Bringing a puppy into your home can be an exciting adventure. If you've never owned a puppy though, the experience can be full of surprises. Those that have owned adult dogs may find themselves frustrated by the puppy stage, but you can make the experience more enjoyable. If you're at your wits' end, take heart. You and your new puppy can live in harmony, and your sanity can be saved.
Provide a cozy sleep environment with warm and familiar smells to help puppies go to sleep faster. Fill a crate with soft bedding and an old T-shirt. The T-shirt allows the puppy to smell you so that she doesn't become anxious. Add a hot water bottle to mimic the heat of her littermates and a favorite toy to keep her occupied.
Place toys in his bed and crate to prevent boredom. Offer treats to help prevent chewing and destruction.
Take the puppy out for a walk before bed to make her tired so that she sleeps better. Play games on the nights it's raining. Help her wind down for the night with fun activities.
Housebreak your puppy by taking him out each hour around the yard and praise him enthusiastically when he uses the potty. Also take him out immediately after mealtime to help prevent accidents.
Create a safe environment by blocking off other rooms with baby gates until the puppy is housebroken and no longer chews on foreign objects. Supervise her closely to ensure she stays safe in her environment and move power cords out of reach if your puppy is in the chewing stage.
Items You Will Need
- Crate
- Bedding
- Old T-shirt
- Hot water bottle
- Toys
- Dog treats
- Baby gate
References
Writer Bio
Amy Brantley has been a writer since 2006, contributing to numerous online publications. She specializes in business, finance, food, decorating and pets.