can replace the thrill a dog feels when he can run outside freely. A fenced yard can make it possible for your pet to enjoy exhilarating off-leash playtime every day without putting his safety at risk. Having a fenced yard can also provide your dog with a safe potty spot that he can access with just the opening of the door. If you choose to install a doggy door, he could even head to his potty spot in the fenced yard without any assistance.
Before you allow your dog to spend time in your yard unsupervised, you must make certain that every part of your fence is secure. This structure must not have any gaps through which your dog could escape. It also must not have crossbars that could offer your dog a leg up in climbing over it. Larger breeds can jump over fences that aren’t high enough. Certain breeds, such as terriers, have a talent for digging under fences. Even when you have done everything correctly in securing your fence, you shouldn’t leave your dog unsupervised outside for too long. In addition to keeping your dog safe, your joining him for outdoor time will make the experience a more enjoyable one for your pet.
Your fencing should have no gaps where your dog might squeeze through.
Cleaning Supplies
One of the most important steps in the housetraining process is cleaning up thoroughly after your dog has an accident. Dogs have incredibly sensitive noses, so if your dog detects any trace of urine or fecal matter left behind after a housetraining mishap, it will encourage him to continue using the area as a potty spot.
The first step to removing pet stains and odors is removing the urine or feces. Solid waste can be flushed down your toilet, but urine is a much more complicated matter, especially when your dog pees on a carpet. Clean up puddles as soon as you notice them to prevent the urine from seeping too far into the rug. You may use old towels, rags, or paper towels for this step. Once you have absorbed the majority of the liquid, place a fresh towel over the area and step on it (with a shoe on, of course!). This additional measure will allow you to reach as much of the urine that has soaked into your carpet fibers as possible. Repeat this step until you absorb no more liquid from the soiled area.
The second and equally vital phase of the cleanup process is cleaning the area with an enzymatic cleaner. This type of cleaner will help remove any odors that are still left behind—the ones that a human nose cannot sense. While all enzymatic cleaners rely on proteins to break down stains and odors, it is important that you choose a product made specifically for pets. Whatever you do, never use a cleaner that contains ammonia to clean a housetraining mishap. Because urine itself also contains ammonia, your dog will be even more likely to revisit the spot!
You will also need to clean up after your pet when he eliminates in his proper potty spot outdoors. Any fecal matter left on the ground can breed bacteria. If you or your dog step in excrement, you can transport a variety of dangerous germs into your home. Your pet may even ingest germs this way, placing him at risk for several serious illnesses.
The most efficient way to clean up your dog’s potty spot is with a “poop scoop.” Some are one-piece, hinged units, while others include a small hoe and separate shovel for transporting waste to your garbage can. You may find it helpful to keep a designated lined trash can in your yard for depositing dog waste; be sure to replace the liner each week after trash day.
Although poop scoops are ideal for backyard cleanup, they are typically too cumbersome to bring with you when you walk your dog. For this purpose, you will need to bring along cleanup bags. You can buy rolls of plastic cleanup bags from a pet-supply store, but many owners find that plastic grocery-store bags work perfectly. Whichever style you prefer, the most important thing is remembering to take them with you whenever you walk your dog. Many municipalities have laws about cleaning up after pets. If you don’t remove your dog’s waste from a public place, you could be fined. Since no one enjoys stepping in dog poop, cleaning up after your pet is simply the right thing to do.
Equipment Checklist
You may find a few additional items helpful once your dog has settled into your home. For example, if you will be performing extensive grooming, you might choose to invest in a grooming table. This piece of equipment, which you can collapse when not in use, makes brushing and trimming a dog’s coat considerably easier on an owner’s back. Likewise, you may decide to use a nail-grinding tool for your dog’s pedicures instead of a set of manual clippers. When used properly, this item helps owners avoid injuring their pets’ nail beds. Exactly which items you purchase is strictly a matter of personal preference, but the following list of gear will start you off on the right paw.
✔ Crate
✔ Crate Pad/Liner
✔ Leash
✔ Collar or Harness
✔ Bowls
✔ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✔ Brush
✔ Flea Comb
✔ Clippers (for longhaired dogs)
✔ Nail Trimmers
✔ Toys
✔ Safety Gate(s)
Finding a Veterinarian
If you already have other pets, you also likely have a veterinarian to whom you take them for checkups and when problems arise. If you are new to dog ownership, though, finding a vet may be one of the tasks on your to-do list. Or, you may be looking for a new veterinary hospital even if you have dealt with other vets in the past. Finding the right match is important because this person, more than any other, is your best resource for your dog’s health. If you don’t feel 100-percent comfortable with a veterinarian, you should keep looking.
You can probably get the names of half a dozen veterinary hospitals in your general vicinity instantly simply by asking the digital assistant on your smartphone. What the automated voice can’t tell you, though, is which vets are the best. A better way to choose a vet is by asking for recommendations from your breeder, rescue group, or local humane society. You can also ask dog-owning friends or family members for their vets’ names.
Once you have narrowed down your search to one or two veterinarians, head to the Internet to research them further. Most veterinary hospitals today have websites or social media pages that offer basic information about the practices, including photos of the staff and facilities, hours of operations, the types of animals they treat, and maybe even brief bios of the doctors. You can also look for reviews posted by other pet owners. Read all of this information, and if everything looks good, plan to stop by for a visit.
Dropping by unannounced to make your first appointment may seem like a sneaky trick, but it gives you the opportunity to make sure that the hospital is indeed what it seems. I do recommend avoiding the busiest times of the day—typically first thing in the morning and just before closing time—out of consideration for the staff, however. If the waiting room is filled with patients when you arrive, simply let the person at the front desk know you would like to schedule a well visit for your dog and patiently wait until someone can speak with you.
Take a look at your surroundings. Is the facility clean and well organized? Is the staff friendly to both the pets and their owners? Do you feel welcome and at ease? The answers to all of these questions should be yes.
Preparing a Safe Place in the Home
Owners aren’t the only ones who can feel a bit overwhelmed by the new dog’s homecoming.
