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Now
you understand some of the things the future
holds in store for you and your new family
member, you are ready to select your puppy
and bring him home. Congratulations. But
before you collect the puppy, you need to
have prepared for him to come home.
First
and foremost, are your premises secure?
Whether
your choice of breed is large or small,
you must have secure premises; no gaps or
holes in fences, no gates without proper
locks. Also remember steps and stairs; can
the puppy get under the house, or can your
puppy escape into the front garden or onto
the street? You must ensure the puppy is
safe and secure at all times.
Have
you prepared the puppy’s area and sleeping
quarters?
Whether
the puppy is to live in the house or in
the yard, your puppy NEEDS an AREA TO CALL
its’ OWN. A safe comfortable kennel outside,
a box or basket inside, it doesn’t matter,
but the puppy must have its’ own place.
Two spots are ideal, one inside and one
outside and a good supply of blankets and
bedding will be necessary.
Have
you purchased the puppy’s food and equipment?
Have
you asked the breeder what food to buy so
your puppy can start off eating what your
puppy has been accustomed to? A change of
diet usually causes diarrhoea, so if you
want to change the puppy’s basic food, you
need to do it gradually.
Regardless
of the breed you have selected, in addition
to the puppy’s food and bedding, he will
need food and water bowls, a collar, lead
and brush. A daily brush not only keeps
your dog’s coat in good condition, but is
part of the socialising and bonding process.
A small, light collar and a light lead are
essential in the early weeks to facilitate
lead training. As the puppy grows, a heavier
collar and/or lead and additional grooming
equipment will probably be necessary.
A puppy crate or big open cardboard
box with an old blanket is ideal to take
him home in. The ideal time to bring a puppy
home is when it is about 8 to 10 weeks of
age. This is the period when a puppy learns
the most, and is ready to learn.
Your puppy’s first day in a new place will
be most exciting for him. Your puppy will
experience new smells, a car ride, new people
and strange places. Collect your puppy early
in the day so it has time to “suss out”
its’ new home before going to bed “on his
own”! Keep yourself and your children calm
and quiet. Don’t let your puppy get over-excited
or overtired and allow the puppy to look
around at his own pace. Show the puppy its
water bowl and bed and have its newspaper
in the spot where you wish the puppy to
relieve itself. meals each day.
Now
it’s time to collect your puppy ....
If
you are happy with your preparations and
both you and your family are ready for some
busy days and sleep disturbed nights, then
it’s time to pick up your new little charge.
When you go to collect the puppy remember
there are other things you will need to
take home with you. Vaccination records,
signed registration certificate, a copy
of the pedigree, and a puppy care and diet
sheet must be provided. Your breeder is
there to help so don't hesitate to ask.
The transition from mother and kennel
mates to a new home is probably the most
dramatic change your dog will ever go though!
So make it easy for your puppy and you!
the puppy will be counting on you to provide
security, love and affection.
Housetraining
...
All
puppies have weak bladders and need to relieve
themselves frequently. It is a good idea
to take the puppy out every hour or
so initially, but always immediately upon
waking, after playing, after feeding, and
before going to bed at night. Take
your puppy to the same spot each time and
praise the puppy or a ‘job well done’! When
inside have plenty of newspaper near
your puppy bed or in the room in which
the puppy will be sleeping. Do not scold
the puppy if it has an accident, and never
rub your puppy’s nose in it! Most
puppies will not soil their bed and are
usually quick to learn that outside
is the correct place to go. After a few
weeks most puppies will be house-trained.
Health
requirements – have you consulted your vet?
Your
puppy will have had its first vaccination
and have been treated for worms by its breeder.
The puppy will require vaccinating again
at 12 and 16 weeks of age, and worming at
approximately 10 and 12 weeks. Consult your
vet on products available for worming, flea
control and heartworm prevention. If you
do not have plans for future breeding, de-sexing
is recommended.
Have
you considered the needs of your other pets?
Do
not change the habits or routine of an existing
pets when you bring a new puppy home. They
might feel a bit jealous, especially as
the new puppy will need constant attention
with housetraining and other things,
and of course three or four meals
each day.
Give them time to acquaint
themselves. The first meeting is best
done outside rather than inside the house,
as there is more space for both to feel
comfortable or to escape if the going
gets tough. Supervise the introduction
and only let them play for short periods
at a time. You don’t want either of them
to get overexcited or hurt. You can
gradually increase the time they spend playing
together until they settle down, but you
must always be near to supervise them.
Calm,
patience and attention ....
Your
puppy will probably take a few days to settle
down at night as the puppy will miss its
mother and litter-mates and is sure to cry,
howl or bark when left alone. Do not shout
at the puppy or smack your puppy, do not
give into your puppy. If you go to puppy
once during the night, he will howl again
every time you leave him. A toy to cuddle
up with or a ticking clock may well be appreciated
and help the puppy settle.
In the
first few weeks, you must give the puppy
your constant attention. You can teach your
puppy some basic commands, like “sit” and
“come”, or play ball to teach your puppy
to “fetch”. Always be patient with the puppy,
give your puppy plenty of re-assurance,
praise and cuddles. Enjoy your new puppy!
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