Safety
We all want to keep puppies safe! Here are some resources to help you learn more about dog safety.
crate training
It's a good idea to train puppy to be relaxed and happy in a crate. Even if you don't plan to crate your furry friend on a regular basis, there will probably be times that crating will be needed (e.g., in a veterinary hospital; on a plane; in a car). Crates can definitely be happy places, and training puppy to love their crate is a process that can transfer to training other skills. Check out Susan Garrett's "Crate Games" for a super-fun way to introduce puppy to its crate!
plants & edibles
Familiarize yourself with foods that are toxic to puppy. Some foods that are common in our kitchens and homes (onions, garlic, avocados, grapes, chocolate, sugar-free gum) are dangerous for our canine best friends.
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Many plants are also toxic...far too many to list here. Visit this extensive list to see what plants in your area may be considered toxic.
body language
Puppy is communicating with you all the time through body language. (Puppy is also reading YOUR body language, by the way!) Start learning about the complex and subtle ways that canines communicate with this short and easy-to-understand video. Once you master the basics, you'll be better able to support puppy and know what they need. To get an idea of how nuanced canine body language can be, take a look at this extensive resource!
first aid
Accidents happen. Consider keeping a first aid kit on hand at home and one in your car or backpack. Kits can be purchased or you can create your own.
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For outdoor or wilderness adventures, here is a list of items to consider. Here is a minimal kit to take for shorter trips in your car or RV. An emergency preparedness kit will be more expansive.
on the road
Animals that are unsecured in a vehicle can become projectiles in an accident. This clearly poses a danger to the animal, but it's also a danger to the driver and passengers. Make sure puppy is secure in your vehicle.
Not all crates, carriers, and harnesses will keep puppy safe in an accident. The Center for Pet Safety conducts rigorous testing on safety harnesses, travel carriers, and travel crates. Please visit their web site and review their approved list to ensure puppy has the most secure ride.
emergency preparation
Every area of the world has the potential for natural disasters. Whether you live in an earthquake zone, an area that experiences hurricanes, or a region prone to wildfires, there is the possibility that you will need to leave your home for safer shelter. Just as you have your own go-bag, have one for puppy.
The US Centers for Disease Control have a checklist to help you get ready for the emergency you hope will never happen.
PET TRUSTS
What is a pet trust? It is a legally sanctioned and legally enforceable arrangement to provide for the care of your beloved dog (and other animal companions) in the event of your death or disability. It allows you to designate funds to be set aside from your estate to ensure your wishes are followed.
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Untold numbers of dogs end up in shelters or foster care because their deceased or disabled guardians didn't make plans for them. Please don't assume your family members will step in. Check with them, and help them step up the task by having a pet trust in place.
PET INSURANCE
Almost anyone with a companion animal recognizes that veterinary costs are increasing each year. This is, in part, because the level of care is increasing. New ways of treating acute and chronic health issues often have higher price tags. Consider pet insurance as a way to ease the burden and facilitate decision-making, especially in cases of emergency and illness that we hope never happen.
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There are websites where you can compare different companies and policies. Pawlicy and Nerdwallet are two places where you can start your search. Be sure to ask friends and family for their recommendations, too.
