The following are some instructions and tips for raising your Leonberger puppy that we and other breeders have found helpful. This information is provided for reference, different breeders and veterinarians may have different opinions . . . please contact us if you have any questions.
Vaccinations - Due to the growing concern of over-vaccination, you will want to research and/or consult with your vet to determine a vaccination program suitable for your area because parvo and other viruses & parasites are more prevalent in some areas than others. Until your puppy has sufficient immunity you will need to be very careful that your puppy is not exposed to the parvovirus. Parvo is spread in the feces of infected dogs and commonly carried on the soles of people's shoes, so anywhere infected dogs may have been, and wherever people walk, is potentially dangerous. Rest stops and parks are some of the worst places for parvo and should be avoided while your puppy is young. To minimize the risk involved, a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water can be sprayed onto shoes to kill any parvo that might be on them. A tub with a pad/towel of some sort, soaked in this solution, also works well and can be stepped into after walking in potentially infected areas. It is also a good idea to mop your floors before your puppy comes home, and ask people to remove or disinfect their shoes before entering. If you use Lysol disinfectant it should not be sprayed around the puppy. Oftentimes a puppy can be carried when in a potentially infected area, but Leo puppies quickly outgrow that possibility!
Socialization - Proper socialization needs to be balanced with keeping your puppy safe from parvo. This can be done by exposing your puppy to as many people, animals, and situations as possible within a parvo-safe environment (for example, your home.) Once your puppy has had all its shots, take it EVERYWHERE and get it used to EVERYTHING. The need for proper socialization cannot be stressed enough, it is vital to bring out the wonderful temperament Leos are known for. Be sure to take advantage of the puppy kindergarten class you will be attending with your pup! You will find that Leo puppies often go through a "fear age" around 8-10 weeks and another at 9-10 months old. At this age, negative and fearful experiences can leave a lasting impression that is sometimes hard to overcome. Positive, confidence-building experiences will contribute to a steady temperament in your adult Leo. It is also important to not make the mistake of praising/rewarding a puppy for fearful behavior. It may be tempting to comfort your puppy too much when it seems afraid, but there is a difference between simple reassurance and what a puppy can mistake for praise.
Feeding - We are currently modifying our feeding regimen to follow a more natural diet of organic raw meat. This section is under construction.
Weight - Your Leos weight is one of the most important (and controllable) factors in their health and longevity. It is vital that you watch their weight, and more importantly feel their weight to make sure they do not become overweight or underweight. It is very easy to become a victim of gradualism, by this I mean that we gradually come to accept more and more weight as o.k. Your Leo’s ribs and hip bones should be felt easily under the fur (you should not have to press hard or dig to find them, but they should not feel bony or protrude). Remember, FAT does not mean BIG and nobody who really cares about their dog has the mentality of other people who want the biggest dog on the block. If you are unsure how to determine if your dog is an ideal weight please ask us or your vet. Also, if you spay or neuter your Leo, especially when they are older, it is very important that you watch their weight. Oftentimes they will begin to gain weight after spaying/neutering, even though they may be eating the same amount of food. You will need to cut back on their food, which can be difficult when your Leo is used to (and expects to) get a certain amount of food. If you're finding it difficult to say "no" to the pitiful Leo standing over an empty food bowl with a "more please" expression in its eyes, try switching to a lower calorie dog food or mixing things like carrots or rice into the food. This will add bulk to the food (and fill your Leo's tummy) without adding too many more calories. Your Leo will eventually adjust to less food and you will not have to monitor the amounts so carefully.
Training - You can start training your puppy immediately after you take it home. Leo puppies are very smart and will learn quickly if positive reinforcement is used. While correcting and reprimanding your puppy for bad behavior, it is extremely important to praise them for good behavior. Tricks are also a great way to start training your puppy. They are not just cute and fun, they are a great way to gain control over your puppy's behavior. We have found that the more tricks a puppy learns, even simple tricks, the more attentive, focused, controlled, and calm your puppy will become. Most puppies will naturally mouth your hands and even playfully nip at you, however it is very important to never allow your puppy to do this. It may be cute for a little puppy but it is totally unacceptable behavior in an adult Leo. If your puppy mouths you, gently hold his/her muzzle closed and tell it "no" or "no bite." It is also good to practice taking away your puppy's toys, food, and other possessions while they are eating/chewing on them, and then give them back. That way your pup learns that it does not have to be worried about people taking away its things. Also, practice rolling your puppy over as a way of reminding it of who is in charge. When you do this your puppy should not squirm or mouth you but should lie still/be relaxed and even lick your face. If he/she does not show submissive behavior, repeat these dominance exercises frequently. It is much easier to make a 30 lb puppy submit than a 100+ lb adult. When you play with your puppy it is also a good idea to practice checking its ears, teeth, etc. and running your hands over its entire body. Your puppy should be used to and comfortable with people examining any part of its body. Not only does this make visits to the vet much easier but it will make grooming and regular care of your dog much more enjoyable. You will also want to get your puppy used to walking on a leash. Pay attention to any pulling that the pup might do on the leash and immediately correct them. The pulling may be slightly worth noticing in a puppy, but when that puppy grows up it might be dragging you around on the end of the leash. In general, any behavior you notice in your puppy that you do not want to see in an adult Leo, correct while they are young (e.g. humping, barking, etc.). Keep training sessions with your puppy short and sweet. They should be fun, and should always end on a positive note. Be consistent in your training. If you find yourself becoming frustrated it's probably time to stop, but at the same time don't let the puppy "win." If your puppy is being stubborn you will have to be patient and tough it out. For example, if your puppy is in a crate and is crying and barking incessantly, you will want to let it out only when it is quiet (even if it only stops for a few moments). You do not want the puppy to get the idea that if it is obnoxious enough it will get its way. The obedience classes you will be taking your Leo to are a great way to develop a bond between you and your dog. The training of your Leo is not a responsibility to be delegated to some other person (e.g. boarding school). It is also important that every member of the household take part in the training of the dog to ensure that all can control his/her behavior.
Housebreaking - Leonbergers are usually very easy to housetrain. They should naturally want to go potty and poop outside and not in the middle of your living room. At first you will want to take your puppy outside frequently (especially after naps and meals) since most of them do not know how to "ask" to go out. After your pup does their business outside give them lots of praise. If they have an accident indoors you can scold the pup and then immediately take them outside so that they learn there is a proper area for going potty and poop. Some people find that they can give some sort of command while their dog is going potty, and then the dog will learn to associate the command so that they can be trained to go immediately when you tell them and you will not have to wait around in the rain!
Growth, Exercise & General Care - For the first year your Leo should not be doing any strenuous exercise (especially on hot/humid days). Because they are doing so much growing during the first year, it is important that they do not damage their joints. Do not let your Leo puppy jump off of high objects (like the back of your truck), and they should not be constantly running up and down stairs. Some Leos will get sore joints, or pano ("growing pains") if they are growing rapidly, so it is a good idea to take it easy sometimes. Puppies also grow when they are sleeping so they need quiet time when they will be left alone. You should expect your Leo to look a little funny as he/she is growing. It is not uncommon for males especially to look like their legs are going every which way and for some parts of their body to appear to grow bigger at different times, but eventually everything should come together again. You will need to find a competent veterinarian in your area, and if they know something about Leonbergers, or are willing to learn, all the better. If you plan on spaying/neutering your Leo it is best to do it while they are fairly young and to use isoflorane since Leonbergers are known for being sensitive to anesthesia. You will also want to be cautious about keeping your Leo away from pesticides and other dangerous chemicals to safeguard their health. Leonbergers typically shed their coats twice a year (I’m referring to the major shedding here, there is always a bit on the floor and collecting in the corners year-round). At those times you will want to take a few hours every other day or so to brush your Leo until all the dead hair is removed. You will also probably need to do maintenance brushings as needed to make sure there are no mats developing behind the ears, and on their pants & tail. The ears should also be checked regularly so that any ear infections can be stopped early.