Puppies Part 2

So you are getting ready for a new puppy to come into the home. Unlike the woman in my last post you know that it will take some time to TRAIN the puppy. If you just let it run all over the house, do not take the time to put it out and encourage it to do the right thing, then get ready for all that woman's complaints now and don't lose your cool because you weren't prepared.  The best possible advice is to get or make an indoor kennel. Look for ads for second-hand ones - they will be quite adequate for a short time or an old flight kennel cleaned out and padded up is ideal as it will have a lockable door and proper ventilation as well as a secure place to fix water bowls. Be careful to use breathable bedding materials but not chewable and swallowable stuff.  Large inco. pads are useful if you can get them but be prepared for them to be shredded so put under a warm washable topping. Old towels from charity shops or markets can do the same job if you have an hygienic way of washing them frequently. If you have other dogs or pets in the house put the cage near so they have the company but will not be able to bother them. If the puppy is very young introduce slowly to the older ones, Use leads/leashes to control older ones at early meet-ups and NEVER leave a young puppy unsupervised with older pets in the early days/weeks. Let the puppy out to play and they will do what they need to do outside and will get sleepy naturally, Time for one of the meals? - then a sleep in the cage. No need for a puppy to run all over the house - use or improvise a child gate to stop it running up and down the stairs . Slowly, slowly, lot of vigilance and patience and you should be able to just enjoy your new bundle of fun. Food and other tips next time. If you know all this and have something to add that's useful - please do post, especially if you have a sighthound - but all dog lovers are very welcome......