It is exciting to have a new member to the family! A few difficulties and fun times are displayed in this article.

By: Jermaine

Last Wednesday night when my mom came home from her friend’s place we added a new member to our family. My mom’s friend is a dog-breeder, and because she had a lot of puppies she gave us “Yao-Yao”. Yao has been in our household for two and a half days now, and let me tell you ...if you want to adopt a puppy you need to know a few things. First you need to have a lot of patience, be prepared to sacrifice some sleep, do your homework on the breed of dog you adopt and of course get the right food and supplies!

The first thing I have to tell you is that puppies have A LOT of energy!! He runs around the house every chance he gets. Even after short naps, he is up again, looking to get into trouble. So getting a puppy, means you might even get into better shape because you will be running after him a lot!

When a puppy is introduced into a new home they need time to get used to things and you have to help them learn about their home and the rules. During the first two nights, they may cry constantly and this will tug at the heart of any new owner. Even though your heart may say no, the best strategy is to keep them in their crate, and sleep in an area that is close to him, where he can see you.

Having the right supplies and accessories is absolutely necessary if you want smooth transition after adopting your first puppy. You should get all these things prepared before your puppy sets foot in your house. Remember pets are not cheap and you will need to buy a leash and collar (I prefer the type that is retractable). Then, make sure that you find out what food is best for your breed, having some of their old food is a good idea so you can transition them to their new food.  Crating (caging) your dog is good idea and can help your puppy feel comfortable, have their own private space and can also help with housebreaking your puppy (making sure they go outside!). So invest in a crate, talk to your local pet store about the right size so that they learn it is where they sleep, not other things!

Now we have just talked about the basics to welcome your new family member into your home. But this is just the beginning. They will provide you with tons of affection, lots of joy and many great memories for years to come. Remember though that they need attention, training and to be cared for both physically and emotionally. I love Yao-Yao and I hope you will love your first puppy just as much!

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