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Prepare Yourself
It is important for us at
Mockingbird Hill to have our puppies go to the right homes.
When we place a puppy in a new home, we want it to be a part of
your family forever. Here are
a few tips provided by the American Kennel Club to help you understand the
commitment that you face as your new family member enters your home.
Get Ready
1.Prepare
Yourself
Get ready for your new friend before you bring him home, to make sure the
transition will be as smooth as possible. Buy food, treats, a collar and leash,
toys, grooming tools and other necessities in advance so your dog or puppy will
have everything he needs.
2.Make
a Schedule
You and your family members should decide who will be responsible for food,
water, walking, exercise, clean-up and grooming. Post a schedule of tasks in a
visible area of the house to remind everyone of their responsibilities.
3.Dog-Proof
Your Home
Prepare your home before your new dog arrives. Move breakables or "chewables"
to higher ground. Make electrical cords inaccessible to curious paws and noses.
Block off any area of the house that you want off-limits to the dog. Put the lid
down on your toilet and your shoes up in your closet. Block access to any house
or garden plants that may be toxic to dogs.
4.Set
a Containment Policy
It is essential that you have a secure method of keeping your dog on your
property. Check your fence for spots vulnerable to chewing or digging. If your
yard is not fenced, consider a large dog run or invisible fencing. If your
property is not fenced in some way, stress to family members that the dog must
be leashed at all times when taken outdoors.
5.Get
a Collar
Your dog should wear a flat leather or nylon collar with a buckle at all times,
except when in a crate. (The buckle can catch on the crate and cause injury.)
The collar should be tight enough that it will not slide over the dog's ears,
but loose enough that you can fit two fingers between the collar and the dog's
neck. Check the fit of the collar often, especially if you have a fast-growing
puppy.
6.Make
a Bed
Every dog needs a quiet place to call his own. Create a comfortable area,
whether a crate, a mat or a pile of blankets, for your dog to go to when he
needs rest or privacy.
7.Buy
Some Toys
Provide your dog with a variety of toys to prevent him from playing with your
socks and shoes, your morning paper, or your child's favorite doll. Get some
toys that you and your dog can play with together, such as balls and plush toys,
and some things to keep him busy when he's alone, such as chewies or rope bones.
Never leave your dog unattended with any toy that has small, detachable parts.
8.Find
a Veterinarian
You should choose a veterinarian for your dog as soon as possible. Have your dog
examined by the vet within a few days of his arrival. Give your vet copies of
the dog's health records, and set up a vaccination and check-up schedule. The AKC
Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare
throughout your dog's life.
Bring Your Dog Home
9.Welcome
Your New Pet
At last! You've made all the preparations, and it's finally time to bring your
new friend home. Give him the best welcome possible. With love, patience and
mutual respect, he will feel like part of the family in no time.
10.Let
Your Dog Adjust
Give the dog time to adjust to his new home. The dog is bound to feel insecure
and frightened by a change in environment, and a pup may be homesick for his
mother or littermates. Show him to his crate or bed, and where to find food and
water. Then leave him alone to explore the new surroundings.
11.Name
Your Dog
Your dog will need a good name. Your breeder may have suggestions or even
requirements for his AKC-registered name, but his call or informal name is up to
you. Older adopted dogs can adjust quickly to a new name.
12.Make
Introductions
Introduce your dog to your household slowly. Many pairs of hands petting him at
once will only frighten him. Later, introduce him to neighbors, regular visitors
and other family members. Give your dog a sense of who your - and your dog's -
friends are.
13.Introduce
Other Pets
Other companion animals in your home should also be properly introduced to your
new dog or puppy. Don't expect them to get along right away, and don't try to
force them to play together. Give them time to adjust to one another.
14.Housetrain
Whichever method of housetraining you have chosen - crate training, paper
training or litter box - make sure that all members of the family enforce it
consistently. Accidents happen, so have a procedure for clean-up.
15.Set
House Rules
Teach your dog from the beginning what is and is not appropriate behavior. If
something is "OK" today, your puppy will think it's OK forever. Make
sure that every member of the family enforces the house rules. Consistency is
the key to having a well-behaved pet.
Keep Your Dog Healthy
16.Go
to the Veterinarian
Set up a schedule for regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Ask the vet
questions about your dog's diet, behavior, activity level or other concerns.
Contact the veterinarian at once if your dog seems ill or in pain. The AKC
Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare
throughout your dog's life.
17.Feed
a Good Diet
Work with your veterinarian or breeder to find the food that is best for your
dog's age, size and activity level. Keep the diet consistent. Always provide
plenty of fresh, clean water.
18.Exercise
Dogs need regular exercise to ensure continuing good health. Take your dog for
walks, run around in the yard, throw a ball around - anything to get him up and
moving. This will benefit his health and could prevent behavior problems.
19.Vaccinate
Dogs should follow a strict schedule of vaccinations to prevent diseases. Keep
your dog current on his vaccinations, following the schedule recommended by your
veterinarian. Keep a copy of your dog's vaccination records handy.
20.
Prevent Disease
You can take steps to prevent other diseases not covered by the regular series
of vaccinations. Depending on the area of the country you live in, your dog
could be at risk for diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease. Ask your
veterinarian for advice on prevention. The AKC
Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare
throughout your dog's life.
21.Repel
Fleas and Ticks
Aside from discomfort, parasites such as fleas and ticks can cause serious
diseases. Keep your dog, his bedding, and your home free from parasites by using
the method recommended by your veterinarian.
22.Know
Your Dog's Patterns
You should become familiar with your dog's patterns in terms of eating,
drinking, sleeping and relieving himself. Any major variations in these patterns
could indicate illness and should be reported to your veterinarian.
23.Provide
Chew Toys
Dogs never outgrow the need to chew. Protect your possessions by providing a
variety of chew toys to satisfy your dog's urges.
24.Bathe
Your Dog
A clean dog is a healthy dog. Bathe your dog on a regular basis appropriate to
his breed and environment. Overbathing can be harmful to a dog's skin. Use a
good shampoo and be sure to rinse well. If bathing your dog is more than you can
handle, take him to a groomer or veterinarian for help.
25.Groom
Your Dog
All dogs should be groomed regularly for health and best appearance. Some
short-coated breeds need just a quick brushing every week, while some
longer-coated breeds need daily brushing to prevent matting and to reduce
shedding. If your dog requires clipping or sculpting, you may want to consult a
professional groomer.
26.Clip
Those Nails
Keeping your dog's nails short will keep him comfortable, prevent injury to his
feet, and may save the surface of your floors. If you can hear your dog's nails
click on a hard surface, they need to be trimmed. Ask your veterinarian for
advice on clipping your dog's nails yourself.
27.Clean
Those Teeth
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, clean your dog's teeth regularly. Most
dogs will accept a "toothbrush" if introduced to it slowly and gently.
You can also give your dog products such as hard biscuits, rope bones and nylon
chews to keep his teeth clean.
28.Prevent
Obesity
Keep your dog healthy by maintaining him at an appropriate weight. Feed him a
well-balanced diet and give him plenty of exercise. Don't give in to begging -
"people food" is generally bad for dogs.
29.Know
Your Breed's Health Risks
You should be aware of common health problems in your breed, how to prevent
them, and how to recognize their onset. For example, some giant breeds are prone
to bloat, while some short-faced breeds are prone to respiratory problems. Ask
your breeder or veterinarian for information about any signs or symptoms you
should watch for in your pet.
20.Protect
From Poisons
Make sure that your home and yard are free from poisonous substances, such as
antifreeze, which tastes good but can cause serious illness or even death. Keep
your veterinarian's number handy in case of accidental ingestion.
21.Be
Alert to Changing Needs
As your dog ages, his needs will change. He may require a different diet, need
more sleep, and be less active. Do what you can to keep him comfortable. Your
dog may not be as "fun" as he once was, but he is the same dog you
loved as a puppy. You should do everything you can to pamper him in his final
years.
22.End
Suffering
If, due to illness or old age, your dog reaches a point where his quality of
life is severely compromised, arrange to end his life humanely. Letting go is
sometimes the kindest thing you can do. Don't prolong the suffering because you
fear the pain of losing your dog.
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