Puppy Proof Your Home

You should puppy proof your home in much the same manner that you would baby proof your home. click here for more

A Place to Sleep

A place to sleep means more than just choosing a soft bed - predetermining the area your new puppy will sleep at and sticking to it will lead to easier bed times. It is natural for your new puppy to feel a little lonely, this will make it hard not to give in. There are many suggestions to help your new friend thru his/her first night. A warm water bottle to cuddle next to, a ticking clock, soft low sounds from a radio all are things that have worked for many in the past. Of course, given the opportunity and the ok from you, a bulldogge's favorite place to sleep is right next to you in bed. If this is not what you want from your eventual adult dog, sticking to your puppy's chosen sleeping spot is very important. A crate for bed time works very well. See more info on crate training.

Potty Time?

Prepare for potty time. Olde English Bulldogges are intelligent and will likely not mess where they sleep. Planning a designated potty spot and having a regular potty schedule helps tremendously with preventing accidents. Your potty spot should be far enough away from your door area that friends and family don't have to watch where they step. But close enough that your new Dogface doesn't have to go too far. Always take your puppy to that spot to do his/her business and soon they will head there on their own. It is best to walk your puppy there, not carry the puppy to the designated area for him/her to learn the way. Plan on taking your puppy potty immediately upon waking up, 10 to 20 minutes after eating, after an active indoor play time, every 2 to 3 hours in between feedings when puppy is younger or until he/she starts getting the idea. Using a simple trigger word will also let your puppy know you wish him/her to go - we use "go potty". Lot's of praise when your Olde English Bulldogge puppy does his/her business outside will encourage your new puppy to become fully potty trained. (see more)

Collar?

A collar is usually necessary by law when out and about. Please see your local laws and ordinances for more information on what is required in your area. We do recommend a collar with a buckle closure and made of a good strong material. Make sure your puppies collar is checked regularly for size - puppies can grow quickly and too tight of a collar can lead to injury. Be sure you can slide two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck but can not slip it over his/her head. In a home with small children we recommend removing the collar while inside. Young children do not always realize they can not pick up or carry a puppy by the collar, like a suitcase. This can lead to injury of the puppy.

Toys?

Toys are very, very important for puppy development and to prevent chewing on things you prefer your new Olde English Bulldogge not chew on. Finding the right toy differs with each Bulldogge Puppy and can be difficult. Don't overwhelm your puppy, a choice of 2 or 3 toys at a time is fine, until you find the one your puppy can't seem to do with out. A ball, a tug rope, and a dogge friendly soft toy are good places to start. Watching out for wear and tear of toys is your responsibility. If your puppy's toys become frayed and ragged replace them. This will help your puppy not eating part of a toy that could choke or injure your Dogface.

Recommendations?

There are a couple of items we recommend avoiding; rawhide items (bones, sticks or in any shape) and pigs ears. An Olde English Bulldogge simply eats these items which can cause stomach and intestinal issues many times requiring medical attention.

Avoid bones from the table, cooked bones are often brittle and will often result in splintered pieces in a throat or mouth. Raw or slow smoked knuckle bones from the butcher are best.

We have had best results with toys made of recycled tires and Jolly Balls for endurance.

Training?

Any responsible dog owner needs to teach their puppies some simple behaviors. A general natural disposition to want to please, and the intelligence to learn helps training along. Stop, Stay, Sit, Come - are important in public settings. But your puppy is young, remember to keep your new Olde English Bulldogges "training sessions" short, keep it enjoyable for both you and puppy, positive reinforcement when good works best, regular exercise, and consistency in your directions are of the utmost importance, and a little love - will all help your puppy continue to become the Fearless and Charming Dogface you want.

Help your OEB come back home

Protect your Olde English Bulldogge from being lost or stolen. We recommend not letting your new Dogface puppy off leash unless in an enclosed area until fully integrated into your family. Don't just let your new puppy out of the car at, what is for him/her is a strange place. As familiar as your home is to you, you need to show your new best friend around. Don't forget to a puppy you are a giant, it will be easier to call your new puppy to you if you kneel or sit down. We encourage you to have identification on your puppy. Having an identification tag on the collar with at least a phone number, proper rabies tag (usually registered with your vet), and micro-chipping (don't forget to send in the paper work!), will help your Dogface's come back home if lost or stolen.