Go-home checklist
Basic Care for American Bully Puppies
Follow these steps to keep your Holiday Shield puppy healthy, confident, and comfortable as they settle in.
Feeding & Supplements
- Feed a quality, large-breed puppy food split into 3 meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals.
- Keep them lean—extra weight stresses developing joints.
- Add joint and skin support (omega-3s) and fresh water at all times.
- Avoid high calcium treats/supplements; balance is key for bully joints.
Potty & Crate Routine
- Out after naps, meals, and play. Praise immediately for going outside.
- Use the crate for naps and bedtime—short, positive sessions build comfort.
- Keep nighttime quiet and low-key; escort outside and back to crate.
- Expect 1 hour of bladder control per month of age (guide only).
Training & Socialization
Essentials
- Name recognition, recall games, sit-for-greetings, and gentle leash practice.
- Short, fun sessions—3 to 5 minutes—multiple times per day.
- Exposure to new surfaces, people, and sounds at a calm pace to build confidence.
- Teach "place" to encourage relaxation and impulse control.
Boundaries
- No rough stairs, jumping from furniture, or hard running until growth plates mature.
- Supervise play with children and other dogs; keep sessions short and positive.
- Reward calm behavior; redirect mouthing to toys and chews.
- Set a daily rhythm: potty, play/train, crate nap, repeat.
Grooming & Skin Care
- Weekly brushing with a rubber curry to remove loose hair and distribute oils.
- Clean ears weekly and dry thoroughly after baths to avoid irritation.
- Bathe every 4–6 weeks with gentle, skin-friendly shampoo; rinse well.
- Wipe paws and belly after outdoor time to reduce allergens and itchiness.
Allergy watch: If you see redness, paw licking, or hotspots, adjust diet, add omegas, and consult your vet early. Bully skin thrives on consistent care and clean bedding.
Exercise & Enrichment
- Multiple short walks daily plus gentle play—avoid long runs while growing.
- Strengthen minds with puzzle feeders, scent games, and obedience reps.
- Skip high-impact fetch on slick floors; choose grass and controlled movement.
- Watch for heat—bullies can overheat quickly; provide shade and water.
- Rotate toys to prevent boredom: tugs with rules, soft toys, safe chews.
- Teach settle cues for downtime—calm energy is key for a well-balanced bully.
- Use car rides and calm public visits as training opportunities.
Vet Care & Records
- Continue the vaccination and deworming schedule we send home.
- Schedule a wellness exam within 3–5 days of pickup to establish care.
- Keep copies of microchip info, vaccine logs, and our health guarantee together.
- Ask your vet about heart checks and joint support suited for bully breeds.
Need help? Text or call us anytime for feeding tweaks, potty troubleshooting, or gear recommendations. We stay in your corner for the life of your bully.