When you decide to adopt a new puppy, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your new pet will get off to a good start. For starters, you need to ensure that you provide your puppy with a clean and safe environment to grow in. In addition, you need to make sure that your puppy is given the necessary care to help prevent common diseases and injuries. You will also need to train your pet to be well socialized.
Food and water bowls
When you get a new puppy, you need to buy a few essential items. These include a food and water bowl. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for dog bowls because of its durability and ease of cleaning. It can hold a lot of food and is dishwasher safe. The metal is also scratch-resistant and rust-resistant.
Ceramic is another option. It’s more porous than stainless steel and is available in a variety of designs. But ceramic is not as easy to clean as stainless steel. Also, it may impart a metallic taste to your dog’s food.
Rubber is another material to consider. This is a good option if your puppy wears a collar. Some dogs are scared of metal. However, rubber is very durable and can be used for your dog’s entire life.
Plastic is also an option. The only problem with plastic is that toxic chemicals can leach into your dog’s food. If your puppy eats food out of a plastic bowl, you might want to wash it with dishwashing detergent.
Stainless steel bowls are best for small puppies. Larger puppies may need a larger, heavier bowl. Stainless steel is also the most hygienic of all materials.
Ceramic is a great option if you’re looking for a more personalized, unique design. The Bone Dry Paw and Patch Ceramic Pet Collection is the best ceramic puppy bowl. In addition to its cool paw and stripe design, it is also non-skid and features a silicone rim.
Leash-walking manners
It’s best to start teaching your puppy leash-walking manners early. Not only will it make your walks easier, it will also give you a chance to enjoy time outdoors.
To get started, choose a place that is free of distractions. Puppies are naturally curious and want to explore. They have a keen sense of smell and aren’t afraid to pull on a leash. In addition, this will give you a chance to see how well you communicate with your dog.
Make sure your dog’s collar and leash are in good shape. You will need a 4-6 foot leash for most training. The clip connecting the collar and leash should be firm and secure.
When walking your puppy, use a treat to lure it back to you. Don’t overdo it, however. Keeping your puppy’s attention is key to successful training.
If your puppy is a puller, you will need to learn how to redirect them. You can do this by giving them a reward and then moving in a different direction. This should be done every couple of steps.
Teaching your puppy the heel command is also important. While this isn’t always the easiest to do, it’s worth the effort. Using treats to lure your puppy back is a great way to teach him how to walk on a leash.
Another trick is to try to change the speed you walk. For example, instead of walking in a straight line, move to the left. Changing speeds requires your pup to keep up.
House rules
There are many things you need to know before you bring home a new puppy. One of the most important is to establish house rules. These guidelines will not only help you protect your pet but also give you peace of mind.
First, decide on which items should be off limits to your new pooch. This may be a couch, armchair or other piece of furniture. You can even use a baby gate to block off a smaller area.
It’s also a good idea to create a “no running” rule. Running and jumping on guests can be dangerous, especially if they’re young or elderly.
Another item to consider is the best place to sleep. You might want your puppy to sleep on the sofa, but you might not want him sleeping in the master bedroom. Likewise, a doggie bed is a great option for your pooch to relax on.
The Humane Society of the United States recommends establishing “potty breaks” after meals and after long play sessions. But you can’t just set up a timer for every break.
Lastly, make sure you use positive reinforcement when training your puppy. This is the best way to train your new canine friend. So keep a close watch on him and let him know when he does something right.
Finally, remember that having a dog is a family affair. All members of the household need to be on board to ensure your new pup learns what’s expected of him.
Cleaning products
If you are about to bring home a new puppy, you will need to prepare your home for the new addition. You will also need to make sure that you have all the proper cleaning products. There are many common household cleaners that are unsafe for pets, so it is important to know what to use and what to avoid.
Dogs breathe in toxins through their skin, and they can absorb a wide variety of chemicals from cleaning products. Some commercial cleaners contain formaldehyde, a toxic substance that can damage dogs’ nerves, liver, and lung systems. It can also cause skin irritation.
The good news is that there are now a number of pet-safe cleaning solutions available. Some cleaners contain natural ingredients, which means they are environmentally friendly. Another option is to use a product made from vinegar. Vinegar is a powerful oxidizer and can be used to disinfect and kill bacteria.
Another solution is to use a product that contains enzymes, which break down tough stains and odors. Some brands come in concentrated packets, but a cheaper alternative is to mix vinegar with water. This is an effective way to remove stains and odors without damaging your dog’s health.
Many people may not realize that they can find a safe alternative to conventional cleaners. There are newer environmentally-friendly products on the market, made from vinegar-based solutions.
Preventative steps to protect a puppy from serious diseases
Whether your puppy is newly rescued or you’ve had a dog for a long time, there are some preventative steps you should take to protect your pet from serious diseases. This is especially important if your puppy is going to be exposed to a lot of different people or places.
Rabies is a serious disease that has the potential to kill. Rabies is carried by skunks, bats, raccoons, and other wildlife. It is also highly contagious, so make sure your pets are not exposed.
Lyme disease is another common and potentially deadly illness for dogs. Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Your vet can explain how you can keep your pet from getting this disease.
Preventative measures include preventing ticks from spreading the disease. You can do this by using good quality tick prevention. Some of these include collars, topical medications, and oral medications.
In addition to preventing ticks, you can also make sure your puppy gets a rabies vaccine. Getting a rabies vaccination is mandatory.
If your pet becomes ill with a disease, you should see a veterinarian right away. Failure to treat the disease can result in permanent damage to your pet.
Puppies are especially vulnerable to parvovirus. This is because they have an immature immune system. The virus damages the small intestines and increases the chances of secondary infections.
Socialization
Socialization for a new puppy is a crucial part of raising a well-adjusted dog. It’s important to make sure your pet gets plenty of attention from you, but it’s also essential to get the puppy to learn how to behave around strangers.
A well-balanced dog loves to go places and meet new people. However, before you can expect a pup to be friendly, you need to start socialization from the ground up. Thankfully, there are a few tricks to help your pup navigate the strange world of humans.
First, you should use a variety of objects and sounds to show your puppy that it’s okay to make noise. When you do, be sure to reward your puppy with praise and treats. If you’re a new parent, you’ll probably want to hire a professional trainer for some extra advice.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you should look into other ways to socialize your pup. One of the easiest ways to do this is through group obedience classes. There are plenty of online resources to help you with the process.
The best time to introduce your puppy to the rest of the world is during the early months of his life. This includes getting him to play with the neighbors, and getting him used to the idea of going to the park with you. But, before you introduce him to the city, you should make sure he’s been properly vaccinated.
