So you decided to add a new addition to your home. No, we are not talking about a room, but about a new dog. Whether you’re preparing your home for puppies, housebreaking, crate training, or teaching your dog a fabulous memory or new trick, the proper care and maintenance that is required is equally important to your dog’s success!

It doesn’t matter if your new puppy came from a breeder and is a young pup or came from a rescue and is older; Many of the steps will be the same to build a relationship and empower both of you. The similarity is simply that their environment has changed. You are their new owner and now they must get used to their new social setup with you in charge.

At-home puppy testing is an absolute must. The idea is the same as when expecting a baby to come home. Make sure there is nothing around your pup that could be destructive in any way. Be it chewing, messing, shredding and eating. It helps to get down on all fours, yes, all fours, and crawl around your house and you’ll see exactly what this new pup will see. A world of ropes, toys, shoes, table legs and much more. Don’t forget to keep them out of cabinets, chemicals, hazardous areas, and any other potentially dangerous places. Did you know that there is also an endless list of substances and foods that can be a danger to your puppy? We thought we’d share just a few that you should be especially careful to keep away from your pup: dark chocolate, raisins, grapes, oleander, and antifreeze are the most common dangers to your pup. Check with your vet for the full list.

The best way to prevent destruction is to keep your puppy with you at all times and provide toys that are easily distinguishable from anything else (if your puppy can’t be with you, he can go in a crate). Below, we will discuss the importance of crate training as it relates to housebreaking and other puppy-related issues. Another great way to prevent destruction is to give your dog plenty of exercise throughout the day. A tired puppy is a good puppy.

Stay tuned for more…and remember, if you haven’t picked out those Manola Blahnicks you love, don’t be mad when your pooch decides he likes them better.