Here's a step-by-step guide on
how to bring a new puppy into your household, and make him feel welcome and comfortable.
Bringing a new puppy into the house is an exciting time for you and your family, but your puppy may be a little confused
by all the changes in his life.
- MAKE
SURE YOU HAVE PUPPIES FOOD READY WHEN HE GETS HOME
- MAKE
SURE TO HAVE TOYS
- MAKE
SURE VET APPOINTMENT IS SET UP FOR PUPPY TO GO WITHIN 48 HOUS AFTER HE OR SHE ARRIVES.
- DO
NOT TAKE PUPPY INTO DAYCARES, PLAY GROUPS, OR AROUND DOGS YOU DO NOT KNOW UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED THEIR NEXT SET OF SHOTS.
- STAY
AWAY FROM EXOTIC TREATS, PUPPY MILK BONES WILL DO THE TRICK.
You need to provide him with
a suitable bed. A crate is suggested as is a doggie bed. This will make it so much easier on you, just be sure to get a large
crate (with a divider) so he can grow and you won't need to buy another one later on, you may want to cover half of the crate
with a blanket to give him a secure feeling of a home, this makes an adequate bed while your puppy is growing up. Don't spend
too much at this stage on an expensive bed that he is likely to chew. The inside of the bed should be lined with an old blanket
so that he can snuggle into something soft and warm.
The bed should be somewhere that
is relatively quiet so that he can sleep undisturbed whenever he is tired. Many people find that a quiet corner of the kitchen
or family room is ideal.
He should have his own food and
water bowls. They should be of a design that allows him to eat and drink comfortably but without submerging his nose or ears.
Have a supply of food ready for his arrival. Find out from the breeder what he is used to eating. It is best to maintain the
same diet for a few days.
All puppies like to chew. This
is normal behavior, and it helps with the teething process. Give your puppy some toys of his own to chew to deter him from
selecting other contents of your home. Toys don't need to be elaborate, but make sure they are nontoxic, large enough that
they cannot be swallowed, and relatively indestructible. Objects that are swallowed may become stuck in the throat, stomach
or intestines and can be a serious threat to your puppy's life.
Although you will not be able
to take your new puppy for walks until he has completed his course of vaccinations, you will need a suitable collar and leash
for him. The collar should be soft and well-fitting. For the first few days he need only wear it for short periods when you
are there to supervise. It must not be too tight, since this is uncomfortable for the puppy, but neither should it be too
loose, as it may catch on a protruding object. You may want to consider a collar with a quick-release feature. Check his collar
daily and loosen it as his neck increases in size. Don't buy a choke chain for a young puppy. If used incorrectly, it could
cause irreparable damage to his neck.
You also need to buy a brush.
Ask the breeder to show you how to groom your puppy properly and to recommend some suitable grooming equipment.
Finally, make sure that you have
the name and address of your veterinarian. If you don't have a veterinarian, your breeder or friends will be able to recommend
a local hospital or clinic.
While he is small, keep out of
reach everything in your home that might be dangerous to your puppy. He may tug or chew anything he finds, including plants
and electrical cords.
Check your yard to see that the
fencing is secure and that there are no small holes through which your puppy could disappear. Make sure that your gate shuts
securely and that your puppy won't be able to squeeze through or under it. Pools and ponds should be covered.
When your puppy arrives
It is best to acquire your new
puppy at a time when you can offer him your company and undivided attention for a few days as he settles in. If you bring
him home in the morning, he will have had time to settle in, feed, play and tire himself out before bedtime.
When your puppy first arrives,
let him sniff around and make himself familiar with his surroundings; then introduce him to his bed.
Introducing the puppy into the
household must be done with care. This is a difficult and confusing time for your puppy. Your home is a profusion of strange
sights, sounds and smells that he may find exciting but a little overwhelming. He will be missing his mother, brothers and
sisters and will look to you and your family to replace the company, comfort and security that he has left behind.
Choose a name for him as soon
as possible. Be consistent and use it repeatedly as you talk to him - he will soon learn to respond. Young children in the
family should be taught that puppies are not toys. You will find that your puppy plays vigorously for short spells and then
may retire to his bed for an hour or so. Sleep is as important for your puppy as it is for a baby, so don't disturb him when
he is resting.
Don't deprive established pets
of your attention or they may become jealous of the new arrival. Introductions should be made gradually, on neutral territory
and under constant supervision. Never leave a new puppy alone with an older cat or dog. Feed them separately until they have
become friends.
For the first few nights your
puppy will probably be restless and whimper when he is left alone. Wrapping a water bottle and a ticking clock in a blanket
and placing it in his bed can be very reassuring for a new pup. But these items shouldn't be made of rubber or plastic, or
the puppy may chew them.
Above all, be kind, gentle and
patient with your puppy during his introduction to your home. Don't scold or speak harshly to him in the first few days, even
if he is destructive or makes a mess - in his confused state he may only learn to fear you. This initiation period should
be an enjoyable time in which you and your puppy can get to know each other and he learns to trust you, thus forming the basis
for a happy life together.
Feeding your puppy
The breeder should give you a
written diet sheet telling you what foods, how much and how often the puppy has been fed. You should keep to this diet for
a few days before gradually weaning him onto the food with which you have decided to continue.
Your new puppy must receive the
correct diet to give him the best possible start in life. Any mistakes at this stage of his life can have serious and long-lasting
effects. His diet must provide all the nutrients he needs for healthy growth and development - not only in the correct amounts
but also in the correct proportions to each other.
Don't feed your puppy uncooked
meat or food that may have gone bad. Commercially prepared pet food is the safest diet, delivering optimal nutritional balance
for the best value.
Young puppies need relatively
large amounts of food in order to meet the demands of their rapidly growing bodies and their hectic lifestyle. However, at
this age they are still small and their stomachs cannot hold much food at one time. In order that they eat enough to fulfill
their needs, they must be fed several small meals each day, and their diet must provide all the right nutrients in a comparatively
small volume.
Fortunately, feeding your puppy
need not be as complicated as it sounds. Diets that are specially formulated for growth take all the guesswork out of rearing
healthy puppies and provide a balanced and highly digestible diet that he enjoys and thrives on.
The feeding regimen for your
puppy depends greatly on his age and individual characteristics. Your puppy's condition is the best indicator of whether you
are feeding the correct amount.
Generally a puppy should be allowed
15 to 20 minutes to eat at each mealtime. After 15 minutes remove any uneaten food and serve fresh food at the next meal.
Although milk is a useful source
of nutrients for young dogs, it is not an essential part of the puppy's diet once he has been weaned. Many puppies and dogs
cannot efficiently digest lactose, the sugar present in milk, and this causes digestive upsets if given to them.
While bones provide chewing exercise
and calcium and phosphorous, they can also be dangerous if they splinter, rather than bones, feed your puppy specially designed
chewing treats from reputable pet stores.
Make sure that your puppy has
his own feeding and water bowls and that they are kept clean. Fresh water should always be available.
Training your puppy
Both you and your puppy will
be much happier if he is well-trained. His natural instinct is to submit to the discipline imposed by his pack leader - this
is your role. Through training he will learn to understand what is required of him and how to please you. Take a little time
and trouble over this and you will find the companionship of an obedient dog more than repays your efforts.
House
training:
House training rarely presents
a problem with puppies that have been reared under proper conditions - puppies instinctively want to be clean and they are
eager to please their owners. You should begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home. Any delay in establishing a
proper routine can make training more difficult later on. Patience and perseverance are required.
A young puppy will want to urinate
and defecate frequently because he has a small bladder and bowel. If you have an enclosed yard, take him out and place him
on a suitable spot whenever he indicates that he wants to relieve himself. In addition, take him to the same spot first thing
in the morning, last thing at night, after every meal, and whenever he has been inside for long periods. Make sure that you
go with him and stay with him until he performs; then praise him lavishly.
Don't punish him when mishaps
occur. This will only lead to confusion and fear. Never "rub his nose in it" if he makes a mess.
Basic
Training:
You will need to teach your puppy
a few basic commands. For training to be of any benefit, he must first respond to his name and understand the meaning of the
word "no."
Once your puppy has completed
his vaccinations, you will be able to take him for short walks. You must keep him under control at all times when he is in
a public place, and for this a leash is essential. Introduce him to his collar and leash and let him get used to wearing them
before you first take him out.
Once he is used to the leash,
you can begin his basic training. All members of the household should be involved in the training program. Use short words
for commands, with vowels that sound clearly different. The first four essentials are heel, sit, come and down. Be clear in
your commands and, above all, be consistent.
Reward him with a show of affection
and by stroking him when he does well. Remember, you don't necessarily need to provide a food reward while training. Don't
punish him for not obeying a command - simply withhold the positive reinforcement. Otherwise, he will associate the command
with punishment.
You may later want to join an
obedience class for puppies or dogs in order to extend your puppy's training. A skilled instructor can also help you to overcome
any problems that have arisen. Puppy kindergarten can start as soon as your puppy has been fully vaccinated. These classes
are fun for you and your puppy, and they also allow him to socialize with other dogs.
Exercise
All dogs need daily exercise.
The amount your puppy needs depends not only upon his size but also upon his breed. While he is very young, he will get enough
exercise naturally, but as he grows up, he must be taken for regular walks and runs. Don't take him out until he has completed
his course of vaccinations.
Regular and varied walks are
not just essential to keep your puppy fit - they also provide the opportunity for him to explore and to experience new stimuli,
including meeting other dogs. This helps him to develop into a contented and well-adjusted individual and helps to prevent
the development of problem behavior.
All exercise should be supervised.
Don't allow your puppy to stray and never let him out during the day to fend for himself.
Grooming
Regular grooming is essential
in order to keep your dog looking and feeling his best. It is best to get your puppy used to the grooming routine at an early
age in order to avoid difficulties when he is older.
Dogs need bathing only when they
are dirty or on the advice of your veterinarian. Make sure that you do this only in fine weather or you keep him indoors to
avoid chills. Young puppies need extra special care. Never use a household detergent or disinfectant on your puppy. Use only
products that have been designed for use on dogs. Whenever you bathe your puppy, his bedding should be aired and washed at
the same time. This, of course, should also be done at regular intervals between baths.
While you are grooming him, you
can take the opportunity to check the condition of his coat and skin to look for any abnormalities such as swellings, wounds
or evidence of parasites.
You should also check that his
eyes, ears, wrinkles and tail pocket are clean and clear and free from excessive discharge.
Although you are unlikely to
have problems while he is still young, you should open your puppy's mouth regularly so that he becomes used to the procedure
from an early age. This practice will prove useful in the future when you may need to brush his teeth or administer medication
by mouth. You can familiarize yourself with the normal appearance of your puppy's mouth at the same time. The teeth should
be clean and free from deposits, and the gums should be a healthy pink color. This is also a good time to teach your dog to
let you brush his teeth. This can reduce plaque and bad breath.
As he ages, deposits may develop
around the base of the teeth near the gums. These can be removed by your veterinarian.
Your puppy's nails might also
require trimming on a regular basis. Dogs that are regularly exercised on hard surfaces are less likely to need any attention,
as the nails wear down to about the correct length. Regularly handle your puppy's paws from an early age. That makes him better
behaved later for groomers or veterinarians.
Your puppy's health
Once they have been weaned, most
puppies can expect to live long, happy lives. Some breeds have a longer average life span than others. Most dogs live between
8 and 15 years, and some individuals live well beyond that. Generally speaking, small and toy breeds tend to have a longer
life expectancy than large and giant dogs. The main threats to their longevity are infectious diseases and accidents. No one
can avoid either entirely, but the chances of being seriously affected by illness or accident can be reduced to a very low
level by taking care and a few simple precautions. A full vaccination program, with annual booster injections, is the most
important step in helping to prevent disease. Proper training and controlled exercise go a long way towards avoiding accidents.
Your veterinarian
Your greatest ally in the prevention
of health problems is your veterinarian. Make sure you register with a veterinary practice as soon as you get your puppy rather
than wait until an emergency arises.
Within a few days, have your
puppy checked by your veterinarian, who will also advise you on vaccinations, deworming, heartworm prevention, feeding and
general health care.
When you visit the veterinarian
with your puppy, you must carry him in your arms and do not allow him to walk on the floor until his vaccination course has
been completed - remember that other animals in the waiting room may be sick. If your puppy is sick, the veterinarian needs
to know all the details about his illness, so don't send him with a young child or a friend who cannot provide this information.
Do keep a careful watch on your
puppy and if you note any sign of illness, have him treated promptly.
