| Bringing a new puppy into your household is a big | | | | -Stock up on chew toys. The more chew toys your |
| commitment. First-time puppy owners are often filled | | | | puppy has access to, the less likely she will be to |
| with questions about how to care for their furry new | | | | chew on your valuable possessions. Chewing is a |
| companions. Preparing your home for a puppy before | | | | natural instinct for dogs, and especially young puppies. |
| you bring her home will help ensure that you and | | | | Praise your puppy when she chews on toys that are |
| your puppy adjust smoothly to the new living | | | | hers and she will soon learn what is fair game and |
| arrangement. | | | | what is off limits. |
| The following checklist is designed to help new puppy | | | | -Purchase an appropriate sized crate. If you plan to |
| owners prepare for the arrival of a furry new family | | | | crate train your dog, puppyhood is the best time to |
| member: | | | | do so. Crate training allows your dog to adjust to |
| -Purchase puppy food, water and food bowls, a collar | | | | being in a crate so that she will exhibit good behavior |
| and a leash before bringing the puppy home. These | | | | in situations such as being boarded, flying on a plane |
| basic items are essential for any dog owner. Other | | | | and going to the vet, when being in a kennel may be |
| items you may want to consider are a bed, house | | | | unavoidable. It is important to instill a positive |
| training pads, treats, grooming items, cleanup bags, | | | | association with the crate and never use it for |
| carpet/upholstery cleaner and puppy-safe chews. | | | | punishment. Many dogs learn to love their crates and |
| -Puppy Proof the house. Puppies are bursting with | | | | use them willingly for naps or sleeping at night. For |
| curiosity, and chewing is one way they explore | | | | more information about crate training, please see our |
| objects. Unfortunately, your puppy will not come | | | | Crate Training your Puppy article. |
| equipped with the ability to distinguish between his | | | | -Establish rules to live by. Your puppy will understand |
| chew toy and your expensive shoes. Therefore, | | | | the rules of the household much quicker if they are |
| removing items you do not want your puppy to | | | | consistent from the start. Decide on the rules by |
| leave a mark on is an important step of puppy | | | | which your puppy must abide before bringing her |
| proofing your home. Some tips for puppy proofing | | | | home. For example, is she allowed on the furniture? |
| are: | | | | Will she sleep in your bed at night? What area will she |
| 1. Remove stray items from the floor of your home | | | | be confined to as a puppy? Instilling structure |
| and plan to keep the area clutter free throughout | | | | immediately will prevent your puppy from developing |
| puppyhood (shoes, clothing and children’s toys | | | | bad habits that will become increasingly frustrating as |
| are good examples). | | | | she grows older. |
| 2. Cover, remove or put away electrical cords that | | | | Puppies are wonderfully energetic and curious, and |
| are within your puppy’s reach. | | | | surprises are part of the adventure of having one in |
| 3. Keep all household cleaners, insect poisons and | | | | your home. Even if you carefully check off each item |
| other chemicals safely stowed away. | | | | on this list and feel completely prepared for the |
| 4. Ensure that any plants in your home are safe by | | | | arrival of your new canine companion, your puppy |
| checking with your veterinarian. | | | | may find mischief in places you have overlooked. Be |
| 5. Pay close attention to potential hazards in the | | | | sure to supervise your puppy at all times when she is |
| outdoor area of your home as well. | | | | roaming free in your home. |