| You've made the decision to bring a new puppy | | | | the weeds. |
| into your home. You've researched which breed | | | | Inside: If you have children remind them that the |
| will best suit your family and lifestyle and you've | | | | new puppy will not understand that their favourite |
| chosen where you're going to get your puppy | | | | toy shouldn't be slobbered on so they will need to |
| from. You've gone and purchased some | | | | pick it up and put it away. Puppies don't |
| recommended chew toys and puppy foods and | | | | understand the difference between what they |
| now you're just waiting for the moment you can | | | | can chew on and what they can't. |
| bring your new family member home. | | | | Make sure all your electrical chords are hidden |
| Before that time arrives though there are still | | | | away. |
| several things you need to do so your home will | | | | Ensure all your cupboards can close properly, again |
| be as puppy proof as possible, not only to save | | | | like young children they have an inquisitive nature |
| yourself a lot of time an money if they happen to | | | | and will want to know what's behind that partially |
| chew something they shouldn't but also to protect | | | | closed door. |
| your new puppy from harm. | | | | If you have stairs or a room you don't want |
| Outside: Check all the fences - make sure there | | | | them to go in you may want to consider |
| are no holes large enough for him to either crawl | | | | purchasing a wooden gate or similar that can be |
| through or get stuck in. | | | | placed across the opening. |
| Take note of where you keep your rubbish bins | | | | Be prepared for late night accidents, by making |
| etc can your puppy get into them or overturn | | | | sure you have enough newspaper etc to cover |
| them? | | | | the floors where you're puppy may be sleeping. |
| If you have a garden shed make sure all harmful | | | | Training: You will want to start training your puppy |
| chemicals etc are off the floor and well out of | | | | as soon as possible and there are many tips to |
| reach - much like a young child your puppy will | | | | help you along way, but one of the key things to |
| want to investigate everything it can. | | | | remember is consistency and patience. |
| Roll up your hoses and pick up any other | | | | Plan ahead of time what key phrases you are |
| gardening utensils you may tend to leave laying | | | | going to use eg sit, down or drop etc and always |
| around unless you want them used as a chew | | | | use the same one. Stock up on some puppy |
| toy. | | | | treats to use as a reward and remember to |
| If you have a prized garden area you may want | | | | keep training fun and only for a limited time, your |
| to fence it off as while you're puppy is young | | | | puppy will get bored reasonably quickly so keep it |
| there's a good chance they'll decide digging up | | | | short. |
| your favourite roses is more fun than digging up | | | | |