| When you first bring a dog into your home, you may | | | | habits. Afterall, they're going to be teething and the |
| be a little overwhelmed with what's required of you | | | | only way to sooth the discomfort of a new tooth |
| and the adjustments you have to make to your | | | | coming in is to chew on something. If you don't want |
| lifestyle. In some respects this is going to require | | | | that "something" to be your couch or the leg of a |
| more from you than a new baby would, afterall, a | | | | table, you better have some soft chew toys on |
| puppy comes into your house, not just crawling, but | | | | hand before you even bring your puppy into the |
| running. Additionally, a puppy is going to have to be | | | | house. Nylabone is a company that makes very good |
| taught boundaries and rules in a positive way and at | | | | chewables for dogs and puppies of all ages. For a |
| a level he or she will understand. | | | | puppy you're going to want to make sure you have |
| Before bringing your new addition home, get down | | | | one of the softer varieties. You may also want to |
| on all fours and crawl around your house, looking at | | | | offer a nice knotted rope that's designed for dogs. |
| things from the dogs perspective. Look for stuff to | | | | These are great for chewing on and even offer up |
| chew on and scratch at and then ask yourself if it's | | | | some "flossing" action. |
| ok if it gets destroyed. Of course, you don't want it | | | | Choosing the Right Food for your New Puppy |
| to get ruined, but you'd be amazed at what can | | | | A lot of dogs will deal with skin rashes and can have |
| happen when you turn your back on a puppy for | | | | an allergic reaction your basic run of the mill dog food. |
| more than a few minutes. Most importrantly, make | | | | Finding the right dog food may take some effort and |
| sure there's nothing that could be harmful to your | | | | experimentation. Some brands are designed for dogs |
| little one. Electrical cords as well as household cleaning | | | | that are susceptible to food allergies. Make sure you |
| supplies come to mind. | | | | watch for signs of hot spots or rashes and be ready |
| A Den for Your Dog | | | | to replace your food. This isn't the place to cut costs |
| Some people are reluctant to put their new puppy in | | | | since the right food may be a bit more expensive |
| a crate, thinking it's too much like a cage. The truth | | | | than you planned. Think about this before you bring |
| is, there will be times when your puppy will want the | | | | your new dog home. Don't ask the people at the pet |
| security of that crate. Remember, dogs are cave or | | | | store or even your vet as they're often swayed by |
| den dwellers and like the comfort of a nice place | | | | a nice rep from a particular brand. Instead, ask other |
| they can call home. You never want to use the | | | | dog owners what they're feeding and get online to |
| create as punishment for bad behaviour, but instead, | | | | do some research. |
| leave the door open, throw in an old blanket and | | | | Remember, your new puppy didn't pick you, you |
| some chew toys and let your new puppy get familiar | | | | picked him or her. Treat her with love and respect |
| with the new "den." A create can be one of the best | | | | and don't ever think of them as simply a "pet." Your |
| training tools you have at your disposal. Use it wisely | | | | new dog is a part of your family and you're now part |
| and often. | | | | of their "pack." Learn all you can about your breed |
| Your Dog Will Chew on Stuff | | | | and take your puppy out often to socialize. It will pay |
| If you're bringing a new puppy into your house, there | | | | a huge dividend in the years to come. Most of all, |
| is no way you're going to get around their chewing | | | | enjoy, take pictures and make memories. |