Puppy Talk

5 Tips For Bringing A New Puppy Home

• Dale Buchanan • Episode 103

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Ready to make your home puppy-friendly and stress-free? This episode of Puppy Talk with Dale Buchanan offers invaluable tips you won’t want to miss. Learn how to create a safe haven for your new furry friend by puppy-proofing your space with essential items like outlet plug covers, cord hiders, and corner guards. Discover why a cozy and strategically placed crate is a must for your puppy's sleep, and how a designated eating and drinking station can set the foundation for good habits.

But that’s not all! Dale also dives into the importance of having the right grooming tools and a variety of stimulating toys to keep your puppy engaged and healthy. From Furminators to slow-feeding bowls, we cover all the must-haves. Plus, get expert advice on assembling a canine first-aid kit tailored for your new puppy’s needs. By preparing ahead, you’ll be able to invest your time and energy into bonding with your new companion from day one. Tune in for these indispensable tips and make your puppy’s transition to your home as smooth as possible!

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Speaker 1:

I'm Dale Buchanan, and this is Puppy Talk, the podcast that offers free advice and tips for raising a happy, healthy and obedient puppy. For more information on this podcast, visit us online at puppytalkpodcastcom. Welcome to Puppy Talk, episode number 103. I'm your host, dale Buchanananan, and today I want to talk about five tips for bringing home a new puppy. I get this question a lot from people who call me or email me and are getting ready to bring home a new puppy. They haven't hired a dog trainer yet, but most of the time they do hire me before they even bring the puppy home, and this is great because we can start working with this puppy right away to prevent any unwanted puppy behaviors.

Speaker 1:

The first item on the list is to puppy-proof your house. One of the first things you should do is make your living space safe and ready for a playful and curious puppy. Don't forget to keep all electrical sockets out of reach with outlet plug covers to prevent electrical shock. Electrical wires and device cords can also be dangerous if your new puppy chews them or trips and gets entangled in them. Use cord mates and wire hiders to keep everything out of the way. Puppies tend to stumble often, so a sturdy gate at the top of your stairs will prevent even the most persistent puppy from falling down the stairs. Sharp edges and furniture corners can also cause problems, so corner guards are essential for puppy-proofing your home.

Speaker 1:

Number two set up a sleeping space. Since new puppies sleep a lot 16 to 18 hours a day a comfortable puppy crate is necessary for a good night's sleep. The crate must be big enough for your puppy to stretch out and stand fully. Of course, you also have to account for its growing rate, so you might need to switch to a bigger crate later on. Pick a good crate without any sharp edges and place it strategically. You need a corner where your puppy can observe what's going on in the family and get some rest occasionally. A quiet corner in the living room or sitting room is ideal. Another good idea is to allocate a resting corner in parts of the house where you want your puppy to be close to you. A suitable, well-placed bed will be enough.

Speaker 1:

Number three prepare a drinking and eating station. Your puppy will require access to fresh water, so you need to place a drinking bowl close to the puppy crate. You must also train your puppy to eat slowly early on. It's a good idea to buy a high-quality slow-feeding bowl to avoid overeating and place it at the designated eating station, whether that be in the kitchen, the living room, etc. And place a second drinking bowl close to it, but not too close, because spilled food may dirty the water. Clean the bowls thoroughly before every meal, especially outdoor bowls, since they gather microbes and bacteria.

Speaker 1:

Number four Assemble your puppy care and grooming tools. Several tools and items will make caring for your puppy much easier. You will need a bathtub suitable for puppies and small dogs and a dental care kit with brushes and pet-safe toothpaste. You can choose from various brushes and combs for basic grooming, while a Furminator will help you deal with shedding. Lastly, assemble a canine first-aid kit to tackle emergencies. You can start with a quality commercial kit and add items suitable for dogs and puppies, such as canine pain relief, special bandages, a paw protection cream, etc.

Speaker 1:

Number five purchase a variety of high-quality toys. Your puppy requires a lot of attention and diversion. After all, a bored puppy is bound to get in trouble. To avoid many behavior problems, invest in some high-quality puppy toys to keep them entertained. These toys can also help you with training. They must be safe, durable and easy to clean. They must also offer enough mental and physical stimulation for a growing puppy.

Speaker 1:

Chew and squeaky toys can be a lot of fun, but you must also experiment with activity, puzzles and even treat toys. Your puppy's taste will evolve as it grows, so be sure to retire unplayed toys and introduce new ones. A Kong and Licky Mat are my preferred choices. Undoubtedly, bringing a new puppy home and raising it requires a lot of work and patience, as I've said in almost every podcast I've done since I started Puppy Talk. Getting all of your preparations out of the way before your puppy arrives means you can have some peace of mind, focus your time and energy on the puppy itself and fine-tune your training methods before you apply them. I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any questions, you can always reach me through the website at puppytalkpodcastcom. Have a great day.