He will be there by your side, as your loving partner; he will offer you protection if the need ever arises. Pet dog owners, in turn, need to know how to care for and be responsible for their pet dog. The dog’s needs are simple and easy to follow. When puppies come home they need a lot of love and attention. They can get a little stressed at first, as this is probably the first time they have been away from their mother and littermates. It is important that you begin the process of socialization, usually by integrating your new pet into your family and teaching him to get along with people and other animals through gentle play, interaction, and enjoyable encounters with family, friends, and pets.
A stress-free environment for your pup
Try to avoid sudden loud noises, such as children’s screams or doors slamming. Also limit the visits your new pup has, gradually allowing him to get used to more and more strange faces.
Provide a warm and comfortable bed, or alternatively, a cardboard box with many layers of newspaper and a washable blanket on top. Make sure your pup will still fit in it as it grows. Place the puppy’s bed where you want him to sleep like a full-grown or full-grown dog; usually the best place would be a quiet and private corner. For the first few nights (settling-in period), a fluffy toy and a bottle of warm (not hot) water placed under the bedding will help. The pup can be noisy and stressed at night immediately after littermates are separated from him. A low radio or ticking clock can help calm him down.
When the pup is awake during the day, give him plenty of body contact and talk to him in a soft voice to express friendship and a gruff voice to express disapproval of any of his unwanted actions.
Keeping your pup safe
The following are things to consider when preparing for the arrival of a new puppy. Lock up household and garden chemicals. Make sure electrical cords are out of reach of biters.
Be very careful when using lawnmowers, skateboards, rollerblades, or anything else of the sort.
Make sure the pup can’t get through any pool fence.
Teaching your puppy the house rules
The newest member of the ‘family pack’ must learn that you are the leader of the pack and that you are the last dog in the pack. Once the new puppy recognizes his place in the family hierarchy, he will be happier and easier to train to obey commands. The pup will look to his pack leader for protection and decision making for him.
nutritional needs
It is best to start by feeding your pup the same diet he was on before he joined your family. You can introduce any changes slowly over several days to avoid causing digestive upset. Commercial puppy foods and subsequently commercial adult foods are recommended: a good quality, well balanced dry food is essential. A constant supply of clean, fresh water should be available. A deep stainless steel or earthenware bowl will keep the water cooler, and in the summer ice can be added to the water.
Playtime with your pet dog
Puppies love to play and this helps them grow and learn. In the early days when they play among their littermates it gives them exercise and is the way they compete for their order in the pack. Don’t be rough with your pup, but it’s also important in these early stages that your pup learn that family members are dominant. Chewing helps teething puppies, but it’s also a way to investigate their surroundings. This need is easily met with chewable objects and toys. Make sure they don’t look like objects you don’t want to chew on, for example, how does the puppy tell the difference between his old shoe and all the other shoes in the house?
Puppy potty training
Anticipate the needs of the bathroom. Take your puppy outside as soon as he wakes up, as well as before and after each meal. Go outside with your puppy, this is very important. Take him to a specific area of the garden and wait until he is done; always praise the puppy afterwards.
The importance of exercising your pet
A retractable leash is ideal for a puppy, this way you can’t force the puppy to get too much exercise. Adult dogs need exercise and play too – walking a dog every day is great, or playing in the park with a ball or stick. If every day is too much to handle, try at least four times a week.
groom your dog
Get your new dog used to being groomed, handled, and examined as soon as possible. Your grooming kit should include a dog brush and comb. Establish a daily routine in which you examine your dog’s mouth, teeth, eyes, ears, abdomen, paws, and other parts of his anatomy, and even if he doesn’t need to brush, do it anyway. If your dog is brushed regularly, you will only need to wash him if he gets really dirty or smelly. It is best to use lukewarm water and brush the dog first. Use a suitable dog shampoo and dry him with his own special dog towel, before he gets cold. Nails should be trimmed as necessary based on the dog’s breed and the surface it usually walks on. If it’s a hard surface that they walk on, the nails will wear down naturally. Special dog nail clippers are available; if you are unsure with this process, ask your vet or a dog groomer to show you the process.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you, your family, and the new family edition have a happy, healthy, and rewarding time together.
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(c) By Katharine Logan, 2005
