BRINGING HOME YOUR NEW BABY
Before your new puppy or dog arrives, take some time
to again ponder the responsibility and ask yourself one more time, "Am I ready?" If you are not and cannot
devote the time necessary to guiding and training, please, for the sake of the dog, don't get one.
If
you have an established dog already, you'll need to be extra diligent in making sure that your existing
dog will accept a new "pack member". You want to introduce the two on neutral territory.
Plan ahead
and set the puppy up for success!
Before Puppy Arrives:
1. Dog/Puppy proof the area: Walk about
the house and yard and pick up the things you DO NOT want your puppy to get a hold of, or that can harm
him. If you do not want your puppy in certain parts of the house or yard, buy baby gates for inside and
put up a kennel in the yard. Remember: it is YOUR responsibility to keep the dog or puppy, out of things
you don't want messed with or destroyed!
2. Purchase a Crate. Size will depend on the type of dog
you have. Buy just one size (that your dog/puppy can grow into) and block half of it off with a non-destructible
material. Cinder blocks work well, or you can purchase crate partitions. Type of crate should be an airline
approved (VariKennel) type.
3. A portable kennel may also be a consideration. These are larger play
pens for dogs. Great for having the puppy outside, while restricting it's freedom. You can set it up
inside as well.
4. Stainless steel water and food bowls. (Stainless Steel bowls can not be chewed
up or ingested)
5. Light, thin, nylon collar and leash (for young puppy). While you're at it, get
a 6 foot long nylon or leather leash and a flat buckle or rolled leather collar for when your puppy is
older.
6. Toys: pick up two or three Kongs, Nylabones, a Buster Cube, some tennis balls, etc. The
key to buying toys is to make sure they are: durable, safe, washable and FUN. You'll need to teach your
dog/puppy that it's toys are THE BEST things to chew on, not the sofa, TV remote, your hands or clothes,
etc.
7. FOOD: Select a high quality food such as Flint River Ranch Super Premium Pet Foods. If you
change to a different food than what is currently being fed, (and you should if it is not a high quality
food), make sure you gradually wean the dog/or puppy into the new food. This can prevent or reduce stomach
or intestinal upset. Feed young puppies three times a day and older dogs twice a day. Stick to your guns,
your dog will eat when he gets hungry enough. Don't let your new dog/puppy become a "picky" eater.
8.
Bedding. This is up to you. An old blanket or towels work well. Just keep in mind that many bedding products
end up in shreds.
9. Set up an appointment for your new companion with a Veterinarian. If you do
not already have one in mind, visit and interview a few in your area.
10. Discuss the "doggy rules"
with all members of your family. Make sure everyone understands the rules before the "new one" arrives.
Okay, you've gotten all the "stuff" needed to make your dog comfy and to help keep it entertained.
You need to now discuss with others in your home, what the rules and boundaries will be for the new family
member. Have a clear idea of which behaviors you will reinforce and which ones will not be reinforced.
For example, if you do not want your dog/puppy jumping on people; communicate that to all who encounter
the dog, and instruct them to IGNORE the jumping and to only, but calmly, greet the critter when it is
on the floor and calm. If you do not want the dog pulling and lunging on leash, DO NOT reinforce it by
allowing it to pull. Reinforce when it is NOT pulling. Enroll in a Puppy Kindergarten or Behavior and
Training Class.
By planning ahead, you can set your puppy/dog up for success and ensure a wonderful
relationship for years to come.
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