April 2019 - New Leash on Life

Pam Culver
April 8, 2019

Introducing a new dog into your home.

Introducing a new dog into your home

When it comes to getting a new dog, you need to think of the basic needs of having a dog. In one of the blogs, we talked about finding the right dog for you and your family. (newleashdogrescue.com/finding-the-perfect-dog-for-you/) Now that you have found the right dog now and ready to bring him home it’s time to prepare.

1. Gathering Supplies

Some things your going to need for a dog is Food and water as well with sperate bowls for these. New bed, collar, leash, and a dog kennel. If you have another dog at the home already you should get a separate bed for the new dog and bowls, so they don’t get mad when the other dog is using their own personal items.

2. Potty training

When it comes to potty training you may want to invest in puppy pads. These pads here will absorb all the moisture, so you don’t have to clean up or have it stain the floor. Another thing you may want to consider is finding a specific area for your dog to go potty outside. When they get in the habit of a specific area to relieve themselves they will get in the habit and know when they are over there, its time to go potty.

3. Kennels

Your new dog will need a space where he feels safe. Setting aside one room that contains his kennel, food, water, and a comfortable area to lay down.

4. Dog outdoor activities

Walking the dog is a thing that most new pet owners will know about but doing more than just walks outside is vital into keeping the dog happy. One thing you can do is go to a dog park and let your dog meet new dogs and become comfortable with new dogs.

Man walking his pet dog

5. Letting your dog explore the home

This part here is crucial. When you get a new dog and bring them home, the first thing you want to do is let them have full range of the house. Wrong, what you want to do is guide the dog through each room for about 20 mins, this way they can get used to their new surroundings. If the dog seems overwhelmed limit them to one room for a day. One more important thing so to make sure they always have access to their kennel.

Letting your dog explore the home 1 room at a time for about 20mins.

6. Rewarding the dog for good behavior

When the dog does something that you want to see him/her continue to reward them! By giving them a treat or even a bone you show and make it a constant thing, they will continue as they want another treat. Eventually, when they get in the habit of doing this activity you can stop giving treats and maybe just pet them if you want to stop giving treats.

7. Ignore accidents for the first several days

Your new dog has been having accidents for the first couple of days. Whether this is potty or if you don’t want them on the furniture you need to train them and not discipline the new dog. By punishing them you will only make the confused and distress the new dog. Be sure to take them out to the toilet area often to help potty accidents.

How to puppy proof your home.

So, you (finally) got approved to adopt/foster your dog. You think you have finally made it and have a bed and some dishes waiting for him and all you need to do is bring him home, right? Not exactly, maybe you have already gotten necessary supplies to take care of your new furry friend, but you need to prepare for your dog to get into EVERYTHING. So, now you need to puppy proof. Here are some steps you can Puppy being playful take to ensure a safe environment for your dog to thrive in.

5 Puppy Proof Tips

Make sure the trash is out of reach.

This one is especially important because everything that we think to be trash goes in the trash which means there is no way anything in there is good for your dog. There are a lot of intriguing smells coming out of there too so don’t trust that your dog is going to leave it alone, it isn’t going to happen. As soon as the opportunity arises, they will jump in there to get anything that sparks their interest. Therefore, it is important to keep it out of their reach. I use my pantry but under the sink works as well and any other creative ideas you may have.

Contain or cover your cords.

If you have a super chewer like I do you know that they will put anything and everything in their mouths for fun. This includes electrical cords which can be very dangerous as you can imagine, especially when they become exposed. The best way to keep your dog from them is to get cord covers or deterrent spray.

Make sure personal bags are out of reach.

Think of how many possible toxins are in your purse or bag right now… deodorant, lipsticks, aerosol sprays, snacks… if you put within reach, they will get to it. It is important you don’t let them get ahold of these things because they can be very toxic to your dog. Zipping your bags shut (or however you close your bag) is a good way to keep them from getting in but just in case they chew their way in, try a coat rack or a coat closet.

Store medications.

Talk about potential toxins. There are very few medicines we humans can take that dogs can so if you have it, it is most likely they can’t. Try putting all your medications and vitamins in a cupboard of some sort so your furry friend can’t get to them

Store your cleaning products.

Same message as above with your medications. The only exception is that cleaning products have even more harmful things that can do a lot of damage to both us and dogs. The difference is, is that we know not to consume them however dogs don’t. This is why it is important to put them out of reach where they can’t get ahold of them.

Once you check these tasks off the puppy proof list, you officially ready to bring home your new family addition!

Archives: April 8, 2019