for healthy happy puppies
Preparing for your Puppy
Once you've decided on your puppy you need to make sure you have everything ready for his arrival. Conisder all his immediate needs - food, water, cllar and lead, bed and ID tag. Try srating off with our Essential Puppy Starter Kit, which contains all the basics for your puppy.
It is essential that your home environment is taken into consideration. Some alterations may need to be carried out to ensure that our home is safe and secure for your new puppy.When assessing your home for any dangers to your new puppy do so from floor level. Any possible dangers to your puppy should be eliminated.
Common household dangers to your puppy could include some of the following:
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Electric cables that a puppy may be able to chew
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Furniture that the puppy may be able to squeeze underneath and become trapped
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Objects that the puppy may be able to reach and chew or swallow (keep your puppy occupied with a selection of teething toys)
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Objects which could fall on the puppy within the house or garden
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Inadequate fencing in and around your garden.
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Ponds in the garden
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Your puppy falling or climbing the stairs (fit a gate to prevent this)
Prior to collecting your new puppy it is important to consider how you are traveling home so that a suitable crate can be purchased. It is imperative that during the journey that your puppy has access to fresh drinking water, so make certain that your crate is fitted with a travel water bowl.
Some dogs are prone to travel sickness, so it is important to make the car journey for your new puppy as comfortable as possible. Always remember to take extra care driving, be cautious around sharp bends and traveling up and down hills, open the car windows slightly to allow fresh air o circulate. Looking at the car window can bring on the feeling of nausea for many dogs, prevent this by keeping your puppy safe and secure in a covered portable crate.
In extreme heat, do not travel unless it is completely essential. It is imperative that your puppy has access to drinking water to ensure that he does not get dehydrated. It is also important that they are shaded from the sun; dogs can not regulate their body temperatures as efficiently as humans.
Training should begin from an early age so that they are not given the opportunity to develop bad habits. You can try using the 'Clicker training DVD' to teach your puppy the basic commands, such as sit, stay and roll over. The Clicker Training DVD is suitable for all the family to take part in.
It is important that you have the necessary grooming equipment; the equipment you require will depend greatly upon your chosen breed of dog. It is essential that you look after your puppy’s coat from a young age. If your puppy is introduced to the grooming process from the beginning it will be comfortable with being handled and will make it easier for the future. Always use a puppy shampoo as it is specially formulated, and is soft and gentle.