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Your New Puppy and His Safety

Vet Office

Your puppy is not fully immunized until 4 months of age.  When taking your puppy to your vet, do not allow him to be placed on the floor of the waiting room.  Also, be sure to stay away from other dogs.  After your puppy has had his series of shots, it is Okay for him to be placed on the floor. 

Public Parks

Do not take your puppy to parks or public places until after he is immunized.  Do not allow him to play with strange, unvaccinated dogs. 

Collar Safety

Never leave a collar on your puppy where he could hook himself and choke.  Use a nylon or leather buckle-type collar until he is at least 6 months to one year old.  Be sure to check for proper fit.  Provide your puppy with a name tag that states his name, your name, address and phone.  The tag will be a good form of I.D. in case your puppy is ever lost. 

Stairs

Do not allow you puppy to climb stairs.  Pick your puppy up.

Children

Do not allow your children to pick up your puppy.  Have the child sit down on the floor with the puppy.  Children can be rough (and some adults too).  Do not pull or bend your puppy's ears or tail.  This could cause floppy ears or even break his tail. 

Dog Theft

People steal dogs.  Never leave your puppy unattended or in an area where someone could steal him.  If he has a kennel, or a fenced yard, when you are away, be sure to padlock the gate when you leave.

Play Time

Never play rough with your new puppy unless you want him to play rough when he is 90 pounds.  Never allow family members or friends to tease him or to play rough with him.  Provide your puppy with lots of toys such as old socks tied into knots, rubber balls, Kongs, fleece toys, Nylabones, hoses, etc.  When toys become unsafe, throw them away to keep your puppy from getting harmed.   Puppies can choke on rubber squeakers and small toys.  Tennis balls act as sandpaper on teeth and indestructible balls grind teeth.  Use toys as obedience tools. 

Training

Training should be a form of play.  Set aside 10 - 15 minutes each day to play/train your new puppy.  Start training your puppy a few days after taking him home.  The most important thing to teach your puppy is a reliable recall.  Your puppy should come to you the first time he is called.  Work on this routinely.  It could save his life and will make your life easier.  Never chase your puppy.

Puppy - Proof Your Home

Just as you do for a human child.  Puppy proof your home before you take him home.  Don't wait until your puppy gets into trouble.  Prevent it.  Tape electrical cords and wires to walls, gate off stairs, lock up chemicals and medications. 

Poisons

 Antifreeze is lethal in any amount.  A teaspoon can kill your puppy.  Worse yet, it tastes sweet so your puppy likes it.  Even adult dogs die from antifreeze.  Many household plants can be deadly.  Keep a list of poisonous plants handy.  Bakers chocolate can also be harmful to dogs.

Aspirin

Buffered aspirin is Okay to give your dog for aches and pains.  Check with your vet for proper dosage.  Never give your dog Tylenol or Advil.  These products can be deadly. 

Housebreaking

The best method for housetraining is to use his crate at night or when you are not at home.  See the article on Crate Training on the informational page of  www.thetotalcanine.com.  The three magic times they have to do their "duty" are after they eat, play, or sleep.  Be sure to take your puppy out immediately after each.  Watch your puppy at all times. The less mistakes, the quicker he will learn.  The first few weeks take him outside every hour to the same area.  When he does his duty, give lots of praise and come back inside immediately.  Remember, the key here is to praise after each successful trip and its a business trip.  Don't turn it into a play trip.  If you do, he will manipulate you for life.  There's a time for business and a time for play.  Mistakes ( messes); Never punish the puppy.  Do not yell at, hit, or rub his nose in it.  If you catch your puppy in the act, say a firm NO. Take the puppy outside to finish, and praise him.  Do not use newspaper in the house for house breaking.  You will be teaching the wrong message.  Remember, if your puppy has an accident in the house, it is your fault not his.  Also see housetraining hints earlier in this document.

General

Please remember never to leave your puppy unattended.  Always keep your eye on him just like a toddler.  Two minutes out of the room can mean big trouble.  When you shower, crate him. 

If you ever have any questions or problems with your pet during any stage of his life, please feel free to call us or contact us through our website.   We will always do our best to help you.