Pet Chat - New puppy

Ok you are thinking of getting a new puppy this can be a both rewarding and exciting experience and should be looked into and researched properly as your new puppy can live many years as long as it is cared for properly

Checklist of things to purchase for your homecoming of your new pup is as follows

Wire or plastic dog crate Easily washable, hard-to-destroy bedding material, imitation sheepskin works well Stainless steal dogs bowls I personally prefer these, as they are much easier to clean and are indestructible. Buckle puppy collar & lead; I like the soft braided nylon types. ID Tag with your phone number to wear on the collar a collection of high quality, safe chew toys: Puppy Nylabones, rubber balls or bones and sturdy stuffed squeak toys. Grooming supplies: ask your breeder for recommendations a quality brand of dry puppy food there are many about but your breeder or veterinarian will advise you on these. a wire, wooden or plastic “baby gate” for blocking doorways. a good book on puppy care & training . Read through them before bringing your puppy home.

This is a great online store for all your pets needs http://www.furbabies.co.uk

Housebreaking should be started straight away. If you don't have a crate, buy one. Skip the bedding. At first it gets wet, and later it can be chewed into choking hazards newspaper works well but should be changed regularly . A wire rack in the bottom will help keep the puppy up out of accidents at first These are usually available with the crates. Dogs that start out in crates as little puppies accept them very well. Never leave an unattended puppy loose in the house. If nobody can watch it, put it in the crate. This is for the pup to stay in when he can't be supervised. A crate isn't cruel! It's your dog's own private room where he can rest and stay safe, secure and out of trouble. Just like a small child, your puppy needs to be protected from hurting himself and destroying your furniture. A crate will make the job so much easier!

Your puppy might not like the crate at first. Don't give in to his complaining or tantrums! If you're sure he isn't hungry or has to go toilet, ignore his yowling. And reassure him by talking to him. Eventually he'll settle down and sleep which is what crates are for! If you give a tempting treat every time you put the dog in his crate, he'll soon look forward to going in. The crate is intended to be his sleeping and feeding place and is where he should be when you can't keep a close eye on him. If you give him the run of the house at this age, you can expect accidents! Dogs instinctively keep their sleeping areas clean. If you've allowed him to relieve himself when he needs to, he won't dirty his crate if he can help it. Once he's developed better control, he won't need the newspapers unless you're going to be gone all day.

Choose a command and spot you want it to use. If it is a female, choosing a non-grassy spot will avoid brown spots later. When you bring it home, take it to the spot and give it the command in a firm, but friendly voice. Keep repeating the command and let the puppy sniff around. If it does anything, praise it. Really let it know what a good dog it is and how much you love it, and maybe a treat. If it doesn't go, take it inside and give it a drink and any meals scheduled. A young puppy will need to go out immediately afterwards. Go to the spot and follow the above routine. Praising it if it goes is extremely important. If it doesn't go, take it back inside and put it in its crate and try again soon. Do not let it loose in the house until it does go.

At first it is your responsibility to know and take the puppy out when it needs to go. It needs to go out the first thing in the morning, after eating, drinking, and sleeping. If it quits playing, and starts running around sniffing, it is looking for a place to go. Take it out quickly. Don't wait for the dog to “tell” you that it has to go out. Just assume that he does and put him outside

By the time most dogs are about 3 months old, they have figured out that if they go to the door and stand, you will let them out. The praise slowly shifts to going to the door. If your dog doesn't figure this out, try praising it and putting it out if it even gets near the door. A stern "Bad dog!" is all the punishment that is effective and only when you catch it in the act and are sure you didn't miss it going to the door.

You should now have a toilet trained perfect puppy Good luck.