Before you choose a puppy or dog, research and read about the breed you’re interested in. The AKC website is a great resource for breed info. If you’re adopting/rescuing a blended breed, read about dog care in general. There’s a wealth of information in book stores and online.
Once you’ve made your decision, you need to prepare to bring home your new pet. Puppy proof your home and manage you fur baby’s new environment. Are there exposed wires that can be so inviting to chew on? Are remote controls on a low table within easy reach of a curious pup? Shoes, socks, toys and small objects on the floor? Yes, puppy proofing is just as important as child proofing! Decide which area of the house you want to put the crate in. Dogs are social creatures, so the crate should be in an area of the home where they can see and hear what’s going on. It’s important for your pup to get used to noise, people coming and going and life in general. Putting the crate in an isolated area can make your pup feel like he’s being punished.
Visit local veterinarians to find one you’re comfortable with. Make sure they have a twenty-four hour emergency service, or a referral for one. Once you decide which veterinarian is the best fit for you, make an appointment for your first visit. Arrange to have your dog microchipped if it hasn’t been done by the shelter or breeder.
Check your town’s ordinances regarding dog ownership. You will most likely have to get a dog license. The fees are nominal. Don’t avoid this because you will end up paying a fine, which will cost more than the license.
All set? Not quite! It’s time to go shopping and stock up on supplies. Things you’ll need:
- A proper sized crate, tall enough for your dog to stand up in and about 1-1/2 times the length of the body, minus the tail. If you’re getting a puppy, you can gauge how big it will be when full grown, get a crate suitable for its adult size and insert a divider which can be adjusted as it grows and eventually removed.
- A flat buckle collar and 6 ft. leash. Your dog’s tags should be on the collar, but I recommend using a harness for walking. Pups need to learn to walk politely on-leash. Pulling when walked with a collar can cause injury to the neck and trachea.
- Food and water dish. However, I encourage you to feed meals in a Kong and/or food puzzles which provide mental stimulation and some exercise.
- Toys – chew toys and bones. Nylabones are great for teething pups. Avoid bones that can splinter and toys with a squeaker than can be swallowed.
- Healthy treats which can be used as a reward for training.
- Kibble – Nutrition is so important to your dog’s growth and health. Make sure that the primary ingredient(s) are meat, not grains and byproducts.
- If you live in an area where it snows, protect your dog’s paws from salt and ice melting chemicals by getting booties.
Consult with a trainer. It’s never too early to start training. Just like children, dogs need rules and boundaries. A trainer can help you with housebreaking, develop relationship/leadership exercises for you and teach you how to raise a well-behaved, loving companion for years to come. Never under estimate the need for training.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, leave a comment or make a suggestion for future posts.