Congratulations on the arrival of your new puppy. Now the fun and games begin. Included in this article are some simple rules for raising your new furkid, so that you and your puppy can kick start your life together in the best way possible.

I read somewhere that the average new puppy will cost it’s owner approximately R13, 000.00 in the first year of it’s life … taking into account vet services, food bills, education, kenneling, injury and destruction of property.

Mmmm sounds a lot, although I recently met a 6 month old boxer puppy who, in his short life time, had chomped his way through a designer garden suite, the wife’s BMW bumper, both mirrors and tail lights, the sprinkler system, 2 Creepy Crawlies, a couple of cycads and the gate motor - the damage was estimated in excess of R20,000.00!

But this need not be au fait comple. In fact, if you follow some simple rules you will get through puppy’s ‘Great White Shark’ period with very little impact on your body parts or valuable possessions.

Rule one: see the world from your puppy’s point of view

Firstly you must understand your new puppy is a pack animal and needs company, especially when he has just been taken away from his mom and the only life he’s ever known, so let’s look at the situation through his eyes.

• He’s probably cold and hungry and petrified of everything, as well as missing his mom like mad because she’s no longer around to protect him or comfort him from the dangers he perceives are everywhere.

But what does the average new owner do? They isolate the already traumatized new baby in the kitchen where it will  scream it’s lungs out in blind terror. Not only is it cruel, but it can cause serious and permanent psychological damage as the little one’s coping skills are not yet developed.

How to raise an intelligent dog

Assuming  you want to raise a Superdog that won’t keep you awake all night or destroy your home and garden, and which will become a valued member of your family, here are some more simple rules to follow:

Comfort and safety

• Firstly, if you enjoy sleeping at night, do have the new puppy in the bedroom with you where he will feel safe until he gets to know you and his new home. It will probably take about a month for him to gain confidence  and step out on his own. Also do keep him indoors with you, because of the many dangers outside which face a helpless baby.

Food

• If you want your new  puppy to sleep well and not shred your arms to resemble chopped liver, do feed him small, frequent meals, with big raw, meaty bones in between. Remember, like any infant, he cannot sleep on an empty  tummy so keep topping up his little hollow legs.

Potty train

• Potty training is a must. After every meal take little poo-machine outdoors to the same spot every time (a non splash, grassy patch is perfect) and say a magic word  like ‘Jackpot’. And when your puppy does oblige, dish out the treats and lots of praise, and take him back indoors.

Calming signals

• Exercise  is unnecessary and counter productive for a young puppy. Keep him chilled and quiet at all times - your voice should always be calming together with your tone, body language and energy which will rub off onto the puppy and keep him laid back.

Mental stimulation

• Mental stimulation is a must - chews, raw bones, toys and mind games are all a must.  Do  ‘Youtube’ or ‘Google’ for low energy dog tricks.

Other family pets

• Introducing a new little stranger to your family pets must be done with patience and gradually, one pet at a time,  until puppy is comfortable with the ’strangers’.  Do not throw him in at the deep end which will stress him out and impact negatively on you.

Puppy School

• A must. Book yourselves into a reputable puppy school immediately - not only will he learn the necessary life skills, but you’ll also find out how to stay sane.

Health

• Don’t forget his vaccinations  at 6-8 weeks,  12 weeks and Rabies again at 6 months. Worming must also be done. The vet will advise.

Summary of the rules

Here is a fool proof  formula to raise a monster demolisher:

• Keep him hungry
• Keep him outdoors
• Involve him in  mindless rough and tumble games.
• Scream at him
• Punish him physically
• Exercise him till he drops
• Don’t take him to school!

Not only is  this abuse, but I will guarantee you a dog from hell!

Good luck, have fun and take lots of photos … he’s only a puppy once!