Letter to a New Puppy Owner

Letter To A New Puppy Owner
By Leah Morse

Dear New Puppy Owner,

Now that you have fallen in love with the perfect little puppy that you have carefully considered breed, pedigree and the best breeder possible, or maybe have spent many hours roaming shelter kennel rows, please consider all that you have done to finally get the new little, furry bundle of joy. Make a commitment to your new charge that you will do all in your power to keep him/her safe from harm, safe from fear, safe from trouble and give him/ her the best home possible.

Learn all you can about puppies breed or combination of breeds before you pick puppy up. Know the hereditary diseases, behavioral tendencies and trainability. Learn any special care your breed might require such as keeping wrinkle folds clean on the bully breeds, grooming techniques for wire haired breeds, sun protection for the hairless breeds etc.

Start by having all you need already waiting for new puppy, set up and ready to go. Don’t skimp on something you think you will pick up the last minute. Have the food that the breeder was feeding and take your time switching him on to the best quality food you can feed, if there is to be a change in food. Have puppies potty area picked out, a crate for sleeping and protection from all that a young puppy can get into, food and water bowls (preferably ceramic or stainless steel for better sanitation), chew toys that can’t be destroyed, a leash and collar and bedding. Take a towel and some toys with to the breeder’s house to let the litter-mates play on and with so that it will pick up the smells of the litter so you can put it in his crate to help his transition. Plan to take a few days off so you can bond with puppy and help him/her acclimate to the new surroundings and get to know you. Plan out a routine for puppy to help with this transition.

See your vet as soon as possible but not later than 48 to 72 hours after receiving puppy. Have all the necessary health records available so that your veterinarian can make the best recommendations as to which vaccinations, de-wormings and other health related suggestions that are necessary for your puppy and your area that you live in. Many health guarantees are void if you don’t.

Don’t allow cute little puppy to do anything that won’t be allowed as an adult dog. Puppies can learn to not get on furniture, not jump or mouth you from day one. Don’t wait, curb these unwanted behaviors early. Potty training will come easier if meals are planned out as 3 or 4 a day as opposed to free feeding. Keep in mind that the toy breeds need to eat frequently as they can have trouble with keeping their blood sugar stable. Be patient and don’t give puppy too much freedom.

Don’t wait, socialize, socialize, socialize and then socialize some more. The best time to socialize your puppy is from 8 to 16 weeks of age, and then again after 5 months. Expose puppy to as many positive experiences as possible. All races, sexes and ages of people including those in uniform, different accessories (ladies with big hats, older people with canes etc) should be included in your process. Think about where you will take your puppy throughout his/her lifetime and expose your puppy to anything that they might come across. This means car rides, bicycles, traffic, parks; big box pet stores are a great place to do this. Remember keep it as positive as possible. If something might be scary or too loud start from a distance and increase your treats and praise as you get closer to the new item or person. If you are going to be around farm animals, include safe exposure of these animals and I do emphasize safety first here as all animals can be unpredictable. Don’t soothe a frightened puppy, act indifferent but praise bravery or curiosity. Soothing and comforting will only re-enforce the puppies fear.

Enroll your puppy in a great puppy class, this way your puppy will have a fun place to learn manners but also have a place to socialize with other puppies. Puppy class and will help to develop puppies communication skills. Even if you are the best dog trainer in the world, a puppy class is a great place for socialization. Check out local doggy daycares. Leaving puppy at a great doggy daycare helps socialize your puppy and renders your puppy tired at the end of the day and less likely to get into trouble.
Crate train your puppy. Don’t think cage, think playpen or crib. No one thinks twice about putting our children in a play pen or crib as these items protect baby from things that could cause harm. A crate, used correctly, helps potty train and also saves the carpet, furniture, your shoes etc. Besides, sometime in puppy’s life he will need to be used to being in a crate, kennel or cage, such as at the groomers or the vet.

Handle your puppy and get him/her used to having teeth, ears and feet handled. You will be cleaning those ears, brushing those teeth and trimming those nails. Get puppy used to this early for later success. Daily gentle handling exercises should be an enjoyable experience for both puppy and owner and will further the bonding process. Start grooming early. Brushes, clippers, scissors and combs can be scary things if you don’t know what they are. Schedule a meet and greet with a groomer you find by referral if puppy will be visiting regularly.

Take puppy to the vet when he or she does not need to go to just get treats, weighed and make friends with the staff. If you only go when puppy is having unpleasant things done, the vet and staff will become scary and a bad place. Most vets will happily participate in this.

Last but not least, please, please train your puppy. Think of your puppy as an ambassador for his/her breed. Prevent dog bites and phobias by socializing as much as safely possible. A trained dog is more of a joy to own and a trained dog enjoys life more as well.

Sincerely
Your Professional Dog Trainer
Caring and Concerned Breeder
Leah Morse www.rmclassiccanine.com

What do you think about a letter like this for future puppy owners? We would like to hear from you at live@dogdoctorradio.com
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Leah Morse is a certified canine trainer and the owner of Rocky Mountain Classic Canine. Leah writes a weekly blog for Denver Dog Works. Leah can also be reached through our website at http://www.denverdogworks.com