The Pre-Puppy Pick Up

Before you bring a new dog or puppy into your home, it’s important that you take several key things into consideration. Commonly overlooked in the general excitement of welcoming a new pet, these things will help to keep your puppy safe as well as making him more comfortable:

- Make sure that the decision to get a new pet is agreed upon by the whole family. Some people are dog people, others prefer cats. Some people have allergies. Always take their feelings into consideration, as well as your new puppy’s, and be sure to talk it over first.

It’s always a good idea to use this time to think about your lifestyle as well, and when everyone agrees on wanting a new puppy, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different breeds and find one that will suit your lifestyle. Remember that, just like people, some puppies have special needs.

- Puppy-proofing your home and the area around your house is a very important part of both dog care and puppy care. In order to do this properly, you need to get down to puppy level and take a look around. What can be chewed upon and what things can cause a puppy injury?

While some things are very obvious, there are many things in our home that can cause a puppy to become sick, get hurt or worse. Look for cords that can be chewed on, check for poisonous house plants, and realize that your recliner might prove comfortable to you but it can also seriously harm a puppy who sneaks underneath it.

Outside your home, it’s also important to be puppy-proof: did you know that the coolant we use in our cars is very toxic to animals? What’s worse, is that antifreeze has an irresistibly sweet taste that animals love.

- Having supplies on hand will help to reduce stress for your new puppy. While we’re eager to show off our new family members, now isn’t the time to drag him around to all the pet stores and friends’ houses. To help make the transition easier, make sure that you pick up puppy food, dishes, a bed and the rest of the basics prior to getting your puppy. The less stress you subject him to, the better.

New Puppy in the House

You’ve got your home puppy-proofed and all set up, just waiting for that big day to arrive. The excitement is sure to be building about now, but don’t let stress wear you down. Puppy-panic is no fun for anyone. There are several things you can do, in order to help make things go smoother:

- One of the biggest things that’s commonly overlooked when you go to get a new puppy is how you’re going to transport the little tyke home. Many times, people think that it’s a good idea to hold them on the way home but nothing can be further from the truth.

Remember that this may be your puppy’s first car ride and he may be very frightened or car sick; puppies suffering from nausea, diarrhea, or piddling in the car is not unheard of and, naturally, having a piddling puppy on one’s lap can certainly make a person a little anxious. In order to keep your puppy safe and keep your clothes clean, it’s always a good idea to have a puppy crate on hand for that trip home.

- Take your puppy to the veterinarian. This is always a very important thing to do, particularly if you have other pets in the home. Not only do you want to protect your other pets from illnesses that the puppy might have, you must also realize that many of our canine and feline friends can carry illnesses without showing any symptoms. Taking your puppy to the veterinarian will ensure that he’s up to date on all his shots, as well as giving the vet a chance to check him over for any other potential problems.

- Supervise. This can’t be stressed enough. First off, puppies are babies and, no matter how smart your little puppy might seem, he still needs supervision around your home. You need to ensure that he doesn’t go anywhere or do anything that might hurt him (i.e.: many puppies have problems and can take nasty falls down stairs, just like a human baby).

You must supervise your puppy with any other animals in your home and, importantly, you must supervise your new puppy with your children - being dropped or accidentally fallen on can seriously harm a puppy. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

- Provide your puppy with a place all his own. Crate training is not only a wonderful way to housebreak your puppy, but it also gives him a safe place that he can go to when he feels afraid or uncertain about things. Additionally, a crate will help to keep your puppy safe when you aren’t home to supervise him. Far too many people think of a cage as being mean but, if a puppy is properly crate trained, they learn to realize that the crate is a safe haven and they won’t mind it one bit.

The New Puppy Care Guide

Caring for your new puppy is part of the joy of owning a pet. Be sure that your puppy has all the essentials that all pets need . This includes a constant supply of clean, fresh water, as well as high-quality nutritious food, comfortable shelter from the elements, and lots of good exercise.

In addition to this, puppies require regular grooming, such as brushing or combing, bathing, nail clippings, ear cleanings and proper doggie dental care. All puppies should learn at least the basic obedience commands and, above all else, whether you have a new puppy or a new dog, they should have lots and lots of love.

If you provide them with these necessities, they will give you great joy, pleasure and love for years to come.