New puppy checklist I want to do things right (pics added!!!!!!!)

mumhug

Hi all I am picking up my new pup in 2 weeks time and would love some constructive advice please.

I was brought up with dogs all the time whilst living at home. I have a family of my own now and we feel ready for a dog.I know alot of you have very definate opions on buying puppies, after trawling all the local rescue centers none of them would rehome with us as we have a three year old.
My youngest starts school in september so it will be just me and pup here most of the day, ( I am here all day).

I have taken a long time to research differant breeds of dog and which ones are good with children. I decided to look for a cavalier king charles, my hubby wanted a border terrier. I have found a puppy which is a cross of both breeds. The pup is from a family home and an accidental litter I have seen both the mum and dad and they are both beautiful dogs with lovely temprement.

I now have two weeks to prepare for our new arrival so I would love to get some advice to make sure I have covered all the bases.

mumhug

Ok here goes

1, I am currently looking around and getting quotes for insurance.
2, I have already spoken to my vets (i have a cat) and found out the price of a round of jabs full healthcheck and kc jab. Arranged with vet to book them as soon as I have picked her up.

3, I have found out from the owner when she will be due worming and flea treatment and I have this ready.
4, I have also found out from the owner which food she is using and brought a bag.
5, I have ordered a crate for night time etc
6, i have stocked up on puppy pads etc
7, the owner is going to provide me with a blanket that smells like mum.
8, I have already provisionally had a look at local puppy training classes.



Please let me know of any other things I havent thought of I am determined to do this right.

foreign_correspondent

Personally, I would avoid the use of puppy pads as it teaches the dog it's ok to pee inside - have a look at the housetraining thread on here for more info.

I would also start talking to the three year old about the right way to treat the dog -i.e. to gently stroke it, supervised, and not to grab at it, squish it, pull its fur etc etc... s/he needs to know that they need to be very gentle, and ask you before touching the pup, and that it needs time to sleep undisturbed!

mumhug

Ok thank you I will check out the housetraining thread. My sister has just had a new baby so Ihave told my children especially the 3 year old that the new puppy is a baby and we need to treat it like we do my sisters baby ie; no picking up no pulling around quiet and gentle. They have met the pup and were very gentle on inital contact. Do you think this sounds the right sort of way o go about it.? Also I have explained that when pup is here that the crate is her space and they are not allowed near it.

foreign_correspondent

Sounds good to me - you may also want to point out some obvious things, like not to poke it in the eye! I have had more than one small child try and give my dog a prod in the eye for some reason - I wonder if it is because they think they are like the glass eyes in teddy bears?! Sometimes little ones tend to be stronger than they realise too, so need to be aware of what we mean by 'gently'

It may actually be worth finding a toy dog and using it as a tool to demonstrate to the little one how to stroke the pup nicely ie. in the same direction as its fur, on the back or chest, and not pulling fur, grabbing at ears, noses, tails etc - sometimes visual learning is far more effective than verbal reasoning with little ones...

I haven't read it, but I know a lot of people reccomend a book called 'The Perfect Puppy' by Gwen Bailey, so that may well be worth getting hold of.

mumhug

I will go and check that book out now thank you .

rachiee

aww congratulations on your new puppy

mumhug

>Thank you very much I just really want to do everything right.

mumhug

I have been over on the house traning thread some very good advice there.

remembered_nights

What food is the pup on?

mumhug

remembered_nights wrote: »

What food is the pup on?

Hi she is one purina beta puppy food