Puppy Video - How to Care For Puppies

Posted by Clare Bristow

This puppy video gives a good overview of the basics of new puppy care, and is a good reminder of all the things you need to think about - bedding, toilet training, diet, grooming, playing and health issues.

The video runs for 4:59, and the dachshund puppies in the video are very cute!

VideoJug: How To Care For Puppies

Here are 5 good tips from the video:

Take one of your blankets to the breeder/rescue center a few days before bringing your puppy home so he gets used to sleeping on it and so he will have something that's familiar to him when you bring him home;
Take your puppy outside to go to the toilet frequently, particularly straight after meals and as soon as he wakes up;
Get your puppy used to being handled by picking him up and gently running your hand over his head, body and legs;
When your puppy is tired and sleeping in his bed (or crate), don't disturb him - teach your puppy that his bed is a safe place he can go to and won't be disturbed; and
Groom your puppy every day - not only will it help the two of you bond but you can check his skin and coat for any health problems at the same time.

Keywords: new puppy care, puppy care, puppy video

Filed Under Puppy Videos, Puppy Care, Blog

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New Puppy - deciding on the boundaries in your house

Posted by Clare Bristow

puppy-asleep-on-sofa Your new puppy will look to you for leadership and guidance, and if he thinks you are not up to the task will try and take on the role himself. Don't be put off by his size - very small puppies can easily assume the role of leader! Acting decisively and consistently are traits found in a good leader, so your puppy should see you doing this as often as possible.

Doing what may seem like a small thing to you - such as where you put your puppy's food bowl every time you feed him - has huge significance for your puppy. Puppies like having clear guidelines to follow, and for the rules to be the same every time they do something. There's nothing more confusing and stressful for a puppy than to have a new set of rules every day.

Before you bring your [tag]new puppy[/tag] home, think about where you want him to sleep, eat and play. Your puppy will provide you with enough distraction without you having to think these things through once he arrives - and you'll be able to act decisively and consistently because you will know in advance what you want him to do.

So, take some pressure off yourself and plan the following before you bring your new puppy home, it won't take you long to do:

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Keywords: bring home a puppy, new puppy, prepare for puppy, puppy care

Filed Under Getting Ready for Your New Puppy, Blog

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How to Puppy Proof Your Home

Posted by Clare Bristow

beagle-puppy-chewing-a-shoe Puppies are naturally very inquisitive and, combined with a huge amount of energy, can get themselves into trouble and/or cause a great deal of destruction in a very short space of time.

To keep your puppy safe, and help you retain your sanity in the first few weeks after you bring him home, it pays to spend some time 'puppy proofing' your home prior to his arrival.

It doesn't take too long to do and the best way to do it is by looking at your house through the eyes of a puppy. Try getting low down on the floor and looking around you, pretend you are in the house for the first time - you'll notice lots of interesting things to investigate, and many could cause serious injury, or prove fatal, if your puppy gets hold of them and starts chewing.

Here is a list of some of the common indoor hazards your puppy could encounter on a daily basis and many of them apply to a dog of any age:

Check to see if you have any houseplants that are known to be toxic to dogs; if you do, either replace them or put them somewhere where your puppy either can't reach them or pull them down from the place you've put them.
Some of the more common poisonous plants are azalea, lilies, ivy and begonias;
Electrical cords can prove fatal if they are chewed - run any visible cables under the carpet, tidy up and conceal surplus wire behind furniture where possible and consider using plastic cable covers or plastic tubing to cover any exposed cables;
Small objects left lying around can cause all sorts of problems such as choking, poisoning and intestinal blockages - children's Lego, sewing kits, yarn, pencils, pens, items of clothing are all items you need to be aware of and tidy away;
Many medications, cleaning products, human food and tobacco products can be toxic to dogs. Keep medicines and cleaning products shut away in cupboards or on high shelves. Ensure food and tobacco products (cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine patches and gum) are also well out of reach. Do not underestimate your puppy's ability to jump up and take things off low tables and shelves;
All types of fires can be dangerous, so fence your puppy off from them with a baby gate or fire guard;
Trash cans are another potential hazard and I suggest you either put them in a cupboard or buy a strong fitting lid for them. I had to brick on top of my trash can to stop Zoe rummaging around in there! and
Keep toilet lids down and don't leave bathtubs and sinks full of water - all are potential drowning hazards for your dog.

More generally, when inside with your puppy:

Do not leave leave your puppy in a room un-supervized; if your attention is needed elsewhere, it's a good idea to put him in a small playpen with a few safe toys to play with;
When he's in a room with you, keep windows and doors shut, or closed off with a screen or gate, so he can't wander off and get himself into trouble in another room of the house or outside;
Close off stairwells, porches and raised decks with a screen or gates.

I still keep most of the items listed above out of the way of Fritz and Zoe because it's become a habit - the house looks a great deal tidier too!

Keywords: dog safety, getting ready for new puppy, Getting Ready for Your New Puppy, puppy care, puppy proofing, toxic for dogs

Filed Under Getting Ready for Your New Puppy, Blog