Finally Home!
Ive decided to break this down in two separate categories because puppies and adult dogs will have different needs. I recommend you still read both categories because there may be information you find useful!
Wrangler & Callie
Puppy
Congratulations! Your a puppy parent!
Before you bring your puppy home there's a few things you should do!
Puppy Proof
One of the most important things to do is "Puppy proof". Puppy proofing is when you make your home a safe place for your new fur baby this entails blocking areas where the puppy may have access to wires, these things may be overlooked but electricity and mouths never mix well! Wires and other electronics are usually low to the ground and look fun to play with. Use childproof locks on cabinets containing unsafe things like medicine and cleaning supplies. Trash bins, its a magnet for dogs, it smells like food.
Crate Training
Your puppy should have a safe place of their own. This is where they should have a crate, or a playpen with a crate inside. In their playpen you may include pee pads, food and water bowls, and appropriate toys. This is where they should sleep, play while unsupervised, this is where you begin to create boundaries and structure. Its never to early to start, in my eyes the sooner the better.
No, the crate is not a bad thing to utilize. I recommend covering the crate using a crate cover or a blanket, top back and sides. Covering the crate will help your puppy feel more secure creating a "Den" like atmosphere. Its also good to have them comfortable in the crate in case your puppy needs to be groomed, fly on an airplane or even travel for a long car ride.
Your puppy should not have free roam of your home, your puppy may be more inclined to have accidents or get into some mischief. Use gates for areas you don't want your puppy to go to. Set them up for success!
Schedule
Create a schedule for your puppy! Scheduling feedings, training, play time, and potty time. This will help create structure and also limit potty accidents, and your frustration. Most of all be patient.
Luke & Peanut
Adult Dog
Congratulations! You are now a pet parent!
Before you take your new dog home, there's a few things you should do!
Background Information
Try to get as much background information on your new dog possible. Some questions to ask, Is your new dog potty trained? Are they crate trained? Are they furniture chewers? How are they with children and other animals?
Most adult dogs are potty trained, but do not be discouraged if your new family member has a few accidents. He/she is still learning your home and you. Be patient and try to understand what they are telling you. Not every dog likes children or other animals so it is definitely imperative that you find out this information. Especially if you have children or other pets at home, you must take the appropriate precautions to keep everyone safe.
Proofing
Puppy proofing can be used for adult dogs as well as puppies. Please read the "Puppy" column for more information on puppy proofing.
Crate Training
If they are crate trained still use it! It will help transition them into your home. It will also give them less chances to chew things or have accidents. If they are furniture chewers, utilizing their crate (if they are comfortable with a crate) will help immensely with this. If they aren't comfortable with a crate you should create a safe place for them, by gating off a room or an area in your home.
Patience
The most important thing is to be patient. It may take your new family member some time to be more comfortable in your home, you might not know what they've been through in their past. It took Luke about a month before he became comfortable in our home. It may be shorter, or even longer for your new family member, every dog is different! Don't smother them let them get acclimated slowly.
Structure
One thing that needs to be the most consistent whether you bring home a puppy or an adult dog is, structure. Structure is so important when owning a dog and should be carried out throughout their lives. If you cannot see him or her they should be in the crate, if not you cannot be upset that they ate your couch, wooden moldings, legs of chairs etc. its not their fault its yours. Structure should be implemented as soon as you bring them home, the longer you wait the harder it will be to enforce in the future.
