Getting Ready
for Your New Puppy
Planning and
Preparation
When joining
its new family, a puppy is embarking on the
biggest change it will probably encounter
throughout its life. The puppy will be
leaving the only home it has known, leaving
its mother and siblings behind. This is a
stressful adjustment for the puppy and the
adoptive family's job is to make it feel as
secure and comfortable as possible. While
it will be tempting to present your new
puppy to friends, family and neighbors, it
is important to wait for a little while for
your puppy’s “coming out” party.
It is best to
plan for a quiet and gradual introduction to
your home and to begin the processes of
feeding, crate-training and housebreaking
right away. It is generally best to start
your puppy off in a restricted area of your
home and allow it to become familiar with
that area. Gradually expand its range as
your puppy seems ready to take it on. Begin
housebreaking training immediately (see
Training Basics).
It will take your puppy up to a week or two
to settle into her new routine – please be
patient and place your puppy’s needs first
during this transitional period – it will
pay off for you and your puppy.
Don’t be concerned if your puppy seems to
require a lot of sleep. Sleep helps your
puppy to cope with the stress of change in
its environment. Other signs of stress may
include panting and stools that are somewhat
soft. This is not unusual and reflects a
reaction to stress. However, if these
symptoms do not go away within several days,
consult with your veterinarian.
Puppy Proofing Your
House for Safety
In addition to
preventive health care for your puppy, it
should be protected from potential safety
hazards. Electric cords, for example, can be
a hazard to the puppy and the family. To
help prevent fires from resulting from a
puppy biting into a cord, keep exposed lamp
cords and other wires as short as possible.
If extension cords must be used, tack them
against a baseboard or run them under
furniture so they cannot be played with or
chewed. In addition to placing the household
at risk, the resulting electric shock can be
fatal to a puppy.
Pesticides,
rodenticides, paint thinners, bleach,
cleaning fluid, disinfectants, drain
cleaner, moth balls, and detergents are
among the many household chemicals which
could prove poisonous to a puppy. They
should be stored in tightly closed
containers where the puppy cannot reach
them.
Herbicides present a threat after the lawn
has been sprayed with a weed killer. Keep
your puppy inside or in a restricted area
until the lawn is completely dry.
Antifreeze, containing the chemical ethylene
glycol, is a frequent form of pet poisoning.
Many pets are attracted to its sweet taste
and lap it up when spilled on the ground or
improperly stored. Containers should be
securely closed and stored in a place not
accessible to your puppy. Make certain your
puppy is not in the vicinity when antifreeze
is being drained, dispose of used material
promptly.
Among the drugs that can be dangerous to
puppies are overdoses of aspirin and the
aspirin substitute, acetaminophen; ingestion
of diet pills, sleeping pills and
tranquilizers. These and any other drugs or
any product with a label warning, “keep out
of the reach of children” should be kept out
of the reach of your puppy as well.
Puppies are
remarkably curious and quick. No matter how
well you have prepared your home, there is
no better safety measure than careful
supervision!
Remember
to always confine your puppy to its crate
when it cannot be directly supervised!!
Supplies and Equipment
Your puppy’s
transition will be eased if you are prepared
with the right supplies and equipment from
the very beginning. The following is a
suggested list of items to have in place
when you bring your puppy home.
Crates
Crates are available in several varieties:
molded plastic, wire and “soft” or fabric
crates. Any variety works effectively for
Labradors – however, the soft/fabric crate
is best left until your puppy has grown into
a reliable adult. The crate you buy for
your puppy should be able to house your dog
as an adult. In general, the crate
dimensions should be about 28" wide x 42"
long for an adult male and 24" wide by 36"
for an adult female.
Feed and Water Bowls
Stainless steel is a good choice for
functionality and value –
for feeding, a 2-quart stainless bowl and
for water, a 2-quart or larger stainless
pail.
Collars and Leads
An appropriately fitted collar and a lead
are necessary when taking your puppy
anywhere outside of a secure, fenced area.
Collars are
available in flat traditional or quick
release buckle and slip (or choke) collars.
Flat collars can be worn safely at all
times. Flat nylon collars are light-weight
and generally appropriate for puppies.
Adults may wear nylon or leather collars of
the flat or rolled variety. Choke collars
should be worn only for
training or walking sessions - they should
not be left on as they can catch and
strangle the dog.
The following
collars are recommended:
·
Puppy – a flat, nylon collar that is fully
adjustable with a quick release buckle (has
no preset holes) – usually the 10" to 14"
size fits.
·
Adult – flat nylon or flat or rolled leather
– usually 18" to 22" generally fits females
and 20" to 24" generally fits males.
·
Training or leash walking collar – nylon
slip collar recommended for dogs under 12
months old and a medium brass chain choker
is recommended for adults
The following
leads are recommended:
·
A 4’ to 6’ leather or nylon lead that is ¾”
wide is comfortable to the hand and sturdy
enough for an active puppy or adult and will
be appropriate for general walking and
training purposes.
·
A retractable lead is a nice alternative for
controlled exercise. They provide safe
control of your dog at all times, yet gives
her freedom. It expands and retracts with
the dog's movement and features an instant
brake control activated by a pull of your
finger.
Grooming Supplies
The following supplies will be needed to
groom your puppy’s coat a small slicker
brush and a steel pin-style brush. You will
need a nail trimmer. I use the guillotine
style trimmer, but other styles can also be
used. You will also need an ear cleaning
solution and gentle shampoo (use only
shampoos formulated for dogs, as others can
be too harsh).
Toys
– Labrador puppies are very playful and can
be easily entertained with a variety of
toys. As with young children, be sure that
toys do not have small, easily detachable
parts that the puppy could choke on. I
recommend Nyla Bones, latex squeak toys,
rubber bones and balls, Kongs and fake lambs
wool plush toys.
Pet Supply Sources
– Local pet stores, national chain pet
stores (Petsmart, PetCo), pet supply
catalogs and online sources are available to
supply your puppy’s products. Prices can
vary among the sources, so a little
comparison shopping can be advantageous.
The following sources may be helpful:
Large
retailers with local locations:
·
Petsmart (www.petsmart.com)
·
PetCo (www.petco.com)
Catalog/online
stores:
·
Doctors Foster & Smith (www.drsfostersmith.com)
·
KV
Vet Supply Company (www.kvvet.com)
·
PetEdge
(www.petedge.com)
·
Cherrybrook
(NJ) (www.cherrybrook.com)