8 month old puppy

Just wondering what some suggestions are for bring a 8 month puppy home to make the transition as easy as possible. Pup has been at breeders until now.

Cynthia

First thing I would do is find out asmuch as possible from the breeder about the environment the dog currenty enjoys

If you have done the relevant health checks and it's medical history is checked (jabs and microchip) then to start you need to puppy proof your house.

Puppy proofing is just like child proofing, if you don't want the dog upstairs or in the kitchen - a baby gate is an easy solution. You don't want your puppy eating your laptop charger or tv wires - where s/he could get an electric shock - don't leave wires in plain sight or anywhere where they could chew them. You get the idea right?

Another thing - Proof your garden. Make sure any gaps where the pup could get out are filled in or fenced off. If the dog is to live outside you need a good sized pen or a decent dog house with a blanket in - living in Florida - you need to make sure the dog doesn't over heat or get too cold at night. Food and water should always be accessible. If, as I imagine, it is warm - add a tray of icecubes into the water dish - these will slow the dog down from drinking water too fast and will also keep the water cool - both in and outdoors.

If the dog is to live indoors. A crate is a good option. You need a size where your puppy can comfortably turn around and lay on his/her side in. You can also buy water racks - to hold the dish inside the crate so at night your dog can never be thirsty.

You need to have a planned routine - and stick with it. Some people don't stick with routines as the puppy gets older but as this is a puppy and new to your environment I would say a two week routine - until the pup has settled in should ease it into the living of your house.

When you bring him home - a good walk before entering your house is always a good idea. After this walk you can show him where he/she is sleeping and let them settle for an hour before letting them explore their "domain". If you don't want the dog upstairs - don't allow it - right from the beginning, not even to explore - the upstairs is the humans place - if you like - same with any other area you do not want your pup in.

Chews - lots of them and toys. I would never leave a dog with stuffed toys or tennis balls or chews that could easily be swallowed and choked on when you aren't supervising the dog. My 8 month old lab x pup has thrown up in the night due to eating his rope toys

Hope this helps

8 months? An 8 month old will be chewing, boisterous, fun, active and inquisitive. As above, I`d be asking what sort of life he`s had up to now. Can you find out?

What is the puppys breed? If it is not a breed that you are familiar with I would look it up also.

I have to run out for a couple hours but I will respond as soon as I get back. Thanks everyone.

Cynthia

Right at this moment, this is the info I have about his disposition . He is currently kept in an area where there is an indoor/outdoor area. He is a cuddle bug and loves to be held. He is a bit shy at first but they just wants held and give kisses. He has been played with everyday by his breeder.

Cynthia

It sounds like he`s been kennelled then. So you`ll have to start from scratch housetraining and socialising. I would get a good Puppy book (not Cesar!) and go from basics.
Don`t assume he`s ever been trained. If the breeder hasn`t already socialised or trained him you`ve got your work cut out. In the house, things like washing machines, hoovers etc may spook him. Take things slowly - don`t let visitors overwhelm him.
Give him a quiet place he feels safe in and take it steady. He`s missed a lot of socialisation. But young dogs learn fast - just don`t push him.

As above, all good advice. Just remember being indoors with you is going to be so very different to his familiar surroundings, so if you find out he's a chewer, don't risk leaving him home alone where he could get hold of any live cables to chew or something you cherish. Get lots of toys, soft and chewable, and definitely a couple of kongs to fill with treats to keep him occupied.

Did you ask them why they still have him at this age? He sounds like he's got a lovely temperament so have fun!

The reasoning in him still being at the breeders I was given was that he is not the typical benji look and most people want the benji. Personally I fell in love with the black because I had a black toy poodle when little and it bring back the memories of my boo boo bear. He is a toy poodle mix. Yes I know I may get slammed for that.

Cynthia