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- Have their home and yard made safe and “puppy proofed” whether we have a new puppy or adult dog- we must make sure they stay safe, and we need to think ahead to prevent issues!
- Use their Vari-Kennel crate for sleeping, and any time we want or need to safely confine them for short periods. Always make it positive and a pleasant place to be with a safe blankie, toy, treat. Baby gates and ex-pens can also be helpful.
- Take them outside often for potty breaks- go with them!- immediately upon waking, after eating and drinking, after playing, and constantly watch for potty behaviors so we can get them outside quickly! Always praise when they “do their business” outside.
- Take them to our vets for preventative health care, exams, vaccines, parasite checks, etc. and to discuss the best age for spaying/neutering.
- Feed a high-quality premium diet (2-3 feedings each day) and treats, and have fresh water available.
- Lots of DAILY exercise is a must! “A Tired Dog is a Good Dog”- leash walks, yard and home play, interactive toys, plus daily obedience training will help tire them out.
- When it is safe (ask our vet), take them out-and-about often for socializing and de-sensitizing- have them see and/or meet at least 100 people and 100 dogs in the first 100 days we have them.
- Touch and pet them all over their head and body, by calmly and happily stroking their faces and ears, opening their mouths, picking up their feet, touching their tails, etc., so they learn to easily accept petting and grooming and vet care.
- Keep a safe collar and tag on them 24/7, have them microchipped and keep the info current.
- Groom at least every week or two- brush, bathe, clip nails, clean ears, eyes, and teeth, and trim if needed. Handling them all over lets us check and make sure they are healthy!
- Give them lots of safe toys- we can rotate every few days, making them fun, interesting, and interactive.
- Keep them on leash when not in a secure area.
- Start small with basic obedience and good manners immediately! We must have a “Leadership Lifestyle”, be a “Kind, Calm, Confident Pack Leader”, and make life happy and fun!
