Bringing home a new dog can be very stressful for the dog as well as the owner. In most cases, people bring small pups who have to leave their littermates as well as their mother. Thus the period can be very hard for the pup if proper care and attention aren’t provided. As for the owner, if it is his/her first time with a pet dog he/she can feel a little lost. Unlike cats and other pets, dogs need special attention. So it is important to know some basic and necessary dos and don’ts when bringing home a new dog. So let us dive into the article.
Contents
Do’s
1. Stop And Think
Some people make rash decisions when bringing home a pet. Caring for a pet is equal to caring for a newborn baby. So make sure you understand the gravity of the responsibility. Find a safe space for your dog to sleep. Small pups tend to roam about the house so make sure you choose a crate like bedding for the initial weeks.
2. Puppy Proof Your House
Any item which can be harmful to your pet must be removed from their reach. Electric wires, cupboards, medicines, floor cleaning products, toxic products, sharp objects, etc practically anything they can chew on and hurt themselves should be removed. Pups and even dogs are naturally inquisitive and tend to see through all the stuff within their reach. Also, if there is any antique furniture or stuff with sentimental value, you might want to remove it from the puppy’s reach. Dogs tend to chew on wooden objects so keep your favorite stuff safe.
3. Make Your Backyard And Garden Safe
If you have a garden or backyard make sure that there is good fencing and other precautions before you let the puppy out. Dogs tend to dig the ground and chew through wood and so the chances of them escaping are high. So make your garden safe. Also, in case you have any poisonous plants in your backyard do remove them. Dogs eat grass and other such stuff when their stomach and digestive system aren’t in good condition.
4. Vet
Make sure you get your puppy checked at the vets. Dogs at an early age are more likely to fall sick so make sure you get your dog routine checkups.
5. Training
Training your pup from the start is a great practice. This way your dog starts learning about eating and toilet habits.
6. Call The Pup By His/Her Name
Make sure you address your pup by his/her name. It might take a while for them to get used to it but do not drop the practice. Dogs catch on fast but introducing the pup to good habits from the very beginning will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
7. Introduce Your Pup To All Family Members
Make sure your pup knows and is familiar with every family member. Do not keep him secluded and reserved to a certain person.
8. Use The Same Food As The Breeder
Changing food items is acceptable when the pup has grown but changing their food in the very beginning is not a good practice. The pup might not get used to it and may fall sick. So use the same food as the breeders or your friend from whom you have got the pup.
Don’t
- 1.Don’t overwhelm your pup. Make sure you give them ample time to adjust to his/her new surroundings.
- Do not leave your pup alone for a long period.
- Do not scold or use negative reinforcements when dealing with your pup. Since their young age, they are bound to make mistakes but punishing them will not be the right thing to do.
- Do not allow kids to play with the pup unsupervised.
- Do not change the rules and expectations when dealing with your pup. If you wish to train them quickly, be firm with your rules.
- Do not let your pup off-leash when in open areas.
Conclusion
There you have it, dos and don’ts when bringing home a new pup. Make sure you follow all these guidelines before bringing your pup home.
