I Just Got a Pup Now What

December 1st , 2012

I Just Got a Pup....Now What?

By Devlyn Stubbs (Dog Behavioral Therapist)

My name is Devlyn Stubbs. I am the co-owner and Dog Behavioral Therapist at Stubsdale Dog Care Center. We are dedicated to providing quality services and products. We are full service training, grooming, and boarding facility located in Stapledon Gardens, Nassau Bahamas.   In this article I will focus on the key points to consider before adding a new pup to the family.

The big day is here and you are on the way home. The family is excited as you lift your puppy from the car. You can’t help but ask yourself, what to do next? You may have unexpectedly acquired your new pet as a rescue animal from a local shelter, as a gift, or by some other unforeseen scenario. Unfortunately for some when the novelty of a cute and cuddly pup wears thin, they are surrendered to shelters, neglected or even worse.     To help prevent this from happening, I suggest educating yourself by consulting professionals, reading books, and speaking with experienced dog owners. Once you have chosen a breed that is compatible with your family, hopefully from your local shelter, schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian. A good introduction to your home for your new pup makes for a joyful family experience, and in the long term good preparation will ensure a smooth transition for you and your pup.

You are encouraged to set boundaries in the home. The tendency at first may be to give too much freedom. By this I mean unsupervised time roaming. 

You must schedule time for:

• Feeding 
• Potty 
• Exercise
• Obedience Training
• Walks
• and Play. 

When your pup cannot be supervised place them in a crate or selected area. Taking your pup for regular walks is very important. Ultimately, walking your pup helps to build your relationship, and set the stage for a well-balanced life. Walks are beneficial for various reasons: 

• To burn energy 
• Obedience training 
• Bowel movements 
• and To mark territory. 

 Here are some of the immediate things you will need: 

• Crate 
• Leash & Collar 
• Feeding & Water Bowls
• Shampoo
• Flea & Tick Treatment
• Teething Toys
• Cleaning Products
• Grooming Brush
• and Treats for Training.  

In preparing for your new pet, having a routine for feeding, potty time, exercise, and training, provides a framework for good communication. Some key considerations include 

• The sharing of responsibilities, 
• How the pup will impact your daily schedule. 
• Whose job is it to train the pup? 
• Which commands will we use? 
• Who is responsible for feeding in the morning and at night? 
• Whos going to puppy-proof the home? 
• When do we schedule potty and exercise?  

The importance of planning these details cannot be underestimated.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Dogs are social animals that require our love and affection. Lets not however underestimate their other needs such as a healthy diet, routine, play, exercise and discipline. When one of these is over or under emphasized we create an imbalanced dog. By spending time with your pups and seeking to better understand them, you can strengthen your bond, leading to a long happy life together. 

Stay tuned for more informative articles on dog training and life with your four legged friends!

Thanks for reading....

Devlyn