PREPARING FOR PUP
PIA Australia
March 31, 2017
Preparing for a new pup can be a very exciting time in any household. We take an in-depth look at breeds, environment, and what your puppy needs to grow into a well-behaved and happy hound.
The pitter patter of tiny pads is simply one of the most joyous experiences in a pet lover’s life. Puppies are 100% pure bundles of love, licks and laughter. But before inviting a beloved pup into your home, what do you need to consider in preparation?
Understanding Dog Breeds
It is a good idea to have clear picture of the type of dog you want. Often pet owners run into trouble after choosing a pup based on looks only to find out later that the breed is simply not a good fit for their home or environment. Dogs have been bred for hundreds of years for certain tasks. From gundogs to working and utility breeds to terriers, toy breeds, sporting and herding breeds. So before you purchase, it’s a good plan to research the history of your mixed or pure breed. This is particularly important if you are considering an active working or herding breed. If you do not satisfy your dog’s natural instincts and manage their energy levels, you will run into all sorts of challenges with unwanted behaviour such as digging, escaping and general destructiveness. WOOF!
#Hot Tip: If you want a lazy dog, you may be surprised that a Great Dane would be a better fit than a Jack Russel. Arming yourself with knowledge and understanding will help you prepare for your pup and their needs.
Prepare!
Remember to buy all pup related objects size appropriate, meaning puppy sized bowls and toys for puppy sized dogs. You will need to replace these as your pup grows.
- Dog lead and collar
- Water and food bowls
- Snuggle night toy
- Chew toy
- Bedding
- Crate or pen area
- Pet insurance
- Book into puppy-preschool (before pup arrives)
- Book into training (16weeks)
- Paper towels
- Specially designed urine cleaner
- Skin friendly dog wash
- Nail clippers
- Grooming tools
Pen Area
Your pup will need a safe zone or penned area that they can retreat to. This area is vital for toilet training and during times when you can’t supervise your babe 100%. It is also a safe place for your puppy to sleep at night. Remember that pups sleep a lot! It is important they have adequate sleep as it helps with temperament and growth. With a busy household, it’s important to pop your pup away regularly to sleep. Most pups will seek out this area for some quiet sleepy time, so a good tip is to leave the door open.
Ensure this area is not too big (or your pup will toilet here) and it should contain a bed and water bowl. When you put your pup in this area they may cry out, however after a minute or two they will settle. This is how you teach your pup that it is OK not to be with you all the time. A good tip is to not return to your pup until they are quiet. Or if they wake up and whimper take them straight outside for a wee. They will then learn that whimper means “I need to go to pee” not “please come back and cuddle me.” Basic things like this can prevent conditions such as separation anxiety later.
Basic Training
Basic training can start as soon as your pup comes home. Encouraging them to come to you and placing a training command alongside (“COME”) it is a great place to start. Also, train your pup to wee on command. This is as simple as asking your pup to; ‘quick go’ in a high-pitched voice every time they are outside sniffing around about to go toilet. Your smart pup will pick this up quickly and then asking your pup (and later dog) to empty their bladder before bed, a car ride, or before you leave for work will be easy. Book into puppy preschool and basic obedience right from the start. This will give your pup the very best start to life.
A BIT ABOUT THE BLOGGER:
Nadia Crighton is a well-known and accomplished Australian journalist and pet magazine editor. As a busy mum of four humans, two dogs, 50 sheep, two cats, a handful of chickens and a goat named Billy (and let’s not forget the axolotls!), she simply adores pets of all shapes and sizes. These are her personal thoughts and advice from many years of pet ownership and working within the pet industry.
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