ENGLISH BULLDOG CARE

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Handling | Bringing Your Baby Home | Housing/Bedding | Equipment | Feeding/Diet | Training | Potty Training | Lead Training | Grooming | Brushing | Bathing | Nails | Wrinkles

Handling Your Mini Bulldog: First things first. When you pick up a Mini Bulldog puppy make sure you always put one hand on your Mini Bulldog puppies bottom between the back legs and one hand on the his or her chest between the front. This allows you to support the Mini Bulldog puppy from both sides. NEVER PICK UP YOUR MINI BULLDOG PUPPY BY THE SHOULDERS OR ARM PIT AREA. This can cause a dislocating effect in the shoulder area, puts extra stress on the airways and is not good for the spine.

Bringing Your Mini Bulldog Baby Home: When you arrive home with your Mini English Bulldog puppy, remember - your puppy is a baby Mini Bulldog. Like all babies, he needs lots and lots of love and cuddling, lots of sleep, lots of good, quality nourishing food and still more love and cuddling.

Moving to a new home, leaving his family and the only humans he has ever really known can be a little scary for the Mini English Bulldog puppy, so try to make the move as easy as possible for your Mini English Bulldog. For the first couple weeks, try to establish a good routine for him. Make it simple and relaxed at first so that your baby Mini Bulldog feels secure in the new environment. Your Mini English Bulldog Puppy will need a lot of guidance and direction from you during this transition so take advantage of this experience to bond with him. This will allow your Mini Bulldog to feel comfortable with you and develop his trust for you.

Follow the breeders routine for feeding your Mini Bulldog puppy. The same times, same amount, same brand of food, same supplements. Feed your new Mini Bulldog child in the same place for each meal. Be sure your Mini Bulldog puppy has his own special area for his bed. Give your new Mini Bulldog lots and lots of cuddling, petting and attention. Be careful not to let your Mini English Bulldog puppy play so long and hard that he becomes exhausted.

Click here for more information on Naming your English Bulldog.

Sometime during the first week, you should take your Mini English Bulldog puppy to your vet for a check up and allow him/her to get to know your Mini English Bulldog.

If you want to change your Mini Bulldog puppy's brand of puppy kibble, the change should be slow and gradual. Substitute a small amount of the old food with the new and slowly increase the ratio of new to old until the old food is completely replaced with the new.

Housing/Bedding for your Mini Bulldog: Mini English Bulldogs thrive indoors around their family and in a temperature controlled environment. An Miniature English Bulldog can overheat faster than other dogs so if it's much over 75-80 degrees (F) your mini bulldog should be in an air conditioned area. And be careful with slippery surfaces such as hard wood floors, tile or linoleum. Mini Bulldogs are born with joints that are naturally looser than, say, a German Shepherd, and slipping on the floor or in the bath tub can be hard on the joints. If you have these kinds of floors you might consider area rugs to provide traction and a bath mat when bathing.

Mini Bulldog bedding does not need to be as elaborate and expensive as it can be. Costlier isn't always better. Usually a common cotton rug or blanket in his crate will due nicely. They are fairly cheap and easy to wash and dry. Artificial sheepskin rugs are available at most pet stores and also wash and dry easily. The main thing is that your Mini English Bulldog likes it and you like it. Avoid wicker dog beds because most Mini Bulldogs love to tear these to pieces and could choke on or swallow the pieces.

We recommend using a wire crate for your Mini Bulldog puppy. Mini English Bulldogs actually love having their own private retreat to go to when they want to be left alone. It is much easier to house train a Mini Bulldog puppy if he/she sleeps in a crate. If you travel with your Mini Bulldog, he/she is safer and happier riding in a crate and if you are staying overnight your Mini Bulldog will have its own place to sleep in. The ventilation in wire crates is much better than most plastic ones.

Click here for more information on Crate Training your English Bulldog.

Equipment For Your Mini English Bulldog or Recommended Puppy Supplies:

• A big fluffy, comfy chair or couch so you can sit and cuddle with your new Mini English Bulldog puppy is a great way to start off your Mini Bulldog's new life with you.

• A food dish and a water dish with straight sides and flat bottom, preferably stainless steel.

• A collar and lead: Your Mini English Bulldog's first lead should be a light weight one, you'll need a strong leather or nylon lead as your Mini Bulldog grows. A harness can be confusing for an Mini Bulldog puppy when they are just learning to follow your tugs. A collar tugs on one area in one direction whereas a harness tugs their entire chest and shoulder area making it hard for your Mini Bulldog pup to tell what you want him to do. We recommend using a collar while training your puppy but after he is well trained a harness is fine.

• Dog nail clippers or grinder: we recommend using a Dremmel tool to grind down your Mini English Bulldog puppy's nails and making them smooth and rounded. (Available at most Wal-Marts or hardware stores)

• A brush: You can use just about any brush on an Mini Bulldog, but the best ones have flexible rubber bristles. Find one that fits comfortably in your hand.

• If you travel with your Mini English Bulldog, you'll need a large insulated water jug so you'll have lots of cool water available for your Mini Bulldog. A small water bowl that hooks to the inside of your Mini Bulldog's crate is nice also.

• A spray bottle filled with cool water: Lightly spray your Mini English Bulldog's face and body if you notice your Mini Bulldog panting or breathing heavily. A must for long walks and road trips.

• Toys: Never give your Mini English Bulldog a rawhide toy! Mini Bulldogs can tear the rawhide off and choke on it. Most Mini Bulldog puppies will love a simple knotted sock to shake and play tug-of-war with you. Many Mini English Bulldog puppies love chasing a ball. Whatever toy you choose just be sure that it is too big to get lodged in your Mini Bulldog puppy's throat. And if you get toys with eyes or buttons on them be sure to tear them of as your Mini Bulldog puppy can choke on these.

• Feeding/Diet: Your aim in feeding an Mini English bulldog puppy should be to aid in muscle, bone and joint growth as much as possible without causing your Mini Bulldog puppy to become obese. It is best to feed a 2-4 month old puppy 2 or 3 times a day. Be careful not to overfeed. Until you are familiar with your Mini Bulldog puppies eating habits avoid making your Mini Bulldog's food accessible all the time. If you notice your Mini Bulldog puppy is putting on too much weight, you may want to restrict his/her food consumption. Obesity can be a serious health threat to your bully.

• You can begin feeding your Mini English Bulldog adult food at about 12 to 18 months. If you have your Mini Bulldog spayed or neutered, or if because of old age he becomes less active, you will want to switch to a "light" or "low fat" version of your Mini Bulldog's food to avoid obesity.

• If your kibble is hard you may want to soften it with warm water. We suggest choosing a quality dog food such as Royal Canine, Natures Choice, Natures Recipe or Wellness. But we stress that any of these dog food brands can change their ingredients and ways of processing for the better or worse at any time. So educate yourself on the different brands and check the labels periodically for any changes. Basically the less "junk" in it the better. Avoid food with lots of preservatives and fillers. And never feed an Mini English Bulldog anything with soybeans or soybean oils as these are very difficult for Mini English Bulldogs to digest.

• Adding yogurt and/or cottage cheese contributes to bone growth and digestive system health of your Mini English Bulldog and most Mini Bulldogs love the taste. (1 teaspoon-1 tablespoon per feeding). Maybe 2 when your Mini Bulldog is an adult. Corn oil or canola oil (1-2 teaspoons a day) are great for the coat and skin.(No soybean oil!) Hard boiled eggs(1/2 to 1 per day) are great too.

• We suggest supplementing your Mini English Bulldog's diet with vitamin C (Ester C) for good immune system support and joint development and strength. You can get this with 120% or higher Vitamin C all natural orange juice (not from concentrate) or real oranges (2-3 times per week). Or (Ester C) Vit C tablets. Vit C in this natural form is more readily absorbed by the body. Add it to your Mini Bulldog's food masked with yogurt or serve it separately based on your Mini Bulldog's preference.

• Fresh water should be available! However, if your Mini English Bulldog is very winded or panting heavily after a run you should let your Mini Bulldog have just a little at a time until he/she is cooled off.

Click here for more information on Supplements for your English Bulldog.

Training your Miniature English Bulldog:

The key to good training is an understanding of how a dog thinks. Below is a bit of 'dog psychology' which applies to any canine.

All dogs, including Mini bulldogs, are thought to be descendants of the wolf. Yes, the resemblance to your Mini English Bulldog is nil. But remember this important fact: like all dogs, your Mini Bulldog is a pack animal. At first this description may sound a little savage and unpalatable. But this pack instinct is precisely why dogs wedge themselves so perfectly into our families. They want to belong - to please. When a dog joins a family, even a family of one, a pack is formed. At this point his instincts compel him to seek out the structure of the pack- 'Who is the leader?' 'Who is the follower?' Have you ever known a person whose dog is very rude, disrespectful and even a little aggressive? Does he (the dog) 'sass' his owner? (bark back) Does he dart just out of reach when he is reached for? Does he steal food or run away from his owner? Does he bark uncontrollably at guests? These behaviors may indicate that the dog is confused as to his position in the pack. He may have difficulty recognizing his owner as the leader of the pack therefore the dog could attempt to assume the role himself. It is very important to training that you assert yourself as the leader early on. Of course, Mini English Bulldogs, just like people, have their own individual personalities. One may just be more willing to accept your correction than another.

I know, I know. 'But she is just sooo cuuute when she gets sassy.' 'How can I correct him when he gives me that sweet little smile?' 'Yes it was my new couch, but don't all Mini Bulldog pups chew?' ... It's not always easy to correct an animal as charming as a Mini Bulldog. But it can be confusing for your Mini English Bulldog puppy and make training difficult for you if they don't know who's boss. So with that in mind...

Potty Training your Mini Bulldog: When potty training your Mini English Bulldog puppy, you must first learn to watch for the signs (sniffing, circling etc). Take your Mini Bulldog puppy out (preferably to the same area every time) right when he/she wakes in the morning, 5 minutes or so after each meal, just before bedtime or about every hour otherwise. Watch your Miniature English Bulldog puppy until he goes, then remove him from the area as soon as it is finished; that way your Mini Bulldog learns quickly the reason for these trips. Give your Mini English Bulldog puppy lots of praise when he/she gets it right. Praise for correct action works much better than punishment for mistakes. Don't scold your Mini English Bulldog puppy unless you catch it in the act. There will be accidents but remember, your Bulldog puppy is a baby and doesn't have the mental capacity or muscle control of an adult Mini English Bulldog yet, so be patient.

Click here for more information on House Training your English Bulldog.

Lead Training your Mini Bulldog: It's important to start lead training your new Mini English Bulldog baby early. But if you just got your baby Mini Bulldog, you should wait a week or so till he/she is comfortable and relaxed with you and his new environment. Start with a lightweight nylon or leather collar and lead. Make sure the collar is large enough to slip easily over your Mini English Mini Bulldog puppy's head with some room for growth. Begin by just holding the collar and letting your Mini Bulldog puppy lead you. This will get him/her used to the idea of a collar. Then gradually start coaxing your Mini Bulldog pup to follow you with calls and gentle 'tug-release' pulls on the lead. Never drag or pull your Mini English Bulldog puppy around. You want this to be an enjoyable experience for your new Mini Bulldog puppy. Don't play with him/her during these training sessions, but do offer praise when your Mini Bulldog/child follows you correctly.

Grooming a Miniature Bulldog: Proper Mini English Bulldog grooming is a relatively low maintenance affair. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR MINI BULLDOG TO THE PROFESSIONAL GROOMER. You can do a much better job grooming your Mini Bulldog at home and it will be safer for your Mini Bulldog. The main areas of concern are the coat, the nails, the ears and of course those cute, trademark wrinkles. We will start with brushing.

Brushing: Brushing is key to a healthy, shiny coat. Most Mini English Bulldogs love being brushed so it shouldn't be a problem. Brush at least 3 times a week with any good dog brush that fits your hand comfortably. Start at the back and move forward. Then brush from front to back. Your aim in brushing is to remove dead hair and to evenly distribute natural body oils. This will keep your Mini English Bulldog's skin healthy and his/her coat shiny and smooth.

Bathing a Mini Bulldog: An Mini English Bulldog who is regularly brushed will not need frequent bathing. Most Miniature Bulldog owners only bathe their bullies when they obviously need it. But when it is time for a bath you will need to gather up everything you will need including: shampoo, Q tips, cotton balls, wash cloth and towel. Choosing a shampoo for your Miniature English Bulldog is much like choosing one for yourself. There is no 'best' or 'worst'. You just have to try several different brands till you find one that agrees with your Mini Bulldog's skin and coat.

Begin by placing a cotton ball in each of your Mini Bulldog's ears. Then thoroughly wet your Mini Bulldog from just behind the ears to his tail being sure to get the underside also. Apply the shampoo and work it in thoroughly everywhere including between the toes, under the tail and the genital area. Use a washcloth with shampoo to clean his face and wrinkles. Use a cotton ball or Q tip to clean the inside of your Mini English Bulldog's ears but don't go too far in. Now rinse thoroughly so that every bit of shampoo is off your Mini Bulldog. You can now remove the cotton balls from your Mini Bulldog's ears. You can towel dry, use a hair dryer or simply let him/her drip dry. Put a little Vaseline on your Mini English Bulldog's nose to keep it moist and soft.

Nails: An Mini English Bulldog's nails usually need trimmed 2 times a week when they are pups. Once a week for adult Mini English Bulldogs. If the nails get too long it can cause his toes to spread out unnaturally and make the foot deformed. Use a dremmel tool or dog nail clippers. Cut or grind just to the curve of the nail.

Wrinkles: Wrinkle care is very important for an Mini English Bulldog. A lot of dirt and moisture can collect under your Mini Bulldog's wrinkles and can lead to an infection if not properly cleaned and maintained. Mini Bulldogs vary in how often they need wrinkle cleaning but a good rule is at least twice a week. Use a wet cloth with shampoo to clean them then dry thoroughly. After cleaning and drying put some corn starch in your Mini English Bulldog's wrinkles to keep them dry. Baby wipes with aloe and lanolin are great for on-the-go wrinkle cleaning.

PLEASE CONTACT:

***SHRINKABULL MINI BULLDOGS***
WEBSITE: https://www.miniature-englishbulldogs.com
E-MAIL: shrinkabulls@gmail.com

At SHRINKABULL MINIATURE ENGLISH Bulldogs we can arrange flights for your new Mini Bulldog puppy to new homes in: Alabama, AL; Alaska, AK; Arizona, AZ; Arkansas, AR; California , CA; Colorado, CO; Connecticut, CT; Delaware, DE; Florida, FL; Georgia, GA; Hawaii, HI; Idaho, ID; Illinois, IL; Indiana, IN; Iowa, IA; Kansas, KS; Kentucky, KY; Louisiana, LA; Maine, ME; Maryland, MD; Massachusetts, MA; Michigan, MI; Minnesota, MN; Mississippi, MS; Missouri, MO; Montana, MT; Nebraska, NE; Nevada, NV; New Hampshire, NH; New Jersey, NJ; New Mexico, NM; New York, NY; North Carolina, NC; North Dakota, ND; Ohio, OH; Oklahoma, OK; Oregon, OR; Pennsylvania, PA; Rhode Island, RI; South Carolina, SC; South Dakota, SD; Tennessee, TN; Texas, TX; Utah, UT; Vermont, VT; Virginia , VA; Washington, WA; West Virginia, WV; Wisconsin, WI; Wyoming, WY, Canada and we can ship Mini Bulldog puppies to approved homes that are out of country depending on quarantine laws & other conditions...