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Crate |
Purchase one for the size your dog will be as an adult, with dividers that can be removed to enlarge the crate as the puppy grows. |
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Exercise Pen or Gate |
Lightweight exercise pens or childproof gates will allow your new family member to be confined to controllable areas, yet be close to the family's activities. |
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Toys |
Be sure to choose toys that do not have loose or small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. Toys provide entertainment, but are also necessary for teething and training. Nylon or hard rubber bones and toys are excellent choices for teething puppies. Stuffed animals, which can be torn apart, should only be allowed under direct supervision. |
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Dishes |
Water and food dishes should be non-tippable and preferably made of heavy stainless steel or sturdy stoneware (ceramic). Make sure fresh water is always available. You might want to put a mat or tray under the dishes to protect your floor from spills. |
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Grooming Tools |
It’s a good idea to have basic grooming tools, such as a comb and dog nail clippers. |
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Setting Up |
When you first bring your puppy home, place him in a limited space with easily washable floors. An exercise pen, spread with newspaper, is ideal. Keep the puppy confined, but close to the family, so he can be supervised yet still feel he is "part of the pack". A room that usually perfectly fits these criteria is the kitchen. Place his water dish, with fresh water, close at hand. Place his crate, bedding and toys inside the pen.
Pet and talk to him softly and tell him how glad you are that he is with you. Talking to your puppy in a soft, reassuring voice is extremely important. He will get used to your voice and will soon realize that you are there to protect and comfort him.He may not understand the words, but he will appreciate and understand the meaning.
However, don't pick him up every time he cries or barks, or he will soon associate that undesirable behavior with getting a positive response. |
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What you need to know:
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It's important to remember that pets do not have the same digestive systems as humans and that we need to keep certain foods away from them. Dogs should never eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts, walnuts, tomatoes, avocados, nutmeg, coffee, tea or breath mints. All of these are toxic and can cause severe health problems or even death. All pets should avoid foods that are high in fat, salt or sugar, bones that are likely to splinter (such as chicken bones) and alcohol. Meaning do not give beer to your dog, even if you think it's funny. If you are baking, keep pets away from yeast dough or bread dough, baking soda or baking powder - ingesting these ingredients can cause serious problems. The seeds, leaves and stems of many kinds of fruits and some vegetable can be toxic to pets. | |
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