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What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home
What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home

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What to Know When You Bring Your Puppy Home

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Taking care of your new puppy can be overwhelming, but with these tips and lots of love, you’ll be a great puppy parent in no time.

 

Picking Up a Puppy

Just like a baby, a puppy's body is fragile. Avoid picking up your puppy unless absolutely necessary. If you must, be careful and use these steps:
 

Step 1: Place one hand under your puppy's rump, and place your other hand under his chest.
 

Step 2: Lift with both arms. With a small adult dog, use the puppy technique. For larger dogs, wrap both arms around his legs, draw him to your chest, and lift.

 

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you bring your puppy home, be sure you have the following supplies:
 

  • Premium pet food to get your new puppy off to a good start
  • Stainless steel, non-tip food and water bowls
  • Identification tags with your puppy's name, your name and phone number, and your veterinarian's name and phone number
  • A collar and a leather or nylon 6-foot leash that's ½- to ¾-inch wide (Consider using a 'breakaway' collar with plastic clips that will unsnap in case your puppy gets hung up on something.)
  • A home and travel crate that's airline approved and that will accommodate your puppy's adult size. This crate will serve as your puppy's new 'den' at home, when traveling, or when riding to the veterinarian's office. His scent in the crate will provide comfort and a sense of security during these stressful times.
  • Stain remover for accidental soilings
  • Brushes and combs suited to your puppy's coat; ask your veterinarian or breeder about an appropriate brush or comb for your dog.
  • Dog shampoo, toothbrush, and paste
  • High-quality, safe chew toys to ease teething
  • Flea, tick, and parasite controls
  • Nail clippers
  • Treats

 

 

Helpful Hints

  • Use stainless steel, non-tip food bowls, which won't break or absorb odors.
  • Toys with parts that squeak or whistle can be dangerous if swallowed.
  • For a comfortable collar fit, allow for two fingers of space between the collar and your dog's neck; consider using an adjustable collar.

 

 

Fencing Options

Keeping your puppy safe in your yard requires good fencing. There are several options to choose from, and the one you should pick will depend on your puppy's personality, your property, and your budget. Here are some of the options you should consider:
 

  • Privacy fencing. Privacy fences have no openings and provide excellent containment.
  • Chain link. Inexpensive chain link works well and is durable.
  • Underground fencing. These electronic systems cannot be seen, jumped over, or dug under. Wire is buried, configured, and connected to a transmitter. The dog wears a special collar that emits warning tones and issues a mild shock as he nears the buried wire.
  • Kennels. A covered kennel run, especially one with a concrete floor, will keep your puppy from digging, climbing, or jumping out. Ask your veterinarian or breeder to recommend an appropriate size.

 

 

The First Days at Home

The ideal time to bring home a new puppy is when the house is quiet. Discourage friends from stopping by and don't allow overnight guests. First, establish a daily routine and follow these steps:
 

Step 1: Before bringing him in the house, take him to the designated potty area in your yard and spend a few minutes there. If he goes, praise him. Be sure to take him to this spot each time he potties.
 

Step 2: Take him to the room with his crate. This restricted area will serve as his new 'den' for several days. Put bedding and chew toys in the crate, leave the door open, and line the area outside of the crate with newspaper in case of an accident. Let him investigate the crate and the room. If he chews or urinates on his bedding, permanently remove it from the crate.
 

Step 3: Observe and interact with your puppy while he's getting used to his new den. This will help forge a sense of 'pack' and establish you as the pack leader.

 

 

Special Puppy Concerns

Don't treat a puppy as young as 6 to 12 weeks like an adult dog. Treat him the same way you would an infant, with patience, constant supervision, and a gentle touch. The way you interact with your puppy at this age is critical to his socialization. Use these tips:
 

  • Don't bring home a puppy while you're on vacation. You want to be able to spend a lot of time with him so you can acclimate him to your normal, daily routine.
  • Supervise your puppy at all times and interact with him regularly.
  • Be alert for signs (sniffing and circling) that he has to go to the bathroom, and take him outside immediately.
  • A young puppy has no bladder control, and will need to urinate immediately after eating, drinking, sleeping, or playing. At night, he will need to relieve himself at least every three hours.
  • Don't punish an accident. Never push his nose in the waste or scold him. He won't understand, and may learn to go to the bathroom when you're out of sight.
  • Praise your puppy every time he goes to the bathroom outside.
  • Feed your puppy a formula designed for puppies. Like a baby, he needs nutritious, highly digestible food.

 

 

Children and Pets

Ideally, your kids should help you choose your puppy. When you bring him home, don't let them play with him constantly. Puppies need a lot of rest, just like a growing child. Limit puppy-children play sessions to 15- to 30-minute periods, two to three times a day.
 

  • Young children might be tempted to shout at a puppy if they think he's doing something wrong. Be sure kids understand that puppies and dogs can be easily upset and startled by loud noises.
  • No teasing. Keeping a toy just out of reach will reinforce bad habits such as jumping up and excessive barking.
  • Wagging tails and play biting can be too rough for young children. Supervise puppy-child interactions and separate them if the play is too rough.
  • Teach kids to care for a dog by showing them how to feed and groom him.

 

 

Meeting Resident Pets

  • Keep resident pets separated from your new puppy for a few days.
  • After your new puppy is used to his new den area, put an expandable pet gate in the doorway or put your puppy in his crate.
  • Give your resident pet access to the area. Let pets smell and touch each other through the crate or pet gate. Do this several times over the next few days.
  • Give the resident pet access to the den area with your new puppy out of his crate. Supervise their meetings and go back to through-the-gate/crate meetings if trouble arises.

  • How To Stop A Puppy From Crying?
    How To Stop A Puppy From Crying?

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    How To Stop A Puppy From Crying?

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    As a pet parent, it's hard to hear your furry friend crying. It can be due to separation anxiety, fear, or illness and can be frustrating to deal with. This article will provide practical tips on stopping your pup from crying and help them feel more comfortable and secure. We will guide you through establishing a routine and using calming aids to help your puppy stop crying and live a happier, more peaceful life.

    Crying in puppies can vary depending on their age. Older puppies may cry because they are experiencing separation anxiety, are bored, or need to go outside. Meanwhile, newborn puppies cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, or need warmth. Pay attention to why your puppy cries, so you can provide it with the right care and comfort.

    If you are wondering why your pup is crying and how to put a stop to it, the key is to understand the underlying reasons. By gaining this knowledge, you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem and silence the crying. Keep reading to learn more about stopping your pup's tears.

    Crying in newborn puppies

    As delicate and helpless beings, newborn puppies rely on their mothers or caregivers to provide for their basic needs. When hungry, cold, or sick, they often cry out in distress, it is like their tiny voice is seeking help. It can be heart-wrenching to hear their cries as they struggle to communicate their needs.

    At this stage, the puppies must receive proper care and attention for survival. This may involve giving them warm, nutritious milk from their mothers or finding a suitable substitute if the mother cannot feed them. Providing the puppies with the necessary care will ensure their health and well-being.

    In certain situations, puppies may need to receive medication or other forms of treatment to help them recover from an illness or infection. This can be a delicate and complex process, requiring close monitoring and expert knowledge to ensure that puppies receive the appropriate level of care.

    Crying in older puppies

    As puppies grow older, they often become more vocal when they need to go outside to play or relieve themselves. This can manifest in whining or barking at the door and scratching at it with their paws to grab someone's attention. While this behaviour is natural for puppies, it can be frustrating for their caregivers, particularly when they are trying to get some rest or focus on work.

    As a pet parent, providing enough exercise and mental stimulation is important to keep your puppy happy and engaged. If your older puppy is crying or whining, it could signify that they are bored and need entertainment. They may start pacing or circling the room, looking for something to do. If you notice your puppy exhibiting these behaviours, consider taking them for a walk or providing them with a fun new toy to play with.

    As puppies grow older, they may become restless and cry when they are tired or ready for bed. This is typical behaviour among puppies, but it can be disruptive for the pet parent. To help your pup settle down for the night, try implementing a bedtime routine and providing a comfortable, cosy bed for it to sleep in. This will not only help your puppy feel more at ease but also allow you to get a good night's rest.

    Why do puppies cry? - Common reasons and how to address them

    As a responsible pet parent, it's crucial to identify the reasons behind your puppy's crying and take appropriate steps. Whether it's hunger, fear, or loneliness, addressing these underlying causes can create a happier and more comfortable environment for your furry friend. By understanding the root causes of your puppy's crying, you can also provide your canine companion with necessary support and affection to help them feel loved and at ease. Here are some common reasons why puppies may cry:

    1. A puppy may cry if it is sick

    Suppose your puppy is crying and showing other symptoms of illness. In that case, it could be due to several reasons, ranging from a respiratory infection to a more severe condition such as parvo or distemper. Keep an eye on your puppy's behaviour and pay attention to any changes that may indicate a health problem, so you can act quickly and prevent any potential complications. It is crucial to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the crying continues or is accompanied by other signs of discomfort or distress.

    1. Hunger is another common reason for a puppy to cry

    As puppies have small stomachs, they require more frequent meals than adult dogs. It's important to provide them with regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure their well-being and happiness. If your puppy is crying and has not eaten in a while, it may be asking for food.

    1. Puppies are social animals and crave attention and interaction from their caregivers

    If your puppy is crying, it may be because they feel lonely and neglected. To prevent this, spend quality time with your pup daily. Engage in activities like playing, training, and bonding with them to create a strong, positive relationship and prevent feelings of loneliness.

    1. Boredom is another common cause of puppy crying

    Puppies overflow with energy and require significant stimulation to stay content and healthy. If your furry friend is crying and appears restless or fidgety, it could be because they are bored and need something to do. Provide your puppy with various toys, games, and activities to keep them entertained and focused.

    1. Puppies can also cry out of fear or anxiety

    Suppose your puppy is crying and appears frightened. In that case, it may be because of loud noise, a scary situation, or even a sudden change in their environment. To help calm them down, try speaking softly, offering a treat, or playing soothing music. If the fear continues, seeking the assistance of a professional trainer or behaviourist may be necessary to help your puppy overcome its anxiety.

    1. Finally, puppies can cry out of loneliness

    If your puppy is used to being around other dogs or people and is suddenly left alone for long periods of time, they may become lonely and cry. To prevent this, consider providing your puppy with a companion like another dog or a stuffed animal. Additionally, ensure your puppy has regular opportunities to socialise and interact with others to prevent loneliness and unhappiness.

    Comforting a crying puppy - How to stop a puppy from crying?

    Consoling a crying puppy can be a challenging and emotional task. Still, making your furry friend feel safe and loved is essential. Here are a few tips to help comfort a crying puppy:

    • To effectively handle a crying puppy, it is essential to identify the reason behind their tears. This could be hunger, fear, or a need to go outside. Once the cause is determined, provide the appropriate support or comfort. For instance, give them food and water if the puppy is hungry. If they need to use the bathroom, take them outside to do their business.
    • If the crying persists, try soothing the puppy with gentle strokes and calming words. This can help calm them and make them feel more secure. Additionally, providing a cosy and comfortable space for the puppy to relax in, such as a crate or designated spot with a soft blanket, can help alleviate their distress.
    • If the crying continues, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian or professional trainer to determine if any underlying health issues or behaviour problems are causing it. These steps can help prevent excessive crying and ensure the puppy's well-being.

    To successfully comfort a crying puppy, it is crucial to have patience and an understanding of what may be causing distress. Once the source of the crying is determined, providing the appropriate support and can help stop its tears and give the puppy a feeling of safety. If needed, seeking advice from a professional can also be beneficial in these situations.

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