After you select a new dog, but before you bring it home, be sure to fully prepare your home and family for the new arrival.
SUPPLIES
Dogs often require special pet supplies, and these items should be in your home when a new dog arrives. Aside from the basics (food and water bowls, grooming kit, food and toys), you may want to consider the following objects for both your comfort and your dog's.
Dog Beds: Beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your dog's needs. They provide a special place for the dog to sleep or rest, and often prevent the pet from adopting your favorite chair or couch. They have removable covers that are machine-washable or easily cleaned with a vacuum. They are available in many colors, patterns and thicknesses to match your preference. Some dogs do not like to share their beds, and you may need to purchase one for each dog.
Pet Doors: If you have a fenced yard and spend much of the day away from home, a swinging door will give your dog the opportunity to eliminate and play outside. Purchase and installation is easy, but make sure you get one that meets several requirements. Is the size compatible with your dog in all its growing phases? Dogs usually require little space to pass through, but check the specifications. Make sure that the door can be secured against drafts and heat loss. Some people use a double door configuration for maximum insulation. Can the door be blocked and locked? There are times when you will want to keep the dog indoors, and keep intruders out. If you are uncertain about where to install the door (certain walls in your house may not be suited for this opening), consult with a carpenter for advice.
Fences: Most property owners find that some type of fence-- whether physical or invisible-- is necessary. Physical fences must be at least six feet tall (except for very small dogs) if they are to prevent escape or intrusion. They can be made from a variety of materials, depending on your budget, needs and aesthetic preferences. Invisible fences are buried electrical wires that set off a shock in a collar when the dog approaches it. They can be used independently or with a regular fence. Invisible fences require some effort on your part to install the wires and train the dog. Your pet must be taught about the limits of your property and the consequences for crossing the line. These fences do not prevent other animals or people from entering your property and will unfortunately shock your dog when it returns after an escape. Electric fences supplement physical fences with wires either on top or buried underground. They will shock any dog trying to burrow or climb the fence. The wires will also shock anything that touches them, including people. Review your options before making a choice, since fences can be expensive and alter the appearance of your home.
Gates: Similar in style and construction to gates erected for young children, these devices fit between door openings, usually at the top of stairs or anywhere else that prevents a dog from intruding on protected space. They are made of various materials, including wood or plastic, and come in sizes to suit your needs. They should be easy to set up and release, and provide a suitable barrier for indoor use.
Dog Houses: Dogs that spend time outdoors may need a house or exercise cage. A dog house fits inside a fenced yard and provides a place for being warm or cool and resting outdoors. Some houses have doors, but most allow free access. Cages or pens are larger and enclosed. They do not require additional fencing. Some are portable. An appropriate size should be selected for your dog.
Car Accessories: These items include seatbelt restraints, safety harnesses and leashes that keep your dog in place during a ride. You can also erect a barrier (metal, net or otherwise) across the back seat. Liners will prevent hair and dander from becoming embedded in the car floor and seats.
Clothing: You can find a variety of sweaters and rainwear in catalogs and stores. Most dogs, especially larger ones, do not require clothing for warmth, though small dogs in very cold climates may benefit from additional insulation. Some clothing merely adorns the dog, and adds no real benefit. If your dog wears clothing, be sure it is not too hot. Look for excessive panting or listlessness in your dog as signs of overheating.
Specialized catalogs and stores will offer a wide variety of dog and dog-related products. When experimenting with new items, compare prices and ask questions. Be sure that you need, and can effectively use, the product in your home. Always check on return policies.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
Imagine that you have just completed the details of the purchase of your new dog, either an adult or a puppy. Your next responsibility lies in preparing your home for the arrival of the dog and making its initial days comfortable.
Plan for an energetic and even nervous dog to arrive at your house. Put anything breakable in a safe place. Lock toxic cleaners in a secure place with no chance for accidental ingestion. Small objects that can be bitten and swallowed should be placed out of reach. You may want to erect barriers to prevent the dog from entering certain rooms or attempting stairs. Although you may feel a little silly, walk around the house on your hands and knees and view the set-up from the dog's perspective. What things look really tempting to chew? Consider crate training as a way to prevent your new dog from roaming freely about the house in your absence. You can apply safe, but awful tasting, liquids to objects that can be chewed but not protected. Schedule a visit to the veterinarian for any needed shots and a check up.
If you have children at home, especially young ones, they will need advice and instruction about the proper way to behave with dogs. You should never leave children and dogs together unsupervised, but preparation will prevent many potential problems. Children should know that hitting, biting, pulling or poking any dog can provoke an aggressive response and that crying, screaming and running away only encourages the dog to chase. Young puppies can be easily harmed during innocent play and must be treated carefully for a few weeks. Involve children of all ages in the care of the dog; teach them the proper techniques of dog feeding, grooming, walking and health care. Young people should also be involved in training and disciplining the dog so that they can be safe and responsible with it.
You will need to purchase a variety of items to identify and care for the dog. Collars come in a wide assortment, including leather and nylon types. Leather collars are firm and strong, but may lose their quality or become smelly if they get wet. Nylon resists moisture, but can rip or shred. You should consider the purpose of your collar before choosing one. Depending on your needs, more than one collar may be required. Some collars simply hold tags and permit the attachment of a leash. Others assist in training by accommodating halters or specialized links that transmit a pinch to the dog's neck (when used properly!) that indicates displeasure. These collars are often called pinch, prong or choke collars and should always be used in conjunction with professional advice. Other collars can be used for attaching a dog to your bicycle during exercise or transportation, while some training collars employ electric shock. These collars are only useful when used properly and under the guidance of a professional. Never buy or use one without proper advice. Select a collar that fits snugly around the neck without choking or pinching. Select one that releases easily under your direction, but will not open on its own.
Most people prefer to own two leashes, a short one and a long one. Each serves its own purpose: short leashes are useful in public places or potentially dangerous situations; longer leashes are better for exercise and training. Many companies now make retractable leashes that can be adjusted to your needs. Choose a lease that snaps easily into the collar and has enough strength to restrain your dog. They can be made of leather, nylon or metal.
You will need separate dishes for food and water. If you have more than one dog, they will each need their own food bowl, though sharing water bowls is common. Ceramic and metal are preferred over plastic, which can foster bacteria. The bowls should be washed at least twice a week. Special devices help dogs with unusual needs. A wooden stand will raise the bowl off the floor, offering neck and back relief to large dogs. Dogs with long, low ears often accidentally dunk them in the food and water. Cone-shaped dishes exist that minimize this problem.
Give your dog the opportunity to avoid your furniture by supplying chew toys from the beginning. Nylabones last a long time and help clean teeth. They will need to be replaced when they appear worn. Softer varieties are called Gumabones. An incredible amount of choice exists when choosing toys. They come in all colors, shapes and textures. Nearly all work fine, but avoid ones with small attachments that can be chewed off and swallowed. Be certain that the chew toy is large enough itself that it won't choke the dog. It is good practice to never leave your dog along with a chew toy.
BRINGING A NEW DOG HOME
Once you have prepared your home for the arrival of a dog, you still have a lot of work to do in teaching the dog the rules of the house and meeting its many social and physical needs. If you already have a pet, you will have to introduce the new dog properly to ensure that their relationship is as harmonious as possible.
Most puppies should stay with their mothers for at least eight weeks, though some experts recommend a ten-week stay. Most breeders recommend that you do not adopt two puppies from the same litter. Although some people manage to effectively train and housetrain two or more at a time, the puppies tend to bond to each other and resist discipline efforts. For people who are living with their first pet, waiting several months and effectively training dogs one at a time usually works more effectively.
If you already have a dog, the new dog can be seen as either the newest member of the pack or an unwelcome intrusion. The transition will be easier if you mismatch the sexes of the dogs (add a male if you have a female and vice versa). This arrangement will alleviate painful power struggles in the event that both dogs are neutered. In general, try to avoid pairing dominant personalities, since two very dominant dogs will have trouble becoming comfortable with each other. Submissive dogs, on the other hand, seem to accommodate another dog.
Let the new dogs meet on neutral territory, such as a park or playground, to prevent the first pet from feeling threatened or protective. New dogs like to sniff and play with each other. This behavior is perfectly normal and helpful in establishing relations, but aggressive dominant behavior should be discouraged. You can facilitate this situation by physically dominating the new dog if it shows aggression toward the other one. Holding the dog to the ground gives the other animal a chance to smell it, while the new dog learns that a submissive role does not mean injury. Ideally, your interference will not be necessary and the dogs will play and greet each other in safe and normal ways.
If your original pet is a cat, you need to set aside a special space for it. As a territorial creature, your cat needs opportunities to be away from the dog. Prevent the dog from making any threats towards the cat, such as chasing, taunting, growling or barking. Unlike dogs, cats require long break-in periods. It may take months for the cat to finally accept the dog's presence. In some cases, established cats actually rank higher in the "pack" in the mind of the dog. Generally, cats and dogs can live compatibly and do adjust to new members of the family.
The important thing to remember for both situations is that you are the top of the pack, in control of all pets in the home. Whatever dominance ranking the animals work out among themselves, you must remain the highest member. Also, new and old pets need their separate spaces at first. Provide independent beds, feeding bowls and crates. You may have to feed the animals separately at first (especially with two dogs). Be sure to give plenty of love and attention to the existing pets. They can feel neglected if their routine is greatly altered by the presence of a new animal. Stick with established routines and spend quality time with both animals. Encourage camaraderie by playing together.
From the minute you bring a new dog home, you must establish yourself as the top dog in the pack. New dogs, particularly puppies, prefer to know who's in charge and are really not interested in filling this roll. You should enter doors first and eat some food in the dog's presence before feeding it. These behaviors will ease the dog's concerns about pack hierarchy.
Show the dog around the inside and outside of the house, especially the place you expect it to eliminate. The faster it uses the space, the better, so try giving the dog a drink and revisiting the area until it is used. Show the dog where it will sleep. Dogs enjoy sleeping in the same room as humans, but should have their own beds or crates.
Aside from knowing the alpha, or lead dog, in your family, the dog wants to follow an established routine. Try to follow a fixed schedule for feeding, walking and sleeping times. If possible, leave and return home around the same time each day. If you come home during the day for lunch or a visit, fix a time. Be clear about acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Habits formed early are hard to break. If the dog chews your furniture, discipline it. Many new dogs try to manipulate their owners by acting sullen or angry. Do not encourage these behaviors by soothing the dog. You can try a little subterfuge, however, by distracting the dog with toys or a walk.
There are several important guidelines to remember when socializing your new dog. Give it plenty of opportunities to meet and play with new people and animals. In a high-pitched, pleasant voice, praise the dog lavishly for proper behavior. You can also use food and play as effective rewards. Always avoid hitting your dog. Whenever possible, model the behaviors you desire in the dog.
At some point, you will have to respond to puppy behaviors that you find unacceptable. Many young dogs, for example, growl or act aggressively in novel situations or with new people. This reaction is not to be encouraged or placated. If you speak softly in an effort to calm it, or stroke it in a soothing way, you are telling the dog that its behavior is acceptable and should be repeated. Instead, you want to discourage the behavior by firmly saying "no" and praising the dog when it calms down. Fearful dogs often bite or react badly in new situations. Reduce this fear by experiencing new places often and firmly resisting any instinct to comfort the dog when it acts poorly.
Other problems you may face involve nighttime habits. Dogs that sleep outside your bedroom may feel excluded and cry through the night in an effort to join you and the pack. As long as the dog has its own bed and does not actually sleep with you, sharing your bedroom is a normal and healthy way to alleviate feelings of exclusion. On the other hand, if the whining and crying continues in your room, be certain that the dog does not need to go outside or require medical care. Assuming there are no physical concerns, you will have to firmly discipline or ignore (if you can!) the unpleasant behavior to make it stop. A long walk or play session before bed may ease the problem by exhausting the dog.
Effective methods of praising a puppy include verbal praise, physical praise (petting and play) and treats. Keep treats to a minimum in young dogs while their digestive systems develop. Use lots of physical praise with all dogs, but particularly with young puppies. As they age, they usually become more interested in verbal praise, which they may not understand when very young.
Begin grooming routines right away. Young dogs usually adjust easily to these procedures, but will resist them as they grow older. Getting into a regular routine will help keep you on track as well. You may also find that keeping a log or calendar reminds you of the important tasks in your routine and the frequency with which they must be performed.
There are some common puppy behaviors that may alarm you, but are actually perfectly normal. Puppies sleep a lot, even at unexpected or seemingly strange times. They may fall asleep in the food bowl or in the middle of a playful romp. They can also seem distracted or unable to concentrate. While they sleep, young dogs will twitch and make noise. These sleeping habits are to be expected with new dogs. Also, don't be alarmed if the dog hiccups often; the bouts will pass. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for hiccups, but the spells should diminish as the puppy ages.
Your pet may take several months to learn its name. Be patient. Say it often, and always during pleasant experiences such as play or petting. Avoid shouting the name or calling it when you discipline. The pet name should be associated with positive feelings.
The most important, and difficult, time for you and your new pet occurs at the beginning-- when rules, routines and habits are being established. This time also affords you a great opportunity to raise a happy, healthy and well-trained animal. Use the time wisely-- invest your energy and effort into learning and employing effective techniques for raising your puppy.
