September 29, 2008
Preparing for Your New Puppy
Now that you've decided to get a puppy or dog, the next few weeks will be busy and at times, more than a little bit crazy. That's why it's important to plan in advance for the arrival of your new pet. If possible, get as many necessities ready before your puppy comes home.
The Basics
* Travel crate: Even if you don't plan on crate training your dog, consider the benefits of owning a crate for other reasons, like transporting an ill or injured puppy to the veterinarian.
* Food and water bowls: If you have a puppy, keep the bowls low and shallow. Tip-proof works well, too. As they grow, you'll likely need to upgrade to larger dishes to accommodate your pet's size.
* Food: Choose an age-appropriate food. Ask your vet or local pet store for recommendations if you're not sure what kind to purchase. Remember that high quality dog food keeps your puppy healthier and happier.
* Collar: Pick a collar that fits properly now. You can always upgrade later if necessary.
* Leash: A six-foot lead works well. Choose the right thickness and strength for your dog. A Chihuahua's needs are very different from the needs of a Rottweiler.
* ID tag: As one of the first things people search for when finding a stray dog, an ID tag can help make sure your puppy makes it home safely. At a minimum, have your phone number engraved on the tag.
* Grooming supplies: Different breeds require different levels of grooming. However, every pup can benefit from a good weekly brushing. It's also a great way to have quiet, bonding time with your new dog.
* Housebreaking supplies: Even adult dogs have accidents, so be prepared with good cleaning supplies.
* Veterinarian: If you don't have a favorite vet already, ask family, friends and neighbors for a recommendation. Have an appointment scheduled within the first few days of bringing your puppy home, so your vet can check for worms, other health conditions, and start her vaccination regimen.
* Flea and tick control: Ask your veterinarian what age your new puppy should be before administering any flea and tick control products.
The Extras
* Obedience classes: Every dog can benefit from learning some basic obedience skills.
* Puppy treats: Yummy treats are the perfect reward when you're working on obedience. Or for when they're just being adorable.
* Toys: Chew toys help satisfy your new puppy's teething needs. If you'd like to teach your dog to retrieve, look at purchasing a few balls, but make sure they're not so small that your dog chokes. A lot of people swear by Kong, an awesome rubber toy you stuff with treats to keep your new pal busy.
* Sour apple spray: Use this product to spray on spots your puppy loves to chew on. It's a terrific deterrent for naughty puppies.
* Baby gates: Want to keep your dog in one area of your house? Use baby gates to corral him. Let's face it; for a lot of us, dogs are our babies anyway!
* Dog house: If your pup will spend any time outdoors, he'll love having his own little house. Fill it with great chew toys and a cozy blanket, and it will be the perfect home away from home.
* Doggie door: Training your dog to use a doggie door when she needs to go outdoors makes life easier for you and your pal.
* Clothing: Depending on where you live, sweaters or snow boots may be required outdoor gear for your dog.
Now that you have the basics on hand, don't forget the most essential items for your new puppy: lots of hugs, kisses, and sweet talk. Best of all, they're free!
Filed under Rottweiler Puppies by admin
Comments on Preparing for Your New Puppy »
Preparing a Puppy for a Long Drive Home?
Next Saturday, my roomate and I will be picking up our Puggle puppy in the bay area. It'll be about a 7 hour drive back to Los Angeles. How best should we prepare for the drive home? Will one stop for gas be enough, or will the puppy need to get out more often? What precautions should we take to prevent parvo, or should the puppy stay in the car the whole time? Since there will be a passenger, should the puppy stay in it's crate, or will it be better on the passenger's lap?
Thanks in advance.
call your vet..
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get anaesthetic from your vet.
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You will need a pet carrier with a paper liner, water and a bit of food,have stops every two hours or so. The puppy will sit on your lap for some of the time and will be more comfortable in the carrier for rests.
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Congrats on your new baby!!! I would get some dramamine in case of carsickness. THe puppy will probably travel better in the crate. It will most likely sleep thru most of the trip if left crated. Have a nice sofy blanket in there for him to sleep on and a couple of stuffed animals. When he wakes up, get him out aqnd play with him and see if he needs to potty. I would have puppy pads for him to potty on and not take him out to public places becasue so many dogs go there and there could be all kinds of germs there. Feed him small amounts of dog food at a time. That will help keep him from getting car sick. Have a safe trip and enjoy the new baby.
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If you don't already have a car harness for the puppy, then a crate or carrier would be best. He/She will feel safer. You will probably need to stop about every 2 hours, depending on the age of the dog. If you were traveling with a 2 year old with questionable potty training, how often would you stop? Lots!!
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I have two grown children who turned out okay. I now have two doxie puppies and know just what you are going through.
pack extra food water bottles and if your puppy likes cages then get a roomy cage for him or her to walk around in. and if have never had the dog and its a brand new puppy that you are currently buying ask the person who is giving the dog to you if he or she was kept in a cage or if it likes walking around alot for more info for comfort for the dog.
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about once an hour take for a short walk so it can pee and poop have plenty of water on hand. till you see how the dog travels also have a roll of paper towels to wipe up upchucking if he dosen't travel well if you can let the dog get fresh air on your lap out the window. only part way down so he can get his head out but not jump out good luck
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Make sure your pup has her own space; a nice crate or carrier with a blanket, toy, fresh water. Don't feed the pup prior to the trip; food could cause her to get an upset tummy.(But seeing you are planning a 7 hour drive, small feedings would be advisable to avoid hypoglycemia in your young puppy) Please don't let the passenger hold her…if you were in an accident, your pup would be unrestrained. I often transport puppies over long distances and here is my personal protocol for transport
Good luck and congrats! Puggles are adorable!!!!!!!!
I use a nice size crate or carrier with a puppy pad, blanket and toy for the pup to have her own quiet time for sleep. I never let them out of the car in areas I konw other dogs may have been walked to avoid diseases to the pup. I let them go on the puppy pads and just toss them away when needed. I bring plenty of fresh water and offer it once every hour. I also like those baby carriers that you wear like a backpack and will keep small puppies in that so that I can keep them close and comforted. they attach with straps and you carry them across your chest; I'm sure you know which ones I am talking about. I dont feed puppies much food before the trip or during to avoid tummy upset. If you really feel the need to walk the pup, choose places that aren't popular (No truck stops, places right off the interstate, etc) choose out of way places where it's unlikely people have walked their pets. You can also get a safety seat for the front seat of you car to the pup in if you want. It offers some safety for the pup while allowing her to be upfront with you
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Pet rescuer/trainer for umpteen years; specializing in the German Shepherd Dog.
Take zip lock bags to put the paper toweling in, after it is used.. also take a wet wash cloth, or 2, so you can better clean up any messes, in the car, and on the puppy… I would offer it an outing two or 3 times on the trip..Unless it is sleeping..don't wake it..Go only to off road places, to walk the puppy..Never a pet area of the rest stops..but turn off on back roads..
Expect crying and whining, (maybe take ear phones for your music) and just act soothingly to it..DON"T give it any medication!..
Take a harness and leash, in case it needs to walk..put the harness on right away, but the leash only when it gets out of the car…don't allow it to roam around the car..it will go under seats, and get on the gas pedal..A kennel would be safest..
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dog breeder since 1968
the puppy is gonna need to be let out more than one time.about the parvo call the veterinarian,see what they tell you .
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O, OK, SO JUST SIT THE LITTLE FELLOW DOWN, EXPLAIN TO HIM HE NEEDS TO GO BEFORE U LEAVE THE HOUSE, AND TELL HIM OF ALL THE EXCITING TAG GAMES YOU CAN PLAY ON THE WAY IF YOU GET BOARD….O AND DONT FORGET TO COUNT THE # OF DIFERENT STATE TAGS U SEE.
…..SORRY I COULDNT RESIST……
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