by M W

Created on: November 16, 2008

A puppy needs a clean house to arrive home to above all else. This will limit the household dangers the new and curious addition will find while lopping around. Hide all wiring especially, and if that is impossible then hole your puppy up in a nicely sized pen where they can still have plenty of wiggle room to explore. Their senses are working overtime constantly so give them as much time to roam as possible, under a watchful eye of course. This is easier in a home full of doting family members, and also easier should you leash train early on. That way, even inside at first, you can have your puppy within arms reach.

The household has many potential dangers, so keep your cupboards locked, and the floor empty of anything hazardous. Your curious puppy will appreciate a few noisy and soft toys to keep them busy at first. Beware of stuffed animals with eyes or buttons. A puppy always seems to find the hard and swallow-able objects most enticing.

Before the puppy can come home, make sure you and your family talk about the tasks a puppy includes (Bathroom breaks, feeding schedule, socialization). Consistency and patience are essential because a puppy will call on your every reserve, especially during the early early morning walk up calls to take them to do their business outdoor.

Have a collar on your puppy at an early age, and as soon as you can find one to fit them. This will provide easy attachment of a name plate in case you for any reason lose sight of your love-able and adventurous monster. And it will allow your dog to grow accustomed to the feel of leash training. A leash is a must have for any owner taking their dog for social romps around their local park.

Depending on the breed, buy a bed for your puppy that will suit them, and make sure it is plush but easily washable. Other essentials include a nicely sized watering dish and food bowl. Puppies have tiny legs so make sure they can reach their heads into the dish. It's a wise idea to always feed them from a bowl, and not hand feed. Though that seems appealing now it will not always make for cute moments when your little puppy grows into a fast and slobbery food monster.

Dogs can and will become dependant on what they know and even what they prefer. For consistencies sake make a plan and stick to it. Take regular walks, keep the entire household on board when it comes to training and watch your puppy like a hawk. They are similar to walking-toddlers, and everything is a potential risk.

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