When your new puppy arrives, establishing a safe and comforting environment is the first and most crucial step. Avoid isolating him in the garage or basement. Instead, set up a clean crate near your bedroom, with towels and linens scented with your scent. A warm bath on the first night and a ticking clock nearby for a good rest will help him feel secure in his new home.
Making sure to spend quality time with your puppy is essential. He needs plenty of exercise to channel his energy positively. Take him for leisurely walks to enjoy nature and practice his sense of smell, ensuring his vaccinations are complete.
Many people and other animals are around, and you never know how he will react to aggression. Play fetch, tug of war, hide-and-seek, and let him fool around in the water. Create an obstacle course for him to develop his agility. This is also an opportunity to control his movements and a good platform for obedience training. Give him rewards for conquering each obstacle, too.
You’ll have to be a team to go through them.
Listen to your puppy. You’ll learn his growl meanings and body language during training and your dog time. Observe and understand what he is trying to say. He’s doing the same to you – observing and understanding your body language. Watch how he uses his mouth. Ensure that his front canine teeth are not shown while his ears are in the middle of your game, as that’s a sign of aggression.
He’s relaxed when he rolls back with his limbs loose and mouth open. But he is scared when his mouth is closed and his head is on the ground. Sometimes, he suddenly stops playing. Try to understand why. It might be because he wants to relieve himself. Take him to the designated toilet when this happens. But if he seems sad and lacks energy, take him to the vet for a proper check-up and medication if needed.
Feed him high-quality dog food. Your vet recommends dry food for your dog’s breed and size, as moist food is already 50% water, while canned food is high in fat and preservatives. Transition him to his new diet gradually after he arrives in your home. Initially, feed him what was given to him in the shelter where you took him.
Slowly change his food proportions to include the food you want him to get used to.
Your vet should have approved this. Don’t feed him table scraps. He does not want to be overindulged and learn the bad habit of begging for food. Make sure to set up a feeding schedule and then follow through with it consistently. Don’t overfeed him; keep his meal size consistent to avoid obesity. Give him treats, especially when he behaves well.
