Page 308 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | BRINGING YOUR DOG HOME

Bringing your dog home

Introducing a new pet into your home will be exciting but also a little
nerve-racking—not least for your dog. Prepare as much as possible
beforehand so the first days are quiet and calm while your dog settles in.

PREPARING FOR ARRIVAL as a safe space if he is hurt or sick, but never
It is best to obtain essential equipment leave him in the crate for long periods or
before your dog arrives in your home. lock him inside as a punishment.
You will need a bed before anything else. The next essential items are bowls for food
A strong cardboard box may be fine for a and water. Both need to be cleaned every day
puppy, since it can be thrown away if soiled and food bowls cleaned before each meal.
or chewed, or as the dog grows. Alternatively, Ceramic bowls are sturdy enough even for
molded plastic beds are easy to clean and large dogs; however, they are often straight-
can withstand some chewing. Whichever sided, with hard-to-reach corners. Stainless- CERAMIC BOWL STAINLESS-STEEL BOWL
you choose, it needs to be big enough for steel bowls are easy to use and keep clean.
him to stretch out and turn around in. The best are non-tip with a rubber rim
Add a soft lining of towels or blankets or around the bottom to keep them still during
use with a foam bed. Foam beds are use. Plastic bowls are better suited to puppies
comfortable and many have machine- and smaller dogs. Collect any diet sheets and
washable covers. They are good for elderly initial supplies from the breeder or shelter
NAME TAG COLLAR
dogs with joint issues but not so suitable for and have at least a week’s supply of food.
younger dogs likely to chew or soil the bed. Your dog will also need a collar. Use a soft,
If you are getting a young puppy, letting him fabric one for a puppy, fastened so you can
sleep in a box or basket in your bedroom can slip two fingers between it and the puppy’s
help him to settle in. neck, and check every week that it is not
For a new puppy or a dog that needs to getting too tight. For adult dogs, use fabric or
feel and be secure, it can help to use a dog leather collars, or a harness for a strong dog.
LEASH
crate with wire sides and top and a solid You will also need a basic grooming kit
bottom, or an open-topped pen. Set this up (see p.319), even for short-haired dogs. For Essential equipment
somewhere warm and quiet, where he can clearing up dog feces outdoors, carry small Stable, easy-clean food and water bowls, a comfortable
fabric collar with a name tag, and a sturdy leash are all
see and hear people so he will not be lonely. biodegradable bags. Vets and pet stores sell important items to obtain before your new dog arrives.
Line the bottom with newspapers in case of bags specially for this purpose.
accidents and add bedding and toys. This In addition to equipment, you need to have learn, but avoid any names that could be
is a good place for him to be until he is a name ready. Choose a name of one or two confused with words you might use to train
housebroken, for short periods alone, or syllables since this will be easy for the dog to the dog, such as “stay” or “no.”

DOG-PROOF HOME
DOG TOYS Before bringing a new dog into your home,
you will need to check for anything that may
Toys enable a dog to express
natural behavior such as chasing cause him harm (see p.305). Get down to
and chewing. You can buy special “dog level” to assess for possible hazards
dog toys like the ones shown such as escape routes. A dog can dart
here, or improvise your own using through doors, under gates, or down stairs
items such as an old ball or and run into the street. Make sure you place
FOOD-
a length of rope. Choose toys HIDING TOY ROPE FOR sharp objects out of reach, and remove
TUGGING
made from a substance that will RUBBER
CHEW TOY chewable items such as balloons, which can
not splinter or choke your dog
and that are large enough not to cause blockages. Some human foods such as
get stuck in his throat. To prevent chocolates and grapes or raisins can harm
bad habits, do not use old dogs (see p.344) so clear them away, too.
clothes or shoes. CUDDLY TOY DUMBBELLS As soon as you get home with your dog or
FOR PUPPY FOR CARRYING
puppy, take him into the yard or outdoors,

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