So you decided to add a new addition to your home. No, we are not talking about a room, but about a new dog. Whether you’re preparing your home for pups, house breaking, crate training, or teaching your dog a fabulous memory or new trick, the general care and maintenance required is just as important to your dog’s success!
It doesn’t matter if your new puppy came from a breeder and is a young puppy or came from a rescue and is older; many of the steps will be the same in building a relationship and empowering both of you. The similarity is simply that their environment has changed. You are their new owner and now they must get used to their new social setup with you in charge.
Home puppy testing is an absolute must. The idea is the same as when a baby is expected to come home. Make sure there is nothing around your pup that could be destructive in any way. Whether it’s chewing, messing, shredding and eating. It helps to get on all fours, yes, on all fours, and crawl around your house and you’ll see exactly what this new pup will see. A world of ropes, toys, shoes, table legs and much more. Don’t forget to keep them out of cabinets, chemicals, hazardous areas, and any other potentially dangerous places. Did you know that there is also an endless list of substances and foods that can be dangerous for your puppy? We thought we’d share just a few that you should be especially careful to keep away from your pup: dark chocolate, raisins, grapes, oleander, and antifreeze are the most common hazards for your pup. Check with your vet on the entire list.
The best way to prevent destruction is to keep your puppy with you at all times and provide toys that are easily distinguishable from anything else (if your puppy can’t be with you, he can go in a crate). Below we will discuss the importance of crate training when it comes to housebreaking and other puppy related issues. Another great way to prevent destruction is to give your dog plenty of exercise throughout the day. A tired puppy is a good puppy.
Stay tuned for more…and remember, if you haven’t picked out those Manola Blahnicks you love, don’t be upset when your pooch decides he likes them better.
