Things to consider when getting a new puppy:
Will you adopt a shelter dog or buy from a breeder?
What breed dog should you get and ask yourself does it fit your lifestyle?
What is required in the way of exercise, activity level, grooming and everyday living.
Is your new puppy suitable for an apartment or a house?
Acquiring a shelter puppy:
After you have assessed the type of puppy you want, go online and locate a few of the nearest shelters where you live. Or go to the pet directory for a shelter near you.
Once you locate a shelter, tell an adoption counselor at the shelter the type and size of pet you are looking for. Learn as much information as you can about the puppies background. Ask questions about;
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Where the puppy came from
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Breed the best they can assess
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Does the dog have its required shots
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Will the shelter provide some training or refer you to a trainer
Locating an evaluating a Breeder:
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Look at and evaluate breeder’s websites
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Check with the American Kennel Club
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Check the breeders credentials and references
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Get your puppy checked by a vet
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Health guarantees
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Return policy
Timing your new puppy:1
Generally it is a good idea to bring your new puppy home after the eight week mark. A new puppy usually needs time during the early weeks to acquire social skills from its mother and siblings. During this time, the puppy gets it love, physical contact and food from its mother.
So your puppy is home!
Once your puppy arrives at home it begins almost immediately what it can and cannot do. During this time, it is important that in addition to the fun you both are having that you begin to train your new puppy.
Supervise your Puppy:
If you are unable to supervise your new puppy, you should use baby gates and or the crate to keep your new puppy safe. Puppy’s like children will tend explore and can get themselves into trouble.
Crate and Potty Training”
One of the prime training tools is your puppy’s crate. The size of the crate is important to help your dog learn not to make in his crate. If the crat is to large, your new puppy will learn to make in an empty space while sleeping else where in the crate.
The crate should not be used as a tool to correct your dog’s actions or behaviors. It should be a place where your puppy feels secure and safe.
Providing and rewarding your puppy with treats as an enducement to enter the crate should be one way of getting your dog acclimated to the crate and reinforce positive feelings about the crate.
Do not punish your puppy as part of potty or any training. Patience, diligence and consistency are key to successful training
Try to feed and walk your puppy on a consistent schedule
Shaping your dog’s behavior:
Resource guarding is your dog’s way of protecting his turf. Your puppy’s turf could be you or another family member, toys, and or food bowls.
Working with your puppy to eliminate this behavior is critical to his and family safety. It all starts with learning to modify this behavior before your puppy becomes aggressive.
Biting is always a no-no even playing mouthing. Your puppy has to understand the ground rules as it relates to being mouthy and playful
Training your Puppy
Lots of work goes into teaching your puppy appropriate behavior. Training takes time, patients, compassion and understanding as to your dog’s capacity to learn and how quickly. It is a good idea to begin to train your puppy when you bring him home. Basic commands should be taught as soon as possible.
Mental and Physical stimulation:
Exercising your dog is crucial in helping your dog avoid bad behaviors and provides much needed stimulation.
Touch you puppies feet, ears, mouth and tail. This will help to desensitize him when you need to brush his teeth, clean his ears etc.
Grooming:
Puppies like adult dogs need some grooming. Depending on the type of dog, some dogs need more than others. Hair brushing, teeth brushing, ear cleaning and nail clipping are a few of the basic grooming routines that need to be done. This will help teach your dog to be touched by you and even bond. Not all grooming needs to be done daily.
Some handy tips and resources:
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Get your puppy regular vet check-ups
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List of poisonous foods
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Prevention tips
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Poison control
