![]() This way, downstairs is his domain, and when we go up to bed he knows it’s time to tuck into his own. We made the decision from day one not to let Vinnie upstairs to access the study and bedrooms. If you’re working from home in your study like me, although your dog might be a welcome distraction for your colleagues on Zoom, having them lingering and pawing at you when you’re trying to get stuff done can be stifling. This one is about keeping them safe, yes, but it’s also for your own sanity. ![]() Royal Canin has a full list of all the essentials you’ll need, I highly recommend checking it out. ![]() ![]() You also want to ensure their water and food bowls are in a convenient location, like the kitchen or laundry. Vinnie in his bed (yes, we chose to crate train. Once the basics are taken care of, you can starting decking out the puppy’s space with a comfy bed and lots of toys (hooo boy, you’re going to need toys.) Ensure you’re not exposing your dog to any poisonous plants they might be interested in eating, and look out for garden implements or small bits of rubbish that, again, are going to end up in their mouths.įor more information on the specific hazards that might be lurking in your home, check out this comprehensive guide from Royal Canin. The same goes if you have a balcony or garden. You’ll want to secure and doors or windows, put away electrical sockets or cords (they WILL find them and they WILL chew them), and ensure there’s no way they can get into cleaning or medicine cupboards. Because it’s easy to forget this step when you’re running around cleaning up accidents and trying to stop them nipping at your ankles on day one. “Puppies are naturally curious and inquisitive, so it’s imperative to make sure you puppy proof the inside and outside of your house - you’d be amazed what trouble puppies can get into,” Dr Porter says. So you want to ensure they’re comfortable and able to settle into their new space. Keep in mind they'll be getting used to a completely new environment, away from their mum, along with the stimulation that comes with meeting family members - whether human or animal. This is one of the most important steps in preparing for your dog. With these five commandments of puppy ownership, you should feel a little less of the overwhelm and a lot more ready for the good stuff. “To make the experience better for everyone, it’s a good idea to have done plenty of research and to have the key essentials ready.” “When you first bring your puppy home, it can be a big change – for you and for them,” Dr Porter told Mamamia. Veterinarian Dr Ben Porter knows what it feels like to want to set your pup up for success, but not know exactly where to start. I’d also been warned multiple times that we had a few crucial weeks to do the right things to avoid turning our new addition into a tiny monster. I did my research, but with SO much information out there (hi, endless Reddit threads about dog training) it was hard not to feel overwhelmed. My partner has owned dogs before so had more of a “he’ll be right” attitude, whereas I’m a first-time dog owner and more of a planner.īefore we picked Vinnie up, my brain was buzzing with questions: Should we crate train? Will we introduce wet food or keep him on dry? How do we avoid separation anxiety if we’re at home all day? With more time at home and some forced savings from a cancelled wedding and overseas trip, the timing just felt right.īut I’d be lying if I said we went into pet ownership knowing exactly what we were in for. Yes, we’re one of the many Australian families who got themselves an ‘Iso puppy’ this year. His name is Vinnie, he likes long walks around the kitchen, tummy rubs and chewing the furniture. Last month, my partner and I welcomed an eight-week-old golden retriever puppy into our home.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |