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Welcoming your new puppy
The thought of bringing home a new puppy can be exciting and overwhelming. Here are some puppy-specific suggestions that will help make your new friend's welcome, a warm and lasting one.
The best time to bring your newcomer home is at the beginning of a weekend. If possible, add a few vacation days. This gives you time to acquaint your puppy with its new home and to begin housebreaking and other training. Even at the age of 8 weeks, your puppy is able to learn things. It is recommended to start house-training and showing him simple commands, upon arrival in your home. Show your puppy where he may eat, drink, sleep and go to the “bathroom”.
Avoid bringing home a new pet during busy times such as birthdays and holidays. The noise and confusion may frighten the pet. Family members are generally too busy with the festivities to devote adequate time to help the puppy become comfortable in its new home.
To be ready, do your shopping in advance; there are certain things that you will definitely need, to take care of the newcomer:
- A complete and balanced puppy food, according to his needs. Always ask your veterinarian about the proper food for giving your new pet a healthy nutrition from the start;
- A collar (should be made of lightweight nylon or leather); it should be the proper size, not too tight or loose. Remember your puppy is growing so it is important to loose the collar regularly to fit his/her size;
- A leash (a six-foot leash is the ideal length for both training and walking);
- A crate (a great aid in housebreaking);
- A brush with natural bristles or hand mitt for grooming;
- Some safe toys for the puppy (large rawhide chips, nylon chews and hard rubber balls are fun and safe);
- A bed for the puppy. If the puppy is to be housed outdoors, choose a well-insulated doghouse large enough to accommodate the puppy at its full-grown size. It should be located on a high, well-drained site protected from the wind. Choose a location that provides outdoor shade during the summer. If he or she is going to stay indoors, place the bed in a quiet area, but where he can see and hear what is happening in this new environment;
- Easy-to-clean food and water bowls.
Once in its new home, remember that your adoptee is adjusting to strange new surroundings and people. Children can become excited. Explain to them that as he may be disoriented, their new companion needs time out for naps. Show children how to pet the newcomer and the proper way to pick up the puppy. A puppy should be closely supervised and taken outside to relieve itself after eating, following naps and play periods. |
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