So You've Picked Your Puppy!

Now that you have picked your puppy, ready your home for their arrival. Walk around your yard, do you have a secure area? If not, then take the time to make it secure. Puppies can squeeze through very small areas, even Saint Bernard puppies. Poisonous plants, if you don't know if the landscaping in your yard is safe, then find out. It is a good idea to have a shady area; you don't want your puppy to get too warm. Access to water is a must as well; bowls or sipper nozzles that can be attached to copper or pvc piping, both are good sources. You should also provide a covered area to shelter them from the elements.

My Saints have all been house dogs, and you may want one as well. In the beginning, you will need a contained area in your home where the puppy can sleep and stay when you are not there. This way you can keep their potty in a confined area instead of being strewn throughout your home. I have used our laundry room and kitchen as their contained areas. These rooms had ceramic tiled flooring, making clean-up easy. I have used a child guard gate to keep them in these rooms, it has always worked well. Most of us work outside our home, a crate or kennel is probably a better choice for your puppy. Contrary to what you may feel, a crate is a safe environment for your puppy not a punishment. Buy a large enough crate or kennel to allow free movement for your puppy. Make sure they have a water pail or other access to water, whenever you are gone.

Look for more useful information tomorrow on BRANDYKEGS blog.