Bringing New Puppy Home Part 1

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?