The New Puppy
Every puppy can learn. If your puppy has convinced you otherwise, then you have been outsmarted. A puppy needs to learn to be well balanced and well behaved. As an owner, it is your job to bring out your puppy's incredible qualities.
When do the lessons start? Basic commands can begin as early as seven weeks of age. Socialization is also a critical element in your incredible puppy's growth. Just like with people, your puppy needs to meet others to learn how to act.
For some puppies, that means enrollment in an obedience class. It is a good way to learn and meet other puppies and people. You can also have an impact on your puppy's perception of the world by going for car rides. Try to visit three new places every week and meet new people and new dogs.
This is a busy time, and there is so much to learn.
Select a veterinarian for your new pet as soon as possible. Ask pet-owning friends and neighbors for recommendations. The Yellow Pages is another source. Visiting veterinary clinics in your area may help in your selection. Choosing a veterinarian who is located nearby is a convenience and saves time if an emergency should occur.
Puppy-proof and kitten-proof your home. Put household cleaners and detergents and other chemical compounds in tightly closed containers and be certain they are properly stored. Medicines should be kept out of reach. A good rule to follow is that anything that is not safe for children is not safe for pets.
The best time to bring your newcomer home is at the beginning of a weekend. If possible, add a few vacation days. This gives you time to acquaint your puppy or kitten with its new home and to begin housebreaking and other training.
Make arrangements with the person from whom you are getting the puppy or kitten as to the time you will pick it up. Ask that it not be fed prior to pick-up time. This helps avoid the puppy's or kitten's becoming car sick on its way to its new home.
Once in its new home, remember that your adoptee is adjusting to strange new surroundings and people. Children can become especially excited. Explain to them that their new companion needs time out for naps. Show children how to pet the newcomer and the proper way to pick up the kitten or puppy.
A puppy should be closely supervised and taken outside to relieve itself after eating, following naps and play periods. A kitten should be introduced to its new home one room at a time. Show a kitten where its litter pan is located. The mother cat may have trained it to use a litter box. Watch for more about housebreaking and litter box training in future columns.
As soon as possible after you adopt your puppy or kitten, take it to your veterinarian. At this time, a schedule can be worked out for needed vaccinations to protect your newcomer from a number of viral and infectious diseases. It should also be examined and treated, if necessary, for extern al and internal parasites.
Bring any immunization information you may have received when you adopted your pet to your veterinarian to begin a case history for future reference. It's a good idea to keep your own medical record. You may need it for reference if your pet's veterinarian is not available.
Choose a name for your newcomer and use only that name in calling the pet. In teaching a pet its name, as in all training matters, 100 percent cooperation of all family members is essential. When a pet is sent mixed signals, it can become confused and not respond to any of the contradictory signals. Behavioral problems may be in the making.
Key words to remember as you welcome your newcomer: Gentleness. Care. Patience. Consistency. Praise. Love. Your reward is a delightful companion for years to come.
A final thought
Avoid bringing home a new pet during busy times such as birthdays and holidays. The noise and confusion may frighten the pet. Family members are generally too busy with the festivities to devote adequate time to help the puppy or kitten become comfortable in its new home.
Puppy Proofing Your Home
Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to "puppyproof" your house. Puppies are like babies: they want to explore every corner of your house, and they want to put everything into their mouths.
SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS
Never leave your puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep him off balconies, upper porches and high decks
Puppies, no matter what breed, are so little that they can slip through openings and fall. Puppies may also get tangled in ropes or the plastic from six-pack beverage holders. Cut these items apart to prevent problems.
Keep your toilet lid down
Puppies are often tempted to play in toilet bowl water. This habit can be awful to break. Not only is it embarrassing when friends or family are visiting, but toilet cleanser may be harmful if swallowed.
Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy's confinement area
Chewing on these cords can cause severe mouth burns, electrocution and fires. It is also a good idea to cover electrical outlets, when they are not in use.
Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp objects out of your puppy's reach.
If your puppy swallows any of these objects, he can damage his mouth and internal organs.
Do not tie ribbons around your puppy's neck
Rufus may be tempted to chew the ribbon, which can cause digestive problems. He could also choke himself if he catches the ribbon on anything.
Problem Plants for Puppies
If your puppy has a tendency to nibble on grass, don't be alarmed. If his vegetarian habits continue and he tries to nibble on any of the following plants, STOP him, or you could have a few problems on your hands. These plants may make your puppy sick and may even kill him. Remember, this is not a complete list of dangerous plants. You'll need to talk with your vet to learn more about these and other plants that can be harmful to your pup.
