Getting a new puppy? How to prepare for the arrival of your new puppy

One of my best loved shows on TV is The Dog Whisperer. The reason is that I myself grew up with dogs in the house and I also ensured that my children grew up with dogs. It is therefore quite obvious that I am a dog fan and lover.

But one thing that is true; only get a dog as a pet or even as companion or friend when you are fully committed to look after the dog and are prepared to accept responsibility for its well-being. Once you as family have decided on a dog as pet and also the breed you want (this must be a collective decision as all must be on board to take care of the dog as a unit) and you have ordered or arranged for the dog, you must prepare for its arrival and initiation into its new family clan:

1.       The need for toys: Make sure there are enough canine toys to keep it busy. Doing this will prevent frustration and anger towards the puppy later on as it is natural for a puppy to chew on anything or play with anything. Having enough toys of its own, it would leave your slippers or the newspaper intact!

2.       Feeding: Obtain professional advice before hand on the feeding and nutritional needs of your specific breed of dog.

3.       Sleeping quarters: Yes, a dog must have its own sleeping and bedding arrangements. A general mistake is made when due to the cuteness and cuddliness of a new puppy; everyone wants it to sleep on the bed with them. As soon as the dog is grown up or old news then it has to move out of the house. Then the howling every night, whole night through will drive you and your neighbours crazy.

4.       House training: The new puppy must be house-trained so that it will know what its role and place in the house is; where may it be and which places are out of bounds.

5.       A name for the puppy: The name must be a collective decision of the family and the entire family must assist in conditioning the puppy with its name.

6.       A vet for the puppy: You must have a vet you can use for normal health issues and vaccinations as well as emergency procedures when your puppy needs it.

7.       Puppy- proof your home and garden: This is important to keep your puppy safe. It is also important to isolate no-go areas for the puppy in the house and in the garden. A puppy is very inquisitive and will investigate everything; especially all flower and vegetable patches!

Remember, that new, wriggly, kissy, bundle of fun can become your worst nightmare if you do not take control and charge from the beginning. If not, you will need more than a Dog Whisperer!

Daniel