Dear readers,
Spring is almost here and that means tulips, crocuses...and puppies. People often choose to wait until warmer weather to bring a new dog into their lives for several good reasons.
* Housebreaking a pup is so much easier when the human doesn't have to bundle up to take pup for a midnight piddle in a snowstorm.
* Teaching a pup to walk on leash through snowdrifts, along ice-covered sidewalks and across salt-laden streets can be terrifying. And teaching "heel" while slipping on ice is absolutely futile.
Socializing a pup with people and other animals is difficult when just about anything that moves is smart enough to stay indoors when the outdoor temperature plummets.
Even those fabulous dog parks are sparsely populated during the winter months. People who venture out with their dogs are often moving at a brisk pace to ward off the cold and can't stop to meet canine newcomers or chat with their owners for lengthy periods of time.
If you're planning to get a new puppy over the next few months, you've probably already bought the bed, bowls, collars, leashes and those other irresistible dog things. All those weeks (or maybe months or years) of waiting are quickly coming to an end and you're counting the days until you become a proud puppy-parent.
Somebody coined the phrase "The joy is in the journey."
Perhaps the journey leading up to the arrival of your pup has been filled with dreams about the things you and pup will do together.
Running through the snow, long hikes through the woods, watching television by the fire, or chasing a ball on the beach. If you're really and truly ready to have a dog in your life, the joy of the journey can be so much fun.
After you've set up the fabulous dog bed, wrangled the crate into position and de-tagged the ultra-cute collar, leash and a few dozen toys, it's time to think about exactly how a puppy will fit into your home. And it must be done well in advance of pup's arrival.
Inspect your house and yard from the viewpoint of a two-year old human toddler. Decide which rooms will be accessible to pup and consider how to close off all the others. Baby gates can prevent entry into off-limit rooms as well as at the top of staircases.
In areas where pup will be allowed, remove all breakable objects, houseplants and anything else that spells "puppy trouble." Cover electrical outlets and secure cupboard and closet doors.
Book a veterinary appointment for your pup to coincide with his trip home. The vet will give him a quick health check, set up a vaccination schedule and discuss diet, parasite control, pet insurance, microchipping, altering (spaying or neutering), plus all those other puppy issues.
Be sure to show your veterinarian any paperwork you received along with the puppy so he or she can take note of previous veterinary visits and any vaccinations pup may have already received.
Locate a wonderful dog trainer weeks before pup comes home with you. Many people don't research the availability of local trainers until behavioural problems arise.
Nipping, barking, housetraining, crating...all those puppy things should be addressed beforehand. Afterward, that same trainer can recommend puppy training classes for you and your new "kid."
Dogs of all ages and puppies in particular crave regularity. They thrive when their daily schedule remains the same. Despite your best intentions, there may be times when you have to work late or can't be home to take pup outside, play with him and feed him. Before you bring pup home, identify responsible friends and neighbours or a professional dogwalker who will be available to help out if you need them.
There are so many other considerations, but my editor insists on a maximum word count.
Your veterinarian, dog trainer, dog walker, groomer and staff at local pet supply stores can be of great help if you have any other questions or concerns.
If you're planning to get a spring-time puppy, congratulations.
Remember you'll always be the most important person in the world to your dog. Give him reason to trust that he's in good hands and he'll re-pay you with years of fun, love and laughter.
Email jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.
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