PUPPY MEETING OTHER FAMILY PETS

Here are some tips to follow to help your puppy meet your resident pets:

• Keep the new puppy separated from the resident pet/s for the first few days.
• Introduce the resident pet/s to the puppy gradually.
• Keep your new puppy safely and crated or behind a gated room/doorway as you supervise the first meeting.
• After several days of sniffing each other, allow your resident pet entry into the den while your new puppy is out of his/her crate.
• Continue to supervise these interactions until it is safe to allow them to play without supervision.

PUPPY MEETING THE CHILDREN!

With supervision, and during scheduled routine play times, encouraging your children to play with your new puppy. Set playtime limits - 15 to 20 minutes two to three times a day. During these play times, establish some ground rules as follows:

• Be gentle, no rough playing or rough teasing.
• No shouting at the new puppy, even if he/she does something wrong as dogs can be startled by loud noises.
• Instruct your kids against tail-pulling which can lead to behavioral issues on your pet such as jumping.

WELCOME YOUR PUPPY HOME!

Now you are the parent to a new puppy or new adult dog!  Introduce your new puppy to his/her new surroundings. At his/her young age, your puppy is more like an infant than a pet who will need plenty of supervision, love and patience from you! Here are some tips to help your puppy adjust...

• Bring your new puppy home when it's quiet and without company or commotion in the house. Wisely, choose a time when your routine is normal.
• Show your new puppy the designated area of your yard that will be his/her bathroom before bringing him inside; take him/her there whenever he goes outside.
• Give your new puppy his/her own room where you can keep his/her crate, complete with bedding and chew toys.
• In the beginning, leave the crate's door open to help him/her feel safe in his/her "bed".
• Put down newspaper or old towels for accidents.
• Supervise your new puppy at all times, and schedule play or walk time with him/her several times a day; this will help establish yourself as the pack leader.

CHOOSING A PUPPY NAME

Here are a few tips to consider before naming your new puppy...

• Names should be short: A two-syllable name is best because it's brief and won't be confused with one-syllable commands such as "no" or "sit."
• Be consistent: Everyone in the family or those who interact with the puppy daily should address the puppy with the same name - Avoid using confusing nicknames or variations.
• Reward your new puppy's recognition of his/her name with lots of praise, play, or some training treats!

TIPS ON PUPPY PROOFING YOUR HOME

Congratulations on your new puppy or adult dog!

Here are important tips to help keep your new pet safe:

• Hide or cover electrical cords to prevent puppy from chew on them. 
• Safely store and keep antifreeze, engine oil, laundry detergents and lawn chemicals out of puppy's reach.
• Keep household cleaners and chemicals out of puppy's reach. 
• Store breakable items safely and out of puppy's reach. 
• Keep children's toys off the floor, certain parts may be small enough for your puppy or dog to swallow.
• Restrict access to plants that are dangerous to dogs such as poinsettias, azaleas, oleander and English ivy, rhododendrons, dumb cane, Japanese yew, just to name a few.
• Use a protective fencing or covers if you have a pool or a hot tub.