Post by Admin on Jul 3, 2007 1:34:04 GMT -5
The Puppy is here!
Bringing home a puppy and introducing her to your home is very
exciting for everyone. The only one who may be anxious about the situation will be the puppy. If you handle your puppy properly
when she arrives, she will quickly relax and want to settle into
her new home.
Supplies You Need
Before you bring your puppy home, be sure you have the following supplies:
· Premium dog food to get your new puppy off to a good start
· Stainless steel, non-tip food and water bowls
· Identification tags with your puppy's name, your name, phone number and your veterinarian's name and phone number
· A collar and a leather or nylon 6-foot leash that's 1/2 – 3/4 inches wide (consider using a "breakaway" collar with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets hung up on something)
· A home and travel crate that's airline approved and will accommodate your puppy's adult size. This crate will serve as your puppy's new "den" at home, when traveling or riding to the veterinarian's office. His scent in the crate will provide comfort and a sense of security during these stressful times.
· Stain/Odor remover for accidental soilings
· Potty pads (optional, could confuse the puppy)
· Brushes and combs suited to your puppy's coat; ask your veterinarian or breeder about an appropriate brush or comb for your dog.
· Dog shampoo, Bath Towels, toothbrush, and toothpaste (don’t use human shampoo or toothpaste)
· (Optional) Baby blanket or t-shirt that has your scent on it
· High-quality, safe chew toys to ease teething
· Flea, tick and parasite controls
· Ear Cleaner
· Nail clippers
· Treats
Important! You should have these above items at home before picking up puppy. No need to rush around a pet store and stress the puppy more. Until she’s fully vaccinated she isn’t protected from common dog diseases.
Puppy Proof Your Home
Prior to bringing your new puppy into your home, you should puppy proof it. Take a look at your home from the puppy's viewpoint. Does that potted plant sitting in front of the glass door look tempting? You may want to consider moving it to a higher place. What about your favorite collection of teddy bears, or magazines you have in a basket by the sofa? They will most certainly raise the curiosity of your new puppy. As you move these things out of your puppy's reach, remember it is only for a short time.
Once your new puppy has learned her place in the family, you can put your things back where they go. However, by removing these curiosity objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy on the basic training she will need to learn.
It is important to understand that as much as you want your new
puppy to be a part of your family, your puppy is still an animal.
She will take her cues from her environment. If she is allowed
to have free run of the home and access to everything, you are
teaching her that she is in charge. Dogs have instincts. The
main instinct of dogs is to live in a pack. Your new puppy will
assume her new family is her pack. If she picks up the clues that
she is her own boss and she can do what she wants, whenever she wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her pack. It is
much easier on everyone, including the dog, if she learns from
the moment she enters the home that she is not the leader and
dictator of the family.
The car ride home
The big day arrives, and it is off to pick up the puppy. Many people worry that this is a traumatic event for the puppy, but it probably is not as bad as you might think. Coming home will start out with a car ride from the shelter or breeder’s home. Try to keep this from being a terrifying experience for the pup. The main problem dogs have with car rides usually is not what we humans refer to as motion sickness, but simple anxiety about the vibrations, sounds, and to a lesser degree, the movement. Many dogs that have developed problems with car rides get nervous or even nauseous before the engine is even started. It is important that this first trip not be a bad experience that regresses into a repetitious behavioral pattern.
Before you leave the kennel, try to get the pup to go to the bathroom so there are no floods or surprises stimulated by all the excitement or the ride. On this first trip home, we break a cardinal rule about traveling with pets. We do not put them in a crate for traveling. Remember, they are small and easy to hold. Rather, we have someone other than the driver hold the puppy in a blanket or towel and talk or in some way try to distract him from the ride. If you have a long way to go and need to stop for the puppy to relieve himself, do not use a highway rest stop. At his young age, the puppy has very little, if any, protection from common dog diseases, and these areas can easily be contaminated with the organisms causing these conditions. We never recommend these facilities for pets of any age, but if you must use them, wait until your puppy has completed his vaccination series.
Being with people the first day home
Leaving her mother and littermates will probably bring about some form of separation anxiety. However, this can be greatly diminished if you plan your schedules so that you are with the puppy constantly for the first 3 to 4 days. Some authors suggest leaving the puppy alone and give her time to herself to adjust to the new surroundings. We disagree. In our homes, we plan for this introductory period by keeping the puppy involved with plenty of attention from children and other family members through every one of her waking moments. When we are not with the puppy, she is eating, sleeping, or going to the bathroom. You will be amazed how time spent in this manner will speed up the housebreaking process. If the children are young or are not familiar with how to handle puppies, you should spend some time with them during these first few days explaining common sense rules on how to play with the pup.
Puppy's first night home:
When bringing home a new puppy, you must care for the first night and those to come, the puppy must sleep in a place it can hear breathing whether it be human or another animal. Some people believe that a puppy must be left alone, letting it cry until it becomes used to it. Confining a puppy to this type of loneliness after it has been separated from its mother, brothers and sisters, causes the puppy to feel fearful and anguished. The puppy all of a sudden finds himself alone and afraid and this is why he cries. Is it really necessary to put a puppy through that type of psychological suffering if we have chosen him to be part of our lives?
Obviously there are certain factors to keep in mind.
Some people prefer to sleep in the same room as their dogs while there are others that prefer not to, so in the end it depends on where you get your puppy used to sleeping and where you provide its private space. If you intend for this place to be in your room, this will continue on for the rest of the dog's days, so think about where you want your puppy to be before bringing him home. For people that do not want to have their new puppy sleep in their rooms, one suggestion to help calm him down is SnugglePuppies™ or to leave a radio turned on real low or by placing a clock in the room to break the silence. A hot water bag is also very comforting since it provides warmth and a place the puppy can cuddle up to. In order for your new puppy to develop normally free from fears, it is important to allow the puppy to form a positive idea of the things that he is not used to so that he develops secure and sure of the world that surrounds him.
Getting a health check
One of the first things you need to do is get the puppy into a veterinarian for an initial puppy examination. You will want to make sure the pup is in perfect health, free of any congenital traits or other medical conditions. Also, find out exactly what the breeder (or humane society) has done for the puppy. In all probability, the puppy has had some puppy vaccinations given by the breeder or shelter. She probably has also been placed on a deworming schedule and may even be on a heartworm preventive. Depending on the breed, the tail may have been docked and the dewclaws removed. It is common for all or some of these to have been done. This helps to explain some of the initial cost of your puppy regardless of where she was obtained. Your veterinarian will need all of this information along with the puppy's approximate birth date.
Special Puppy Concerns
Don't treat a puppy as young as 8 to 12 weeks like an adult dog. Treat him the same way you would an infant—with patience, constant supervision and a gentle touch. The way you interact with your puppy at this age is critical to his socialization. Use these tips:
· Don't bring home a puppy while you're on an out-of-town vacation. You want to be able to spend a lot of time with him so you can acclimate him to your normal, daily routine.
· Supervise your puppy at all times and interact with him regularly.
· Be alert for signs (sniffing and circling) that he has to go to the bathroom and take him outside immediately.
· A young puppy has zero bladder control and will need to urinate immediately after eating, drinking, sleeping or playing. At night, he will need to relieve himself at least every two hours.
· Don't punish an accident. Never, ever strike your puppy. Never push his nose in the waste or scold him. He won't understand, and may learn to go to the bathroom when you're out of sight.
· Praise your puppy every time he goes to the bathroom outside.
· Feed your puppy a high-quality formula designed for puppies. Like a baby, he needs nutritious, highly digestible food.
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1671&articleid=872
Bringing home a puppy and introducing her to your home is very
exciting for everyone. The only one who may be anxious about the situation will be the puppy. If you handle your puppy properly
when she arrives, she will quickly relax and want to settle into
her new home.
Supplies You Need
Before you bring your puppy home, be sure you have the following supplies:
· Premium dog food to get your new puppy off to a good start
· Stainless steel, non-tip food and water bowls
· Identification tags with your puppy's name, your name, phone number and your veterinarian's name and phone number
· A collar and a leather or nylon 6-foot leash that's 1/2 – 3/4 inches wide (consider using a "breakaway" collar with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets hung up on something)
· A home and travel crate that's airline approved and will accommodate your puppy's adult size. This crate will serve as your puppy's new "den" at home, when traveling or riding to the veterinarian's office. His scent in the crate will provide comfort and a sense of security during these stressful times.
· Stain/Odor remover for accidental soilings
· Potty pads (optional, could confuse the puppy)
· Brushes and combs suited to your puppy's coat; ask your veterinarian or breeder about an appropriate brush or comb for your dog.
· Dog shampoo, Bath Towels, toothbrush, and toothpaste (don’t use human shampoo or toothpaste)
· (Optional) Baby blanket or t-shirt that has your scent on it
· High-quality, safe chew toys to ease teething
· Flea, tick and parasite controls
· Ear Cleaner
· Nail clippers
· Treats
Important! You should have these above items at home before picking up puppy. No need to rush around a pet store and stress the puppy more. Until she’s fully vaccinated she isn’t protected from common dog diseases.
Puppy Proof Your Home
Prior to bringing your new puppy into your home, you should puppy proof it. Take a look at your home from the puppy's viewpoint. Does that potted plant sitting in front of the glass door look tempting? You may want to consider moving it to a higher place. What about your favorite collection of teddy bears, or magazines you have in a basket by the sofa? They will most certainly raise the curiosity of your new puppy. As you move these things out of your puppy's reach, remember it is only for a short time.
Once your new puppy has learned her place in the family, you can put your things back where they go. However, by removing these curiosity objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy on the basic training she will need to learn.
It is important to understand that as much as you want your new
puppy to be a part of your family, your puppy is still an animal.
She will take her cues from her environment. If she is allowed
to have free run of the home and access to everything, you are
teaching her that she is in charge. Dogs have instincts. The
main instinct of dogs is to live in a pack. Your new puppy will
assume her new family is her pack. If she picks up the clues that
she is her own boss and she can do what she wants, whenever she wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her pack. It is
much easier on everyone, including the dog, if she learns from
the moment she enters the home that she is not the leader and
dictator of the family.
The car ride home
The big day arrives, and it is off to pick up the puppy. Many people worry that this is a traumatic event for the puppy, but it probably is not as bad as you might think. Coming home will start out with a car ride from the shelter or breeder’s home. Try to keep this from being a terrifying experience for the pup. The main problem dogs have with car rides usually is not what we humans refer to as motion sickness, but simple anxiety about the vibrations, sounds, and to a lesser degree, the movement. Many dogs that have developed problems with car rides get nervous or even nauseous before the engine is even started. It is important that this first trip not be a bad experience that regresses into a repetitious behavioral pattern.
Before you leave the kennel, try to get the pup to go to the bathroom so there are no floods or surprises stimulated by all the excitement or the ride. On this first trip home, we break a cardinal rule about traveling with pets. We do not put them in a crate for traveling. Remember, they are small and easy to hold. Rather, we have someone other than the driver hold the puppy in a blanket or towel and talk or in some way try to distract him from the ride. If you have a long way to go and need to stop for the puppy to relieve himself, do not use a highway rest stop. At his young age, the puppy has very little, if any, protection from common dog diseases, and these areas can easily be contaminated with the organisms causing these conditions. We never recommend these facilities for pets of any age, but if you must use them, wait until your puppy has completed his vaccination series.
Being with people the first day home
Leaving her mother and littermates will probably bring about some form of separation anxiety. However, this can be greatly diminished if you plan your schedules so that you are with the puppy constantly for the first 3 to 4 days. Some authors suggest leaving the puppy alone and give her time to herself to adjust to the new surroundings. We disagree. In our homes, we plan for this introductory period by keeping the puppy involved with plenty of attention from children and other family members through every one of her waking moments. When we are not with the puppy, she is eating, sleeping, or going to the bathroom. You will be amazed how time spent in this manner will speed up the housebreaking process. If the children are young or are not familiar with how to handle puppies, you should spend some time with them during these first few days explaining common sense rules on how to play with the pup.
Puppy's first night home:
When bringing home a new puppy, you must care for the first night and those to come, the puppy must sleep in a place it can hear breathing whether it be human or another animal. Some people believe that a puppy must be left alone, letting it cry until it becomes used to it. Confining a puppy to this type of loneliness after it has been separated from its mother, brothers and sisters, causes the puppy to feel fearful and anguished. The puppy all of a sudden finds himself alone and afraid and this is why he cries. Is it really necessary to put a puppy through that type of psychological suffering if we have chosen him to be part of our lives?
Obviously there are certain factors to keep in mind.
Some people prefer to sleep in the same room as their dogs while there are others that prefer not to, so in the end it depends on where you get your puppy used to sleeping and where you provide its private space. If you intend for this place to be in your room, this will continue on for the rest of the dog's days, so think about where you want your puppy to be before bringing him home. For people that do not want to have their new puppy sleep in their rooms, one suggestion to help calm him down is SnugglePuppies™ or to leave a radio turned on real low or by placing a clock in the room to break the silence. A hot water bag is also very comforting since it provides warmth and a place the puppy can cuddle up to. In order for your new puppy to develop normally free from fears, it is important to allow the puppy to form a positive idea of the things that he is not used to so that he develops secure and sure of the world that surrounds him.
Getting a health check
One of the first things you need to do is get the puppy into a veterinarian for an initial puppy examination. You will want to make sure the pup is in perfect health, free of any congenital traits or other medical conditions. Also, find out exactly what the breeder (or humane society) has done for the puppy. In all probability, the puppy has had some puppy vaccinations given by the breeder or shelter. She probably has also been placed on a deworming schedule and may even be on a heartworm preventive. Depending on the breed, the tail may have been docked and the dewclaws removed. It is common for all or some of these to have been done. This helps to explain some of the initial cost of your puppy regardless of where she was obtained. Your veterinarian will need all of this information along with the puppy's approximate birth date.
Special Puppy Concerns
Don't treat a puppy as young as 8 to 12 weeks like an adult dog. Treat him the same way you would an infant—with patience, constant supervision and a gentle touch. The way you interact with your puppy at this age is critical to his socialization. Use these tips:
· Don't bring home a puppy while you're on an out-of-town vacation. You want to be able to spend a lot of time with him so you can acclimate him to your normal, daily routine.
· Supervise your puppy at all times and interact with him regularly.
· Be alert for signs (sniffing and circling) that he has to go to the bathroom and take him outside immediately.
· A young puppy has zero bladder control and will need to urinate immediately after eating, drinking, sleeping or playing. At night, he will need to relieve himself at least every two hours.
· Don't punish an accident. Never, ever strike your puppy. Never push his nose in the waste or scold him. He won't understand, and may learn to go to the bathroom when you're out of sight.
· Praise your puppy every time he goes to the bathroom outside.
· Feed your puppy a high-quality formula designed for puppies. Like a baby, he needs nutritious, highly digestible food.
www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1671&articleid=872