Now that you’ve decided to get a puppy or dog, the next few weeks will be busy and at times, more than a little bit crazy. That’s why it’s important to plan in advance for the arrival of your new pet. If possible, get as many necessities ready before your puppy comes home.

The Basics

Travel crate: Even if you don’t plan on crate training your dog, consider the benefits of owning a crate for other reasons, like transporting an ill or injured puppy to the veterinarian.

Food and water bowls: If you have a puppy, keep the bowls low and shallow. Tip-proof works well, too. As they grow, you’ll likely need to upgrade to larger dishes to accommodate your pet’s size.

Food: Choose an age-appropriate food. Ask your vet or local pet store for recommendations if you’re not sure what kind to purchase. Remember that high quality dog food keeps your puppy healthier and happier.

Collar: Pick a collar that fits properly now. You can always upgrade later if necessary.

Leash: A six-foot lead works well. Choose the right thickness and strength for your dog. A Chihuahua’s needs are very different from the needs of a Rottweiler.

ID tag: As one of the first things people search for when finding a stray dog, an ID tag can help make sure your puppy makes it home safely. At a minimum, have your phone number engraved on the tag.

Grooming supplies: Different breeds require different levels of grooming. However, every pup can benefit from a good weekly brushing. It’s also a great way to have quiet, bonding time with your new dog.

Housebreaking supplies: Even adult dogs have accidents, so be prepared with good cleaning supplies.

Veterinarian: If you don’t have a favorite vet already, ask family, friends and neighbors for a recommendation. Have an appointment scheduled within the first few days of bringing your puppy home, so your vet can check for worms, other health conditions, and start her vaccination regimen.

The Extras

Obedience classes: Every dog can benefit from learning some basic obedience skills.

Puppy treats: Yummy treats are the perfect reward when you’re working on obedience. Or for when they’re just being adorable.

Toys: Chew toys help satisfy your new puppy’s teething needs. If you’d like to teach your dog to retrieve, look at purchasing a few balls, but make sure they’re not so small that your dog chokes. A lot of people swear by Kong, an awesome rubber toy you stuff with treats to keep your new pal busy.

Sour apple spray: Use this product to spray on spots your puppy loves to chew on. It’s a terrific deterrent for naughty puppies.

Baby gates: Want to keep your dog in one area of your house? Use baby gates to corral him. Let’s face it; for a lot of us, dogs are our babies anyway!

Dog house: If your pup will spend any time outdoors, he’ll love having his own little house. Fill it with great chew toys and a cozy blanket, and it will be the perfect home away from home.

Doggie door: Training your dog to use a doggie door when she needs to go outdoors makes life easier for you and your pal.

Clothing: Depending on where you live, sweaters or snow boots may be required outdoor gear for your dog.

Now that you have the basics on hand, don’t forget the most essential items for your new puppy: lots of hugs, kisses, and sweet talk. Best of all, they’re free!

Jennifer McVey
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-new-puppy-must-haves-for-your-dog-712864.html

Ah yes, the first day home for your new puppy. Their little attempts at barks, and adorable appearance are enough to make anyone soften up. However, once the novelty wears off, the fact that your puppy uses every room in your house as his personal bathroom begins to irk you. Perhaps some dog lessons are in order. Here are a few considerations when it comes to dog lessons.

First off, social interaction is always good.

Social interaction is excellent and allows your puppy to get along with other puppies and people. Doing this at an early age accustoms your puppy to social situations.

Secondly, consider what to look for in a trainer.

It is best to find a trainer that will come to your house for one to one sessions. Also, ensure they are not simply using haphazard means with your puppy. They should have a reason for doing what they do. First off, this ensures that they actually know what they’re talking about, and secondly, it allows you to understand their methodology which will help you interact with your puppy.

Next, you should consider when to begin puppy lessons.

It comes with good intentions that most want to begin puppy lessons as soon as possible for their pup. However, our recommendation is that you wait about a month or two so that your pup can develop a relationship with you and that they become comfortable in their new surroundings. ((Proof of vaccination is your next step.

Most legit trainers will require proof of vaccination in written form. This is no slight to you or your puppy, in fact, it is a necessary step that most good trainers will make to ensure that no dog, including yours, catches an unnecessary disease.

Another consideration, are classes indoor or outdoor?

What you should be looking for is a combination of indoor and outdoor classes. This allows your puppy to be exposed to different types of conditions, and this helps them adjust to various surroundings.

Finally, some things to look for while in class.

There are a few important things to look for during your puppy lessons. First, a trainer should never force your dog to interact with other puppies. This is a sign that you might not have the most competent trainer. Also, watch if your dog might be tiring. There is nothing wrong necessarily with your pup if he or she has less energy than other puppies in the class. Different dogs have different energy levels. Lastly, watch that other puppies are not picking on your puppy. This can lead to them not socializing properly, and fearing other dogs. ((Asking yourself the above questions and looking for the special considerations listed will help you find the right trainer to enroll your puppy in dog lessons. Getting an early start in proper dog lessons will lead to an obedient and fun life between you and your new best friend.

Chad McAdam
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-lessons-considerations-for-your-new-puppy-748566.html

The sooner you start leash training your puppy, the sooner he will be able to walk with you in a safe, happy environment. However, this isn’t always an easy task. Puppies are often afraid of collars and leashes; and as such, should be introduced to them in a loving and patient way.

Before you start leash training your puppy, you should buy him a collar with an ID tag, a leash, and some of his favorite treats. You need a regular dog collar, choke collars are not recommended for leash training.

Start the training session by putting the collar comfortably, but securely around the puppy’s neck. He will probably paw at the collar and roll around at first. Don’t laugh at him or encourage this in any way, but don’t punish or scold him either. After a few minutes the puppy will forget it’s there.

Once the puppy accepts the collar, you should attach the leash. Don’t pull him; just let him walk around wearing it for a while. Do this indoors with supervision so the puppy can’t tangle the leash on something and become hurt. After a few minutes, take the leash off. Repeat this process several times while leash training your puppy. Attaching the leash to his collar at meal times will help him to associate the leash with something pleasant.

After he is comfortable wearing the leash, pick up the other end. Don’t walk him; instead let him lead you around if he wishes. Try not to put him in a position where he wants to pull or strain against the leash. Try luring him towards you. If he comes, give him lots of praise and possible a treat; if he doesn’t come don’t punish or scold him because that will only make him more afraid of the leash.

When he begins to walk praise him generously. Every part of leash training needs to be as pleasant for the puppy as possible. When the puppy is comfortable walking on the leash, practice in a familiar area without distractions. Gradually widen the walking area.

Once wearing the collar and walking on the leash are conquered, it’s time for you and your puppy to learn how to manipulate stairs. The same patience and encouragement required for leash training is necessary for training your puppy to climb stairs. You should find a wide, inviting staircase and sit at the base of the steps with your puppy.

Go up one step and encourage your puppy to follow with your voice and a treat. If he follows make a huge fuss telling him how wonderful he is and give him the treat. Repeat this until he is no longer intimidated by the stairs. While leash training your puppy, never punish him for not climbing the stairs or try to force him. Forcing him will only impede the training process and give him something else to be afraid of.

Although leash training your puppy can be challenging it is absolutely necessary for his safety. Remember, new puppies are a great responsibility and this is only one small part of the training the puppy will need for a smooth and happy transition from a puppy to a dog.

Mike Long
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/leash-training-your-puppy-can-be-a-most-rewarding-and-challenging-experience-52074.html

Congratulations! You just brought home your new puppy.

I can’t tell you how much pleasure it is to add a puppy to the family. If you have had dogs in the family before you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, get ready for one of the greatest experiences of your life.

You will sit there watching some of the silly and awkward things that he will do. You will see him learning to go up and down steps and then falling with a quizzical look on his face wondering what just happened. You will have a warm cuddly bundle of fur laying in your lap feeling as safe and content as anything you can imagine. Am I prejudiced? Absolutely!

But, let’s get down to reality.

A new puppy is a lot of work, however, if you start out doing it correctly, you will be rewarded a thousandfold and tremendously reduce the frustrating part of raising your new addition to the family. He is going to do just about everything that you don’t want him to do, so be prepared and you can’t get angry at him. He just doesn’t know the rules of the house, and that’s where you come in.

Make your preparations.

Before you actually bring your puppy home, do your homework and puppy proof the house. Set aside an area that will act as a mini home and play pen for him. As you can see in this picture, we have a gated area that contains a crate large enough for him to grow into (get a

crate that he will be able to stand up in when he is grown). Put an old bath towel, or something similar, in the crate so that he is not laying on a cold hard surface. The reason for the “old towel” is because he will probably have accidents and you won’t have to panic that he has ruined your new bath towel.

In an opposite corner of the pen lay enough newspapers on the floor so that they will absorb urine when he does have an accident. Give him a bowl, with a little water and next to his crate place an inexpensive and easily washable doggy bed. The reason I say inexpensive and washable, is because he will have accidents here too, and may possibly chew it up.

Get enough different types of toys to keep him occupied. You will be experimenting here until you find out what the most durable type of toys are for him. He may destroy some plushy toys, so you may need to use something stronger.

Definitely get some chew toys. Preferably, something like Nylabones as opposed to rawhides (rawhides should be used under supervision in case a piece gets caught in his throat). Kong type toys, that can be stuffed with treats, are also a must. These will help keep him occupied so that he doesn’t get too bored and start chewing up his bed, or wanting to jump out of his pen.

Leave the “Crate Door” open.

The crate in the pen or confined area is going to act as your puppy’s den. That will be his home within the home and is where he will sleep and go in and out of at will. But, he doesn’t know that yet. You don’t want to create the illusion that the crate is like a jail and that’s where he goes for punishment. Leave the crate door open whether he is in or out of it. You could also put a towel or cover over the top creating the illusion of privacy. He must consider that as his own private property.

For him to learn that, anytime you are going to give him a toy, a treat, or a stuffed toy put it in the crate and let him go in to get it. Initially, it’s not a bad idea to put a treat, or kibble in the crate and close the door, with him outside, of course. He will try to get into the crate to get at the food. What you are creating is a desire for him to “want” to go in so that you are not, in essence, forcing him to go in.

Take him out every hour.

Your little puppy, is an experienced “Pee & Poop Factory.” He will pee & poop all over the place. Don’t get angry, it’s only natural, he can’t help it and so far, nobody taught him the rules of the house.

The best thing that you can do, if you work, is to take at least days off and devote those days to your puppy. Take him out every hour to hour and a half. If you do this now, believe me, you will, shorten the time for housebreaking, save yourself a lot of anguish about his peeing and pooping all over the house, as well as saving your carpets and furniture from pee stains.

Using the above schedule, put his leash on and walk him outside. Go to a specific area and stand there while he sniffs around and does his business. Give him about three to five minutes and don’t take him for a walk beyond that particular area unless he eliminates. When he does, make a big deal out of it, “Gooood Boooy” or Gooood Giiirl”, pet him, play with him, etc., then take him for a walk. If he doesn’t do anything, you don’t do anything. Take him right back in.

By following this schedule for a few days, you will teach him that outside is where you go to pee and poop. You will find that gradually, he won’t do anything every hour and at that point you can extend the length of time between potty trips. This doesn’t mean that he won’t have accidents. Just like a human child, he has to learn how to control his bladder and that takes time.

Hopefully, by the time you go back to work, he will be better able to control himself, but more than likely, he will have accidents. It is a good idea to have someone come in to take him out, in order to maintain some sort of schedule.

Continued in Part 2.

Alex Armen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-do-i-do-with-this-puppy-700206.html

Congratulations! You just brought home your new puppy.

I can’t tell you how much pleasure it is to add a puppy to the family. If you have had dogs in the family before you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, get ready for one of the greatest experiences of your life.

You will sit there watching some of the silly and awkward things that he will do. You will see him learning to go up and down steps and then falling with a quizzical look on his face wondering what just happened. You will have a warm cuddly bundle of fur laying in your lap feeling as safe and content as anything you can imagine. Am I prejudiced? Absolutely!

But, let’s get down to reality.

A new puppy is a lot of work, however, if you start out doing it correctly, you will be rewarded a thousandfold and tremendously reduce the frustrating part of raising your new addition to the family. He is going to do just about everything that you don’t want him to do, so be prepared and you can’t get angry at him. He just doesn’t know the rules of the house, and that’s where you come in.

Make your preparations.

Before you actually bring your puppy home, do your homework and puppy proof the house. Set aside an area that will act as a mini home and play pen for him. As you can see in this picture, we have a gated area that contains a crate large enough for him to grow into (get a

crate that he will be able to stand up in when he is grown). Put an old bath towel, or something similar, in the crate so that he is not laying on a cold hard surface. The reason for the “old towel” is because he will probably have accidents and you won’t have to panic that he has ruined your new bath towel.

In an opposite corner of the pen lay enough newspapers on the floor so that they will absorb urine when he does have an accident. Give him a bowl, with a little water and next to his crate place an inexpensive and easily washable doggy bed. The reason I say inexpensive and washable, is because he will have accidents here too, and may possibly chew it up.

Get enough different types of toys to keep him occupied. You will be experimenting here until you find out what the most durable type of toys are for him. He may destroy some plushy toys, so you may need to use something stronger.

Definitely get some chew toys. Preferably, something like Nylabones as opposed to rawhides (rawhides should be used under supervision in case a piece gets caught in his throat). Kong type toys, that can be stuffed with treats, are also a must. These will help keep him occupied so that he doesn’t get too bored and start chewing up his bed, or wanting to jump out of his pen.

Leave the “Crate Door” open.

The crate in the pen or confined area is going to act as your puppy’s den. That will be his home within the home and is where he will sleep and go in and out of at will. But, he doesn’t know that yet. You don’t want to create the illusion that the crate is like a jail and that’s where he goes for punishment. Leave the crate door open whether he is in or out of it. You could also put a towel or cover over the top creating the illusion of privacy. He must consider that as his own private property.

For him to learn that, anytime you are going to give him a toy, a treat, or a stuffed toy put it in the crate and let him go in to get it. Initially, it’s not a bad idea to put a treat, or kibble in the crate and close the door, with him outside, of course. He will try to get into the crate to get at the food. What you are creating is a desire for him to “want” to go in so that you are not, in essence, forcing him to go in.

Take him out every hour.

Your little puppy, is an experienced “Pee & Poop Factory.” He will pee & poop all over the place. Don’t get angry, it’s only natural, he can’t help it and so far, nobody taught him the rules of the house.

The best thing that you can do, if you work, is to take at least days off and devote those days to your puppy. Take him out every hour to hour and a half. If you do this now, believe me, you will, shorten the time for housebreaking, save yourself a lot of anguish about his peeing and pooping all over the house, as well as saving your carpets and furniture from pee stains.

Using the above schedule, put his leash on and walk him outside. Go to a specific area and stand there while he sniffs around and does his business. Give him about three to five minutes and don’t take him for a walk beyond that particular area unless he eliminates. When he does, make a big deal out of it, “Gooood Boooy” or Gooood Giiirl”, pet him, play with him, etc., then take him for a walk. If he doesn’t do anything, you don’t do anything. Take him right back in.

By following this schedule for a few days, you will teach him that outside is where you go to pee and poop. You will find that gradually, he won’t do anything every hour and at that point you can extend the length of time between potty trips. This doesn’t mean that he won’t have accidents. Just like a human child, he has to learn how to control his bladder and that takes time.

Hopefully, by the time you go back to work, he will be better able to control himself, but more than likely, he will have accidents. It is a good idea to have someone come in to take him out, in order to maintain some sort of schedule.

Continued in Part 2.

Alex Armen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-do-i-do-with-this-puppy-700206.html

You could write letters to you local government leaders we call them members of parliament councillors here in UK. You may even want to write to other leaders in your country as well.

Get you friends to sign a petition. It won’t stop over night, but at least you are changing the way
people view things, which means you are helping your generation to think in a positive way.

You are not obsessive.. you are caring and kind hearted. I praise you for all your efforts.

You could also ask pet stores if they will put up any posters that you make.

A big well done to you.

You might want to get a name from these lists of dog names:

http://peewid.notlong.com

Congratulations! You just brought home your new puppy.

I can’t tell you how much pleasure it is to add a puppy to the family. If you have had dogs in the family before you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, get ready for one of the greatest experiences of your life.

You will sit there watching some of the silly and awkward things that he will do. You will see him learning to go up and down steps and then falling with a quizzical look on his face wondering what just happened. You will have a warm cuddly bundle of fur laying in your lap feeling as safe and content as anything you can imagine. Am I prejudiced? Absolutely!

But, let’s get down to reality.

A new puppy is a lot of work, however, if you start out doing it correctly, you will be rewarded a thousandfold and tremendously reduce the frustrating part of raising your new addition to the family. He is going to do just about everything that you don’t want him to do, so be prepared and you can’t get angry at him. He just doesn’t know the rules of the house, and that’s where you come in.

Make your preparations.

Before you actually bring your puppy home, do your homework and puppy proof the house. Set aside an area that will act as a mini home and play pen for him. As you can see in this picture, we have a gated area that contains a crate large enough for him to grow into (get a

crate that he will be able to stand up in when he is grown). Put an old bath towel, or something similar, in the crate so that he is not laying on a cold hard surface. The reason for the “old towel” is because he will probably have accidents and you won’t have to panic that he has ruined your new bath towel.

In an opposite corner of the pen lay enough newspapers on the floor so that they will absorb urine when he does have an accident. Give him a bowl, with a little water and next to his crate place an inexpensive and easily washable doggy bed. The reason I say inexpensive and washable, is because he will have accidents here too, and may possibly chew it up.

Get enough different types of toys to keep him occupied. You will be experimenting here until you find out what the most durable type of toys are for him. He may destroy some plushy toys, so you may need to use something stronger.

Definitely get some chew toys. Preferably, something like Nylabones as opposed to rawhides (rawhides should be used under supervision in case a piece gets caught in his throat). Kong type toys, that can be stuffed with treats, are also a must. These will help keep him occupied so that he doesn’t get too bored and start chewing up his bed, or wanting to jump out of his pen.

Leave the “Crate Door” open.

The crate in the pen or confined area is going to act as your puppy’s den. That will be his home within the home and is where he will sleep and go in and out of at will. But, he doesn’t know that yet. You don’t want to create the illusion that the crate is like a jail and that’s where he goes for punishment. Leave the crate door open whether he is in or out of it. You could also put a towel or cover over the top creating the illusion of privacy. He must consider that as his own private property.

For him to learn that, anytime you are going to give him a toy, a treat, or a stuffed toy put it in the crate and let him go in to get it. Initially, it’s not a bad idea to put a treat, or kibble in the crate and close the door, with him outside, of course. He will try to get into the crate to get at the food. What you are creating is a desire for him to “want” to go in so that you are not, in essence, forcing him to go in.

Take him out every hour.

Your little puppy, is an experienced “Pee & Poop Factory.” He will pee & poop all over the place. Don’t get angry, it’s only natural, he can’t help it and so far, nobody taught him the rules of the house.

The best thing that you can do, if you work, is to take at least days off and devote those days to your puppy. Take him out every hour to hour and a half. If you do this now, believe me, you will, shorten the time for housebreaking, save yourself a lot of anguish about his peeing and pooping all over the house, as well as saving your carpets and furniture from pee stains.

Using the above schedule, put his leash on and walk him outside. Go to a specific area and stand there while he sniffs around and does his business. Give him about three to five minutes and don’t take him for a walk beyond that particular area unless he eliminates. When he does, make a big deal out of it, “Gooood Boooy” or Gooood Giiirl”, pet him, play with him, etc., then take him for a walk. If he doesn’t do anything, you don’t do anything. Take him right back in.

By following this schedule for a few days, you will teach him that outside is where you go to pee and poop. You will find that gradually, he won’t do anything every hour and at that point you can extend the length of time between potty trips. This doesn’t mean that he won’t have accidents. Just like a human child, he has to learn how to control his bladder and that takes time.

Hopefully, by the time you go back to work, he will be better able to control himself, but more than likely, he will have accidents. It is a good idea to have someone come in to take him out, in order to maintain some sort of schedule.

Continued in Part 2.

Alex Armen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-do-i-do-with-this-puppy-700206.html

Congratulations! You have finally made the big commitment and brought an adorable new puppy into your family. Bringing your new puppy home marks the start of a long and rewarding companionship, but puppy ownership is not always unproblematic the first night. Your puppy is used to the company of his mom, brothers and sisters, and moving into an unfamiliar home with his new human family will require some adjustment.

First, you must decide whether you want your puppy and soon to be full-grown dog to sleep in the bed with you or stay in a separate bed in the floor or crate. Some people believe that allowing a dog to sleep in the bed leads to behavioral problems, but the decision is a matter of personal preference. Either way, it is a decision that requires commitment. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and being fickle about the boundaries will only lead to confusion for your puppy. Remember, if your puppy has the opportunity to sleep in the bed with you once, he will likely try to do so every night.

There are steps you can take before bedtime to make for a better nights sleep. Remove the puppys water and food bowls in advance, and have a good play session to wear him out before bedtime. And of course, always take your puppy outside to relieve himself right before turning in for the night.

If you intend to crate train your dog, the crate is an excellent place to establish his bed. Keeping the crate in the bedroom where you sleep may help eliminate or minimize your puppys crying. Keeping your puppy confined to his crate at night should also help with house breaking too, as dogs tend to naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas.

Many puppies whine the first night or so in their new homes, which can result in frustration for the new owner. Remember, your puppys first night at home with you is also his first experience separated from his mother and littermates, and instincts will lead him to cry in effort to reunite with them. Your reaction to the puppys crying will set the stage for his future behavior, so it is important to react appropriately to his cries. First, realize that your puppy may cry because he needs to use the bathroom. If he is quiet and then suddenly begins to cry, this may be the case. Young puppies in the two-month old age range need to use the bathroom about every three hours, so you will need to take your puppy out more than once during the night during the early months. Be sure to pick up your puppy and carry him outside to his spot so that he is not tempted to eliminate too soon in the house.

On the other hand, if the puppy has been outside recently and seems to be constantly crying for attention, it is important not to encourage this behavior. If he cries and you react by soothing and petting him, you can bet he will use crying as a tool to get your attention in the future. While it can be difficult to resist comforting your crying puppy, doing so will teach him that crying is not the trigger for attention. A firm no or quiet may help some puppies understand what you want them to do, but under no circumstances should you get angry and shout at the puppy.

From the first day you bring your new puppy home, a consistent routine should be established, and sleeping arrangements should be a part of the routine. Your puppy will soon be accustomed to his new home and bed, and will no longer cry during the night. Though the first few nights may be trying for a new puppy owner, establishing your expectations from the start will lead to a fulfilling relationship with your new best friend.

Dean Burton
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-first-night-with-your-new-puppy-464610.html