Bringing Home a Brand New Puppy

By Craig McPherson

After a lot of planning and decision making you finally decide to buy a puppy.

Once you've found the breed you are looking for, and a litter, you then have pick one, not an easy task. We assume by now you already have your pup and you are a bit bewildered about what to do.

Your new puppy is now one of your pack (family) and it needs to feel like it is. You need to reassure the pup with affection, food and shelter (warmth).

The most reassuring spot for the pup at all times of the day is next to YOU.

Even if the pup will be an outside dog allowing time inside with you initially will help bond your new addition to the rest of the family. Gradually extend the time outside with the pup and give it a warm comfortable bed where you would like it to sleep. This may take a couple of weeks and spending time inside the house with you is still reassuring to the pup.

Toilet training

To toilet train, you must learn when to expect the pup to go to the toilet.

You must learn what to look for when a pup is uncomfortable and looking for something.

Generally these times are as follows:

As soon as the pup wakes up (AM or PM).

As soon as the pup has a meal.

As soon as the pup drinks.

After/during play (exercise).

This makes up most of the pups first few weeks with you.

What you must anticipate is the pups actions and take it outside before any accidents occur. You must wait until the pup does something before it comes back inside (within reason). Sometimes you make a mistake observing behaviour.

If an accident occurs its too late.

Rubbing its nose in it and growing does nothing. Bladder control gets better as the pup gets older and the dog will usually tell you it needs to go out by standing at the door.

Puppies need to be taken to your vet, vaccinated, wormed and checked for fleas and other parasites. Do not over exert your pup as this puts strain on its growing bones and joints (especially large breeds). Socialising and training with other people and other dogs is very important to a well balanced relaxed dog.

Enjoy your dog!

On a more serious note, there could come a time when you have to make the gut wrenching decision to put your dog down.

For a detailed procedure of dog euthanasia and to help prepare you for the day, there is a tutorial at http://here-is-your.info/dog-training/when-to-put-a-dog-down.php