Make sure your new baby starts off with healthy food and treats. It all starts now. Once you cultivate certain eating habits, it's almost impossible to break them, especially with cats. It is not uncommon for a cat to get hooked on one food only. If that food is a good food then you lucked out. If it is not a good food, conversion may be extremely difficult for you and your cat. When your dog doesn't want to eat his breakfast or dinner, don't let him persuade you to add something to the food or find something more desirable to eat. If he seems as healthy and happy as usual, chances are that he just isn't hungry; his body doesn't need the food. He will eat it later or the next day. Once you add something to the food, you will create a picky eater and possibly jeopardize his nutrition. In other words, once you've done your home work and selected the best food and treats for your pet, dog or cat, be prepared to stand up to any challenge they may give you. Remember that the food and treats you select will help determine your pet's fate. Make sure it is premium dog and/or cat food and treats.
Teach Boundaries. From the first day, determine where your pet can or cannot go and things you simply don't want your pet doing. Pets are creatures of habit. Once they do something a few times, they tend to continue that behavior. Once you determine your boundaries, stick to them, even if they break your heart. Remember that what may seem cute now (chewing on pillows for example) will be disastrous later on! Realistically, many of the boundaries we set will be trial and error. Sometimes it takes bad behavior for us to take a look at a situation, declare it out of hand and make rules that will change it. Pets can get mighty creative in their curiosities and in their rebellions.
House breaking. Of course there will be accidents; - however, the goal is to complete toilet training. Cats are easy. Bring your kitten to the cat box and put her in it. As long as she knows where the box is, toilet training will be accomplished. Dogs take their toilet habits more seriously, and so should you. There are many methods of toilet training but sticking to the same regimen is key and rewarding with a treat and or a kiss ensures success.
Obedience training = A well trained dog. Summer obedience classes are fun. These necessary classes are given by humane societies, veterinarians, or trainers. They socialize dogs so that they get along with other dogs and people. They also teach the basics for good behavior and show you how to be the head of the household.
Pick a talented vet. Your veterinarian is critical to your new pet's health. General check ups, vaccines, flea control and heart worm preventive must be taken seriously. Select a Veterinarian you feel comfortable with. Visit the veterinary hospital first. If the staff is friendly and the hospital smells good, you are on the right track. Ask to meet one of the veterinarians. If you both get along, then you probably found your pet a family doctor. Don't select your veterinarian just based on location.
You've made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home. You've researched which breed will best suit your family and lifestyle and you've chosen where you're going to get your puppy from. You've gone and purchased some recommended chew toys and puppy foods and now you're just waiting for the moment you can bring your new family member home.
Before that time arrives though there are still several things you need to do so your home will be as puppy proof as possible, not only to save yourself a lot of time an money if they happen to chew something they shouldn't but also to protect your new puppy from harm.
Outside: Check all the fences - make sure there are no holes large enough for him to either crawl through or get stuck in.
Take note of where you keep your rubbish bins etc can your puppy get into them or overturn them?
If you have a garden shed make sure all harmful chemicals etc are off the floor and well out of reach - much like a young child your puppy will want to investigate everything it can.
Roll up your hoses and pick up any other gardening utensils you may tend to leave laying around unless you want them used as a chew toy.
If you have a prized garden area you may want to fence it off as while you're puppy is young there's a good chance they'll decide digging up your favourite roses is more fun than digging up the weeds.
Inside: If you have children remind them that the new puppy will not understand that their favourite toy shouldn't be slobbered on so they will need to pick it up and put it away. Puppies don't understand the difference between what they can chew on and what they can't.
Make sure all your electrical chords are hidden away.
Ensure all your cupboards can close properly, again like young children they have an inquisitive nature and will want to know what's behind that partially closed door.
If you have stairs or a room you don't want them to go in you may want to consider purchasing a wooden gate or similar that can be placed across the opening.
Be prepared for late night accidents, by making sure you have enough newspaper etc to cover the floors where you're puppy may be sleeping.
Training: You will want to start training your puppy as soon as possible and there are many tips to help you along way, but one of the key things to remember is consistency and patience.
Plan ahead of time what key phrases you are going to use eg sit, down or drop etc and always use the same one. Stock up on some puppy treats to use as a reward and remember to keep training fun and only for a limited time, your puppy will get bored reasonably quickly so keep it short.
Both Lori Matthews & Vanessa Brown are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lori Matthews has sinced written about articles on various topics from Learn Hypnosis, Dog Pet Food and Pets. Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. Enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit for more informat. Lori Matthews's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Vanessa Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Businesses, Pets and Web Development. For more information please visit Vanessa at or the. Vanessa Brown's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.