With Christmas just around the corner, many South Australians might be considering adding a furry friend to their family. But before you wrap up that adorable puppy with a bow, Guide Dogs SA/NT has some valuable advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new companion.
- Create a safe and happy home for your new puppy: “Puppies need a safe, quiet spot to rest and adjust to their new environment away from visitors and children,” says Guide Dog Trainer Kirsty Milne. This means puppy-proofing your home by removing any potential hazards like toxic plants, electrical cords, or small objects that could be chewed or swallowed.
- Set up a designated toileting area: Consistency is key when it comes to house training. Milne advises taking your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, or playtime.
- Socialisation: Early socialisation is also crucial. “Expose your puppy thoughtfully to different people, pets and environments to help them grow into a well-rounded dog,” Milne suggests. Enrolling in a positive reinforcement puppy pre-school can provide valuable guidance on socialisation and training techniques.
- Prepare for teething: Remember that puppies explore the world through their mouths, so be prepared for teething. Remove any items you don’t want them to chew on and provide appropriate chew toys to soothe their sore gums.
For those who already have a canine companion, Guide Dogs SA/NT Veterinary Nurse Jasmine Chilton offers some timely reminders.
- Mind the menu: “Feed a premium quality puppy food, as many human treats are dangerous and toxic for dogs,” she warns. “The last thing you want is a new puppy with an upset stomach.”
Chilton also cautions against sharing festive treats with your furry friend. “We all love Christmas Cake and mince pies, but did you know grapes and raisins that are an essential ingredient in these delicious treats are toxic to pets, and can cause kidney damage if ingested?” she says. If in doubt, the Australian Animal Poisons helpline is a valuable resource for checking dangerous food and plants.
- Check your pet is fully immunised and up to date with their preventative medications for fleas and worms before the holiday period, this prepares them in case they are booked in for any boarding stays.
- Know your local veterinary practice’s opening hours in case they have changed during the holiday period and keep your emergency vet details handy for anything out of hours.
If you’re not quite ready for the full-time commitment of a puppy but still want to experience the joy of caring for one, consider becoming a weekend carer for a Guide Dog puppy-in-training. “We think of them as being like foster carers – we’re always looking for people at short notice who can look after our puppies for a weekend or overnight,” Milne explains. “This allows you to experience what it’s like to be a Puppy Raiser without having the full-time commitment while helping us when we need to relieve our carers, which is much appreciated.”
This Christmas, consider supporting Guide Dogs SA/NT’s Christmas Appeal. With the cost of training a Guide Dog, Assistance Dog, or Facility Dog reaching $50,000, every dollar counts towards helping someone with low vision or blindness live independently. You can also show your support by browsing their range of themed gifts, including Christmas wrapping paper, calendars, socks, and even dog-themed jewellery.
Donate here or at https://sant.guidedogs.com.au/christmas
Browse the Guide Dogs SA/NT gift guide here or at https://sant.guidedogs.com.au/getinvolved/shop/
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