Puppies

A NEW PUPPY IN THE HOUSE?

Have you recently got a puppy or going to get a puppy soon? We want you to get the absolute best start with your puppy, so here's some tips and information we've gathered for you.

Be prepared to have at least these items ready for the pup:

• A soft adjustable harness
• A thin leash in nylon or leather
• Nail clipper
• Dog shampoo and conditioner 
• A cozy dog bed
• Food and water bowl
• Poop bags
• Dog food

VACCINATIONS

A responsible dog owner ensures that the puppy gets vaccinated. Puppy needs its first vaccination around 6 - 7 weeks of age and one at 12 weeks of age.  The vaccination around 6 - 7 weeks is often provided by the breeder. Be sure to receive a vaccination card from the veterinary, which states what kind of vaccination your puppy has been given.

PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING

When you bring your puppy into your home for the first time, the whole family needs to be patient with the puppy's training. A puppy who has just left the pack at the breeder, may initially feel insecure and afraid. It is important to make the puppy feel secure in a new home. The first few nights, you can sleep on a mattress next to the puppy or arrange a sleeping place for the puppy so that your hand is near, if the puppy gets worried.

In the beginning, your puppy will investigate all new things. They try and feel everything with their nose and mouth. If the puppy does something prohibited, you can distract the puppy, and give the puppy something to think about.

When you feel that your puppy shows confidence in you and falls asleep on your lap or next to you, you can try to touch its paws, claws and fiddling around its mouth. But vary with pats and kisses so that the puppy feels comfortable with the treatment, when you feel that your puppy accepts it, you can start brushing the coat with a soft brush and introduce the nail clipper. You can read more about nail clipping here.

HOUSETRAINING PUPPIES

A puppy usually needs to urinate immediately after a playtime or after it has woken up from a nap. Therefore, to avoid accidents inside the house, you should try to remember to carry the puppy outside after it has been playing, sleeping, and about 15 - 20 min after it has eaten. 

In the beginning, bring your puppy to the same general area every time. Make sure that the area is quiet and safe, so that the puppy doesn't get distracted. Remember to stay calm and give your puppy the time it needs to relieve itself. When your puppy finally pees or poops outside, reward the good behavior with a "good job!". It's important not to punish your puppy if an accident happens inside the house, as it creates negative association with puppy's bodily functions. By being patient and consistent with your daily routines, you will soon have a housetrained puppy.

BATHING YOUR PUPPY
It is wise to accustom the puppy to a bath as early as possible. If you wait too long, the dog may find bathing uncomfortable. Instead of forcing the puppy into the shower, tempt it closer with yummy treats and praises. Familiarize the puppy to water little by little, starting by just washing its paws. If you notice that your puppy feels comfortable with the water, you can gradually wet the puppy more, and reward it with praise throughout the whole procedure. You can read more about bathing here.