As a reminder, the only foods and supplements that our puppy program dogs should receive are their designated kibble diet and a small amount of peanut butter or non-fat plain yogurt in a Kong. These are the only two items that should be part of their regular diet unless we’ve provided explicit directions to do something different. Any changes outside of these guidelines can affect the dog’s health, and it’s essential that we stay informed about any modifications, as these dogs are closely monitored and cared for by multiple teams throughout their training journey.
Scenario 1:
Imagine your puppy starts having soft stools after a long outing, so you decide to add some pumpkin or fiber at home to help. It works within a few days, so you don’t feel the need to notify us. Later, the same thing happens, and you do the same thing—again, no communication with the puppy program team. While you might think everything is fine, when the dog moves into boot camp or other advanced training, the fiber change may cause unexpected digestive issues that the staff aren’t aware of. Without this crucial information, we could be in a situation where the dog needs to be removed from training or undergo unnecessary assessments. This scenario can be easily avoided if we’re informed early on about any changes to the dog’s diet or health routine.
Scenario 2:
Perhaps your own dogs receive probiotics or vitamins, and you want to give your program dog the same. While we know you're trying to be helpful, it's essential not to introduce supplements or vitamins to the program dogs. Any changes in their diet or supplementation can interfere with their future care and training. If we don’t know about what they’ve been given, it could affect their health and development even after they leave your home.
To ensure the best care and the smoothest transition through their training process, we kindly ask that you avoid making any dietary or health-related changes without consulting the puppy program/vet staff first. Consistency in their routine is key to setting them up for success, and open communication with us is vital to their well-being. If you ever feel there’s a reason to make a change, please reach out to us before doing so.
Thank you for all of your continued hard work and dedication. Your role is so important, and we truly appreciate everything you do for these dogs!
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