THE FIRST 48 HOURS!
Finally it is time to bring your new puppy home. here are a few
preperations that you need to go through to get ready for that new baby.
Create a safe, friendly environment. Here is a checklist:
1- Make sure that all poisonous items are stored out of puppies reach.
2- Remove any poisonous plants.
3- Look at your home from your new puppies point of view and remove hazardous
items.
There are things that your new puppy will need so I would suggest purchasing
them in advance if possible;
1- Food and Water dishes, or a water bottle (your puppy has been used
to a water bottle very early on so it is ok to use these).
2- A collar and a leash.
3- A pin brush for fluffing, and a nice comb. Brushes are great
for surface brushing but you really need a comb for getting the mats out and getting down to the skin.
4- Safe and appropriate toys. Usually if a toy and fit comfortable
in a puppies mouth it is too small and the puppy may choke on it.
5- A kennel or crate for sleeping in.
6- A baby gate to keep puppy from going where you don't want him to or
to keep him from falling down the stairs.
7- Wee Wee pads. Your puppy has been trained to these from 2 weeks
of age. They make potty training much easier on you and your new puppy. These pads can be purchased virtually
anywhere.
Puppies have different nutritional needs than an adult dog. By
feeding a complete and balanced nutritional food you can help maintain healthy teeth, bones, weight, and help keep your dog
healthy for a long time to come.
Consistency is the key. Feed you puppy the same food at the same
time every day. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day.
Don't overfeed your puppy. Too much weight can cause liver and
heart problems as well as joint and back problems.
Don't be upset if your puppies appetite changes. Occasional loss
of appetite or digestive upset is normal for growing puppies. Continue your feeding routine. However, should the
upset become severe or last for more than a day contact your vet!
Making the transition easy:
1- Decide on a name and use it all the time.
2- Keep your puppy with you at all times. this will keep him out
of trouble.
3- Let sleeping puppies lie. They need their rest as much as you
do!
4- Teach young children the proper way to hold and care for the puppy.
5- don't leave your puppy unattended with young children or other pets
until everyone has adjusted well.
House training:
1- Establish a routine and STICK WITH IT!!!!! Take your puppy out
after eating and sleeping.
2- Until the puppy is completely trained keep and eye on him!
3- Crate-training is essential!
4- Designate a certain potty area and stick with it!
5- Correct the puppies mistakes only when you catch him in the act.
otherwise the puppy will not understand why you are angry with him.
PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME!
Puppies are like babies, they are always curious, and they are teething. Since puppies
have a low vantage
point and can see things that you can’t, it is important to get down on their level when puppy proofing your home.
Here
are some suggestions:
1-Confine puppy in a safe area that they can’t escape from.
2- Don’t leave your puppy
unsupervised.
3- Keep your puppy off high decks and balconies where he may fall.
4- Store cleaning supplies, soaps,
chemicals, poisons, and antifreeze securely out of reach.
5- Remove poisonous houseplants. (See list of poisonous
house plants below)
6- Keep the toilet lid down.
7- Remove or cover any electrical cords or outlets.
8- Keep medications
out of reach.
9- Make sure you know where your puppy is before closing any doors or leaving the house.
10- Keep sewing
supplies, hardware, and coins out of reach.
11- Keep plastic six-pack beverage holders and plastic bags our of reach.
12-
Always have important phone numbers like your vet handy.
