New Puppy = New Love!
Nobody will ever greet you with as much enthusiasm, give you as much unqualified love, or be more loyal than your new dog. However, the key to these rewards lie in being prepared to help your new furry family member adjust successfully to your home.
Before your new puppy or dog arrives, there are important things you will need to help ensure a smooth transition. Just like any new baby, your home should always provide a safe environment by ensuring that anything which is potentially dangerous is out of reach. Along with your safety precautions, the following five items can help ensure your four-legged friend is comfortable and happy in their new home:
1. A dog crate and bed – These will provide a safe place for your puppy to rest and to sleep, but the door can be left open when you're home. The crate should be large enough to allow your pet to stand in it and turn around easily, and should always contain a comfortable bed. Although you will want to make sure to take him outside to relieve himself, a crate also makes housetraining and obedience-training easier as he won’t want soil his own space.
2. Grooming supplies - Like humans, your dog will thrive on the physical contact a soothing massage, gentle grooming session, or extended petting time. Brushes, combs, doggy shampoo and conditioner, nail clippers, dog toothpaste and toothbrush, and cotton balls or gauze for ear cleaning will all allow you show him how much you love him while keeping him healthy and clean.
3. A collar or harness and leash with an identification tag – To take your furry friend on walks outside, you will want to be in control. Collars and leashes are available in a wide variety of materials, but an adjustable collar made of nylon or soft leather that can grow with your puppy is ideal. Simply make sure that you can comfortably put a couple of fingers between the collar and his neck and then check the fit regularly. You may prefer a harness for some small breeds with delicate necks.
4. Healthful food along with food and water bowls - Consult a veterinarian about your dog’s healthy diet. He might need a special food for allergies or weight management. Consider stainless steel for his food and water bowls as it is durable, lightweight to carry, and easy to clean.
5. Healthy treats – You will want a good supply of healthy treats. Dogs love to chew and a teething dog will chew anything. To protect him, ensure he is never alone with anything that could choke him or splinter in his mouth. To protect your shoes and furniture, provide healthful chews for your puppy instead. In addition to providing long-lasting stimulation, chewing also helps reduce plaque and tartar for cleaner teeth and fresher breath. Reward, occupy and entertain him with the tasty beef flavor and chewy goodness of Nature Gnaws’ Small Bully Sticks. Made with 100% all-natural beef, these high protein, grain-free chews have no additives or artificial ingredients.
Discover more about the safe and healthy alternative to chemically-made rawhide bones or manufactured dental sticks at www.naturegnaws.com.
