Bringing Home a Bulldog: What First-Time Owners Should Expect
A quiet house can be upside down in a Bulldog’s merriest way. Not much paws will follow you from room to room, toys under the sofa and likely a little snoring at night! However, there are some needs that new dog owners should know about, but may have missed in the wrinkles of that old dog’s face.
The first few days can be chaotic.
Remember that your puppy doesn’t understand your house rules right away. Even a puppy who has begun to learn to toilet train can come across a few mistakes in a new location. It can take awhile for scent, strangers, and not sleeping in its litter to get used to.
Provide a calm area with a bed, fresh water and 2 safe chew toys. Have regular meal times and toilet opportunities. After waking, meals, and play, take your puppy outside; reward your puppy for doing it correctly.
If there are children at home, show them how to let the puppy rest. Bulldogs are known for their affectionate nature, but even an exhausted puppy needs some rest.
Wrinkles need to be taken care of
British Bulldog is also called as English Bulldog and is known for its wide head and short nose with folded skin. Those attributes require more care than many new owners realize.
Regularly inspect your dog’s folds. It can trap moisture and dirt, causing skin irritation. Gently clean them using products recommended by your veterinarian, and carefully dry them.
Don’t forget breathing! Bulldogs are susceptible to breathing issues and can overheat as they have short muzzles. Avoid walks in the heat and make sure your home is cool in hot weather, and there is plenty of water. If a Bulldog is making loud noises when breathing, has trouble exercising or appears to be short of breath, it is not just a normal Bulldog thing to do. Have a vet check it out.
There is no need to take long walks to exercise.
Bulldog may appear content to curl up on the sofa in the afternoon, but he still needs exercise and play. Few and short walks and gentle play can keep the dog fit and healthy without overdoing it.
Look for signs of fatigue and excessive panting, especially when it is hot and humid. Water is also a concern: Bulldogs are not good swimmers and should be kept out of water deeper than a foot unless under strict supervision and adequate protection.
Oh and keep in mind the mundane. Practising ‘sit’, ‘come’ and ‘leave it’ a few minutes each day can make life much easier. Be patient. It is better to reward puppies for learning than to shout at them.
Think Beyond the Purchase Price
When determining your budget, it’s not difficult to look for Affordable AKC English Bulldog breeders. Remember, the cost of the puppy is just the price of the offer. The cost of food, vaccinations, routine veterinary visits, grooming supplies and any health issues related to the breed should all be in the budget.
When considering the purchase of AKC registered Bulldog puppies, request the health-testing history from the parents, the puppy’s veterinary records and the paperwork. AKC registration documents that a puppy is of a specific ancestry, but doesn’t guarantee that a puppy will never become ill. A good seller should be open to questions and allow time for you to make an informed decision.
Allow your puppy time to become comfortable
Others, from the start, stick by your side wherever you go. Others take a little longer before they feel safe enough to play. The answers are not uncommon. Be very quiet during the first week, schedule a veterinary exam shortly after bringing your dog home and introduce new people and places slowly, as recommended by your veterinarian regarding vaccinations.
A Bulldog can be a very cherished addition to the family with proper care, routine and patience.
The Charming Bulldogs website is designed to help you find a network of English Bulldog puppy breeders and advertise English Bulldog pups. To learn about available puppies, health checks and travel arrangements visit the website of Charming Bulldogs at charmingbulldogs.com and then send a message to the team for more information.