Chat GPT's Assessment of Dog Food Brands:

Excellent Quality & Reputation (Premium, High-Quality Ingredients)
Orijen – High-protein, biologically appropriate, uses fresh regional ingredients.
Acana – Similar to Orijen but with slightly lower protein levels; still high-quality.
The Honest Kitchen – Human-grade dehydrated food with no by-products or fillers.
Open Farm – Ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients with transparency in sourcing.
Farmina N&D – Italian brand with low glycemic formulas and high animal protein.
Ziwi Peak – Air-dried and canned food with high meat content and no fillers.
Stella & Chewy’s – High-quality raw and freeze-dried options with minimal processing.
Primal Pet Foods – Raw and freeze-dried formulas focused on biologically appropriate feeding.
K9 Natural – New Zealand-based, high-quality raw and freeze-dried diets.
Small Batch – High-quality raw food using organic and pasture-raised ingredients.
 
Medium Quality (Good but Not the Best, May Contain Some Fillers)
Blue Buffalo – Popular brand with natural ingredients but some past recall concerns.
Wellness CORE – Good protein levels, grain-free and grain-inclusive options.
Merrick – Decent quality, grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas.
Canidae – Limited ingredient and all-life-stages formulas with good quality.
Taste of the Wild – Good protein content but some plant-based protein fillers.
Nutro Ultra – Quality ingredients, but not as high in meat content as premium brands.
American Journey – Chewy's house brand; decent quality at a lower price.
Instinct by Nature’s Variety – Raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried options.
Solid Gold – Long-standing holistic brand with a decent reputation.
Victor – Good for active dogs, but uses some grain-based fillers.
 
Low Quality (More Fillers, By-Products, and Artificial Ingredients)
Pedigree – Widely available but full of corn, by-products, and artificial additives.
Beneful (Purina) – Contains artificial colors, fillers, and lower-quality meat sources.
Alpo – Cheap dog food with high grain content and meat by-products.
Kibbles ‘n Bits – Primarily corn and soy-based, with minimal real meat.
Ol’ Roy – Walmart’s house brand, very inexpensive but low in nutritional value.
Gravy Train – Highly processed, full of fillers and artificial flavors.
Dog Chow (Purina) – Heavy on corn and wheat, low on high-quality proteins.
IAMS (Standard Line) – Better than some low-quality brands but still uses by-products.
Royal Canin (Grocery Store Formulas) – Overpriced for the ingredients used.
Hill’s Science Diet (Standard Formulas) – Often recommended by vets but contains fillers.

TREAT SUGGESTIONS

For training, we use the smallest soft treat available and even break those into smaller pieces. In a pinch, I use a small amount of high-quality cat food or other high-quality kibble to change up the flavors and keep the pups food motivated for training exercises. 

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA

Mi-Ki puppies are small and could become quickly dehydrated or hypo-glycemic (low blood sugar). Make sure to provide access to food and water throughout the day. We never have any issues with our dogs being motivated to eat, but care should be taken if a dog is sick or out in the sun, etc.  We usually hold on to our puppies for ten weeks or until they weigh 2 pounds to make hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) less of a risk. Be aware that toy breed puppies don’t have much in the way of reserves, so even after a long play session, they can deplete themselves. Mi-Ki puppies need access to food and water at all times and you must ensure they remember to eat. Puppies that are hypoglycemic won’t feel like eating so forcing some Forti Cal into their mouths may be required to get them to eat.

If you are traveling a long distance with your puppy, you will be given a vial of liquid Forti Cal for a pre-trip low blood sugar preventative. You will also receive a backup treatment of a Karo Syrup syringe to squeeze about .5 mL into their mouth or rub on their gums for the following symptoms:

• Glassy-eyed appearance
• Pale gums
• Unsteady walking/dizziness
• Sudden onset of sleepiness, without the ability to wake easily
• Jaws locked shut
• Moaning
• Seizures 

Karo syrup should revive your puppy during a hypoglycemic episode in less than ten minutes. If not, repeat the Karo dose of .5 mL on the gums. After another 10 minutes, give your puppy a dose of Forti Cal to prevent a sugar spike followed by a sugar crash. If your puppy isn’t improved and is still lethargic or unconscious after these treatments, take your puppy to the nearest vet as this is a life-threatening emergency. 

USE A PET PLAYPEN OR LARGE CRATE TO KEEP YOUR PUPPY SAFE DURING ALONE TIME

While many larger puppies do well with crate training, Mi-Kis are too small to be confined to a small space without food or water for more than short periods of time. We advocate free feeding and regular access to water to allow your puppy to keep their blood sugar levels even and to stay hydrated. Small crate potty training can be used for short intervals (i.e., 2-3 hours) but not all day while you are at work.

When your puppy needs to be left alone for over 3 hours, leave them in a large crate or puppy playpen, or a small puppy-proofed room with enough space for spill-proof bowls, toys, bedding, and a potty pad (preferably one with a grate cover to keep your puppy from shredding the pad.) Your puppy’s playpen or crate will be their safe retreat while you’re gone or during active gatherings at your home.

POTTY TRAINING

Your puppy has been working on potty pad training with a grate cover and will thrive with praise whenever they go in the right place, whether outdoors, the potty pad, indoor faux grass patch, indoor real grass patch, or a litter box. If going outdoors, always stay near your puppy so they aren’t taken by predators (hawks, coyotes, owls, etc.) Be sure to pick up solid waste promptly to discourage your puppy from playing with it or even eating it. Puppies have witnessed their mothers clean the nest by eating their poop, so it’s not unusual for them to try it. Tell them “No” firmly if they start to eat poop but never hit your Mi-Ki. They are fragile. Coprophagia deterrents may also be helpful. 

GENERAL TRAINING

Because of their small size, Mi-Kis have to be lured into the desired behaviors rather than pushed or forced. We definitely recommend positive training methods. Usual training methods, such as pushing a puppy into a “sit” could injure their hips. A great small-breed training guide is the book Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion by Deborah Wood.

Consider training at home, private training lessons, or classes designed for smaller breeds to keep your little dog from being injured or scared by large dogs. It’s important to make sure your puppy has received all their vaccinations before attending group classes.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND enrolling in the Baxter & Bella Online Puppy Training School even before your puppy comes home for a lifetime of training support at a very reasonable rate of just $178.50 when you use our “RTMiKis” coupon code. (Membership is regularly $238.) You can use the “RTMiKis” coupon code even if you don’t buy a puppy from us! 

WALKING YOUR MI-KI

Please do not use a collar on your Mi-Ki for walks. Instead, use a choke-free harness for training and walks. Their tiny necks are vulnerable to having a collapsed trachea. Only use collars for identification purposes. A break-away safety collar is preferred. A “kindness” style show lead is an acceptable option for show dogs when used with a loose lead. Our puppies are sent home with a tiny harness and a kitten safety collar with a bell.

You can practice walking your puppy in your own yard until your puppy is fully vaccinated. Do not take your puppy to regular parks, dog parks, dog classes, or public/common dog relief areas until he or she has completed all of his/her vaccinations. Some people will take their puppies out in strollers or in carriers to limit exposure to pathogens.

VACCINATIONS

Your puppy has received at least one set of shots. For future vaccinations, consider having dye-free children’s Benadryl on hand in case your puppy develops adverse reactions to their vaccine. A common reaction in Mi-Ki puppies is some mild swelling at the injection site and tenderness. Most shots are given on the left side of your puppy’s rib cage or shoulder except for rabies, which is given on the right. Keep this in mind when carefully picking up your Mi-Ki after their vaccines.

Mi-Ki breeders and owners have found that the “L” vaccines (Lyme and Lepto) are not well tolerated by Mi-Kis. Talk to your vet about the risks of various diseases in your area. Should your puppy require Lyme or Lepto vaccines, please have your vet modify their schedule so that these highly reactive vaccines are given alone – never in combination with other shots. Lepto may have your puppy shaking for two days! This has happened to my Mi-Ki adult dog when I forgot to remind the vet not to give it!

We also recommend the use of Adored Beast’s Rebalancer ( formerly called Antivaccinosis.) This remedy is helpful to rebalance the body with Thuja and Silicea (silica.) Administer twice a day for two days following vaccination. Spray 2 pumps into the spray cover cap, use an oral syringe to suck it up, and place inside the cheek to avoid inhalation. You may have to shop around for this product as it can be hard to find. It’s well worth it, especially if your puppy accidentally gets Lepto.

THE DANGERS OF OVER-VACCINATING

I’ve talked with some Mi-Ki owners whose dogs received too many vaccines at once and nearly died. One such owner was advised that her Mi-Ki should not receive any more vaccinations ever or it would kill her.

Please limit the number of vaccines your puppy receives at one time. Never get your puppy their rabies shot in combination with other vaccines. Additionally, it is important to space other veterinary procedures such as spaying or neutering, and dental work away from vaccinations as it is too much for a tiny body to deal with at one time. 

Once your puppy has received all of his or her vaccinations, in subsequent years, getting your Mi-Ki titer testing will show their immunity levels to help inform your future vaccination decisions. Many people believe that our pets are over-vaccinated and are having negative health consequences (i.e., autoimmune diseases) because of state mandates.  Consider going to a holistic vet if your regular vet is adamant about a heavy vaccination schedule. 

Do not take your puppy to regular parks, dog parks, dog classes, or public/common dog rest areas until he or she has completed all of his/her vaccines. Otherwise, your puppy could come down with a very serious disease.

To get your puppy out and about and socialize with less danger, consider getting yourself a sling or handbag dog carrier. Some people even like to use a dog stroller. This will minimize their exposure to disease, keep them from getting stepped on, and keep large dogs from hurting your small puppy. Plus, everyone will love seeing your Mi-Ki up close! (Did you remember our business cards?)

 MICROCHIPS 

We do not provide microchips. 

GROOMING

Your Mi-Ki is most likely of the long-coat variety which means they will require skilled grooming. We send our puppies home with several basic grooming tools for you to use until they’ve completed their vaccines and are eligible for professional grooming. 

In addition to regular home care, i.e., brushing/combing at least once a week, your Mi-Ki will most likely require going to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks. Be sure your groomer is familiar with the special needs of small breeds.

You can have your long-coat Mi-Ki kept in a puppy cut for ease or go for the long Mi-Ki show cut. The show style varies from registry to registry. Some shave the dome of the head and in front of the ears while leaving the ears, mustache, and beard. Others shave off the entire muzzle and head (leaving the ears long). Others prefer a more natural long look all over, only using thinning shears around the ears to keep the distinctive, mobile Mi-Ki ears visible. 

Mi-Kis can have cottony coats that mat easily or silky coats. Some have very shiny hair that hardly ever mats. I’ve found that cottony coats are easiest to maintain in a puppy cut.

Smooth-face Mi-Kis will only require weekly brushing and monthly baths at home. You may trim the sanitary areas to keep those areas tidy. A bit of trimming around the pads of the feet and nail trims will keep your smoothie’s paws healthy.

GROOMING YOUR MI-KI AT HOME

If you choose to bathe your puppy yourself, our favorite shampoo is Skout’s Honor Probiotic 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner. Once towel-dried, we like to use a spritz of Skout’s Honor Probiotic Detangling Conditioning Spray. Completely blow-dry your puppy on low heat to prevent them from getting chilled. Use a pin brush while drying. We’ve created a Mi-Ki puppy grooming video for those of you who want to try grooming your Mi-Ki yourself.