Adding a furry new addition to your family is so exciting! With a new puppy comes many hopes and dreams… With a little pre-planning and getting ready, you have a great chance of having those come true! The first few days can be a little shocking for your puppy – He’ll be in a new place and away from his mother and litter mates for the first time, with new people and different obstacles. In order to make the change in environment smoother, it helps to get your family prepared and your house puppy ready ahead of time.
Your new puppy isn't the only one who will go through changes – a new baby, even of the furry variety- means much responsibility. Make a schedule for bathroom breaks and feedings and divide the responsibilities among the family. Make a list of supplies you’ll need – food, bowls, toys, grooming supplies, bedding, a dog collar and leash, and a crate are just a few of the must-haves for a new pup. You’ll need to puppy proof your home by eliminating things that could hurt your puppy at his level, such as rugs, tablecloths, plants and things that break, such as glass. Secure electrical cords down with tape or cover them so that they are protected from chewing. Store harmful chemicals up high, and remove any stray articles such as shoes or knick knacks your puppy might be tempted to chew on. Pick a space just for your puppy – A nice quiet spot for him to relax with a comfortable dog bed to sleep in. Puppies need a great deal of rest and time outs from playtime! Set up his dog crate in this spot. You might want to also invest in baby gates… You won’t want to give your new puppy freedom to roam the whole house right away. This could confuse and scare him, and could be a setback with his house breaking. Scheduling a vet visit within the first 24 hours is a great idea - You want to make sure that your puppy doesn’t have any congenital disorders or heath issues, and you’ll also need to set up his vaccination schedule.
When the day comes for you to go get your puppy, you’ll want to inquire about his feeding schedule and copy it once you come home. If you want to change his food and feeding schedule, you should do this. Puppies have sensitive stomachs and drastic changes will upset them. On the way home, the puppy should ride in the back seat either in someone’s arms or in a crate or carrier. When you get to your house, you should take your puppy to the area of your yard that will be his potty area before going inside. This will begin set house breaking in motion right away. From here on, you’ll keep up your pre-made schedule for feeding, naps, time outs and playtime. While your new fur baby will need lots of cuddles, love, and attention, he’ll need time spent in quiet and solitude as well, so that he can get the rest he needs. A dog crate is perfect for this purpose, though your puppy might disagree at first. It’s very likely he will show his dislike by whining and crying, but don’t give in! By comforting him when he commits bad behavior, you telling him that his actions are okay and that they will get him what he wants! Rewarding your dog and lavishing him with attention for good behaviors will affirm that these actions are what you want from him and what make you happy. By starting off correctly, you will end up with a happy and healthy puppy!
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