Puppy preparation:
I believe nature vs. nurture doesn’t just apply to human children, but to our fur bearing babies as well. At Old McDonald Bulldogs, we use aromatherapy with our puppies to calm them. Aromatherapy typically uses products from nature without artificial chemicals so be sure to read your labels. I most commonly use lavender for my children, myself, and the puppies. I also have sounds of nature, music or a ticking clock to create a soothing environment in the nursery. Our puppies have lots of toys to play with, littermates, adult bulldogs, and my family. We try to create an environment that is conducive to learning, socializing, comfort, and safety.

Some things that you will be provided with:

a lead to get to you home, A blanket that smells like home, toy, Puppy packet (health certificate, health records, feeding chart, photos of your baby, 3 generation pedigree on mom and dad minimum, DNA profile number for mom and dad, and photos of mom and dad.

Items you should bring when picking up your puppy:

Stainless steel Water bowl for the trip home, water, towel, crate, helping hands.

Items for your home:

Collar, leash, indestructible toys (Ya right!), bed, wire crate, food, stainless steel food dishes, a clock, music, sound of nature to help calm the puppy during his sleeping schedule, routine (know when he/she currently potties and eats and be prepared to wake up for those times) interview your vet and have one selected, appointment for wellness check via contract, name, training books, contact with a certified dog trainer.

Health and safety:

Make sure you puppy proof your home before you bring your little one into his new environment. Puppies must chew in order to ease the discomfort of teething, to explore their world, and to satisfy an instinct to gnaw on things. If you keep things out of Fluffy's reach, you won't be frustrated that he has chewed a library book or your prized stuffed toy. Put your dirty clothes in the hamper. Puppies and dogs love to chew their owner's dirty clothes, especially socks and underwear.

Taking note of cords, outlets, hazardous indoor and outdoor plants, Fireplaces, wood burning stove, pellet stoves and products that go into these items, puppy gates, wire crate, toys that do not have parts that will choke your baby, clean up human food spills immediately If you eat snacks in your room, be sure to clean up the crumbs. Puppies quickly become scavengers once they find a regular source of food, which can lead to unacceptable begging, obesity, and intestinal upset. Guard litter boxes, use caution with house hold products including but not limited to cleaning supplies.

Summer safety

Heat is a very serious problem for bulldogs and they will need to be managed accordingly. If your outings involve mountainous terrain, remember that it may feel cooler in higher elevations, but the sun can do as much if not more damage than at home. Consider a life jacket for your bullie if your adventures take you near deep waters. Bulldogs are top heavy and can sink like a rock if they should get into waters that require swimming.

Many dogs love the water and a wading pool is a great way to let her beat the heat. Some dogs are afraid of the water, or only want to wade, so don't force your dog in if he/she hesitates. Let them go at their own pace. Just be sure to watch for excessive head shaking and ear scratching after the dip. This could be the sign of an ear infection. Make sure your dog can easily get out of the water. One option to try is a sprinkler; our dogs LOVE the sprinkler and will go crazy if they are inside while it is on! Be sure to protect your bullie with sunscreen and keep your bulldog indoors on hot days!

Provide plenty of fresh water and make sure he/she has a shaded place to nap and stay cool.

Check her paws often, as tar from hot pavement can become embedded between the pads.

Clear your yard of plants that are poisonous to dogs.

Keep vaccinations current. Wildlife is very active in the summer, and bites can be dangerous for your dog. If your dog is bitten, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Give your dog a collar and tags with your phone number in case she likes to explore too far from home.

Potty, Potty!
It's easy to clean up after Fluffy if you teach him to use one particular spot as a toilet. From the time he's a pup, take him outside to that spot and tell him to “potty, potty.” Put him on a leash so he can't wander, and don't play with him until he's done.

When he performs, praise him and give him a special treat. If you are using a clicker or squeaker for training, click or squeak before you give the treat. Very shortly, Fluffy will get the idea.

Dog health report card
The Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association has a report card for pet health to help you determine if your pet needs veterinary attention. Here are the categories and grades.

1. Hair coat
   1. If coat is clean and shiny. B. If it's just clean. C. If it's dull but clean D. if it’s just dull F. if it's dull, dirty, and matted.
2. Teeth
   1. If the teeth are bright and clean. B. If there's a few dirty teeth. C. If most teeth are dirty D. If the teeth are dirty and smelly. F. If the teeth are dirty, the breath smells, and the gums are red.
3. Eyes

   A. If the eyes are bright.
   B. If they are clean.
   C. If they are watery
   D. If they are red and watery.
   F. If they are red and watery, have a discharge, are cloudy, or if the pet blinks a lot.

4. Ears

   A. If the ears are clean.
   B. If there's some wax.
   C. If they are dirty with lots of wax.
   D. If they are dirty, smelly, and have a lot of wax.
   F. If they are dirty, smelly, very waxy, and hurt to clean

5. Nose

   A. If the nose is clean and moist.
   B. If it's clean and watery.
   C. If it’s watery and you’re pet sneezes.
   D. If it's very watery and there are lots of sneezes.
   F. If it's very watery, there are lots of sneezes, and there's a green discharge.

6. Vaccinations

   A. If vaccinations have been given every year.
   B. If only rabies vaccination has been given.
   C. If vaccinations more than two years old.
   D. If puppy shots only.
   F. If never vaccinated.

7. Has your pet been spayed or neutered?

Pets with Cs, Ds, and Fs should head to the veterinarian for a checkup.

Training your puppy
Old McDonald Bulldogs begins teaching your puppy the basics of potty training, leash training, come, and no. We use a clicker or claps to get the puppies attention and give our command. You will be given the commands and how we administer these commands to help further their understanding of what you are trying to communicate. Communication and consistency is key when training a puppy as well as patience. If you make training a battle of the wills, you will lose!

Breed Standard
These two websites offer a great deal of information pertaining to the breed standard.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog/index.cfm