Puppies

Puppies Require Love And Commitment

So you are ready for a new addition to your family, the four-legged furry kind. Puppies are a joy to have around with their large paws, puppy breath, snuggly behavior and adorable faces. People often can't resist the draw of owning one of these furry creatures. But before puppies can enter a home, advanced preparation is recommended for a smooth transition. Don't wait until you purchase your puppy; use our helpful checklist to make sure you are prepared.

Checklist for Getting Ready for New Puppies

• Create a dog care schedule for feeding, walking and exercising.
• Plan where your dog will sleep, eat and go to the bathroom.
• Purchase supplies for new puppies. Don't wait until your new canine arrives to go shopping. Purchase food bowls, water bowls, a collar, a name tag, a leash, grooming tools, high quality puppy food, chew toys and lots of treats.
• Start training the day new puppies come home. The sooner training starts, the better! Establish yourself early as the pack leader; you will avoid many pitfalls and obedience issues in the future. Be sure to synchronize training so everyone in the household trains the exact same way. That way your dog will have an easier time learning what is expected of him or her. Research positive reinforcement training first since it often tends to have faster and more effective results. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for shaping and changing new puppies' behaviors.
• Prepare for new puppies chewing obsession by investing in non-biting spray. You can discourage chewing by applying the spray to puppies' favorite chew toys, such as your favorite shoes, wires, candles, chair rungs, leather, bags, remote controls, etc.
• Get ready to enroll new puppies in puppy kindergarten by finding a local dog training school. Puppies that learn to socialize at a young age will get along better with other dogs and animals in the future.
• Prepare your home by puppy-proofing certain areas. Secure hanging items, put away your breakables, secure electrical cords, stow away cleaning supplies and anything poisonous to puppies. Put away items you don't want puppies to chew. Keep in mind though, training dogs not to chew can often be far less time-consuming than keeping everything out of their reach for the rest of their lives.
• Prepare your backyard by cleaning it up. Put away potential poisons and check fences for any possible escape routes.
• Invest in a dog crate complete with comfy bedding. Puppies and dogs alike often prefer to have a spot that is all their own. A crate can become a happy place to go to sleep or get away from the hustle and bustle of family life. Remember to never place puppies in a crate as a form of punishment, or they will not see the crate as a comfy sleeping spot. In addition, housebreaking can be far easier when puppies are crate-trained. Typically, puppies will not go the bathroom in their crate, so this can help speed up the process.
• Find a local veterinarian. Schedule a visit to have your own vet check out the new canine in your life to make sure your new puppy undergoes a proper physical and necessary vaccinations.

Don't miss these other helpful articles:

Choosing the Best Dog Breeds For You
Choosing a Good Dog Breeder
Finding Hypoallergenic Dogs
How to Choose the Best Puppy For Sale From A Litter
Checklist for Getting Ready for New Puppies