New Puppy Checklist
When you introduce a new puppy to your home, it's often recommended to give the puppy and any other dogs in your house a bath immediately. The reason behind this is to make everyone in the pack smell similar as quickly as possible. This practice aims to minimize potential conflicts by reducing differences in scent between the dogs. It is recommended to use the family shampoo or the shampoo of the puppy's owner, do not use special dog shampoo. The primary goal is to help the dogs in the pack adjust to each other's presence more smoothly
Food: Free feeding, or providing access to food at all times, can offer flexibility and convenience for both dogs and their owners. This approach is particularly beneficial for dogs with specific dietary preferences or those who tend to graze on their food gradually throughout the day. Great Danes will not overeat, as long as you don't hold food from them. Here's a more detailed explanation.
1. Flexibility: Free feeding allows dogs to eat at their own pace. It can be particularly useful for dogs with irregular appetites or those who prefer to eat smaller, more frequent meals. This flexibility can reduce mealtime stress for both the dog and the owner.2. Customized Consumption: Some dogs have specific dietary needs or medical conditions that require them to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Free feeding can accommodate these requirements by allowing the dog to eat when they feel hungry.3. Reduced Competition: In multi-pet households, free feeding can minimize food-related conflicts among pets. Each pet can access their food at their convenience, reducing the likelihood of territorial disputes or food-guarding behaviors.4. Weight Management: While free feeding offers flexibility, it is essential to monitor your dog's weight and overall health. This approach works best when dogs naturally regulate their food intake and maintain a healthy weight. Owners should be attentive to any changes in their dog's eating habits and adjust the feeding method accordingly.5. Reduced Mealtime Anxiety: For some dogs, set meal schedules can create mealtime anxiety or pressure. Free feeding can alleviate this stress, allowing the dog to eat in a more relaxed and natural manner.
Treats: It's essential to prioritize the safety of your Great Dane puppy. Stick to providing them with raw beef bones and avoid giving them stuffed toys. Stuffed toys, apart from posing a choking hazard, can also encourage destructive chewing habits in adult Great Danes. In some cases, they can even damage furniture, like couches, in a surprisingly short amount of time. Sleeping arrangements: It's advisable not to let your new puppy sleep in your bed. As they grow, they may take up more space and disrupt your sleep. Even if you get a new bed, they might follow you and continue to take over. To ensure a comfortable night's sleep for both you and your puppy, it's a good idea to provide them with their own dog bed next to yours. Additionally, some adult dogs may exhibit a habit of digging or nesting, even on your mattress, regardless of its material
Potty training: House training a Great Dane puppy is essential, as they typically gain full bladder control around six months of age. An effective method for potty training is to take their waste and put it in the area of the yard where you want them to go in the future. While this process may take a month or so, it helps them learn where to relieve themselves.
Eating items like shoes and purses: When you catch your new puppy chewing on something they shouldn't have, it's essential to handle the situation carefully. Instead of directly taking the item away from them, which can turn it into a game, first, offer them a raw beef bone. Then, gently remove the inappropriate object from their mouth and exchange it for the bone. This way, you're redirecting their attention and preventing them from developing a habit of chewing on things they shouldn't.
Treats: It's essential to prioritize the safety of your Great Dane puppy. Stick to providing them with raw beef bones and avoid giving them stuffed toys. Stuffed toys, apart from posing a choking hazard, can also encourage destructive chewing habits in adult Great Danes. In some cases, they can even damage furniture, like couches, in a surprisingly short amount of time. Sleeping arrangements: It's advisable not to let your new puppy sleep in your bed. As they grow, they may take up more space and disrupt your sleep. Even if you get a new bed, they might follow you and continue to take over. To ensure a comfortable night's sleep for both you and your puppy, it's a good idea to provide them with their own dog bed next to yours. Additionally, some adult dogs may exhibit a habit of digging or nesting, even on your mattress, regardless of its material
Potty training: House training a Great Dane puppy is essential, as they typically gain full bladder control around six months of age. An effective method for potty training is to take their waste and put it in the area of the yard where you want them to go in the future. While this process may take a month or so, it helps them learn where to relieve themselves.
Eating items like shoes and purses: When you catch your new puppy chewing on something they shouldn't have, it's essential to handle the situation carefully. Instead of directly taking the item away from them, which can turn it into a game, first, offer them a raw beef bone. Then, gently remove the inappropriate object from their mouth and exchange it for the bone. This way, you're redirecting their attention and preventing them from developing a habit of chewing on things they shouldn't.