Suggestions for a good start

Puppy Care Recommendations

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SHOW ME BOYKINS

BOB MAKLA

3855 DURFEE LANE

SHERRILLS FORD, NC 28673

704-564-9792

Showmeboykins.com​

• Feeding: Puppy has been eating Purina Pro Plan Puppy formula. We feed them twice a day, first thing in the morning and evening about 6:00. Water is available most of the day and we take it up after evening feeding to assist in potty training. Some place food in crate to encourage acceptance of crate, others, never place food in crate. ½ cup twice a day.
• Purina is not our top choice for adult food, but they make a good puppy formula that we have been pleased with. We suggest moistening food when feed for the first couple weeks.
• Crate Training: One of the more important tasks for a young Boykin Spaniel. During the first six months, we suggest that if pup is not being trained, loved, fed, (eyes on pup activity), they should be placed in their crate located in a primary part of living area where pup can observe your daily life and routine. Potty training is crucial the first couple of weeks. This is typically only accomplished using a crate, schedule, rewards and time. Puppy is in crate, listen for a signal but when you feel its time to go out, put leash on puppy, quickly take it to an area suitable for business, at first don’t talk but be ready to celebrate and treat (praise, treat, throw a toy, …) if they potty. Back inside, leave leash on just in case they look like they need to go, 30 minutes of supervised play and back in crate. Set a timer at what ever time you feel comfortable and go back to same spot. After a couple successful trips, add a command to potty. (if pup seems distracted by your voice command, stop and use it later in training.
• Biting/Nipping: easy to correct but consistency is the key. Find a command to use (No Teeth, No Bite, No …) and as they try to nip you or clothing, firmly grab muzzle and squeeze hard enough to get a yelp and use your command.  To expedite training, with a glove on, place finger in front of puppy’s mouth, when he grabs your finger, grab his muzzle and command. Over and Over. If pup likes treats, give it a treat when he accomplishes task. (With a Boykin, a positive reinforcement is 100 times better than a pressure approach)
• Before you move to training, (Sit, Here, Heel) work on bonding and playing.  Once it’s about 4 months, you can start semi formal training using rewards for success.  
• Walking on leash. When young and playing in the yard, let it drag its leash around with it, so it doesn’t associate the tugging of a leash with you. Also, once you begin training, consider getting a Wonder Lead for training Sit, Here and Heel. Get videos on YouTube of proper use. Some use clickers for training with great success.  I personally don’t have the correct skills or patience’s for one.
• Make sure you utilize a reputable vet and once on heart worm preventative and rabies, stay on schedule.  They do make a 6 or 12 month injection for heart worm prevention and just slightly more than trying to keep up with oral meds.
• Boykins should live everyday life with you and family to get the most out of a Boykins. They learn a lot faster when they are involved in daily activities and not outside in a kennel to do as they please. In my opinion, the more you spoil your Boykin with love and attention, the better they become wheatear a hunter or companion.
• Jumping: teach to sit on command, then kneel to them, and let them come to you. They love to jump because they are 18” and you are 5-6 feet tall.  Go to their level unless you want them jumping to yours.