I will be getting my puppy in a few days and as you guys may have already guessed, have a boatload of questions! Please bare with me and help me out to make my transition of being a first puppy owner somewhat smooth. :tongue:
1. I will be getting a 46in crate from Walmart, a buckle collar, a leash, steel food bowls, food, and some treats for training. Will I be needing anything else?
2. What is the regular maintenance I need to do for my dog and how often? I've read that raw beef bones from the butcher can cause broken teeth. Is there a safe alternative? (i.e ear cleaning, brushing teeth, showering)
3. Can I allow the puppy to have free roam of the house if I can constantly supervise him? Or do I need to have him tethered to me?
4. When crate training, I've read that I should slowly ease into the door closing. How will I let my pup sleep? Do I just leave the crate next to my bed and close anyway?
5. When housetraining, and I see the pup beginning to soil. I would say "NO!" to startle him to stop and carry him in my arms outside correct? I've heard some people say put him on the leash and bring him outside but don't carry while some say carry. Confused!
6. I've read the general rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month. So do I play personally with the pup for around 15 minutes and stop? If the puppy runs and plays by himself it is A OKAY right?
Well, that's all that I can think of for now. He will be 8 weeks when I get him. Thank you for your help!
1. I will be getting a 46in crate from Walmart, a buckle collar, a leash, steel food bowls, food, and some treats for training. Will I be needing anything else?
2. What is the regular maintenance I need to do for my dog and how often? I've read that raw beef bones from the butcher can cause broken teeth. Is there a safe alternative? (i.e ear cleaning, brushing teeth, showering)
3. Can I allow the puppy to have free roam of the house if I can constantly supervise him? Or do I need to have him tethered to me?
4. When crate training, I've read that I should slowly ease into the door closing. How will I let my pup sleep? Do I just leave the crate next to my bed and close anyway?
5. When housetraining, and I see the pup beginning to soil. I would say "NO!" to startle him to stop and carry him in my arms outside correct? I've heard some people say put him on the leash and bring him outside but don't carry while some say carry. Confused!
6. I've read the general rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month. So do I play personally with the pup for around 15 minutes and stop? If the puppy runs and plays by himself it is A OKAY right?
Well, that's all that I can think of for now. He will be 8 weeks when I get him. Thank you for your help!