Congratulations! You’ve finally made
your choice and are bringing your new puppy home… but wait… what about all the
unanswered questions? How can you get off to a good start? What do you need to
buy? This two part article will help you prepare by answering some of the most
common questions from new puppy parents.
õ Who is a
good vet?
Sensible
K9 has had a great relationship with the six veterinarians at the two Michigan Road Animal Hospitals for
years. We also hear good things about veterinarians at a variety of hospitals around
the area. Finding a veterinarian is like finding a sports coach – all of them
can be good for different reasons – it just depends what you are looking for. Each
doctor is unique and appreciated for their varied abilities and strengths. When
you are looking for a veterinarian for your puppy, it’s great to develop a
relationship with one veterinarian so that your puppy has a consistency of
care. If your doctor stays the same throughout the puppy’s first year especially,
he or she will quickly notice if any particular developmental issues need to be
addressed. Find the veterinarian whose approach and style match your own. Do
you appreciate a veterinarian who attends continuing education and stays up to
date on the most modern techniques? Is a particular area of interest like
nutrition or behavior important to you? Ask questions before you go. Inquire
about certifications and personal passions – these will provide clues as to the
continuing education your veterinarian is most likely to keep up on.
õ What do I
do in the first 4 days the puppy is home to get potty training done as quickly
and effectively as possible?
Great
question! PREVENTION is key. The most common mistake new puppy owners make is
to give the puppy too much freedom too soon. Instead, take the puppy out more
frequently than you think he needs to go until you establish his elimination
pattern. Puppies generally need to eliminate upon waking, after eating and
drinking, during play and anytime there’s a transition in the room (for
example, new people come in or you change from one activity to another.) Be
sure to reward your puppy for going potty outside – this will boost his desire
to eliminate outside, in front of you! Otherwise, he gets an empty bladder and
comfort no matter where he goes- it’s all the same to him.
õ Do you have
suggestions of local places to get pet supplies that are good? Yes! I love to shop at these local places: Carmel: Platinum Paws (Michigan Road– love their
knowledge of great pet foods and emphasis on nutrition and they are the best
grooming shop around!); Canine Cloud
Nine (Arts &Design district – love their hand-made boutique treats and
self-serve dog wash! Plus, just a cool place to visit for puppy socialization!)
Zionsville: Choosy Pet – they carry
simply the best line of high quality toys and all the supplies you’ll ever need
to spoil your puppy.
Coming soon…Part Two: What
STUFF do I buy?
