So the big day has arrived! You're bringing home your first puppy. It sure is an exciting time, but man it can be scary too. Especially if it is your first kick at the k9 can. I remember each time I've experienced puppy's first day, just like it was yesterday, but each time my approach has been the same. Well not every time...my very first time was definitely a learning experience, but with every dog since I have used the same methods and practices.
You really need to start off on the right foot or paw so to speak. Ok, ok, enough of the puns.
But seriously, how you introduce your new friend to his new home is key to the whole relationship you, your family, and the dog that will form, grow and enjoy for years.
Iron Man
#1 Rule of owning a dog. You are the BOSS. This doesn't mean that you have to be mean or loud or rule with an iron fist, but you need the dog to learn that you expect obedience and that you are leading the dog. The dog never leads you. This needs to start on day 1 and should always be the way things are.
When you bring Puppy home be very calm and keep the excitement as controlled as possible. If you have children, chances are that they will be very excited, but you need to explain to them that Puppy needs to come in to the house calm and ready to learn. There will be plenty of time (years and years) to show Puppy tons of affection and enjoy play time.
The Second thing that Puppy needs to learn is that she only has access to parts of your home that you allow. In time you can introduce it to different areas of your home, but I feel the best place to start is the kitchen. Why? Kitchens usually have flooring that is easy to clean and there will be lots of cleaning until such a time as you have successfully housebroken Puppy. Oh right! I forgot to tell you what the First thing that puppy needs to learn is.
The First thing that Puppy needs to learn is where he will go to 'pee'. After a very scary ride home in a pet carrier or even a box, your new little puppy will probably need some relief. Take Puppy from the car/bus/boat or whatever vehicle you arrived in and lead or carry her to the spot in your yard or the nearby park where Puppy will now call 'washroom'. Allow some time for nature to kick in and once that happens you are ready and need to practice the #2 Rule of owning a dog. Be positive!! Let Puppy know that you are pleased that he pee'd in this area, and that will be ingrained in his mind for ever. Dogs love to please. When you show that you are pleased they will want to repeat the action that caused the praise. Be sure to give Puppy lots of opportunity to visit the bathroom. Dogs are also creatures of habit, so once it becomes a habit to do her 'business' in that area she will want to go there whenever the urge comes along and not on the kitchen floor.
So there you have it. The first day is looked after. (The first night is a whole other topic. - article to follow) The power does lie in the time when your dog is still a puppy. Set the expectations, show who is boss and create habits that will last forever.
How To Survive The First Day With Your New Puppy - Puppy Power Nelly Furtado - Spirit Indestructible Video Clips. Duration : 4.30 Mins.Rating:
Music video by Nelly Furtado performing Spirit Indestructible. (C) 2012 Interscope Records/Mosley Music Group LLC
Keywords: Nelly, Furtado, Spirit, Indestructible, Mosley, Interscope, Pop
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