Things You'll Need:
- Dog Beds
- Dog Bones
- Dog Collars
- Dog Dishes
- Dog Food
- Dog Leashes
- Dog Toys
- Dog Treats
- Doghouses And Doors
- Pet Doors
- Pet Crates
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Step 1
Collect supplies for your new puppy or dog: a comfortable bed or crate, dog food and treats, food and water dishes, toys, a collar, a leash and an identification tag.
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Step 2
Dog-proof your home. Check and repair any damaged fencing, gates, doors, windows or screens. Place poisons out of reach, remembering to check behind the fridge for small objects or forgotten rat or mouse poison (see related eHow 'Protect Dogs and Cats From Household Dangers').
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Step 3
Pick up your puppy or dog at a time when you or someone else will be around the house for a couple of days.
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Step 4
Introduce the newcomer to other pets and family members, and then let him explore the house.
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Step 5
Supply a nice, plush bed or a cozy crate. Consider placing the bed or crate in an area where your new pet can keep an eye on you when he beds down.
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Step 6
Take your puppy outside to relieve himself after meals, after playtime, upon waking and, if necessary, every 15 minutes. Adult dogs can wait 2 hours or longer.
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Step 7
Listen for your puppy's cues that he needs to relieve himself in the middle of the night. It may take a while before he can sleep through the night without a potty break. Remember, it was your choice to get this puppy (see related eHow 'House-Train Your Puppy').
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Step 8
Play with your pet on and off throughout the day.
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Step 9
Take your pet to a veterinarian for a checkup and vaccinations as soon as possible.
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Step 10
Obtain a license from the proper agency (see related eHow 'License Your Dog').
Comments
ynohtna said
on 7/6/2009 Great pet info thanks!
lezsays said
on 4/20/2009 This is very helpful advice!
lezsays said
on 4/20/2009 This is very helpful advice!
Duckwax said
on 10/1/2008 When pet proofing your living space, dont forget HOUSEPLANTS. They just sit there quietly, and you may not think of them, but to a chewing puppy, many houseplants can be lethal, even a single leaf. Give your new friend the best start, and make sure they have chew toys available, and move houseplants out of reach. Watch closely when they are in the yard, as many outdoor plants also can harm them. Always secure them inside when mowing or weedeating in the yard, as flying debris from lawn equipment are just at the same height as thier eyes and bodies. And ALWAYS secure pools and ponds around young animals.They may swim but be too small or weak to climb out after a dip and drown from exhaustion.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 Confine the new dog into a single room area with a baby gate separating him from the others. This allows visual contact and the opportunity to sniff. Do this over the course of a few days, taking time to put him one on one with the others in the yard area - under your watchful eye for any body language which might signal trouble. In no time, he will find his place in the pack. I have done this with each new introduction of my five dogs, all males, and I have never had a problem. They all know of course that I am the alpha female and undisputed leader of the pack.