First off, Congratulations on adopting your new pup! And homeward bound you go with your new family member in tow.
You already have your
pet supplies at home, dog food (*starting out it's a good idea to feed
the pup what the shelter/rescue fed him) , dog bedding, dog toys, pet
crate, and now your pup. Excitement is at an all time high! The pup is
wiggling, wants to run around the house like a maniac, sniffing,
running, tail wagging......STOP!
It's a good idea to
stop for a potty break before entering the house? You may want to show
the new pup exactly where the deed is expected to be performed and then
enter the house. Or since you have already thought this out and
purchased pup pee-pads, you take the pup directly to the pee-pad that is
all set out and ready. Lots'a praise if the deed is done.
Upon entering the
house, your pup will probably explore with the energy of speeding
bullet. Some people let the pup have the run, and enjoy the fun and
then clean up a mess when the pup pee's on their bed.
A more practical
approach, which encompasses teaching the pup your house rules, creating a
gentle and calm environment, is to leash the pup and walk him/her
around the house, the outside, the garage, give a basic tour of your
home. Once inside, section off a part of the house for the pups initial
arrival and next few days. Here is where the pup will get used to it's
new home and family members. Here is where the food and water dish is,
the pet crate, or dog bed, and a couple of toys. Remember dogs like
order, so the dog food, water, crate, dog bed, should always be in the
same place.
Pups like kids, absorb what you
feel. So as excited as you are, the pup is probably feeling just as
excited. Would suggest you try to keep the emotional excitement as calm
as your household can be to ensure the pup stays calm. |
Pups and dogs usually
like having a space to call their own. This is where the pet crate and
dog bed come into play. The pet crate, which is sized to be just big
enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down is a wonderful
asset to help the pup feel safe, at home, and in actuality helps keep
your house and the pup safe when not with you. If you tire the pup out
before putting him inside, most will settle right down for a good nights
sleep. Now a good night sleep may last all night - ha, or a few hours.
And your successful crate training has begun.
At night time when the
pup fusses, the suggestion is to do an immediate potty break.
Hopefully, you get a decent nights sleep, but be prepared for the pup to
wake up at least once.
The next morning with
everyone being all rested and ready for the day your pup will be excited
to see you and probably try to lick your face upon exiting the crate
and then run around. This is another time to take the pup immediately
outside to eliminate. And then when you come back into the house do all
the smushy stuff.
Time for breakfast,
water, and although this can get tiring, think about taking the pup
outside every half hour to begin and solidify house training. The pup
will probably not eliminate every half hour, but it gives you a sense of
how long after meals he/she needs before eliminating. And of course
praise each and every time.
Now
your very first full day together. What to do? If your pup has ALL
it's shots including the rabies, well go for a walk. Vet don't usually
give the rabies shot until the pup is 14 weeks, so if your pup is
younger, most suggest you keep it inside to prevent catching parvo.
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Staying inside can be a real drag but parvo is not fun, in fact it can
be deadly. Some people form puppy groups with other newly acquired pups
to ensure socialization, which is important before 14 weeks, but be
sure everyone is on the same page about puppy shots and staying in the
house. After all the shots, usually a series of 3 and the rabies at 14
weeks, its okay to hit the local dog park. HAVE A BLAST
*A note about dog food. Its a
good idea to feed the pup the same pet food the shelter or rescue feed
it. Sometimes a pup or even a dog has a hard time with pet food changes.
If you want to feed the pup something different most Vets suggest to
introduce it slowly. For example, mix half new pet food into old pet
food and then every few days cut back the old pet food replacing it with
your new pet food.
**A note about 'potty
breaks'. Most people find it useful to have a 'word' for elimination
that the pup associates to the expectation. And always remember to
praise the deed.....forever. Dogs need constant repetition. Pet House
Training begins the minute you come home.
***A note about letting your
pup/dog sleep on your bed. Your bed smells more like you than anything
else in your home, and dogs can look at a bed as the vehicle that helps
them take possession of or get closer to one of the humans in the
household. Beds are also elevated, and this extra height can give a dog a
feeling of power or stature. If you have a dog who tends to be overly
confident or dominant, sleeping on the bed can only make matters worse.
Get to know your new dog before letting him/her earn the privilege of
sleeping on your bed.
Have you read Becoming the Alpha yet? It may give you some insights.
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