Preparing For Your Puppy

We want your experience with your puppy to be the best possible. Here are some things that are important to do in preparation for bringing your new family member home.

Select A Veterinarian
You may want to get recommendations from pet owning friends and/or choose a vet who is close to your home. Your puppy needs to be examined immediately so it is a good idea to make the initial appointment prior to picking up your puppy. We will provide you with a record of worming and immunizations that you can take to your veterinarian on the first visit.

Puppy Proofing Your Home
Before bringing your new puppy home be sure to make the area safe by puppy proofing. Remember your puppy will want to chew on everything within its reach. It's up to you to keep your puppy safe and healthy by removing hazards. The following are some hazards you need to check:

Plants - Keep all house plants out of your puppy's reach. Even if they aren't poisonous to the puppy he will be inclined to tear them up and dig in the dirt. Be sure all the outside plants the puppy comes in contact with are not poisonous. There are lists of plants that are harmful to dogs are available on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website.

Keep the toilet lid down!

Household Chemicals - Keep all items on high shelves or behind secured doors.

Medications - Be sure to keep all medications out of your puppy's reach. If you drop a pill prevent your puppy from entering the area until you have found the pill.

Other considerations - Look at the world through your puppy's eyes - Get down to your puppy's level, look for items that could be dangerous and remove the danger. Keep an eye out for dangling electric cords, window blind cords, nails, plastic caps, raveled rugs, and any other items that your puppy may be tempted to chew on or ingest.

Once your puppy is home stay on the alert for items within the puppy's reach, that could cause him harm, and pick them up immediately.

Do not allow your puppy to have play with:

Squeakers that are placed in some toys
Your shoes or clothing
Twist ties, plastic bags, or other items that can pose a choking hazard
Toys that can be torn apart and swallowed. Not only can the puppy choke but these items have the potential to cause digestive problems or intestinal impaction.

Items You Will Need
Collar - A lightweight adjustable size collar is best. Be sure to purchase an ID tag with your name, address, and phone number. A collar that fits properly is loose enough to allow two fingers to fit comfortably between the collar and your puppy's neck. Be sure to check and adjust the length of the collar as your puppy grows.

Leash - A 6 ft. leash is the ideal length for training. Keep your puppy on a leash when not in confined areas.

Grooming Supplies - Your Boxer puppy will learn to enjoy being groomed with a soft bristled brush.

Food and Water Bowls - Look for broad based bowls. They are less subject to being tipped over. Start with smaller bowls and purchase larger ones as your puppy grows. Separate food and water bowls so contents of one won't spill into the other.

Puppy Food - Feed your puppy a high quality diet formulated specifically for large breed puppies.

Stain and odor remover - Purchase products formulated for removing pet odors. These products contain enzymes that break down the odors so that the puppy cannot detect an area he has used before. Be sure to clean up soiled areas quickly and thoroughly following product directions closely.

Crate and/or Bed - Your puppy will benefit from a designated sleeping area. Since dogs are dinning animals your puppy will quickly learn to enjoy a crate. In addition, teaching your puppy to tolerate spending time in the crate will keep it out of trouble when you can't keep an eye on him. You can choose from plastic or wire crates. The crate should be only large enough for the puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Beds should be sized according to your puppy's size. A small bed, about the puppy's size helps your puppy feel safe and secure.

Doghouse - If your puppy will be spending time outdoors he will need shelter. Be sure the house you choose is well insulated and large enough to comfortably accommodate your puppy's mature size. Locate the house on a well drained site that is shaded during the summer. Remember that Boxers should be left outside only in comfortable weather. They are very sensitive to extreme heat and cold so need to be in the house during those times.

Toys - Choose toys made specifically for that can't be easily torn apart or swallowed. Large stuffed toys, rope toys, large hard rubber balls, etc. are good choices. If the toy fits comfortably in a puppy's mouth, it's probably too small. Nylon chews provide exercise and help your puppy with teething but always supervise your dog with chews as they can pose a choking hazard. Rawhide chews are not recommended. Rawhide chews may not have been properly processed. They can also lodge in your dog's throat or cause an intestinal impaction.

Other Tips
Plan to bring your puppy home when someone for a few days to help him settle in. If you work plan on bringing your puppy home at the beginning of the weekend. Avoid bringing your puppy home during times when their may be turmoil at your house like holidays, or when you have visitors.

Make an appointment to pick up your puppy. If we know when you are coming we can have your puppy ready to to to its new home.

Be sensitive to your puppy's needs. Remember it is leaving the environment, it has known for its short life, and coming into a new environment among strangers. Comfort your puppy as it goes through the transition of life in a new home.

If you have children encourage them to remain calm around the puppy. Teach your children how to pet the newcomer and the proper way to pick up the puppy. Your children can be a great comfort to the newcomer.

Housebreaking is more easily accomplished if you remain alert and establish a routine. Take your puppy outside immediately after naps, after eating, and any other time you see him nosing around.

Choose a name for your new puppy. When you call him use only that name. Your puppy will learn to respond quickly.

In all training remember that consistency pays off. Puppies respond best to a set schedule.

We hope you will enjoy many wonderful years with your Boondocks Boxer.