Quote:
Originally Posted by DSTRen13
I know, I know, there are probably already threads like this ...
THE BACKSTORY: My husband and I are puppy-sitting for the summer. My sister rescued a 6-mo. old lab/hound mix off the kill list at a shelter near her university - right before leaving for her study abroad in New Zealand. Right now, the puppy is at my parents', but starting Monday, he will be living with us until August (assuming that my sister does, in fact, come and get him - we have a fenced-in yard and she doesn't). We have been told that while the puppy is a good puppy, it is large, poops a lot, and is a bit slow-witted (probably from being in the shelter for so long). Neither me nor my husband have done the dog thing before, ever.
THE POINT: For all you GC dog-owners out there, what advice can you give us for how to care for this dog?? We want to be good puppy god-parents! (Also, we have a cat - how do we introduce them and prevent a major battle??)
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Awww a puppy!
I don't have a dog but I agree with Lisa.
1. Choose a vet, and schedule a vet visit for the 1st week after you've brought the puppy home, if you haven't already. The vet will discuss health problems, vaccines, and deworming, and advise you on nutrition, house training, and other puppy issues.
2. Make sure he wears a collar and ID tag at all times, even when he's inside just incase he slips outside.
3. Since you got him from a shelter he should be fully vaccinated, so introduce him to a wide variety of people, places and other dogs if possible, that way he'll be comfortable and well behaved in different situations.
4. I know this sounds excessive, but if you can, brush his teeth daily or whenever you have time, because plaque hardens into tartar within about 36 hours, so it's good to get into the habit of doing it. There's also doggie bites that can help in keeping his teeth clean too.
Let me know if you have any questions about anything. I'm sure I can help.