BRINGING HOME A NEW PUPPY

BRINGING HOME A NEW PUPPY

When adopting a new puppy it’s important to prepare your home in anticipation of their arrival. Similar to baby proofing a home, puppy proofing is needed for their safety and your sanity. Puppies are particularly curious and energetic and don't always know what to avoid. The first safety consideration is keeping chemicals & toxins away your puppies reach. Such items may include household cleaners, specific types of plants, alcohol, chocolate, and substances like antifreeze. Antifreeze is particularly dangerous to dogs. Even a small amount can be extremely toxic or fatal for your dog. Dogs & Puppies don't realize the danger, it's up to you to protect them. Another safety concern is electrical & power leads. Try to keep power leads hidden from your dog. Puppies will chew on power leads creating an obvious safety risk. Fragile or breakable items are things to keep an eye out for. An excited puppy can knock a favourite vase or frame off a table with one wag of their tail. Broken glass or ceramics may expose your puppy to injury from sharp edges & the destruction of your valuables can be avoided. It’s a good idea to keep sharp objects stored safely away from your dog. Keep in mind that puppies don't always behave as you wish (even when they become dogs). You may find your puppy outside or on a table if you turn your back for too long. This is another good reason to keep hazardous items stored safely. Some time spent protecting your puppy before their arrival can greatly increase the fun and enjoyment you have with them once they arrive.

The formative period for a dog occurs in its first year of life. The first few months account for a large part of this development. When puppies are born they are very reliant on their mother. Born with their eyes and ears sealed shut, they huddle near each other and their mother for warmth and food. During the first three weeks, puppies sleep 90 percent of the time and eat 10 percent. Healthy puppies are born pink and firm and gain weight rapidly. During the first month the puppy starts to develop their senses. Their eyes will open, teeth will start to come through and they will begin standing, walking, barking & wagging their tail.

Puppies begin socialization shortly before their second month. In the beginning they are primarily influenced by their littermates. Through playing and interacting, puppies learn about themselves and their surroundings. This type of learning continues for several months. Puppies are ready to be adopted around 8 to 10 weeks of age. At this point people are influencing them as much if not more than the other puppies. This is a good time to start the basics of training such as house training, as they are starting to gain physical coordination. They will also experience fear for the first time.

Between three and six months puppies will begin to develop pack behaviour. They will start to see their place within their social system. They will also start to develop their adult teeth and begin teething. Between six & eight months puppies will be influenced primarily by pack/family members & will chew as a way of exploring their territory. Most breeds will physically mature during this period, becoming an adult. Around 24 months (2 years) is the average most breeds will mentally mature.