and create an environment of safe play.
Teach your children early on that your puppy is not a toy but a living animal that must be handled properly and treated gently, kindly, and respectfully. Never allow children to overwhelm your puppy or put him in a position where he can be bullied or frightened.
Children must also learn to approach the puppy quietly and slowly—no running, screaming, or grabbing. Teach older children how to properly pick up a puppy. For very young kids, do not allow them to pick up the puppy without your supervision. They can inadvertently hurt him or possibly even drop him should they try to pick him up by his ears or legs.
Parents need to teach children how to properly interact with young puppies that can be harmed by careless handling.
Introducing Dogs and Cats
Despite the old adage “fighting like cats and dogs,” cats and dogs can and do live harmoniously when introduced in a positive manner. Sure, plenty of cats simply do not and never will like dogs—no matter what— and the same goes for some dogs when it comes to cats. But taking steps to ensure a positive introduction is never a bad idea.
To help set up a positive relationship, provide your cat with plenty of escape routes. Cats like being up high, so provide plenty of access to countertops, furniture, and the like. Also, provide your cat with a room or area of his own—a spare room, office, den, the upstairs—so she can escape puppy antics and not be bothered.
For the first introduction, keep your puppy on leash so he can’t chase or harass your cat. You don’t want your puppy’s first introduction to the feline result in a scratched nose! Some dogs like to stalk cats, so you’ll want to be on the lookout for signs of this behavior and keep it under control. Allowing your puppy to harass a cat or any other animal is neither fair nor funny and should never be encouraged or tolerated.
If you live in a multiple-dog household, introduce your puppy to his canine housemates in a calm environment. To be comfortable, your puppy needs to know that he is safe and that the other dog (or dogs) won’t bully, intimidate, or hurt him. The same goes for the older dog. He needs to know that he can trust the puppy. It is your job to create an environment that is safe and comfortable for all dogs involved and promote a positive, tension-free friendship.
In multiple-dog households, consider introducing your puppy to one dog at a time. Puppies can become overwhelmed and unnecessarily frightened by three or four dogs trying to get to him at the same time. In these instances, try sitting on the floor and holding your puppy in your lap. If everything seems fine, let one dog interact but continue to supervise.
On the flip side, if your puppy is nervous, shy, timid, or fearful or has a history of being bullied or intimidated by other dogs, or if your other dog is an alpha wanna-be, you will need to take precautions and take the introductions slowly. This process can take a few hours, days, or weeks. Never force introductions because this may destroy any chance of the dogs’ getting along—ever! Some dogs are naturally calm and get along beautifully with other dogs from the get-go. In these instances, introductions may go off without a hitch, and your puppy and other dog will be fast friends. This happens quite often, but plenty of behaviorists will cite cases in which introductions were rushed or forced, and the dogs ended up disliking each other from the start.
If your other dogs are pushy or bossy, put your puppy in his ex-pen and allow them to meet and greet with a barrier between them. Sometimes learning simply to exist around each other is a huge step and a safe way for dogs to get comfortable in the same environment. Dogs who are nervous, anxious, disobedient, and/or hyperactive can create chaos and turmoil, which can lead to canine squabbling and scrapping.
Walking your puppy and another dog together works well, too. They don't have to start out walking next to each other, but, as they become more comfortable together, you can gradually close the distance. Use crates, ex-pens, or baby gates to separate dogs when they can'’t be supervised.
Most problems arise because a new puppy and another dog or dogs are allowed to run loose too quickly in a chaotic, stressful environment. When introductions do not go smoothly, and a squabble ensues, there is a good chance that the grudge and long-term distrust will continue.
No one wants chaos and animosity between pets, so it’s always worth taking the time to introduce animals slowly and properly. If you are uncertain, consult an experienced dog trainer or behaviorist. Investing the time and resources to establish a positive, stress-free environment from day one is preferable to trying to fix a bad situation later.
Puppy’s Own Place
A puppy’s first night in his new home—away from his canine mother and littermates—is usually stressful and difficult. Older puppies that have come from shelters or rescue can be equally stressed because of uncertainty and instability in their lives. Some puppies adjust more easily than others, but most will likely be feeling lonely and insecure and may whine and cry after being put in a crate. To help make the first night with your puppy more calm and stress-free, follow these tips:
•Before putting him to bed, be sure he has been outside to potty.
•Dogs are social animals who want to be part of a pack, which is your family. Isolating him in another room is likely to make him feel lonely and insecure.
•Place your puppy’s crate next to your bed or that of another family member. Knowing that someone is near will help comfort him. During the night, you can reach down and reassure him that you are close by.
•Be sure to put some soft towels or a crate pad and a safe dog toy inside so he can curl up and be comfortable.
Once tucked into his new bed, your puppy may cry for a few minutes before dozing off. He might even scream and yowl for a while. Despite your best intentions, avoid taking him out of his crate and into your bed—unless that is where you want him to sleep for the rest of his life. Taking him out of his crate will reinforce in his mind: “When I cry, someone will rescue me.”
Ideally, it is best to ignore your puppy’s pitiful pleas, provided, of course, that you are certain he is safe and does not need to potty. Never scold or physically punish your puppy; this will only exacerbate the problem and may create a puppy that becomes fearful, anxious, or worried. Realize that this will pass. It’s part and parcel of owning a puppy. It might take a few sleepless nights, but once the puppy settles down, he will become quite attached to his crate.
Naming Your Puppy
Naming your puppy is great fun but may prove challenging in a large or opinionated household. A vote may be in order. Owners come up with all sorts of fun and creative names that reflect their own personal style, such as “Fry” (for the fisherman), “Hoops” (for the basketball enthusiast), or “Java” (for the coffee lover). Some people choose names based on a puppy’s origin or appearance, such as Hershey (for the chocolate Lab), “Blue” (for the blue merle Australian Shepherd), or “Paddy” (for the Irish Terrier).
Some owners like quick one-syllable names, such as Bill, Mike, Jag, Meg, Mick, Bess, Nell, Glen, or Tweed. These names easily roll off the tongue and aren't likely to be confused with commands, such as “Down” or “Sit.”
Choose a name that will be appropriate throughout the life of your dog and while out in public. What is cute and funny in private may not be so amusing with the visiting in-laws or when your neighbors can hear you calling your dog.
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