New pets require preparation, patience

Last Christmas, the McConaughey household was gifted a new puppy. This new puppy, whose name is Lyla, has added so much fun and love to our home. Along with Lyla came everyday reminders of what it means to add a pet to your household. She is a major responsibility. I know our home is not the only one to grow in pet family members recently, so here are some reminders regarding your new loved one.
With any new pet the most important first step to introducing it to the family includes a visit to the veterinarian before it comes into the household. New pets can carry parasites that may become a problem for other family members, both human and animal. They also can carry infectious diseases that may affect the other pets. During the first visit the veterinarian will perform a physical exam, possible vaccines and a stool check for parasites. This is a very important visit and will allow you time to ask any questions you may have about your new family member.

Preparing your home for a new pet is also very important. If you are bringing home a kitten, you will need a litter box with litter. Be sure to put the litter box in a quiet environment away from loud noises, such as the washer and dryer. Your new kitten will do best by being slowly introduced to the home. Start out by confining the kitten to one room with a litterbox, food and water bowls, toys and a bed. By starting in a small confined area, your kitten will gain confidence and feel safe. This will encourage the litterbox training that took place with the mother cat and littermates. Puppies also do best with their own small area. I recommend a crate for all puppies. This will give them their own space and you will notice that when they tire or are in trouble they will return to the crate. To prepare your home for a puppy you also will need to puppy-proof the home. Move small items the puppy may ingest, make sure electrical cords are hidden and invest food and water bowls, appropriate toys and a leash.
With any new puppy the next concern pet owners have is housebreaking. It is important that you begin housebreaking as soon as your puppy comes home. The puppy will need constant supervision inside the home. If it cannot be supervised because the family is gone or busy, the puppy needs to be in a crate or outside. It is also advisable for your puppy to wear a loose leash if inside the house. This allows you to move the puppy and take him outside without scaring him. Constant supervision is important to successful housebreaking. The puppy should be taken outside to eliminate every 2 hours, after eating and after sleeping. Take the puppy out on a leash to the same area in the yard each time and use the same command to tell it what is expected. Outside time is all business until the puppy eliminates, then positively reinforce it with loving praise and play. Monitor the puppy inside and if it begins sniffing around the house promptly take it to the special place in the yard and encourage elimination.
All new pets will require attention for training and discipline. Kittens need to be taught to stay away from certain places in the home. Puppies need to be taught to sit, stay and come when called. This all takes time and patience. Consistency is the key and ultimately will shorten the length of time until your pet is fully trained.
Remember, new puppies and kittens are just babies. It takes time and practice to learn new things. These new pets need quiet time for rest to recharge. Be sure to socialize new pets and encourage interaction with visitors in your home. Learning to meet new people is an important part of becoming a part of the family. Introductions to new people should be done gradually and never forced.