Dog Proofing the House
Preparing the inside of your home to keep your possessions safe from new puppies’ claws and teeth are incredibly important, more so than you may think.
Just like babies, puppies explore their new surroundings with their little hands (well, paws!), and their mouths.
The real difference is that puppies have sharp teeth and claws that can do real damage, but as well as the obvious damage they can inflict – allowing them to destroy things like channel changers and slippers will make them think that’s OK.
Buying baby-proofing gadgets can be perfect for puppy use including:
- Baby Gates
- Cupboard Locks
- Outlet Covers
Dog Proofing the Yard
The main issue with Huskies in the yard is that they like to dig their way out, for them they’re not naughty – they’re just having fun.
Digging a hole and wiggling around in the dirt – then exploring the neighborhood is a bunch of fun, come on, even you have to admit it!
But we both know that it’s not OK, so you have to make it clear to your pup as well!
An obvious way to do this is to put up fencing that is buried into the ground, having paved areas of the yard, and – of course – telling Fido that digging is not what we want to do.
Using chicken wire over flower beds can help to keep curious pups at bay, and as the bare soil is more tempting than grass – usually does the trick!
Beddy Byes
Your little pup’s body is working really hard to grow him from a teeny fluffy rabbit into a big old Husky – and that takes up a heck of a lot of energy.
For that reason, your Husky pup will spend much of his day napping until he’s at least six months of age.
And what better place to nap than a nice comfy bed?
Not only will it make your pooch more comfortable, but by having his own zone that you can send him to hang out in, it will get him out from under your feet whenever you’re rushing around.
Food and Water Bowls
You’d be surprised by just how many people bring their puppies home and then make an emergency dash to the local pet store for food and water bowls.
You need to make sure that you have these before you go pick your puppy up as he needs constant access to food and water in his early days.
Anti-spill bowls are a great idea for puppy owners, as they have this habit of trying to stand in their bowls and then flipping water everywhere as they jump out!
Dog Food
When you bring your dog home from the breeder, or rescue center – it’s important that you don’t change his diet immediately, this will almost always result in upset tummies, and as your dog is likely not housetrained quite yet – one hell of a mess for you to clean up.
Ask the breeder or center for a bag of dog food to last you four days; they’ll almost always be more than happy to oblige. After it runs out be sure to pick up the best food for husky puppies you can get your hands on.
In case they’re fresh out – ask them for the name of the brand and type of food so you can nip to the pet store and pick up a small bag!
Crate
Many owners mistakenly think of crating as a punishment, but in fact, it’s far from it.
Imagine moving in with a bunch of strangers and not having your own bedroom; it wouldn’t make you feel very relaxed, would it?
Well, for a puppy, his crate, or kennel is his bedroom, his safe zone – the place he can go to relax and get away from everyone if he needs to.
You can start crate training as soon as you welcome your puppy home, but make sure that you purchase a crate that is the right size for your pooch!
Generally, a Husky will need a crate measuring 42 inches, and for the puppy owner – it’s a good idea to buy a crate with a dividing panel to save you from having to buy another crate as your pooch grows!
Play Pen
If you’re out at work all day, you need to think about where you’re going to keep your pup.
If you have an entire room that he can be left in – with his crate propped open that’s ideal, but if not – a playpen will do the trick.
Buy a pooch specific playpen that can stand up to the rigors of puppies bouncing around, and be sure to keep his crate with bed and water and food bowls within his pen!
Leash and Collar
This is another one of those obvious purchases that many owners forget to buy!
When training your pup to accept the leash and collar, it’s important that he’s comfortable and doesn’t feel constricted.
Puppy collars tend to be softer, and more flexible – to allow your puppy to have tantrums and pull against it without hurting himself. Better to get your pooch a harness if they are pulling too much.
Do remember, even if your puppy is pulling back against the lead – hold fast, and let him realize that he can’t go anywhere, don’t pull back against his resistance.
Vaccinations
As soon as you get your puppy, or perhaps even before – you should book an appointment with your veterinarian to get his vaccinations done.
Be sure to coordinate with his breeder to find out whether he has had any before arriving at your home.
Microchips
While you’re at the vet’s anyway, you absolutely should ask to have your pet microchipped – this amazing technology has reunited many lost pets with their owners, and as Huskies are renowned escape artists; it’s definitely worth it!
Neuter or Spay
While it’s not something that you can immediately have done, you need to think about whether you’re going to spay or neuter your pet.
Unless you’re planning on breeding with your pooch in the future, I would always recommend having this done, as not only can it protect them from future medical problems – but it can also protect from unwanted behavior…. And unwanted puppies!
Obedience Training Classes
As soon as you’ve decided to welcome a new puppy into your home, it’s time to find a local obedience training class to book into.
Weekly classes are an amazing way to socialize and train your puppy at the same time and are well worth the time and money.
We’ve seen cases of owners that have skipped this stage, and now have mature dogs that are incredibly difficult and unable to be left alone for any period of time at all.
You don’t want to get into this situation, so be proactive now to make your dog-owning journey a joy rather than a nightmare like the owners of the dogs mentioned above are experiencing!
Grooming Equipment
Buying a soft grooming brush to groom through your pup’s coat gently is a must also a nice shampoo, with such long hair – they can develop mats if not well maintained.
Other grooming equipment that you’ll need include:
- Toothbrush
- Nail Clippers
Toys
For the working dog owner, you need to think about how your puppy will keep himself amused during the day while you’re at work.
A bored puppy becomes a destructive puppy, but by alternating toys and using things such as treat-filled kongs – your puppy will have something to keep his mind occupied until you arrive home!
Final Thoughts
The first week of puppy ownership is expensive!
There are so many bits and bobs to buy, but if you’re smart with your purchases – they can be items that will last you for your dog’s entire life!
Be wary of buying the cheap option as they can often by poor quality and flimsily made.
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