Are you welcoming a new puppy into your family in 2017? Good Dog in a Box is here to help you every step of the way. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing ideas to minimize the stress and chaos of bringing a new puppy into your family in the Welcome Home blog series. Many of the training exercises, tools, and tips can also be found in our new Welcome Home video series for new pet parents. So check that out too.
In this week’s edition, I’ll cover three things that you’re going to want to do, before your puppy comes home. Every perspective puppy parent can do these three things to set your new puppy up for success before it ever enters your house. The most essential things are having a crate, puppy proofing, and having appropriate toys and chews.
Three essentials for your new pup:
1. A Crate-Probably the most important tool that you can have for successful puppy management is a crate. A crate is where your puppy will sleep and where the puppy will be when you can’t be supervising. The crate keeps your puppy contained so he can’t get into mischief while you aren’t watching and it really helps keep your puppy from using the whole house as his own toilet. And dogs love a safe, quiet place that is just for them. You can help your puppy really love the crate by feeding meals in it and always having special toys in it. The crate helps you manage every stage of your pup’s development.
2. Puppy Proofing-An organized environment is going to go a long way in helping your pup be safe and successful. Puppy proofing is organizing your home so that your puppy does not have access to things that do not belong to them or things that could hurt them. Put shoes in the closet and shut the closet door, get remote controls and cell phones off coffee tables, get plants, particularly those that could make your puppy sick, out of the puppy’s area, and secure electrical cords so that puppy can’t get to them. If you have children, it is really important that you help your puppy understand the difference between kid toys and puppy toys. Keep the kid’s toys out of puppy’s reach or use a taste deterrent to help the puppy learn that kid’s toys taste bad, but puppy’s toys taste good. Spray a product like Bitter Apple on all the kid toys and all the things you don’t want your puppy to put their mouth on.
3. Toys/Chews-We really have to mention the importance of having proper puppy toys and chews. Your puppy is going to chew on something, so if you don’t want it to be your stuff that gets chewed, you need to be equipped with puppy toys from the get-go. Great toys to have on hand for your new puppy are durable, food dispensing toys. They come is different shapes and sizes and you fill them with your puppy’s meals. They are designed as a puzzle, so they are ideal for mental stimulation and problem solving. Way more interesting that eating food out a bowl and these toys are designed to last.
Other must have items for your new pup include:
- Stainless steel feeding/water bowls
- Collar/6 foot leash/and ID Tag
- Pet stain remover (with enzymes for organic stains)
- Brushes for your dog’s coat and a nail trimmer
- Nutrient dense food (without corn, wheat, or byproducts) and high quality bite sized treats
Once you’ve got these essentials, you’re ready to start thinking about bringing your pup home. In next week’s edition of the Welcome Home series, I’ll cover introducing your new puppy to other family members, including other pets. Until then, be sure and watch the new Welcome Home video series for step-by-step training instructions during your puppy’s first two weeks.
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