mr. Red- 1.2 lbs

Ms. Pink- 1.2 lbs

Ms. Purple- 1.2 lbs

Ms. Yellow 1.0 lbs

Meet the puppies

Hey Everybody,

It’s time to meet the puppies :)

These are the color collars they will wear until they join their forever home. Our first video (week 1) will be posted here on Monday. We will share their weight and what we notice temperament wise with you all each week. 

The Girls: Ms. Pink, Ms. Purple and Ms. Yellow

The Boy: Mr. Red

These pups are eating like champs and Zelda is doing great :)

Picture time...

Hey Everybody,

Here are the pups :)

Everyone is doing great and as you can see by the picture they are big healthy babies 

3 Girls and 1 Boy

The puppies have arrived!!!

We have 3 girls and 1 boy. The pups and mama are doing great. We will post pictures later.

In labor

Zelda is in labor....all is going well. Will post updated when I can :)

X-ray

Hey Everybody,

Today was our x-ray day and it looks like we have 4 puppies. This is a smaller litter but everything looks great.  Zelda's due date is June 10th but they look like large puppies so our vets thinks they will be here before then...yay!!! I will keep you all posted here on the blog :)

Have a great weekend!!

Welcome and Ultrasound

Hey Everybody,

Welcome to the blog for our Zelda/ Tommy litter. This is where all information, pictures, videos, etc will be posted from now on. It is easier for us to keep everyone informed by posting everything on here. If you have any questions or anything you can still contact us through email at southlandgoldens@yahoo.com

There is a place on the top right of the blog where you can "follow by email". Enter your email address here. You will receive a confirmation email (make sure the check your junk folder if it is not in your inbox). Once you have confirmed your email you will start receiving a notification every time we post to the blog. 

Now for the fun news....we went today for Zelda's ultrasound and we were able to see puppies!!! We are unable to get an exact count on an ultrasound because you can't tell which ones you have counted and which you haven't. You will see in the video Zelda was very excited about the ultrasound...her tail was wagging the whole time :)

 We will go around June 5th for an x-ray. This will give us a better idea of how many puppies she will have. I will post the x-ray picture on this blog as well

Here is the video of today's ultrasound...your first glimpse at your new fur baby :)