Welcome to the Royale family! Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or adding another furry friend to your pack, bringing home a Royale puppy (a sweet mix of French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) is exciting. These unique little pups come with their own personalities, quirks, and needs, so here’s a guide to get you started on giving your Royale puppy the best start possible.
1. Settling In: Creating a Cozy Space
The first few days at home are all about helping your Royale feel comfortable. Puppies are like babies – they need a soft, cozy spot to relax and feel safe. Choose a spot that’s out of the way but still near enough that they won’t feel isolated.
- Bed and Crate: A comfy bed or crate is perfect. For crate training, make it cozy with a blanket and maybe a soft toy to cuddle. Just make sure any toys are safe for young puppies (no tiny pieces that could be swallowed).
- Quiet Zone: Puppies need their nap time! Try to set up their space somewhere quiet, especially if you have a busy household.
2. Feeding Your Royale Puppy Right
Royales have a blend of traits from three breeds, so they need a balanced diet to support all that energy and growth. Look for high-quality puppy food that’s rich in protein and nutrients.
- Puppy Food: These breeds are known to have a sensitive stomach, and are prone to be gassy. Make sure you stick with Pawtree kibble, freeze dried raw, and Gastro Plus to limit these issues.
- Feeding Schedule: Start with feeding three times a day, then move to twice a day when they get a little older. Keeping a schedule helps with potty training too.
3. Potty Training: Patience Is Key
Potty training is a big part of those early days. Royales are smart, but every puppy learns at their own pace. The key here? Consistency and patience.
- Frequent Breaks: Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after naps, meals, and before bed. Try to use the same spot each time; they’ll start to recognize it as their “bathroom.”
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate every success! Praise and treats go a long way. If there’s an accident, avoid scolding – they’re learning!
4. Playtime and Exercise: Burning Off That Puppy Energy
Royales are a blend of three lively breeds, so they’ll have bursts of energy! Playtime is crucial for their development, but remember, they’re still little and need breaks too.
- Toys: Soft toys, chew toys, and interactive puzzles are all great. Avoid anything that’s too hard, as puppy teeth are still developing.
- Short Walks: Start with short walks, and gradually increase the length as they grow. Too much can be overwhelming, so let them set the pace.
5. Training and Socialization: Raising a Well-Behaved Pup
Training your Royale puppy from a young age will help set them up to be a confident, well-behaved adult dog. Royales are smart and eager to please, so with some positive reinforcement, they’ll pick up commands in no time.
- Basic Commands: Start with the basics like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Keep training sessions short and fun!
- Meeting New Faces: Gradually introduce your puppy to other dogs, people, and new environments. Early socialization helps them grow into well-rounded, friendly adults.
6. Grooming: Keeping Your Royale Looking Royal
Royales have soft, manageable coats that need regular care. Luckily, grooming a Royale is pretty straightforward!
- Brushing: A quick brush once a week should be enough to keep their coat looking nice and reduce shedding.
- Ears, Teeth, and Nails: Check their ears regularly for cleanliness, brush their teeth to keep gums healthy, and clip their nails as needed. Start these habits early so they get used to it.
7. Health Care Basics: Vet Visits and Vaccinations
Keeping up with regular vet visits and vaccinations is essential to keep your Royale puppy healthy.
- Vaccinations and Checkups: Follow the vaccination schedule your vet recommends, as well as any deworming and flea prevention.
- Watch for Common Breed Issues: Royales can have the “smushy face” of the Frenchie or Boston, so watch for any signs of breathing issues. It’s also good to keep them at a healthy weight to avoid stress on their joints.
8. Love and Patience: The Most Important Ingredients
Every puppy is different, so give them time to settle in, learn, and grow. With a little patience, they’ll come to know you as their family. Royales thrive on attention and love, so spend time cuddling, playing, and enjoying all those adorable puppy moments.
Caring for a Royale puppy is a journey filled with joy, laughs, and a little mess here and there. As long as you’re patient, loving, and consistent, your Royale will be a happy, healthy part of the family in no time. Enjoy every moment with your new furry friend – they grow up fast!
