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Congratulations, you've decided
to share your home with a companion canine! But are you prepared for the new
pup? Working out the details before you bring him home will make the transition
easier for everyone.
The whole family has decided on what kind of dog you'll be getting, but have you
divided caretaking duties? Creating a schedule is one of the most important
things you can do-and should be done as far ahead of time as possible. Who will
take the newest member of the household to his papers or to the backyard when
it's time for him to do his duty? You'll need to determine how often he'll be
taken out and when. Successful housebreaking, after all, requires consistency.
Also decide who will feed the pup 3 to 4 times a day, and who will schedule and
keep track of his appointments for vaccinations and de-worming.
And it's important to set a vocabulary that everyone will use to train your new
pet. If Mom says "Down!' to make him stop jumping, while Dad tells him "Down!"
when he wants him to lay down, you'll wind up with one confused dog!
It's a good idea to purchase necessary supplies well in advance. You'll need
food and water bowls, safe chew toys, grooming supplies, a comfortable bed,
collar, leash, training crate and, probably, a gate. It's also a good idea to
select a veterinarian before you select your pet and schedule an appointment
with the veterinarian right away.
It's also important that you puppy-proof the areas he'll be frequenting. Tape
loose accessible electric cords to baseboards, unplug all appliances that aren't
in use, and remove any breakables, plants, household chemicals or other objects
your pet could sink his teeth into. Place screens securely in low windows and
keep outside doors closed.
Don't overwhelm your pet on his first day in your home. You can start getting
him used to his schedule right away by taking him to his toileting area
immediately. From there, restrict him to one room. Keep him company, but let him
explore his surroundings.
Keep to a regular schedule of playing, napping and exercise as best you can. To
avoid gastric distress in your pet, feed him the brand he was used to for the
first few days. If you want to switch, do so gradually. Mix in 1 part new food
to 3 parts old for several days, then do 1/2 old brand and 1/2 new brand, then 1
part old to 3 parts new, until he's completely switched over.
Your new pet may not be used to being alone, and he probably won't be shy about
letting you know. It may be tough at first, but don't give in to his whimpering.
He may learn that whining or barking is the most effective way to get your
attention. Instead, make sure you pack on the praise when's he's on good
behavior-such as playing with a chew toy or resting quietly.
Article courtesy of ASPCA |
