Even more important than buying the necessities for your pup is making sure that your home is a safe place. You must be aware that a small puppy can be like a toddler in terms of getting into mischief and things he shouldn't, and that there are dangers in the household that should be eliminated. Before your puppy comes home, puppy-proof the house!
Electrical wires should be raised off the floor and hidden from view as they are very tempting as chewable objects. Swimming pools can be very dangerous, so make certain that your puppy can't get into, or fall into, the pool. Some barricades will be necessary to prevent an accident. Not all dogs can swim and those with short legs like your Corgi cannot climb out of the pool. Watch your deck railings and make sure that your puppy cannot slip through the openings and fall. Do not have any containers of insecticides, antifreeze, paint remover or any other cleaners or chemicals in places where your puppy can get to them, as these can often have a sweet and desirable taste to a puppy and can bring about fatal results.
If you have young children in the house, they must understand that the small puppy is a living being and must be treated gently. They cannot pull his ears, pick him up and drop him or otherwise treat him carelessly. This is your responsibility! A child taught about animals at an early age can become a lifelong compassionate animal lover and owner.
Use your common sense in all of these things. Consider where a young child can get into trouble, and your puppy will be right behind him!
When your puppy comes into the house for the first time (after he has relieved himself outside), let him take a look at his new home and surroundings, and then give him a light meal and some water. When he is tired, bring him outside again and then tuck him into his crate either to take a nap or, hopefully, to sleep through the night.
The first day or two for your puppy should be fairly quiet. He will then have time to get used to his new home, surroundings and family members. The first night, he may cry a bit, but if you put a teddy bear or a soft woolly sweater in his crate, this will give him some warmth and security. A nearby ticking clock or a radio playing soft music can also be helpful. Remember, he has been uprooted from a sibling or two, his mother and his familiar breeder, and he will need a day or two to get used to his new family. If he should cry during the first night, let him be and he will eventually quiet down and sleep. By the third night, he should be well settled in. Have patience and within a week or less, it will seem to you, your family and your puppy that you have all been together for years, and you will be off to an excellent start with your puppy.
Next Step: Preparing For Your Puppy Overview
Reprinted from Breeder's Best: Pembroke Welsh Corgi © 2005 Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.