I just got a puppy, any advice?

Question

It's a 3 month old husky/lab mix, it seems very intelligent and has taken well to housebreaking so far, with just a couple accidents. But so far I know nothing about raising a dog (well, technically it's my mom's dog anyways, but SHE'S not finding anything out...) so does anyone have any advice? Oh also I have a cat and a hamster, how do I introduce them so that they don't try to kill each other?

Ok, I gave him a crate, it was plastic not wire sides because I read that wire sides can hurt a puppy. I keep the gate open most of the time, but we might have to lock him in once me and my mom go to work and school. My mom comes home for lunch, though, so it'll never be alone for more than 3 hours (possibly less) so is this ok? Also (I realize I'm asking alot of questions here) about how long does housebreaking usualy take? And how can you do "the crate method" with a puppy that hates being in cages? We're keeping him in the kitchen right now, but it's not working as well as we'd like.

Answer 1

Make sure he/she gets plenty of exercise and attention. Has lots of things to chew. And take a puppy class at 5-6 months. Sounds like you have your hands full, but are on a good track. Cesar's Way is a great book by the way or look for him on his PBS show.

Answer 2

I would get a crate for the dog. Make it like home sweet home for your pooch. You can make it comfy by putting some bedding in there with some toys. Also if you put an old tshirt that you have worn, it helps to make the puppy comfy in their. You should never spank if they make a mess. You can make a loud noise with a newspaper or something but never rub their nose in a mess. Also, when buying chew toys, make sure they cant swallow any thing. Rawhide can expand in the dogs stomach if swallowed in chunks and then the dog drinks water. Pretty scary. I avoid rawhide chews and get Nyla Bone chews because they last forever and dog can't swallow it. As far as introducing the animals, let the cat meet dog first. Save the hamster until you see reaction with cat. the hamster just has no way to fight back if something happens. Those animals should be fine together. Always praise your dog for any good behavior and be patient. Love unconditionally and you should be good and have a best friend for a long time to come.

Answer 3

Get a Kong toy. Your pup is going to be teething soon if not now. He is going to need to chew on something safe. Also nylabones are good. Be consistent with the housebreaking, the more consistent you are the quicker he will catch on but expect accidents for a while yet he is still young. Also, look into enrolling your pup in Puppy Kindergarten. Petsmart has a good one. It will teach basic obedience and is good for socialization with other dogs and people. A great way to get started with your dog.

Answer 4

Keep the cat and dog separated with a door between them so they can sniff each other for a few days. Play with your puppy a lot and to boost it's moral play tug-o-war with a toy. Let your dog win every once in a while and say, "good puppy!" Give you puppy
plenty of praise and encouragement. That way your dog will grow up even tempered and good natured. The cat and dog will
work things out between them once they get together. It may
take a week or two but eventually they will become best friends.

Answer 5

He will be a big boy!!
You will want to get him a crate.
He does not need to be locked in, it is just a place he can make his den. It makes training and travel much easier!.
If the dog visits family for an extended time... it is nice to bring his own bed (his crate) that he is comfortable with. Large breeds, don't need cushions and such,,, it would just over heat them.
Also, when riding in the car or truck it is easier / safer / cleaner to have him ride in his crate.
Plan on training him.... start with the basics. Sit, No, Come, Off, Down.
NO people food... or your have a hard time feeding him as he ages. ((also, you do not want a beggar))

Answer 6

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Answer 7

puppies chew alot so have plenty of toys to keep the pup satisfied. he needs to eat puppy food until he is at least 6 months old. my did until he was a year but thats your choice. just as long as he eats it until he is 6 mo. they always want your attention so give it to them. oh and if you play rough and mean then they will be mean when they get older. and about the introducing, just dont rush into it. give them equal attention so they wont be jealous of one another and if the cat or puppy tries to eat the hamster then thats probably not going to work out. my dog tried that w/ my hamster and i popped him on his snout. my hamster was still alive. the cat and puppy may get along as long as the puppy doesn't torment the cat. hope this helped.

Answer 8

I would do a positive training class somewhere. It will help you bond better with the dog and they can help you out with a lot of questions you might have. Petsmart has decent training classes that aren't real expensive.

Answer 9

obedience school is the most important thing for a puppy that size and age, plus your discipline and affection. pups are stressful at times, but you have to make sure he has a cage, it makes house training a little easier

Answer 10

Plenty of toys to chew on!