There are so many things to consider when bringing a new puppy into your household that humans forget to think about. The first things we will discuss are those most humans get for new puppies, then we will talk about the other really important items humans often forget to consider until there are problems…..Remember, there is no such thing as a “FREE” dog! Pets are expensive to take care of and are a major addition to the family.
Choose a puppy food appropriate for the size, type, and age of your puppy – remember dogs are omnivores not complete carnivores like cats. Dishes, a bed, leash and collar are easy to have ready along with various toys for mental stimulation, and all dogs need things to chew on every day for both mental health and dental health.
Have you puppy proofed your home in the areas the puppy will be in? Look at the space from your puppy’s level: Where are electrical cords located? Are there items close to edges or hanging over the sides of countertops or tables? “Stuff” left on the floor is fair game for puppy play and chewing! Can you restrict specific areas or divide your home into puppy access vs non-puppy areas using crates, baby gates, and puppy pens? Does your yard have a fenced area and is the fence secure and escape proof? If you do not have a fence the puppy must always be on a leash when outside. Young puppies tend to stay close to their person, until they don’t, and then they are in danger when you cannot catch them.
Where to potty? Potty training pads have their place, but do you want to teach your puppy to eliminate inside your house? Puppies function and learn best on a regular schedule and need to be taken out frequently: after eating or drinking, when they wake up, following play or exercise…. Take your puppy out to the exact same location or “potty place” every time. Your puppy needs to learn where to go and how to get there. Make sure to take along a yummy treat to reward your puppy immediately, outside at the potty location, when they do it right!
Who in your family is the main person (adult) responsible for puppy care? The whole family needs to be involved in raising a puppy you can live with, having one main person to oversee the big picture for puppy care helps make this time smoother and easier. Where will your puppy sleep? Where will the puppy stay when the family is out? How long will the puppy be left alone? If you have other pets, how will you introduce them and keep the puppy safe? Puppy training is essential for maintaining a happy home! Heather teaches “Puppy Kindergarten” and you can sign up for class at www.happytailsdogtraining.biz. Classes are wonderful for puppies to develop good social skills and to learn to listen to their person with distractions like other dogs and people around.
Your puppy will need a series of vaccinations throughout their puppyhood. Puppy shots are not complete until the puppy is around 5-6 months of age when it is now time to consider surgical sterilization by spaying females or neutering males.
So much to do – – – so little time! If you have questions or concerns, please give our human mom, Christy a call and she will be happy to visit with you about your puppy.
Enjoy your new puppy!
Busy, the red papillon.