There is no doubt that owning a dog is one of the greatest privileges that any person can have. Dogs are loyal, friendly, and funny and they provide people of all ages the opportunities to learn and grow. They don't care how rich we are; how pretty or successful we are or; how many friends we have. Dogs love us for who we are not what we have.
However, bringing a new puppy home can be fraught with lots of challenges that many people are not prepared for. This guide was put together to offer assistance, tips and encouragement to any one who has just picked up their new puppy or who is just about to.
Before Puppy Comes Home: Creating a Puppy Proof Environment
Think: where do I want my puppy to sleep when he's grown up?
Puppies are all cute and soft and it's fun to have them sleep on our beds, but if your puppy is going to grow to a medium or large size dog is there enough room for him on the bed or even in your room? Start where you mean to end when it comes to sleeping arrangements. It will be much better for you and your puppy in the long run. The laundry, bathroom or a warm place outside are all good places to settle your puppy in.
If you have time, take an old t-shirt or other piece of clothing with you when you are purchasing your puppy. Leave it with the puppy until it is old enough to leave its family. This way it will be very familiar with your smell and be more settled when you bring it home.
Set up an area where you want your puppy to sleep and place his mat or bed there. Make sure there is somewhere to go to the toilet that is farthest away from his sleeping area - dogs don't like to go to the toilet near their beds. Make sure there is room for a food bowl and a water bowl. Place a piece of old clothing, blankets and old towels in his bed. This will give your puppy something to snuggle into. Put newspaper down or you can purchase toilet training mats from your local pet store. Don't leave anything in this place that your puppy can chew or tear up that you don't want them to.
Also have plenty of food ready before you bring your puppy home. Check with the breeder or store where you are buying him from and purchase the same brand. Don't change your puppy's diet straight away as it may give him diarrhoea and cause him to become ill. You can give your puppy milk but make sure it is lactose free and not normal cow's milk because it may upset his stomach. Puppies don't need milk in their diet after they've left their mothers; water is very good for them.
Also buy some fun and long lasting toys for your puppy. Only purchase professionally toys made puppies. Cheap toys can pose choking problems or can damage your puppy's new teeth. Wrap up the toys in an old t-shirt that you have worn; this will put your smell on them and make them more attractive to your puppy.
You should also buy your puppy's first collar and leash and get him used to wearing it as soon as possible. Puppy collars and leashes are made from light weight material so they don't irritate your puppy too much.
The Day Your Puppy Comes Home:
Try to bring your puppy home when there is plenty of daylight because you will need to spend time settling your puppy into his new home. Take your puppy to the place where you want him to sleep. Give him some food and water. Don't worry if he won't eat, it is common for puppies to go off their food when they are adjusting to a new home.
Take your puppy outside and let him explore his new back yard. Use a high pitched voice to call him to you and use his name also. You should start training your puppy straight away in all types of obedience skills and tricks. Getting your puppy to come to his name will be very difficult if you leave it until he is a few months old so it is best to start now.
Remember your puppy is still a baby and needs lots of rest. Allow children to play with him but not too much. If he begins to look tired, but him in his bed and leave him to rest.
What should I do when my puppy starts crying?
It is natural for your puppy to begin to feel alone and sad the first few nights he has come to his new home. Everything will appear strange and new to him and he will miss his family. You need to teach your puppy that it is OK for him to be on his own. This is called independence training and it is very important to start this straight away so when you do have to go to school or work, your puppy will be happy to left on his own.
If your puppy starts to cry for attention whether it is the middle of the night or during the day, it is very important that you do not open the door or pick him up. The best, but most difficult, thing to do is to leave your puppy crying and let him learn that you will spend time with him in the morning or when it suits you. It may take several days and nights for your puppy to learn this but in the long term it is the best approach.
If you can't wait until morning you can open the door only when he is quiet. This way he will learn that he will get attention when he is quiet not when he is making a lot of noise. A few seconds is a long time for a small puppy so you can go to him, when he has been quiet for only 10 or 20 seconds. It may seem funny, but it is best to stand outside the door and wait for those few seconds of silence before going to him.
When should I start socializing my puppy?
You should take your puppy out and straight away and start introducing him to the world. Check with your veterinarian about possible diseases but as long as your puppy has been vaccinated he should be fine to go out and meet as many different people, dogs, animals and things as possible.
When should I start training my puppy?
Start training your puppy the day you get him home. Training just doesn't mean teaching him to sit, drop or stay. It involves lots of other things. It is important that he doesn't learn to jump up on people; that he doesn't bolt out of the car when you open the doors and many more things. You can choose to go to an obedience or agility club or you can train your puppy yourself.
Remember: when training your puppy always give your puppy the opportunity to correct his behaviour and do the right thing. It is up to you to teach him what is acceptable and what is not. Reward acceptable behaviour; discourage unacceptable behaviour by using loud unpleasant noises, withdrawal of attention or treats or leaving your puppy on its own. Never hit or strike your puppy; you will only be teaching him that violence is an acceptable behaviour in your pack and he may use it on other pack members or friends including children.
Checklist:
Old towels, blankets, puppy bed or mat; toilet training mats or newspaper; suitable puppy toys; puppy collar and leash; puppy food; information about training; my local veterinarian's contact details, my local dog training centres.
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