When you bring a new puppy into your home there are several precautions you need to take and various things you can do to make your home environment safe for the puppy.
Before you bring the new puppy home, make sure you have reduced the possibility for accidents.
- Hide cords that the puppy will be inclined to chew.
- Make sure doors can be secured.
- Have all harmful foods such as raisins and chocolates put away so that the puppy can not eat them.
- Arrange a small safe area for the puppy to call "home" when you can't be there to supervise it. Investing in a safety gate is one option. A crate can provide a safe haven for the puppy as well as be an ideal accessory when you're housebreaking the puppy.
- Carefully supervise all introductions to other pets. Never leave the puppy alone with your other pets until a bond of friendship has formed between them.
Introducing a dog into your home:
- A mature dog or possibly a senior dog you may have adopted from a shelter will most likely be beyond the chewing and destructive behavior stage. However, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
- Give them a designated space that they can call their own. It may be a bed in the corner of the living room or bedroom, or even a crate if that is what they are comfortable with.
- Again, it is essential that they be introduced to other pets in the same manner as you would introduce a puppy to your current furry family members.
- Anytime you bring a new pet into your home, be sure to give it an adjustment period and some observation time. There's always a tendency to hover over the animal or constantly want to play with it. However, they need some time just to watch the household activity and size up their new home from their designated or chosen point of safety.
By VeronicaHB from Asheboro, NC
