Puppy Resource Hub

Please read this hub in full before reaching out! If your question isn’t answered here, we’re happy to help via email at sunriseridgekennel@gmail.com

Welcome to the puppy resource hub! Everything you need to know from Reservation to Pickup and Beyond!


Puppy Timeline Overview

Reservation -> Selection at 6 weeks -> Go Home at 8 weeks

Pickup Day Checklist

Your puppy will go home with:

  • Vet exam record + vaccine/deworming info

  • Starter bag of Nutrisource puppy food

  • Blanket that smells like littermates/mom

  • Microchip registration information

  • Leather collar

  • Grooming guide

  • Some favorites: toys, treats, poo bags, and a dental starter kit

Bring with you:

  • Towel for the car ride

  • Crate

  • Leash

  • Travel dishes if necessary

  • Final payment: Cash, Cashier’s check, or Venmo. Personal checks will not be accepted.

Vaccine & Vet

Your puppy will come home with:

  • First round of DHPP vaccine

  • Age-appropriate de-worming

You’ll need to:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for when the puppy is 10-12 weeks of age.

  • Continue DHPP boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old.

  • Ask your vet about

    • Bordetella (kennel cough)

    • Rabies (required by law at ~16 weeks)

    • Flea/tick and heartworm prevention

Supplies We Recommend

A complete list is in your Welcome Packet & New Puppy Checklist but here go our favorites:

Potty & Crate Training

Potty training tips:

  • Take your puppy out immediately after waking, eating, and playing.

  • Stick to a routine and consistent potty spot, also enter and exit the same door.

  • Reward with treats and praise immediately after they go!

  • Utilize your puppies crate when potty training.

  • Never punish your puppy for an accident.

Crate training tips:

  • Start with short crate sessions while you are home.

  • Use the crate for naps, overnight, and when you can’t supervise.

  • Never use the crate as punishment.

  • Expect some whining at first!

More in depth potty training tips come in your take home folder.

Feeding & Nutrition

We use and recommend Nutrisource products. We send home a starter bag, please continue using the same food to avoid an upset stomach.

  • Nutrisource can be found at Menards, Scheels, and local pet food stores.

  • Keep your puppy on the “puppy formula” for 1 year, then transition to adult formula.

  • Follow the feeding chart on the bag (or online here) for portion sizes.

  • We feed the puppies 3x a day while they are in our care at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm. You can adjust that based on your schedule.

Feeding tips:

  • Consider feeding 3x per day until ~4-6 months old, then shift to 2x per day. If 3x a day is not possible, 2 larger meals will be fine.

  • Fresh water should be available.

  • Avoid switching food abruptly. Transition by mixing in a small amount of the new food with the old food, and gradually increasing over the course of 10 days.

Settling In & Sleep

It’s totally normal for your puppy to cry the first few nights. It’s a big transition. Tips for the first few days:

  • Stick to a calm, quiet environment.

  • Use the provided blanket for comfort.

  • Be consistent — they’ll learn quickly what to expect.

  • Use a Snuggle Puppy toy (with heartbeat & heating pad) at night.

  • Don’t panic over accidents!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I activate my puppy’s microchip?

Your puppy’s FiNano microchip is already implanted, but must be registered to you after pickup. Registering the chip ensures your pup can be safely returned if ever lost! To activate it:

  • Go to www.finanopet.com/register

  • Enter the microchip number (provided in your paperwork)

  • Fill in your contact info and create a login

  • Complete the registration and save your confirmation email

  • We recommend adding a secondary contact (like a family member) and updating your info if you move or change phone numbers.

Can I Text You Questions After Pickup?

To help us manage time and serve all families well, we ask that all questions be sent via email. We do not monitor texts or DMs for puppy care inquiries. Most answers can be found in your Welcome Packet or Puppy Resource Hub. If you still need help, email us and we’ll get back to you within 1–2 business days. If it’s a medical emergency, always call your vet!

What food is my puppy eating, and how much?

We feed Nutrisource Puppy Food and will send a starter bag home with your puppy. See our “Feeding & Nutrition” section above for exact portions and transition tips.

What shots will my puppy have before going home?

All puppies receive: First DHPP vaccine, and age-appropriate deworming. You’ll need to schedule your puppy’s first vet appointment within 3 weeks of pickup and continue the DHPP vaccine series, along with rabies and other recommended vaccinations, and to discuss flea/tick and heartworm prevention.

Is my puppy crate-trained and potty-trained when they come home?

Your puppy will be introduced to crate time and early potty routines before going home, but they are still very much a baby. Think of it like preschool, not college! We start the foundation, but continued consistency in your home is what makes it stick. Expect accidents and be prepared to stick to a schedule for the first few weeks.

How often should I take my puppy to the groomer?

Start early! Schedule your puppy’s first introductory grooming (even if it’s just a bath, brush, and nail trim) by 12–16 weeks to help them get used to the process. After that, we recommend a professional groom every 6–8 weeks depending on your pup’s coat type and your desired length. Regular brushing at home between appointments is essential to prevent mats and keep their coat healthy.

Is my puppy spayed or neutered when they come home?

No! Your puppy is still too young at go-home. Spay/neuter typically happens between 6–12 months, depending on your vet’s recommendations and your dog’s breed and size.

Can you recommend puppy training in my area?

We strongly recommend structured training, whether it's a local puppy class or a reputable online program. We’ve partnered with BAXTER & Bella, a highly respected online training program for puppy owners. Use our exclusive code: SunriseRidge25 for a discount! For in-person options, we suggest asking your vet, groomer, or pet supply store for trusted local recommendations. If you'd like help vetting a trainer near you, feel free to email us.

My puppy was doing great, and now it’s acting out, what happened?

You’ve hit the adolescent phase! Between 6–12 months, many puppies go through a “teenage” stage where they test boundaries and forget some of their early training. This is normal, temporary, and a great time to:

  • Reinforce positive training

  • Stay consistent with routines

  • Enroll in a training refresher class

  • Increase mental stimulation and exercise

Hang in there, this stage passes! With patience and structure, your puppy will mature into a well-behaved adult dog.

Is my puppy registered, or does it come with AKC paperwork?

Your puppy comes with health and veterinary records, microchip information, and a go-home packet that includes everything you need for a smooth transition. Our puppies are not registered with the AKC or other breed registries. Since we breed for temperament, health, and family companionship rather than for show or breeding, registration is not necessary.