A Few Tips For New Dog Owners – Bringing Puppy Home
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
It’s an exciting time in your household. The kids have picked out a puppy and you are meeting with the breeder this weekend to bring the little guy home. There is no end to the joy and exuberance of the children.
Puppy is barely nine weeks old. For now he is still a baby. He will continue to absorb experiences for a lifetime, but he’ll actively gain knowledge and learn behaviors for the next several months. As with human babies, Puppy will grow and develop and learn quickly. Now is the time to teach him how to interact with family members, how to behave in and out of the house, what is OK and what is a no-no, how to respond and what is expected – the whole drill.
Since we’re already discussing fencing, now is also the best time to consider fencing outside your home. This same type of fence works equally well inside and outside but is limited in size. As Puppy grows, you’ll need to further consider fencing options. If Puppy is a large breed, this fencing becomes increasingly important early on. Never, never turn your young dog out without supervision or fencing, or in some cases depending on where you live, without both.
Set up an appointment with a small animal veterinarian and have Puppy checked over from head to toe. Get all vaccinations that are required in your area and avoid all exposure of Puppy with other dogs until the vaccinations kick in and he’s protected.
I have never done this with any of my dogs; however, I now believe I’d purchase dog health insurance. I have learned that costs have risen so drastically, that having insurance or not having it may be a life or death decision for my pet.
Once Puppy comes home, this is so very important – work with Puppy every day. Teach him to allow being handled, examined, turned on his back, touched, and cuddled. Rub him on his tummy, touch his paws, gently finger his toes, rub his ears, and begin speaking to him. Decide on the command words you will use and even as a small Puppy, he can be taught to come by encouraging him, lavishly praising him and so on. The time and effort you invest in Puppy now will pay huge dividends as he gets older.
For exploring the new world outside his home, provide Puppy with his own collar and leash. Consistently put them on Puppy for each outing. Never force or drag the little guy. Instead, speak to him, teach him from the start to walk on your left side, say the word heel, and take baby steps until he catches on. He may have lots of exuberance and you may
allow him a lot of learning time. However, do not encourage, laugh or baby talk to him, when he does not do it properly. Do not overcorrect him if he pulls or sits back on his haunches refusing to move. For the first, pulling, give a simple short twist of the leash and say Heel. Repeat if necessary. If he still does not comply, and he is off pulling again, give one, then another following quick twist of the wrist (merely a super quick downturn of your wrist suitable for a baby dog), and speak clearly “Heel! If Puppy decides to flop down, move off to the left and speak to him. Say “Come” or I prefer “Heel” and gently move off. If he is still sitting, move to the right, tug and say “Heel.” By now he should be ready to move again. If he does, walk a few steps and reward him with a doggie treat and/or a resounding “Good Puppy” in a cheerful, encouraging voice. Refrain from pulling him!These steps are most basic and do not include dealing with another pet. That presents a differing set of circumstances and is an article of its own.
There are several don’ts that I would like to mention along with everything else. I believe these are equally important as anything you can do with Puppy to make him a good canine citizen.
Your Puppy is adorable. Just don’t allow him to do his “cutsy” puppy stuff because at the puppy stage it’s cute. Pups have a way of growing up – a large dog jumping on you is not funny when the dog is mature. Catch misbehaviors now!
Absolutely never discipline or even bother to work with your dog if you are down or angry. If Puppy isn’t catching on as quickly as you deem fit, never correct him in anger. Likewise, if he’s not doing his lesson correctly, do not start with the baby talk. That’s only for special and close moments and wonderful successes.
If Puppy becomes scared for any reason, do not spoil or coddle him.
Never leave Puppy unsupervised with other pets or children. I repeat, never!
These tips are simple and helpful. Doing basics right from the start doesn’t require a Dog Whisperer. Be consistent, reward generously, love and cuddle Puppy, correct as soon as a mistake is made and never hit, beat, or scream at the dog. Use a gentle, soft voice.
Always remember that Puppy will grow up to adore the ground you walk on. No being will ever worship you like a dog.
The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her Blog sites.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)You have terrific insight into all animals I see. That last sentence reminds me of a joke I heard.
"A dog will meet you at the door. A dog will bring you your slippers. A dog will think you are God. A cat will ignore you when you come home. A cat will not bring you anything, because a cat thinks it is God." That may not be exactly how it went, but close.
Your article has good advice for new puppies.
Come to think of it, I think I've heard that funny. Really cute and so very true. Teeheehee. I do love creatures and the older I get, the more I truly do like them. I am now rather sedate and calm in my everyday living, seeking peace and quiet. My two remaining pomeranians accompany everywhere. They are clean, quiet and tiny and so very caring. But it takes a bit of close attention and repetition to get each dog so he fits into the family and becomes a fine social creature inside and outside the house. The dog in the picture is Winston (the one with the enlarged heart). He is a therapy dog. I might say a very beloved therapy dog. More people will go to his funeral than inm that's how much people care about this little guy.All it takes is kindness, repetition and lots of attention. I've never had a bad dog.
Thank you again for your kind comments, your support. I love the cute funny. Keep 'em coming!
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