How To Prepare For Your New Puppy

Article Title: How To Prepare For Your New Puppy
Author: Terry Roberts

One of the most exciting events for a family or an individual
is bringing home a new puppy. Unfortunately, many people don't
organize themselves or their home for the new arrival. There
are several things that can be done to make your puppy's first
few hours in its new home pleasant and enjoyable. Most of the
activities are very simple and will just require a few minutes
of time and attention to complete.

Having the right supplies

The following items should be purchased and set up prior to the
puppy's or puppies' arrival:

Stainless steel or rigid plastic non-tip food and water bowls
Crate of the appropriate size
Soft, washable bedding for inside the crate
Variety of chew toys and play toys
Leash or lead and collar of the appropriate size
Food that is the same as the puppy or puppies are currently
being fed (same brand, flavor, etc

In addition, depending on your house or puppy room area, you
may also need to get some baby gates to contain the puppy in a
specific room or to prevent them from going up or down stairs.

Safety considerations

Puppies are a lot like small children: they will want to
investigate everything. Puppies learn by chewing and mouthing
as much as they learn by looking and smelling. By spending a
bit of time puppy-proofing your home you can be assured that
your puppy will be safe. The following are puppy-proofing tips:

Remove all electrical cords from the puppies' reach. This means
that they may have to be disconnected from the wall and the
appliance moved. Puppies may chew on the cord either at the
wall or the appliance end so it is easiest to remove the
appliance to protect the cord and keep the puppy safe if the
wire is plugged in.

Remove or pull up all hanging items such as tablecloths, floor
length curtains, curtain or blind pulls, hanging plants or
other items that dangle temptingly in the puppies' reach.
Curtain and blind pulls are especially dangerous as they can
easily become wrapped around the puppies' neck.

Remove all houseplants. Many common houseplants are poisonous
to dogs. Unless you know for sure that the plant is not
poisonous remove it from the room. Most puppies will naturally
chew on plants, so if you want the plant to remain intact
removing it's the best idea.

Remove all shoes, backpacks, leather items, remote controls,
cordless phones, children's toys, stuffed animals, throw
pillows or anything else that could potentially be fun to play
with.

Remember that while puppies are very energetic, you don't need
to puppy proof the whole house, just the rooms that he or she
will be in unsupervised. Crate training is a great way to
minimize the amount of puppy proofing that needs to occur to
keep your new arrival safe and healthy.

Be sure that the puppy is allowed to settle into the area and
that they're given appropriate times to go outside to relieve
themselves. Puppies usually will need to go outside at least
every three hours, and usually within 20 minutes of eating or
drinking. After napping or after playing they'll also need to
be taken outside. By allowing lots of trips outside and
positively praising them for relieving themselves in the right
area, you'll find that housetraining is not difficult.

Special care for puppies involves a lot of prevention. Be sure
to get down on the floor and look around at what might be fun
for a puppy to chew on or might pose a safety hazard. Have the
food, water, toys and crate ready when your puppy gets home and
you and your puppy or puppies will be off to a great start
together.

About The Author: Terry Roberts is a professional translator
and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more
about preparing to welcome your new puppy - and about dogs in
general - visit his website http://www.livingwithadog.com

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