Bringing Up Baby

Make your new pet's homecoming happy and hassle free.

By Nancy Coveney

From Reader's Digest

Images from this article

Dorling Kindersley/DKImages/Getty Images

Give your new pet a warm welcome home.

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Dorling Kindersley/DKImages/Getty Images

Give your new pet a warm welcome home.

• Get your puppy a crate for sleep, travel and housebreaking.



• Choose a vet immediately. Ask friends for recommendations.



• Bring a dog to obedience class right away.



• Introduce a puppy to lots of people and animals early on, and get him used to sounds (vacuum cleaners) and experiences (car rides).



• Adopt two cats -- if you can. They do well with a friend.



• If a kitty circles like she's looking for something, or races to a corner of the room, show her the litter box. She'll learn where it is fast.



• Keep an eye on kids and other pets until kitty adjusts.

From Reader's Digest - January 2006

• Your Pets
• Family Life

• Does Your Dog Need a Seat Belt?
• When traveling with your pooch, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
• 
• 4 Ways to De-Fat Your Cat
• If your cat's packing on the pounds, here's what you can do to help.
• 
• What to Do If Your Pet Is Missing
• Advice on what to do when you realize your pet is missing.
• 
• A Clean House with Pets: 4 Tips
• Short and simple suggestions for making pet mess less of a problem.
• 
• Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season
• Pet owners beware! Many holiday decorations can be hazardous to your pets.
• 
• 5 New Holiday Fashions for Your Pet
• From festive Santa bandanas to red and green collars -- stylish accessories to get your pooch in vogue for the holidays.
• 
• More Hero Pets
• These animals will amaze and inspire you!
•