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Quality Irish and English Jack Russell Terriers in Texas. Contact (817) 441-6581 or info@bearcreekrussells.com for information on our Jack Russell puppies.
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Puppy Protocol
Raising puppies is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. A lot goes into planning a litter of puppies. Choosing the right parents based on temperament and conformation, ensuring a successful mating, caring for a pregnant mother, and staying with the mother as she whelps her puppies- even if it is in the middle of the night. All of that before the puppies are even born! When the puppies do arrive then begins trips to the vet, vaccinations, worming, daily cleaning and handling, and screening prospective buyers. It is a time consuming process when done correctly. Because we don’t cut corners, we are confident in offering you our health guarantee. On this page we would like to share information about how we care for a litter during and after it is born so you have an idea of the time and effort that goes into creating a well socialized, healthy puppy.
Whelping a litter of puppies is the scariest but most exciting part of breeding. Things can go wrong and an experienced breeder knows how and when to help a struggling mother. We have our whelping area right next to our bedroom so we are always close when a female starts labor. We ensure her comfort by providing a safe and private area for her to start
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“nesting.” When labor begins, we are by her side for support and any needed intervention. This can take several hours! We like to let the mother do as much as she wants to do by herself to keep the process as natural as possible. Sometimes we must step in to help get a puppy breathing or cleaned up if the mother is getting tired. Finally, when all the pups are born we check each one over carefully and make sure they are nursing. Then it is rest time.
Tails are docked in the first day or two (unless a natural tail is requested prior to birth).
Daily handling begins from the first day and includes gently holding and touching the puppy each day so it is used to being handled by people. We practice the Biosensor Method to stimulate young puppies. Nails are cut regularly and all parts of the body are gone over to prevent your puppy from being fearful of human touch. At first, I am the only one who does this. When the puppies are about 5 weeks old I let other people (including my kids) handle them. At 7-8 weeks, we begin playing with the puppies to further enforce human bonding and get to know their personalities. Already, we are working on socialization that will help make your puppy a well adjusted, people oriented pet.
Exposure to new things is also important in raising a well adjusted puppy. Because our litters are raised in our house, they become used to common household sounds like the vacuum cleaner, running and screaming kids, the doorbell, and other dogs. At five weeks, we let them go outside in a puppy playpen to romp in the grass. We also let other adult dogs sniff and play with the puppies. Many of our families already have dogs when they bring home a Bear Creek puppy. We feel this playtime with dogs besides their mother helps puppies learn “canine manners.” By eight weeks, our puppies have the run of our house and yard. They have begun potty training and are beginning to understand a schedule.
Vet checks are done at 6 weeks. At this time, our vet examines each puppy and checks for any problems. Shots are given and puppies are dewormed. An vet report is made for each puppy with the results of their exam.
Health, as mentioned on the health and prevention page, is a top priority. In addition to routine vet checks, our puppies have been started on a high quality diet since 5 weeks of age. They have access to fresh water and are kept in a clean environment.
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Finding suitable owners is another important step in properly and responsibly breeding a litter of puppies. It is our utmost desire that whether placed for show or companionship, our puppies find loving forever homes with responsible owners. We provide a health guarantee and a lifetime of support for your Bear Creek Russell Terrier. We want you to make an equally important commitment to maintain our high standards for the health and happiness of your puppy for the rest of his or her life!
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