| How to Make a Gumball Machine Fish Tank Posted: 24 Jan 2020 04:00 PM PST Aquariums are an easy, relatively low-maintenance way to keep a pet at your home. If you'd like to create a fun twist on this aquatic environment, try renovating a gumball machine with special aquarium supplies. Once you've cleaned out your gumball machine and made a few cosmetic changes, use power tools and sealant to trim and install aquarium flooring in your new tank. After you've attached the filter and added in some fun lights and decorations, you'll be ready to introduce some fish into your new tank! [Edit]Cleaning the Gumball Machine and Getting Supplies - Remove any candy or gumballs from the machine. If you're repurposing a machine that used to hold various sweets, focus on getting rid of any extra gum and candy. Remove the lid and scoop out any leftover sweet treats until the tank is completely empty.[1]
- Square or rectangular gumball machines work best when you're trying to create an aquarium.
- While the candy and gum has a great color scheme, you can't keep these items in your future fish tank.
- Try to use a large gumball machine for this project. The average goldfish is happiest in a tank that's . If you can't find a gumball machine close to that size, try using the largest tank that you can find.[2]
- Twist or pull off the lid from your gumball machine. Before you start cleaning or making any adjustments to your gumball machine, take a moment to remove the lid from your rectangular or circular tank. If your machine is rectangular, try lifting off the lid to access the inside of the tank. If your tank is circular, try twisting the lid to loosen and remove it from the gumball machine.[3]
- If your gumball machine has a lock on the lid, use a heavy-duty drill bit to work through the metal and break the lock.[4]
- Wipe out the gumball container with warm water. Soak a rag or paper towel in water and rub down the sides, lid, and bottom of the gumball machine. Wipe down every visible surface to get rid of any leftover sugar, dirt, or grime that's in the tank. Try to avoid using soap for this, as soapy residue can hurt your future fish population.[5]
- Pick up aquarium supplies for a small fish tank. If you don't know the gumball machine's exact dimensions, don't sweat it—instead, purchase supplies designed for a small, tank for a small gumball machine. While you're at the supply shop, grab some aquarium sealant, a small filter, as well as gravel, waterproof lights, and other decorations. Additionally, visit a hardware or home improvement store to pick up some polycarbonate sheeting.[6]
- You'll be making room for a tank filter later on.
[Edit]Modifying the Lid for the Filter Cord - Sketch out a rectangular portion of the lid to remove. Take a ruler and measure the length and width of your new filter. Take this measurement and mark it along the side of the gumball machine lid. While the filter will be on the outside of the tank, you won't be able to fit the lid securely over the clip-on device. Because of this, you'll need to cut a small rectangular portion of your metal lid off.[7]
- Depending on the size of your filter, the rectangular section might be as large as .
- Wear gloves and safety glasses before using power tools. Before trimming your fish tank lid, slip on a pair of durable gloves, as well as a set of safety glasses or goggles. Since you'll be trimming metal, you don't want any loose specks flying into your eyes. If you want to take extra precautions, use a ventilating mask as well.[8]
- When working with power tools, always stay in a well-ventilated area. Ideally, this project should be done outside.
- Drill along the edge of this sketched rectangle. Take any drill bit and start drilling holes on the long stretch of line that you marked off on the lid. Continue forming holes along this area, as this will cause the metal to become weak, brittle, and easier to remove. Depending on the size of the lid, try drilling at least 5 holes along the reference line.[9]
- Each drill hole should be about 4-5 millimeters apart.
- Weaken the outer edge of the metal with a handsaw. Apply a small amount of pressure to the vertical lines of your rectangular mark-up with a hand-operated saw. While this tool won't finish the job, you can use it to weaken the vertical ends of your rectangle. Keep working the saw in a back and forth motion until the metal edge feels looser.[10]
- The handsaw won't remove this section of metal completely, but it will make the metal come off more easily.
- Chisel off the rectangular piece of metal from the lid. Place a chisel along the horizontal edge of the rectangle, next to the holes you drilled previously. Hit the end of the chisel with a hammer to apply pressure to the cuts and fissures that you've already formed in the metal. Continue hammering along the edge of the rectangular shape with the chisel until the metal piece falls off![11]
- Don't worry about sanding this edge of the metal, as you only removed the metal so the filter could fit properly.
[Edit]Creating a Watertight Seal - Saw off the central metal pole with a rotary tool. Use a handheld rotary tool to cut off any metal mixtures in the middle of your tank. Try to remove as much of the pole as you can, so you can cover its base with a piece of polycarbonate sheeting later on. If you don't remove this piece of metal, you won't be able to seal your tank properly.[12]
- Trace the perimeter of your gumball machine onto a polycarbonate sheet. Set a sheet of polycarbonate material on top of your fish tank. Using a permanent marker, trace a rough line around the edge of your fish tank. Aim for your sketched lines to be almost exact with the actual perimeter, so the polycarbonate can fit snugly in the tank.[13]
- The polycarbonate will serve as the base for the aquarium.
- It's okay if your polycarbonate section is slightly smaller, as you'll be going over it with sealant momentarily.
- If your machine is circular, trace the rounded opening on top of the tank.
- Cut your outlined shape with a handheld rotary tool. Take your electric rotary tool and saw in a slow, smooth motion around the outline you drew. Try to keep the edges as smooth as possible, so the sheeting fits comfortably into the tank. Since you'll be placing this at the bottom of the gumball machine, you don't need to sand off the edges.[14]
- Ideally, you don't want any jagged cuts or edges on this polycarbonate sheet.
- Cover the bottom screws of the gumball machine with aquarium sealant. Find any screws that secure the tank portion of the gumball machine to the lower mechanism. Next, open your sealant bottle and squeeze a large drop of product on top of each screw to prevent any leaks around these areas.[15]
- Depending on your gumball machine, you could have 4 or so screws on the bottom of your tank.
- Squeeze a line of sealant around the bottom perimeter of the gumball tank. Take your tube and apply a line of sealant along the linear or curved edges of the tank. If you have a rectangular gumball machine, focus especially on the corners, and any other straight edges that look weak and less watertight than the others. As you work, try to keep the sealant as close to the edges and corners as possible.[16]
- If the sealant isn't flushed along the edges and corners, your tank might not be watertight.
- This sealant will help connect the polycarbonate sheet to the bottom of the tank.
- Press the polycarbonate sheet firmly on top of the sealant. Take your fitted sheet and center it along the bottom of the tank. Next, arrange the edges along the sealant, then push the sheet into place. Apply a lot of pressure as you do this to ensure that the sheeting is secure.[17]
- Add a second line of sealant along the upper edge of the sheet. Take your sealant tube and squeeze out another line of product along the edges above the installed sheeting. As you did before, keep the sealant close to the edges of the tank, as this will provide an extra layer of watertight security to your aquarium. Use this extra layer of product to fill in any gaps around the sheeting.[18]
- Wait 2 days for the sealant to harden and set. Instead of replacing the lid on the tank, let your gumball machine stay open on a flat surface. Let the sealant dry for at least 48 hours, or it won't block out water properly. Keep track of the date you sealed the tank, so you can add water later in the week.[19]
- Don't add any decorations into the tank until the sealant dries.
- In the meantime, focus on acquiring your other decorations and supplies for the tank.
[Edit]Filling the Tank with Necessary Items - Stick waterproof lights beneath the lid of the gumball machine. Take an adhesive light and stick it to the underside of the tank lid. Additionally, look for long, horizontal lights that you can stick or connect to the inside of your tank. If you're trying to create a fun color scheme, consider purchasing lights in different fluorescent colors.[20]
- Don't worry if you have extra wires dangling from the tank light fixtures. Keep a power strip on hand so you can manage all of the cords with your gumball machine aquarium.
- Use low wattage lights for your aquarium, as most fish don't like excessive brightness.
- Clip the filter along the side of the tank. Take your simple filter and secure it with a clip along the outside of the tank. Arrange it in the same place where you cut an opening in your metal lid, so the lid will fit properly later on. Make sure to plug the filter into an outlet or power strip, so you can keep the aquarium water clean.[21]
- You can arrange your filter before pouring in the aquarium water.
- Some filters come with special tubes and other miscellaneous parts. Read the instructions that come with your filter to make sure that you install the device correctly.
- Line the bottom of your tank with aquarium gravel. Pour at least of gravel along the bottom of your fish tank. Arrange the gravel before placing any other decorations, since it forms the bedrock for the rest of your tank decor.[22]
- If you'd like to go for a colorful theme in your tank, purchase brightly colored gravel at your local pet store.
- Arrange different plants and decorations into the tank. Take fun plants and props and place them along the bottom of your aquarium. Try choosing a fun variety of different objects, including rocks and other items that the fish can swim through. As you decorate the tank, aim to create a fun and engaging environment for your future fish.[23]
- Avoid using decorations made of plastic and ceramic, as these can harm your fish.[24]
- Fill your tank with water. Take a pitcher of filtered water and pour it into your gumball machine aquarium. Aim to fill at least 80% of the tank, leaving of space or less at the top. Turn on your power strip or outlet to power the filter, and your tank will be ready for new fish occupants![25]
- Check the instructions that came with your filter and see if the device needs to run for a certain amount of time before you can add fish.
- Operate your tank lights and filter with a power strip. Check that your filter and wired lights are all plugged into 1 power strip. Make sure that this power strip is turned on, so the filter is functioning and actively cleaning the water. Whenever you clean your fish tank, make sure that this power strip is turned off.[26]
- If you don't have a lot of cords on hand, feel free to use a wall outlet instead.
- Add a small number of fish into your tank. Go to your local pet store or fish supply store and look for a small fish that would be a good fit for your tank. Look for smaller fish that won't take up as much space, like neon tetras. Unless your gumball tank holds at least of water, only add 1-2 fish total into your aquarium.
- Talk to the pet or fish supply store associates to see which types of fish get along swimmingly, and if there are any predatory fish that you should watch out for.
- Place the lid back on the gumball machine tank. Secure your lid, or "hood," on top of your gumball tank. Always keep this item in place, so the fish aren't tempted to leap out of the water. Since you have a waterproof light attached to it, keep the lid in place to provide a consistent glow in your tank.[27]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Warm water
- Paper towel or rag
- Electric drill
- Handsaw
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Small handheld rotary tool
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Aquarium sealant
- Polycarbonate aquarium sheet
- Fish tank filtration system
- Aquarium gravel
- Aquarium plants
- Waterproof tank lights
- Power strip
- Ventilating mask (optional)
- Some manufacturers sell gumball machine fish tanks. If you're in a rush or don't feel like going through the construction process, consider purchasing one of these.
- This gumball machine should be rather large(at least 2-3 gallons) as a small machine will not provide enough space
[Edit]References |
| How to Hang Bikes from the Ceiling Posted: 24 Jan 2020 08:00 AM PST While bikes are convenient and useful ways to get exercise, they aren't as practical when the weather gets cold and icy. Instead of having your bike take up space in your home, consider hanging it from the ceiling of your garage, attic, basement, or other storage area! If you're looking for a simple way to hang up your bikes, try attaching a rubber hook to a ceiling joist and dangling your equipment by one wheel. If you're looking for a more convenient way to lift and lower your bikes, try using a pulley system instead! [Edit]Storing Bikes on Rubber Hooks - Select a rubber or other non-metal hook to hold your bikes. Check your local hardware store or sporting goods shop to find a rubber hook, or a hook that isn't made of bare metal. Look for a piece of equipment that's about thick, so you can hang it in your storage area without it taking up too much space.[1]
- Don't use metal hooks for long-term storage, as these can scrape and damage the wheels of your bike.
- Find a section of your ceiling that won't interfere with your vehicles. Search in your cellar, attic, garage or other storage area for a place where your bikes can stay for a long period of time. Depending on the height of your ceiling, you might not want to keep your bike in the center of your storage space.[2]
- If you aren't sure whether or not your bike will be able to fit safely to your garage ceiling, take a quick measurement of your ceiling, vehicle, and bike's height to make sure.
- Tap the ceiling with your hand to find the ceiling joists. Set up a ladder to reach the ceiling. If the surface is covered in drywall, tap around the ceiling to find a solid area. Once you've found a solid spot, mark it with a pencil or some other writing tool.[3]
- Hollow areas will sound echoey when you tap on them, while solid areas will sound firm.
- If your ceiling has beams instead of drywall, you don't have to worry about this.
- If you're having difficulty finding the ceiling joists, you can also use a stud finder.
- Measure the hook's diameter to choose a proper drill bit. Examine the rubber hook that you're planning to hang from your ceiling. Measure the diameter of the screw, then select an electric drill bit that's about ⅔ of the screw's width. Always use a drill bit that's smaller in diameter than the hook that you're using. When the bit is slightly smaller, you can firmly and securely install the hook into the ceiling.[4]
- If your drill bit is too large, your hook might be too loose.
- Create a pilot hole in the ceiling with an electric drill. Take your chosen bit and twist it into your drill. With a small amount of force, guide the drill into a solid section of beam. Use the entire length of the bit to create your pilot hole, then remove the device.[5]
- Screw your ceiling hook into the drilled pilot hole. Use your hands to push and twist the ceiling hook into the pilot hole. Turn the hook clockwise to secure it into the ceiling. If you're having trouble tightening the hook, stick a screwdriver horizontally through the curved portion of the hook and twist it like a vice.[6]
- Continue twisting until the hook is secure, and no longer shifts or turns.
- Install a second hook if you want to hang your bike by 2 wheels. Measure the distance between the center axles of your bike wheels. Once your first hook is in place, use a tape measure to mark off that same distance from the initial hook. Drill a guiding hole through this mark, then twist a second bike hook into place.[7]
- If you're planning on hanging up several bikes, use this measuring system to install multiple hooks.
- Wipe down your bike with a wet paper towel. Take a damp paper towel or disinfectant wipe and clean off any visible dust, sweat or grime from your bike. Try and clean off all sections of the bike, as you don't want any dust or debris falling and clogging up the chains and gears of your bike while it's in storage.[8]
- Sweat can be commonly found on most bikes, especially if you use your equipment a lot. Try to wipe away sweat as soon as you see it, or it could drip further into your bike.
- Lift your bicycle and mount the wheel on the hook. Hold your bike from the center tube and bring it to the ceiling. Rotate your bike slowly, lifting the metal rim of the back wheel over the curve of the hook. Remove 1 hand at a time to make sure that your bike is secure.[9]
- There's nothing wrong with placing your equipment in an upside-down or perpendicular position.
- Mount both wheels if you have 2 hooks. Hold your bike from the center tube and lift it upwards. Rotate the equipment by 180 degrees, bringing both wheels up to the hooks. Place 1 wheel onto a ceiling hook at a time, making sure that the metal rim is resting over the rubber hook. Remove your hands gradually to make sure that the bike is in place.[10]
[Edit]Using a Pulley System - Acquire a pulley kit from your local hardware store. Before you begin any construction in your storage area, head to a hardware store or sporting goods shop to purchase a "bike pulley" or "bike hoist" kit. These kits generally include 2 pulley brackets, 2 hooks, a length of cord, and the screws needed for installation. You can save a lot of time by purchasing these supplies in a bundle, instead of searching for each part individually.[11]
- You can get a pulley kit for as low as $9.
- Tap the ceiling to locate the ceiling joists. Form a fist and knock on the ceiling of your storage area. Depending on the place you're storing your bikes, you might see visible beams and joists that you can use for your pulley system. If your ceiling is obscured or otherwise covered, tap on a specific area and listen for a firm or echoing sound. If the resonating sound is firm, then you've found a joist.[12]
- Try measuring to find another ceiling joist, just to make sure.[13]
- Screw 1 pulley bracket into a ceiling joist with an electric drill. Arrange your metal bracket along the length of the joist where you'd like your bike to hang. Don't worry about the exact measurements of your bike at this point. Instead, use your hand to hold the pulley in place, and use an electric drill to secure 4 screws into the corresponding bracket holes.[14]
- Depending on your storage space, you might have difficulty attaching the screws in the joist right off the bat. In this case, use your drill bit to form as many pilot holes as there are openings in the bracket. This will make it easier for you to add screws later on.
- You'll need bike measurements when attaching the second pulley bracket.
- Measure the width of your bike seat to the handlebars. Take a measuring tape and extend it from the back of your bike seat to the center of your handlebars. Write down this measurement or commit it to memory, as it will help you arrange and attach your second pulley bracket.[15]
- The pulley system hooks along the back edge of your bike seat and the front your handlebars.
- Drill a pilot hole using the measurements from your bike. Use your measuring tape to determine your bike's length in relation to the first pulley. Arrange the pulley bracket along the same ceiling joist, centering it over the end of your bike measurement. Hold the bracket in place with your hand, using your electric drill to create pilot holes through the openings of the bracket.[16]
- This process is the same as when you attached the first pulley bracket.
- Thread and knot the pulley cord through the second bracket. Pull a section of your pulley cord through the back opening of your bracket. Use a firm knot to keep the cord in place, so the pulley system is secure. Once you've knotted the rope, let the rest of the cord dangle.[17]
- Figure-eight knots are good for this kind of project.
- The hole for the pulley cord is separate from the openings for the screws. Look for the end of the pulley that has an extra opening to figure out where the cord goes.
- Attach the second pulley bracket using the pilot holes. With the cord looped through the back, arrange the metal bracket over the pilot holes that you drilled previously. Use an electric drill to attach screws through these openings. Continue applying pressure until the bracket is firmly secured to the ceiling.[18]
- Don't attach any screws over the cord.
- Loop the cord through both pulley brackets and hooks. Slide the hook apparatus onto the length of cord that you're threading through the pulley system. Take the loose end of this cord and bring it up and over the circular wheel of the pulley. Next, drag the length of cord horizontally so it attaches to the second pulley. Slide the second hook onto the cord, then loop the end of the rope up and over the circular wheel of this pulley bracket.[19]
- Attach a heavy-duty adhesive hook to the wall. Pull off the backing paper from 1 side of the adhesive strip, then firmly press the sticky side of the strip to the wall. Next, remove the other section of backing paper from the adhesive. Take the back of the hook structure and press it firmly onto the sticky strip for several seconds to successfully set it up.[20]
- Try choosing an adhesive hook with "utility" or "heavy-duty" on the label. While your pulley cord won't be that heavy, you don't want to use a flimsy hook.
- Always follow the instructions on the hook's packaging.
- Tie any extra cord to the hook on the lower wall. Leave of cord dangling from the pulley, so you can securely lift and lower your bike from your storage area. Loop the extra cord around the wall hook, so you can unspool it whenever you need to access your bike. If you don't leave enough slack for your pulley system, your bike hoist might not function properly.[21]
- If you have more than 1 pulley system hooked up in your storage area, be sure to have separate wall hooks to prevent the cords from tangling.
- Secure the hooks to the handlebars and bike seat. Take 1 hook and attach it beneath the back of your bike seat. Next, take the second hook and arrange it beneath the piping of your handlebars. Before you do anything else, check that these hooks are secure, and that they aren't going to shift and separate from the bike.[22]
- Ideally, your hooks should have a rubber seal. If your hooks are only made of metal, then they might scratch your handlebars.
- Pull on the cord to lift up the bike. Tug your cord at a 45-degree angle so the safety brake on your pulley system is released. Continue pulling on the cord to raise the bike until it reaches the ceiling of your storage area. Once you've lifted the bike, release the cord and loop it around the designated wall hook.[23]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Storing Bikes on Rubber Hooks - Rubber hooks
- Electric drill
- Drill bit
- Screwdriver (optional)
- Paper towel or wipe
[Edit]Using a Pulley System - Pulley brackets
- Stud finder (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Screws
- Electric drill
- Pulley cord
- Pulley hooks
- Wall hooks
[Edit]References |
| How to Care for an 8 Week Old Puppy Posted: 24 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST At 8 weeks of age, your puppy is ready to leave its mother and littermates, and join your family. Your focus should be on your puppy's basic needs of eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and eliminating. Around this time, a puppy is also becoming more curious and interested in its environment, so this is the best time to start teaching your puppy everything it needs to know! [Edit]Keeping Your Puppy Safe and Healthy - Puppy proof your home before you bring the puppy home. Your puppy will try to get into things it shouldn't. Telling your puppy "no" will not be effective this early, and it will be impossible for you to watch your puppy all of the time. Ensure that your home is free from hazards to your puppy before you bring it home. Some effective ways to puppy proof your home include:[1]
- Placing cleaning agents and other chemical bottles on a high shelf or in a locked cupboard.
- Putting up small hazards, such as coins, paperclips, pins, and rubber bands.
- Using baby gates to block off rooms and areas that you do not want your puppy to enter.
- Get a bed for your puppy. Your puppy will need a cozy place to sleep at night. Make sure to get your puppy a bed that is big enough for it to fit on now and as it grows, such as a bed that is or larger for a big dog. Place the bed in a draft-free place in your home to ensure that your puppy will be warm in its new bed.[2]
- If you do not want to purchase a bed, then designate a few blankets as your puppy's bed. Fold and stack them to make a soft place for your puppy to sleep.
- Select appropriate chew toys for your puppy. Puppies still have their baby teeth at 8 weeks. As they lose these and grow their adult teeth they'll need to chew. Make sure your puppy always has plenty of simple toys and size appropriate rawhide bones. Have some in every room your puppy is allowed to be in.[3]
- If your puppy chews the wrong thing, pick up its toy or bone, go to it and take away what it has with a stern "No" and then give your puppy its toy or bone. When it starts chewing the toy, give it praise.
- If you don't give your puppy something to chew, it will find something to chew. Puppies need to chew to help relieve their teething pain.
- Make an appointment for vaccinations and deworming. Your puppy will need to be vaccinated once every 2 to 3 weeks until it is 4 months old and it will also need deworming treatments during this time. Call your local veterinarian and arrange an appointment for your puppy for soon after you take the puppy home.[4]
- Good breeders begin vaccinations very early before the pup is ready to come home with you. Ask your breeder for its puppy vaccination records so you can give it to your vet. If you are adopting the puppy from a shelter, its early vaccinations should also already be taken care of, but make sure to ask!
- Puppies are often born with worms and may need to be dewormed by your vet. The breeder or shelter should have already done this, but ask to be sure.
- Get heartworm prevention medication for your puppy. Heartworm prevention is important to puppies and dogs of all ages and should be started when they are young. Make an appointment with your vet to get your puppy its heartworm medication. Dogs of any age can get heartworm from a mosquito bite, and heartworm may kill your dog once they get it, so prevention is key![5]
- Heartworm can be treated, but treatment is very expensive and the treatment itself kills the dog in about half the cases.
- Microchip your puppy in case it gets lost. Even if your puppy has a tag, it could get lost. Ask your puppy's veterinarian about having a microchip implanted in your puppy. This way, if your puppy gets lost and taken in by a shelter, they will be able to contact you using the information in the microchip.[6]
- Keep in mind that a microchip does not work like a GPS device. It only serves as a way to identify your pet if it gets taken to a shelter.
- Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, legally require dogs to be chipped by 8 weeks of age. Check with your country's laws and regulations to see if microchipping is required.
[Edit]Feeding an 8 Week Old Puppy - Purchase dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. Puppies cannot eat regular dog food. They need to have a food that is meant for puppies. This type of food will provide your puppy with the nutrients it needs to grow and it is in smaller pieces that are easier for your puppy to chew. Purchase a bag before you bring the puppy home.[7]
- Ask your veterinarian or the breeder or shelter for a recommendation if you are unsure about which type of puppy food to buy.
- Feed your puppy 4 scheduled meals per day. 8-week old puppies need to eat frequently to get in enough calories. Until your puppy is 12 weeks old, it will need to be fed 4 times daily at regular intervals. Develop a feeding schedule for your puppy to ensure that it gets the nutrition it needs.[8]
- For example, you could feed your puppy at 7 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM.
- Continue feeding this way until your puppy reaches 14 weeks, and then switch to 2 feedings per day.
- Provide your puppy with fresh, clean water at all times. It is important for your puppy to stay hydrated, and puppies drink a lot of water! Your puppy may drink as much as ½ cup (120 mL) of water every 2 hours. Always keep a bowl of fresh, clean water out for your puppy. Place the bowl somewhere that will be easy for your puppy to access and check the bowl a few times daily.[9]
- For example, try placing the bowl in the corner of the room where the puppy spends the most time.
- If you take your puppy outside to play, bring a bowl of water outside too.
[Edit]Training and Socializing Your Puppy - Take your puppy outside regularly to eliminate in the same place. House training a puppy requires consistency. Your puppy will need to go to the bathroom frequently since puppies cannot hold their urine or feces for very long. Take your puppy to the same spot every time to help it associate the spot with eliminating. Take your puppy out to go potty at the following times:[10]
- When it wakes up in the morning
- After it eats
- When it wakes up from a nap
- After it has just finished playing
- Before bedtime
- Every 20-30 minutes when its awake
- Teach your puppy basic commands. At 8 weeks, your puppy will be ready to learn new things. This is a great time to teach it some basic commands, such as sit, stay, and lay down. Use positive reinforcement to teach your puppy these commands, such as by praising your puppy or offering it a treat when it does the desired behavior. You may train your puppy on your own, or complete a training course with your puppy.[11]
- For example, if you are trying to teach a puppy to sit, use a treat as a lure and hold it up in the air to get your puppy to look up at it. When your puppy's butt hits the ground, praise and pet your puppy and give it the treat. Then, repeat the activity while saying "sit" as you hold the lure. After a few sessions, your puppy will begin to understand that "sit" means to sit and that it will get praise by doing this.
- Introduce your puppy to lots of different sights and sounds. Puppies need to be exposed to lots of different sights and sounds to ensure that they will not be fearful of those things later on. Carry your puppy outside when you introduce it to new sights and sounds. Make sure to keep it on a leash as well so it can explore safely if you set it down.[12]
- The breeder or shelter should have already started socializing your puppy by handling, exposure to different smells, and toys. Ask the breeder or shelter how they started socializing the puppy so you will know what types of exposure the puppy has already had.
- Provide lots of opportunities for your puppy to interact with people. Make sure your puppy has many positive experiences with people from all walks of life. This will help to ensure that your puppy does not develop a fear or dislike of certain people, such as children, men, or tall people. Invite friends over and take your puppy out where it can interact with different people, such as on a walk in the park.[13]
- Everything your puppy experiences during this time will be forever imprinted in him. For example, if a man with a beard does something to frighten your puppy, this is not a positive experience. Expose the puppy to bearded men who provide a positive experience so it doesn't grow into a dog who is fearful of, or aggressive toward, men with beards.
- Expose your puppy to other dogs in a safe, controlled environment. Being around other dogs is also important for socializing your puppy. Take your puppy to a puppy training program so that you can expose it to other dogs in a safe, controlled environment. Check with your local pet store or dog kennel for information on the puppy training programs.[14]
- Make sure that you only allow the puppy around other animals that have been vaccinated.
[Edit]Warnings - Before you get your puppy, know how big he'll be as an adult and the typical personality of the breed. Be sure you can accommodate it for its whole life.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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