NFST IMPERIAL SHIHTZU PUPPIES

Q. & A. with Lee

• Why did you start breeding?

  We ensure our dogs are healthy mentally and physically and are pre-spoiled and we do everything we can to ensure our puppies are healthy and go to good homes. We adhere to our contract terms strictly. Please read and understand the contract in its entirety. We give first vaccinations and the first deworming to puppies at 8 weeks before they go home. They will need regular deworming and vaccinations to ensure they pass any possible parasites and do not contract illness while with you. Young pups lick EVERYTHING so please be careful what they are able to get to. DO NOT bring them outdoors or other animal contact as they could contract illness from them, until your pup is fully vaccinated and is on a proper deworming regimen. You agree you will NOT hold us liable if you bring the puppy outside and/or around other animals and your puppy contracts any illness while in your care. DISCLAIMER- we DO NOT tolerate defamation of our program in any way. Thank you

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• What makes your program special?

  Your pups homecoming: All dogs need to get used to a new situation, they have never lived in your home before, or met your family, or other pets. This adjustment period is typically referred to as “decompression." The recommended decompression period is 2 weeks. During decompression, new families should give their puppy as much regular routine as possible. Check out the 3-3-3 rule online Preventing Escape: In a new unfamiliar environment, there is a distinct possibility your new dog will try to run off. All puppy families are given the option of micro-chipping – there is a fee. When you bring your dog home, please make sure to register the microchip to your name, address and phone number immediately on AKC-REUNITE or with your vet. There are also free registries: Free Pet Chip Registry and Found Animals. Use a double-door or baby gate system in front of all doors to the outside. Your dog should be behind a second door or baby gate before you open your main door, to prevent unexpected escape. If you have a fenced yard, always supervise your dog in your yard.  You may not think there is no possible escape route, but dogs might look in places you don’t, or dig out their own escape route! Always leash your dog when taking him or her out using a margtingale collar by itself or in conjunction with a harness.  PLEASE do not use retractable leashes! If your dog does escape. Contact your local Animal Control Office immediately and AKC REUNITE. If they are closed, call a local police’s non-emergency phone number. If lost in Massachusetts, contact Missing Dogs Massachusetts. This organization has reunited countless lost animals with their families and has an extensive network, as well as knowledge on how to capture escaped dogs. Put out clothes of yours near your home. Your dog may come back to it due to the scent. Do NOT chase the dog they can become frightened or think it's a game, coax him/her with food. Establishing a Routine For all dogs, keep personal items and dangerous-if-chewed items out of the way until you learn their habits. Feed him/her at the same times every day. Keep their diet consistent Lifesabundance.com/NickersonFarmsShihTzu.  If you do want to change their food, research the best food to feed him/her on Lifesabundance.com/NickersonFarmsShihTzu. Then, transition them slowly to their new type of food by mixing it with their old food...25% new, 50% new, 75% new then 100% new...over the course of 1-2 weeks. Take your dog outside for potty breaks frequently and at the same times every day. Your puppy will be introduced to a crate for crate training. Continue to make it a positive experience where they get praise and a special treat! Continue training!  Training is a great way to bond with your pup and ensure a well behaved & well rounded dog. If you’re not sure where to start, attend a class or hire a private trainer.  Address small issues before they become larger issues! Be sure to continue to socialize & desensitize your new pup to new situations and to people & animals inside and outside of your home. Take your dog to the vet as agreed upon in your contract. Your pup will be up to date on vaccines. Your pup should have their vaccinations maintained by you and be on heartworm  and flea/tick prevention year-round. Please Note: Dealing with Illness There comes a time in every dog’s life when they will be ill. Make sure you establish a relationship with a primary vet, but also have emergency vet numbers and locations on hand. Research pet insurance!  It's a great way to control cost & ensure your dog gets the care they need. If you opted out of health insurance and find yourself with a large unexpected vet bill, there are resources to help you with those overwhelming medical costs: Dog and Cat Cancer Fund The Pet Fund Red Rover The Mosby Foundation Best Friends and The Humane Society also maintain a list of active financial assistance organizations. Finding Somewhere to Live: If you need to find a new rental property & are having a hard time finding a rental that will take dogs, please use the resources below: Many rental-hunting websites, such as Zillow or HotPads, have filters for dogs and/or cats.  Make use of these filters to look for your new home. The MSPCA has a great list resource available. Petfinder has compiled a list of tips! The American Kennel Club also has a similar list of tips, geared specifically towards large dogs. We hope this information is helpful as we love our dogs and furbabies and want nothing short of the very best for all of them.

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• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our puppies include black, liver, blue, gold, red, silver, liver and white, blue and white, gold and white, red and white, white, brindle and white, black gold and white, black and white, and brindle. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

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• Where do your breeding dogs live?

  They live in my home.