| There is no doubt that owning a dog is one of the | | | | Take your puppy outside and let him explore his new |
| greatest privileges that any person can have. Dogs | | | | back yard. Use a high pitched voice to call him to you |
| are loyal, friendly, and funny and they provide people | | | | and use his name also. You should start training your |
| of all ages the opportunities to learn and grow. They | | | | puppy straight away in all types of obedience skills |
| don't care how rich we are; how pretty or successful | | | | and tricks. Getting your puppy to come to his name |
| we are or; how many friends we have. Dogs love us | | | | will be very difficult if you leave it until he is a few |
| for who we are not what we have. | | | | months old so it is best to start now. |
| However, bringing a new puppy home can be fraught | | | | Remember your puppy is still a baby and needs lots |
| with lots of challenges that many people are not | | | | of rest. Allow children to play with him but not too |
| prepared for. This guide was put together to offer | | | | much. If he begins to look tired, but him in his bed |
| assistance, tips and encouragement to any one who | | | | and leave him to rest. |
| has just picked up their new puppy or who is just | | | | What should I do when my puppy starts crying? |
| about to. | | | | It is natural for your puppy to begin to feel alone and |
| Before Puppy Comes Home: Creating a Puppy Proof | | | | sad the first few nights he has come to his new |
| Environment | | | | home. Everything will appear strange and new to him |
| Think: where do I want my puppy to sleep when | | | | and he will miss his family. You need to teach your |
| he's grown up? Puppies are all cute and soft and it's | | | | puppy that it is OK for him to be on his own. This is |
| fun to have them sleep on our beds, but if your | | | | called independence training and it is very important |
| puppy is going to grow to a medium or large size | | | | to start this straight away so when you do have to |
| dog is there enough room for him on the bed or | | | | go to school or work, your puppy will be happy to |
| even in your room? Start where you mean to end | | | | left on his own. |
| when it comes to sleeping arrangements. It will be | | | | If your puppy starts to cry for attention whether it |
| much better for you and your puppy in the long run. | | | | is the middle of the night or during the day, it is very |
| The laundry, bathroom or a warm place outside are | | | | important that you do not open the door or pick him |
| all good places to settle your puppy in. | | | | up. The best, but most difficult, thing to do is to |
| If you have time, take an old t-shirt or other piece | | | | leave your puppy crying and let him learn that you |
| of clothing with you when you are purchasing your | | | | will spend time with him in the morning or when it |
| puppy. Leave it with the puppy until it is old enough | | | | suits you. It may take several days and nights for |
| to leave its family. This way it will be very familiar | | | | your puppy to learn this but in the long term it is the |
| with your smell and be more settled when you bring | | | | best approach. |
| it home. | | | | If you can't wait until morning you can open the door |
| Set up an area where you want your puppy to sleep | | | | only when he is quiet. This way he will learn that he |
| and place his mat or bed there. Make sure there is | | | | will get attention when he is quiet not when he is |
| somewhere to go to the toilet that is farthest away | | | | making a lot of noise. A few seconds is a long time |
| from his sleeping area - dogs don't like to go to the | | | | for a small puppy so you can go to him, when he has |
| toilet near their beds. Make sure there is room for a | | | | been quiet for only 10 or 20 seconds. It may seem |
| food bowl and a water bowl. Place a piece of old | | | | funny, but it is best to stand outside the door and |
| clothing, blankets and old towels in his bed. This will | | | | wait for those few seconds of silence before going |
| give your puppy something to snuggle into. Put | | | | to him. |
| newspaper down or you can purchase toilet training | | | | When should I start socializing my puppy? |
| mats from your local pet store. Don't leave anything | | | | You should take your puppy out and straight away |
| in this place that your puppy can chew or tear up | | | | and start introducing him to the world. Check with |
| that you don't want them to. | | | | your veterinarian about possible diseases but as long |
| Also have plenty of food ready before you bring | | | | as your puppy has been vaccinated he should be fine |
| your puppy home. Check with the breeder or store | | | | to go out and meet as many different people, dogs, |
| where you are buying him from and purchase the | | | | animals and things as possible. |
| same brand. Don't change your puppy's diet straight | | | | When should I start training my puppy? |
| away as it may give him diarrhoea and cause him to | | | | Start training your puppy the day you get him home. |
| become ill. You can give your puppy milk but make | | | | Training just doesn't mean teaching him to sit, drop |
| sure it is lactose free and not normal cow's milk | | | | or stay. It involves lots of other things. It is important |
| because it may upset his stomach. Puppies don't | | | | that he doesn't learn to jump up on people; that he |
| need milk in their diet after they've left their | | | | doesn't bolt out of the car when you open the doors |
| mothers; water is very good for them. | | | | and many more things. You can choose to go to an |
| Also buy some fun and long lasting toys for your | | | | obedience or agility club or you can train your puppy |
| puppy. Only purchase professionally toys made | | | | yourself. |
| puppies. Cheap toys can pose choking problems or | | | | Remember: when training your puppy always give |
| can damage your puppy's new teeth. Wrap up the | | | | your puppy the opportunity to correct his behaviour |
| toys in an old t-shirt that you have worn; this will put | | | | and do the right thing. It is up to you to teach him |
| your smell on them and make them more attractive | | | | what is acceptable and what is not. Reward |
| to your puppy. | | | | acceptable behaviour; discourage unacceptable |
| You should also buy your puppy's first collar and leash | | | | behaviour by using loud unpleasant noises, withdrawal |
| and get him used to wearing it as soon as possible. | | | | of attention or treats or leaving your puppy on its |
| Puppy collars and leashes are made from light weight | | | | own. Never hit or strike your puppy; you will only be |
| material so they don't irritate your puppy too much. | | | | teaching him that violence is an acceptable behaviour |
| The Day Your Puppy Comes Home: | | | | in your pack and he may use it on other pack |
| Try to bring your puppy home when there is plenty | | | | members or friends including children. |
| of daylight because you will need to spend time | | | | Checklist: |
| settling your puppy into his new home. Take your | | | | Old towels, blankets, puppy bed or mat; toilet training |
| puppy to the place where you want him to sleep. | | | | mats or newspaper; suitable puppy toys; puppy collar |
| Give him some food and water. Don't worry if he | | | | and leash; puppy food; information about training; my |
| won't eat, it is common for puppies to go off their | | | | local veterinarian's contact details, my local dog |
| food when they are adjusting to a new home. | | | | training centres. |