Prepare for Your New Puppy
Having a puppy is a big responsibility. This new little addition to your family relies on you to be sure that he is fed properly, exercised regularly and that he is happy and safe. Remember that he is a baby and should be treated like one. He will want to romp and play, and will have no knowledge of danger. It is up to you to look after him.
Here are a few tips to prepare for bringing your new little friend home: • Make sure that your yard is fenced properly and that the fence is in good repair so that he will not be able to get out. Fill in any holes in the fence and make sure there are no sharp edges on your fence that can hurt your little friend. • Prepare a set place for your baby dog to sleep. This could be a dog-basket in the corner of your bedroom, a kennel in the kitchen or a box with a soft blanket in the laundry room, wherever you decide is the best place for him to sleep on a regular basis. He will integrate better into your home if he has a constant established place of his own. • Buy his food bowls and food prior to bringing home your new dog so that it is ready for his arrival. • Make sure all electrical cords are tucked away where the puppy cannot get at them. Puppies like to chew things and electrical wiring are definitely hazards. • Examine which house plants you have that may be poisonous to your puppy. Here is a list of common household plants that may be poisonous if ingested by your pet:
Aloe barbadensis - Aloe Vera If you do not wish to get rid of these plants entirely, at least put them up high where the dog cannot reach them. As I said, puppies love to chew and do not always care what they chew. • Clear your garage or out buildings of any anti-freeze products. All dogs seem to like the taste of these products and they are definite pet-killers. Like-wise clear out rat-killing poisons or any other toxic products which you may think may be harmful. • Provide baby gates for areas where your new pet is not supposed to go or by basement stairs that your little pet could fall down. Baby gates can also keep puppy within an appropriate area until he is house trained.
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