Preparing a place for your Puppy
Much as you would prepare a nursery for a newborn baby, you will need to select a place in your home that will be the puppy’s own. How you prepare your home will depend on how much freedom the dog will be allowed: will he be confined to one room or a specific
area in the house, or will he be allowed to roam as he pleases? Whatever you decide, you must ensure that he has a place that he can ‘call his own’. When you bring your new puppy into your home, you are bringing him into what will become his home as well. In order for a puppy to grow into a stable, well-adjusted dog, he has to feel comfortable in his surroundings. Remember, he is leaving his mother and littermates, plus the familiarity of the only place he has ever known, so it is important to make his transition as easy as possible. By preparing a place in your home for the puppy, you are making him feels as welcome as possible in a strange new place. It should not take him long to get used to it, but the sudden shock of being transplanted is somewhat traumatic for a young pup.
What You Should Buy
Bed:
A basket provides your dog with a place of his own in your home. It serves as a ‘doggy bedroom’ of sorts – your Yorkshire Terrier can curl up in his basket when he wants to sleep or when he just needs a break. Many dogs sleep in their baskets overnight. When lined with soft blankets and filled with his favourite toys, a basket becomes a cozy pseudo-den for your dog. As far as purchasing a basket, the type that you buy is up to you. This can be so much fun! !
Toys:
Toys are a must for dogs of all ages, especially for curious, playful pups. Puppies are the ‘children’ of the dog world, and what child does not love toys? Chew toys provide enjoyment to both dog and owner – your dog will enjoy playing with his favorite toys, while you will enjoy the fact that they distract him for your expensive shoes and leather sofa. Puppies love to chew: in fact, chewing is a physical need for pups as they are teething, and everything looks appetizing! Stuffed toys are another option; these are good to put in the dog’s basket to give him some company. Similarly, squeaky toys are quite popular. There are dogs that will come running from anywhere in the house at the first sound from their favorite squeaky friend.
Cleaning Supplies:
A pup that is not housetrained means you will be doing a lot of cleaning until he is. Accidents will occur, which is okay for now because he does not know any better. All you can do is clean up any ‘accidents’ – old rags, towels, newspapers and a safe disinfectant are good to have on hand. Be sure that you thoroughly remove the odour from any mishaps. Dogs tend to repeat offences when they can detect a familiar scent.
Blanket:
A blanket or two in the dog’s basket will help the dog feel more at home. Until you brought your pup home, he has been sleeping amidst the warmth of his mother and littermates, and while a blanket is not the same as a warm, breathing body, it still provides heat and something with which to snuggle.
Food and Water Bowls:
Your pup will need two bowls, one for food and one for water. You may want two sets of bowls, one for inside and one for outside, depending on where the dog will be fed and where he will be spending most of his time. Stainless steel or sturdy plastic bowls are popular choices. Although plastic bowls are more chewable, dogs tend not to chew on the steel variety, which can also be sterilized.
DID YOU KNOW?
Never line your pup’s sleeping area with newspaper. Puppy litters are usually raised on newspaper and, once in your home, the puppy will immediately associate newspaper with voiding. Never put newspaper on any floor while housetraining as this will only confuse the puppy. If you are paper training him, use paper in his designated relief area only. Finally, restrict water intake after evening meals. Offer a few licks at a time – never let a young puppy gulp water after meals.
