New puppy & garden landscaping

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happy_schnappy
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New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by happy_schnappy »

Morning all,

Unfortunately, timings have worked against us and garden could not be finished in time for our new arrival so we have a few options, and I was wondering what you think would be best:-

1) Leave garden until September when pup will be settled. She will still be able to use garden as is with minor adjustments from my husband. When they do come in Sept she will be allowed out and about for walks etc after vaccination.

or

2) Carry on with garden plans because a) it will get her used to people coming and going b) we could have her in 'play room' instead of kitchen for the duration (2-3 weeks, I will find out tonight). My worry with going ahead is that 1) it will be too traumatic for her. Yes they will mostly be in the garden but they will be walking in and out of the house (I am not worried about her escaping because we will shut playroom door/put her in a playpen). 2) she will get used to being in playroom then won't want to move back to kitchen? Also she might have to wee in front garden during the day while they are here when really I want her to go in back garden. Will this be too confusing for her? Another worry is sometimes there are foxes in the front garden - could she pick up something nasty where they have been?

My gut says leave garden for a few weeks to give her time to settle but friends (some with dogs) say it'll be fine.
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Robin black mini
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Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by Robin black mini »

Option one...providing there is a secure fence ,and you are there to see what she tries to eat or investigates..definitely ,option one..get your garden done and work with her...
Even reading option two made me double take..far too much overthinking..relax and enjoy your tiny arrival.!

I have yet to find anything that phazes my little girl..if she is with us ,we carry on..
Here she is meeting the cattle ,coming down from the mountains to the valley where we live,for the first time...she had no fear,just curious..

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Last edited by Robin black mini on 04 Jul 2018, 12:03, edited 3 times in total.
happy_schnappy
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Posts: 55
Joined: 25 Apr 2018, 15:59
First Name: Menna
Dog #1: Kiki
is a: B/S Mini Bitch
Born: 28 May 2018

Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by happy_schnappy »

Ha ha thanks Jo, you're right!

We will make it safe (only a small garden anyway) and will definitely not be leaving her unsupervised
happy_schnappy
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Joined: 25 Apr 2018, 15:59
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Dog #1: Kiki
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Born: 28 May 2018

Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by happy_schnappy »

Just re-read option 2 - I do sound a bit mad! Sorry, I have all these things swirling around my head!

and breathe....
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Robin black mini
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Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by Robin black mini »

Not mad at all...I was probably the same because they are a small breed...but they have a huge heart and soul...just protect them from themselves( the obvious dangers) and you will be fine
Oscar 12345
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Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by Oscar 12345 »

This brings back memories. We moved in to our new build home with garden completely unlandscaped one week before pup arrived. Not good timing due to late build but hey ho...
We ensured that at least part of the front had some lawn but it was not secure at all. I used to walk Otto on the front lawn regularly always on lead, actually a huge bonus was that he had to get used to the lead from the get go and all training outside was done on the lead. When the back lawn was done he had no problem weeing round the back. We had builders in and out and that was a bonus too because he got used to the hustle and bustle of a chaotic mad noisy house. He got popped in his pen if people were working around the house and it was dangerous for him to be roaming around. I also took him out every day for socialisation, carrying him everywhere (I should have got one of those carry jobbys, they get very heavy when you are walking a fair distance). We didn't have a fully secure front garden until 2 months after we moved in and although the back was secure it was just top soil and rubble and enormous weeds, not safe. Our garden planting was eventually done in November (bare root stuff hedging and trees etc.) so that was 3 months after we moved in so he was kept on a lead for a long time. Not ideal and it was a bit of a faff but you work round it. If I was doing it again I would buy some cheap fencing and make a small area safe for him to go in to so he can have a schmooze around on his own. I could have done that but it was approaching Winter so we could do without it. I definitely would need it this time of year. They adapt to this environment, especially the coming and going which I think is a real positive as long as the key things in his/her life remain consistent, feeding, walking, training etc.
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
Oscar 12345
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Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by Oscar 12345 »

Should add we are rural and have foxes, I never had a problem. Just watch what he/she is putting in the mouth and a quick wipe of the feet with a wet wipe when they get in will put your mind at rest. Also good to get them used to you handling their paws.
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
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zeta1454
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Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by zeta1454 »

I agree with Jo and Julie - as long as you keep your new puppy safe and monitored when outside at all times option one is definitely the best plan. As Julie says, the need to adapt to changes going on, new people coming and going etc should actually be beneficial in the future to help build her confidence and resilience to novelty and change in her life :-)
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

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Oscar 12345
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Posts: 1592
Joined: 02 May 2017, 11:28
First Name: Julie
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Dog #2: Otto
is a: B/S Mini Dog
Born: 04 Jul 2017

Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by Oscar 12345 »

Sorry one more thing, don't take anything for granted with planting/plants etc. They are so inquisitive and just when you you think they won't be so silly as to do something, bingo, they have gone and done it. I cut all the tulips down at the end of Spring but left a few soft stems sticking out of the ground. Otto got hold of them this week and pulled out the little sticks that had gone hard and before I knew it he was eating the tulip bulb at the end of it. Highly toxic. Another lesson learned... So eyes at the back of your head and preferably at least two heads should do it...... Enjoy the wonderful time with your new family member.
Man cannot survive with wine alone...
we also need a schnauzer.
happy_schnappy
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Posts: 55
Joined: 25 Apr 2018, 15:59
First Name: Menna
Dog #1: Kiki
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Born: 28 May 2018

Re: New puppy & garden landscaping

Post by happy_schnappy »

thanks all, will make a safe bit of garden for her by the time she arrives and then go ahead with rest of work some time in September

I'll also look for a list of toxic plants
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