Before your new puppy arrives
The first week you and your dog spend together is exhilarating, certainly, but it's also likely to
be unnerving. Make the transition easier on both of you by doing a little advance planning.
be unnerving. Make the transition easier on both of you by doing a little advance planning.
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Have a family pow-wow.
A dog is a big commitment, so before you take the plunge, make sure you're all together on wanting this newest member of the family. Then decide who's going to be the primary caretaker--otherwise you'll spend lots of time arguing while your dog stares at his empty food bowl. To avoid confusing the pup, hammer out the house rules ahead of time (will the dog be allowed on the bed? On the couch? Where will the dog sleep? Are any rooms of the house permanently off-limits?). |
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Stock up on the right supplies
Buy some of the basics items you will need ahead of bringing your puppy home so you and the puppy can settle in without too many mad dashes to the store. Here is some of what you'll need: Crate Food and water bowls Food and maybe some treats for training. Try to get the same food your dog's been eating since a sudden switch in diet can upset his stomach. Collar and leash Bed Toys, especially chew toys Pee Pads Stain - and odor-removing cleaners and paper towels Possibly some baby gates to block off sections of your house |
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Find a vet
It's especially important for a puppy's first vet visit to be a pleasant experience so that your dog he learns to take trips to the vet in stride. Ask around for referrals, and schedule your first appointment. Your dog will need a check-up and possibly some vaccinations. |
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Prepare your house
This requires a little more work if you're getting a puppy, since they can be champion chewers and have a knack for getting into things they shouldn't. But no matter what your dog's age, you'll want to do some organizing ahead of time. |
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Create a temporary, gated-off living space for
your dog or pup, where she can't damage your belongings or eat something that will make her sick. She'll stay in this area whenever you're not with her to prevent her from having house training accidents. Pick a room that's a center of activity in your household, so your dog won't feel isolated, and be sure it's one with easy-to-clean floors. The kitchen is often a good choice; you can block it off with baby gates if needed. Make sure you remove anything that you don't want chewed on or soiled. What's in your dog's area will vary a bit depending on her age and how you're housetraining. |
It is extremely important to puppy-proof your home and to make sure anything that could hurt your dog
such as medicines, chemicals, certain plants are out of reach of your puppy.
such as medicines, chemicals, certain plants are out of reach of your puppy.
Arrange for home care
Ideally, you can take a few days to a week off work to get your new dog or puppy settled in
and to start house training. It'll also help the two of you bond, which in itself can make training easier.
But even if you can take some time off, you'll need a back-up team in place pretty quickly.
Here's what you'll want to shop around for: Dog walkers and dog daycare
Ideally, you can take a few days to a week off work to get your new dog or puppy settled in
and to start house training. It'll also help the two of you bond, which in itself can make training easier.
But even if you can take some time off, you'll need a back-up team in place pretty quickly.
Here's what you'll want to shop around for: Dog walkers and dog daycare
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Find a good school
Group obedience classes are great for bonding with your new dog and for learning how to communicate with and train your dog. They're especially recommended for young puppies, since they give pups a chance to get comfortable being around other canines and people--a key part of raising a safe, friendly dog. Dog training is unregulated, and pretty much anyone can call herself a dog trainer, so you'll want to do a little research to make sure you've found the right class and teacher. |
Plan the trip home
Find a helper to come along when you go to pick up your dog. Young puppies who have never been
on a car ride before may get rattled, and even adult dogs can get nervous--and a terror-filled car ride
can turn into a long-lasting phobia of car travel. Ask someone to sit next to your dog on the ride
home, soothing him and keeping him from hopping into your lap while you're driving.
If your dog's used to a crate, you can safely place them in the crate for the ride home. Just make
sure it's secured; sliding around the backseat will make the drive more stressful.
Find a helper to come along when you go to pick up your dog. Young puppies who have never been
on a car ride before may get rattled, and even adult dogs can get nervous--and a terror-filled car ride
can turn into a long-lasting phobia of car travel. Ask someone to sit next to your dog on the ride
home, soothing him and keeping him from hopping into your lap while you're driving.
If your dog's used to a crate, you can safely place them in the crate for the ride home. Just make
sure it's secured; sliding around the backseat will make the drive more stressful.
Bottom line
Your dog's first few weeks home will likely be a period of huge adjustment, for both of you. You
can make the transition much easier all around if you prepare your home in advance, gather a
team--vets, dog walkers, and doggie day care--and set up a routine right away.
Article can be found at: http://dogtime.com/adults-bringing-home.html
Your dog's first few weeks home will likely be a period of huge adjustment, for both of you. You
can make the transition much easier all around if you prepare your home in advance, gather a
team--vets, dog walkers, and doggie day care--and set up a routine right away.
Article can be found at: http://dogtime.com/adults-bringing-home.html