One of the most exciting events for a family or individual is bringing home a new puppy. Unfortunately, many people do not organize themselves or their home for the newcomer. There are a number of things that can be done to make your puppy’s first few hours in his new home pleasant and enjoyable. Most of the activities are very simple and will only require a few minutes of your time and attention to complete.
Have the right supplies
The following items must be purchased and set up prior to the arrival of the puppy(s):
* Stainless steel or rigid plastic blunt food and water containers
* Right size box
* Soft, washable bedding for the inside of the cage
* Variety of chew toys and play toys.
* Leash or leash and collar of the appropriate size
* Food that is the same as the puppy(s) currently being fed (same brand, flavor, etc.)
Also, depending on the house or the area of the puppy’s room, you may also need some baby gates to contain the puppy in a specific room or to prevent him from going up or down stairs.
security considerations
Puppies are a lot like small children: they will want to investigate everything. Puppies learn by chewing and mouthing just as much as they learn by looking and smelling. By spending a little time puppy-proofing your home, you can be sure that your pup will be safe. The following are puppy proofing tips:
* Remove all electrical cables from the reach of the puppies. This means that they may need to be unplugged from the wall and the appliance moved. Puppies can chew on the cord, either at the wall or at the end of the appliance, making it easier to remove the appliance to protect the cord and keep the pup safe if the cord is plugged in.
* Remove or raise all hanging items, such as tablecloths, floor-length curtains, curtain or blind pulls, hanging plants, or other items that dangle temptingly within reach of puppies. Drapery pulls and blinds are especially dangerous as they can easily wrap around puppies’ necks.
* Remove all indoor plants. Many common houseplants are poisonous to dogs. Unless you are sure the plant is not poisonous, remove it from the room. Most puppies will chew on plants naturally, so if you want the plant to remain intact, removing it is the best idea.
* Take off all shoes, backpacks, leather goods, remote controls, cordless phones, children’s toys, stuffed animals, cushions, or anything else that might be fun to play with.
Remember that while puppies are very energetic, it’s not necessary to puppy-proof the entire house, just the rooms where they’ll be unattended. Crate training is a great way to minimize the amount of puppy testing that needs to occur to keep your newcomer safe and healthy.
Make sure the pup is allowed to settle in the area and is given appropriate times to go outside and relieve himself. Puppies will generally need to go outside at least every three hours and usually within 20 minutes of eating or drinking. After taking a nap or after playing, it will also be necessary to take them outside. By allowing plenty of trips outside and positively praising them for relieving themselves in the right area, you’ll find that house training isn’t difficult.
The special care of puppies implies a lot of prevention. Be sure to get down on the floor and look around to see what might be fun for a puppy to chew on or might pose a safety hazard. Have the food, water, toys, and crate ready when your puppy comes home and you and your puppy or puppies will be off to a great start together.