Taking your new puppy home
Your puppy is going to need a room or at least a place he can call his own, and a cage or crate will fill this bill. You are better off getting one that is big enough for him to use as an adult. The pup will need food and water bowls, toys to chew on and play with, a collar and leash, a bag of a good quality dry puppy food and plenty of newspapers or training pads. The bills are starting to add up!
The car ride home
The big day arrives, and it is off to pick up the puppy. Many people worry that this is a traumatic event for the puppy, but it probably is not as bad as you might think. The main problem dogs have with car rides usually is not what we humans refer to as motion sickness, but simple anxiety about the vibrations, sounds, and to a lesser degree, the movement. Many dogs that have developed problems with car rides get nervous or even nauseous before the engine has even started.
Before you leave try to get the pup to go to the bathroom so there are no floods or surprises stimulated by all the excitement of the ride. On this first trip home, we break a cardinal rule about traveling with pets. We do not put them in a crate for traveling. Remember, they are small and easy to hold. Rather, we have someone other than the driver hold the puppy in a blanket or towel and talk or in some way try to distract him from the ride. If you have a long way to go and need to stop for the puppy to relieve himself, do not use a highway rest stop. At his young age, the puppy has very little, if any, protection from common dog diseases, and these areas can easily be contaminated with the organisms causing these conditions. We never recommend these facilities for pets of any age, but if you must use them, wait until your puppy has completed his vaccination series.
Being with people the first day home
Leaving her mother and littermates will probably bring about some form of separation anxiety. However, this can be greatly diminished if you plan your schedules so that you are with the puppy constantly for the first 3 to 4 days. Some authors suggest leaving the puppy alone and give her time to herself to adjust to the new surroundings. We disagree. In our homes, we plan for this introductory period by keeping the puppy involved with plenty of attention from children and other family members through every one of her waking moments. When we are not with the puppy, she is eating, sleeping, or going to the bathroom. You will be amazed how time spent in this manner will speed up the housebreaking process. If the children are young or are not familiar with how to handle puppies, you should spend some time with them during these first few days explaining common sense rules on how to play with the pup.
Feeding the puppy
What, when, and how to feed puppies becomes a major issue on the first day. Many new owners worry that without his mother’s milk, their pup is going to have a hard time adjusting to his new home. Hopefully, where you acquired the puppy will give instructions on what he has been eating. It is a good idea to continue feeding the same type and brand of food for at least a few days. Most people are soon surprised how well puppies make it through this transition because they do not understand how far along dogs are in their development at 7 weeks of age.
Through our clinics and catalog business, we work with hundreds of breeders and animal shelters. It is common practice for most of these individuals to start feeding their puppies a commercial food at 21 days of age. Some of the toy breeds will start 3 to 4 days later. Even though their eyes did not open until 11 to 13 days old, just ten days later, puppies are ready to start on something in addition to Mom’s milk. Most breeders take dry puppy food, soak it in warm water for thirty minutes, and then give it to the litter when they are 21 days old. The first day, they may only stick their noses in it and try to lick some of the liquid. But after that, they eat and they eat very well.
After a week or so, the puppies are getting these feedings twice a day. This takes a huge burden off the mother, especially when she has a large litter. Puppies fed on this sort of a schedule grow rapidly and with fewer problems.
As soon as possible, the amount of water mixed in the food is decreased, and then finally eliminated. This depends on how fast the teeth are coming in and is done on the judgment and experience of the breeder. We always tell all new puppy owners to use a dry food formulated for puppies. Most 7 week old dogs can eat this, as it comes from the bag without any problem. A few, especially members of the toy breeds, may need it moistened for one to two additional weeks, but that is all.
The car ride home
The big day arrives, and it is off to pick up the puppy. Many people worry that this is a traumatic event for the puppy, but it probably is not as bad as you might think. The main problem dogs have with car rides usually is not what we humans refer to as motion sickness, but simple anxiety about the vibrations, sounds, and to a lesser degree, the movement. Many dogs that have developed problems with car rides get nervous or even nauseous before the engine has even started.
Before you leave try to get the pup to go to the bathroom so there are no floods or surprises stimulated by all the excitement of the ride. On this first trip home, we break a cardinal rule about traveling with pets. We do not put them in a crate for traveling. Remember, they are small and easy to hold. Rather, we have someone other than the driver hold the puppy in a blanket or towel and talk or in some way try to distract him from the ride. If you have a long way to go and need to stop for the puppy to relieve himself, do not use a highway rest stop. At his young age, the puppy has very little, if any, protection from common dog diseases, and these areas can easily be contaminated with the organisms causing these conditions. We never recommend these facilities for pets of any age, but if you must use them, wait until your puppy has completed his vaccination series.
Being with people the first day home
Leaving her mother and littermates will probably bring about some form of separation anxiety. However, this can be greatly diminished if you plan your schedules so that you are with the puppy constantly for the first 3 to 4 days. Some authors suggest leaving the puppy alone and give her time to herself to adjust to the new surroundings. We disagree. In our homes, we plan for this introductory period by keeping the puppy involved with plenty of attention from children and other family members through every one of her waking moments. When we are not with the puppy, she is eating, sleeping, or going to the bathroom. You will be amazed how time spent in this manner will speed up the housebreaking process. If the children are young or are not familiar with how to handle puppies, you should spend some time with them during these first few days explaining common sense rules on how to play with the pup.
Feeding the puppy
What, when, and how to feed puppies becomes a major issue on the first day. Many new owners worry that without his mother’s milk, their pup is going to have a hard time adjusting to his new home. Hopefully, where you acquired the puppy will give instructions on what he has been eating. It is a good idea to continue feeding the same type and brand of food for at least a few days. Most people are soon surprised how well puppies make it through this transition because they do not understand how far along dogs are in their development at 7 weeks of age.
Through our clinics and catalog business, we work with hundreds of breeders and animal shelters. It is common practice for most of these individuals to start feeding their puppies a commercial food at 21 days of age. Some of the toy breeds will start 3 to 4 days later. Even though their eyes did not open until 11 to 13 days old, just ten days later, puppies are ready to start on something in addition to Mom’s milk. Most breeders take dry puppy food, soak it in warm water for thirty minutes, and then give it to the litter when they are 21 days old. The first day, they may only stick their noses in it and try to lick some of the liquid. But after that, they eat and they eat very well.
After a week or so, the puppies are getting these feedings twice a day. This takes a huge burden off the mother, especially when she has a large litter. Puppies fed on this sort of a schedule grow rapidly and with fewer problems.
As soon as possible, the amount of water mixed in the food is decreased, and then finally eliminated. This depends on how fast the teeth are coming in and is done on the judgment and experience of the breeder. We always tell all new puppy owners to use a dry food formulated for puppies. Most 7 week old dogs can eat this, as it comes from the bag without any problem. A few, especially members of the toy breeds, may need it moistened for one to two additional weeks, but that is all.
Supplies
1. Food
The proper food is one of the most important things a new puppy needs. Ask the breeder what brand the animal has been on, as sudden changes in diet can cause diarrhea. You can gradually change over to a new food by mixing increasing quantities of it with the old food. Don't buy cheap food to save money; it often lacks needed nutrients and requires more to supply a full serving. Never feed adult dog food to puppies as it lack nutrition needed by growing pups.
Be sure to have clean bowls for food and water. Ideally, you should have two sets so they can be swapped out for washing. I like the chrome with non slip bottoms. These are also dishwasher safe. My puppies tend to play and tip over the plastic ones, they use them as toys.
2. Crate
The crate is an important training aid for housebreaking, and provides a personal space for your puppy. Choose a size that will accommodate a growing puppy, but not so large that he can defecate on one end and escape to the other end to avoid the mess. They make some with dividers.
3. Bedding
Provide your puppy his own clean, soft bedding. Whether you choose a fancy dog bed or just some old clean towels, your new arrival needs to get into a routine of sleeping in an approved place. If you want him to bunk in his crate, line it with plenty of soft towels or a blanket that can be washed.
4. Toys
Puppies have lots of energy, and need to burn it off in play. Playing also helps young dogs develop cognitive and social skills, besides entertaining their owners. Be sure all toys are safe and free of potential choking hazards. The best toys are those made specifically for dogs. Never give your dog an old shoe or similar item to play with. He will think that any shoe is a toy, not just the one you give him. Toys should be distinct from clothes, rugs and other household items that puppies might be attracted to. A variety of toys that squeak, roll or just provide a chewing surface can help combat boredom.
5. Collar and Leashes
Your new puppy should learn to wear a collar and walk on a leash immediately. Avoid excessively long collars and very heavy leashes. This may make it difficult to get the puppy used to wearing them, and a too-heavy leash interferes with walking and training to follow commands. Be sure to have an ID tag on your pet's collar in case he escapes.
6. Grooming Tools
Even if you plan to have the groomer bathe your dog, you will still want some basic tools of the trade for in-between touch-ups, or for when your puppy finds a mud hole in the yard. Puppy shampoos come in no-tears formulas suited for delicate skin. A comb, brush and nail clippers also help keep your pup in tip-top shape and looking his best.
The proper food is one of the most important things a new puppy needs. Ask the breeder what brand the animal has been on, as sudden changes in diet can cause diarrhea. You can gradually change over to a new food by mixing increasing quantities of it with the old food. Don't buy cheap food to save money; it often lacks needed nutrients and requires more to supply a full serving. Never feed adult dog food to puppies as it lack nutrition needed by growing pups.
Be sure to have clean bowls for food and water. Ideally, you should have two sets so they can be swapped out for washing. I like the chrome with non slip bottoms. These are also dishwasher safe. My puppies tend to play and tip over the plastic ones, they use them as toys.
2. Crate
The crate is an important training aid for housebreaking, and provides a personal space for your puppy. Choose a size that will accommodate a growing puppy, but not so large that he can defecate on one end and escape to the other end to avoid the mess. They make some with dividers.
3. Bedding
Provide your puppy his own clean, soft bedding. Whether you choose a fancy dog bed or just some old clean towels, your new arrival needs to get into a routine of sleeping in an approved place. If you want him to bunk in his crate, line it with plenty of soft towels or a blanket that can be washed.
4. Toys
Puppies have lots of energy, and need to burn it off in play. Playing also helps young dogs develop cognitive and social skills, besides entertaining their owners. Be sure all toys are safe and free of potential choking hazards. The best toys are those made specifically for dogs. Never give your dog an old shoe or similar item to play with. He will think that any shoe is a toy, not just the one you give him. Toys should be distinct from clothes, rugs and other household items that puppies might be attracted to. A variety of toys that squeak, roll or just provide a chewing surface can help combat boredom.
5. Collar and Leashes
Your new puppy should learn to wear a collar and walk on a leash immediately. Avoid excessively long collars and very heavy leashes. This may make it difficult to get the puppy used to wearing them, and a too-heavy leash interferes with walking and training to follow commands. Be sure to have an ID tag on your pet's collar in case he escapes.
6. Grooming Tools
Even if you plan to have the groomer bathe your dog, you will still want some basic tools of the trade for in-between touch-ups, or for when your puppy finds a mud hole in the yard. Puppy shampoos come in no-tears formulas suited for delicate skin. A comb, brush and nail clippers also help keep your pup in tip-top shape and looking his best.
