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Top 10 Things to Do When Getting a New Puppy
1. Choose a name.
It’s important to name your new puppy as early as possible so that he or she can get used to the name and start responding to it. Some experts suggest that dogs can most easily her and respond best to names that have 2 syllables with a strong sound breaking up the syllables. For instance “Toby” – the “b” sound in the middle breaks up the first and second syllable.
My top 20 Female Puppy Names.
My top 20 Male Puppy Names.
2. Plan Ahead.
Have a spots picked out for your new addition to sleep and before you pick him or her up. The key with puppies is to be consistent, so you need to send a clear message about what’s acceptable from day one.
3. Do Your Homework.
Spend some time researching the breed (or breeds) your dog is, as there may be breed traits that you can be aware of before puppy arrives home. It is important to know how much exercise and attention your dog will be wanting to be happy. For more information on this have a look at the section on Selecting a Dog Breed.
4. Take Time Off.
Try to organise to pick the little one up at a time when you can be at home while he or she gets used to the new surroundings. Times such as Easter, Christmas, School Holidays or just some of your Annual Leave would be ideal.
Here is a great link to a Calendar which shows when holidays are scheduled around the world to help you calculate when you might like to pick up the pup. Remember, most breeders will have the dog ready at some point between 6 and 10 weeks old.
International Holiday Calendar
5. Puppy-Proof Your Home.
Ensure that any potential threats are removed. Critical things to think about include toxic substances such as rat-bait, anti-freeze (anti-freeze tastes very sweet and is highly toxic to dogs). Other things to thing about are valuable items such as ornaments and shoes and clothes that are within a young dog's reach. The best way to prepare your house is to get down on all fours and crawl around the house to see exactly what could be interesting to an inquisitive young dog and potentially destroyed!!
6. Stock up.
Decide what your dog will be eating and get some supplies ready in the cupboard. A good idea is to find out what the pet shop or breeder has been feeding the litter of pups, this way you can keep the diet consistent and your puppy wont feel too homesick.
7. Choose a vet.
Make an appointment with the local vet for a vaccination and a general health check. Also make sure you ask the vet about worming your dog, as many puppies have worms which are transmissible to humans.
More information on Worms in Dogs
8. Book in to Obedience Classes.
This is a very important one – especially for first time dog owners. The instructors at the class will be able to help you give clear and consistent messages to your puppy to ensure that he or she is a lovely, well-mannered, good-natured friend when he or she grows up
9. Be Patient but Firm.
Puppies are like toddlers, they are eager to learn, but are quick to pick up on inconsistencies and will spend a great deal of time trying to push the boundaries with their owners. If you tell your dog to do something NEVER let it get away with not obeying the command. Continue to work firmly and calmly with the dog until it obeys the command and then follow with praise. This is the best way to ensure that you have a great, mutually respectful relationship with your dog.
10. Go Shopping.
Basic requirements include:
• Food and water bowls
• An expandable collar
• A leash
• A kennel if puppy is to sleep outside
• A dog bed for inside
• Toys (some chewable ones are a good idea for young puppies)
• A brush for grooming
• Some old towels (to clean dirty puppies)
• A nametag with puppy’s name and your phone number(s) on it
Back to the Home Page
Back to Selecting a Dog Breed
Take a look at Dr Caroline's top 20 female puppy names and her top 20 male puppy names.
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