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Irish WolfhoundsThings you need to know before you
bring your wolfhound puppy home
You have just arrived home with your new fur baby, everyone is excited, all your friends and neighbors have decided they just have to meet the new arrival, after all they've had to listen to you talk about him constantly for the past few weeks, and the children are running around screaming with excitement.
Rohan "Bain" Faramir Rohan Fangorn (Thorin)
STOP!!! Remember, your new puppy has just been removed from the only world he knows, a world of comfort and security, he is scared and wondering where his dam and siblings are. Any trauma that occurs now could remain with him for life.
Of course you are well prepared for his arrival, his nice squishy big bed is ready and waiting, a fresh bowl of water and some safe toys. Along, (hopefully) with the cover/towel your breeder gave you which still contains the welcome smells of his first family. (Ask your breeder to do this, take a small towel with you and rub it over the breeder/caregiver, the dam & siblings).
Rohan Bree (Morgan) Sunstag Wolfbane (Balin)
The baby gates are up to contain him safely in the room you have decided on, preferably very close to the rest of the family. Most choose the kitchen as it is usually the hub point of the household and the flooring is usually easy to clean.
Sunstag Wolfbane (Balin) Rohan Lorien My "Precious"
Some choose to crate, we do not allow this for our puppies, due to the fast growth and the need for them to have plenty of room to move around. Crating can cause long term joint damage.
The children are under control and understand they need to be quiet and sensible. Let the puppy relax, stick to one room for now, he has plenty of time to explore each room in the house, little by little. Do not overwhelm him, treat him like you would a human baby. He might grow a lot quicker, so always remember his age. It's all too easy to forget that important factor.
Rohan Irish Heart (Rowyn)
Give him 2-3 days to adjust to his new surroundings. He will cry the first few nights, but it will end quite quickly. Just make sure he is close enough so you hear him, as you will need to let him go out to pee during the night. We could not stand it, so you may end up with him in your bedroom like we do. This is fine if you know he will end up in there anyway, so try and start as you mean to continue.
Ideally, you have taken at least a week off work to slowly get the puppy used to being left alone if you have to work. We prefer to place puppies in homes where there is at least one person there most of the time, but we understand this is not always possible.
Start by leaving for 5 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day, then build it up gradually.
If you already have a dog(s), make sure you always greet them first, give them treats first, to avoid jealousy. Introduce them on neutral ground.
Avoid any rough housing or running around with adult dogs for the first 6 months.
You already know the food your puppy was being fed and if you are unable to buy the same brand, ensure the breeder gives you enough to switch over within 5 days, do not drag it out.
No breeder worth their salt should be feeding puppy food to an Irish Wolfhound puppy, and there is evidence to show that these foods over-accelerate the growth of giant breed pups, leading to joint malformations and bone weakness. Feeding a good quality, natural, preferably organic dried adult food will not result in a smaller wolfhound. It will extend the growth period to allow better development and consolidation of bones and joints.
Rohan Fangorn (Thorin)
Your breeder should have each puppy well socialized before they leave their home. They should have been handled frequently and had lots of love and attention. They should have already been introduced to the TV, well behaved small children and older children, had plenty of visitors, male and female. The vacuum cleaner, noisy toys, like empty plastic bottles, squeaky toys, etc.
You would hope they have already started the process of house breaking and walking on a leash. Of course they will have accidents, they are just babies, so make sure you handle them correctly.
Rohan Irish Wolfhound puppy parents all receive a very detailed puppy guide on how to raise an Wolfhound pup. If you did not receive one from your breeder, shame on them, please contact us we would be only to happy to send you a copy of ours.
Kili with Gandalf Kili and Balin
Okay, now of course you have spent a long time researching to find the best vet possible, one who is knowledgeable about the Irish Wolfhound. I do get the occasional call saying "My vet disagrees with you and told us to get our puppy on puppy food, what should we do?" My reply "Find another vet" if they do not know this fundamental thing, be concerned.
So it will be music to your ears when they say "Now, you are feeding a good quality adult food aren't you?"
POISONS
Get on the internet and educate yourself on poisonous plants, foods etc. It could very easily save your puppies life.
This page gives you the very basics, there is so much more important information to be found on our site.
Just promise us you will spend a long time educating yourself on the do's and don'ts before you ever bring him home.
Thank you ............... now enjoy!!!
Rohan "Arwen" Evenstar
Rohan "Gandalf" the Grey Rohan "Bain" Faramir
