Let’s face it, puppies are absolutely adorable and nothing is more heartwarming than their boundless and uncoordinated enthusiasm. For dog lovers, getting a new puppy can be an especially exciting time as we look forward to the lifelong friendships we will be building with our pet over the years to come. However, it is important not to let our enthusiasm get the best of us and recognize that having a new puppy presents its fair share of challenges. With that being said, this article will provide you with tips that can ensure your new pup has the best possible start in life.
Take Them to a Veterinarian
This is a good time to make sure your dog is healthy by having a vet perform a physical and a weigh-in. This should be scheduled within a couple of days of getting the puppy. It can also be a good chance to meet new people who will handle the puppy with care and probably provide some treats as a bonus. Unfortunately, dogs are vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases that can sometimes be fatal. Avoid this by scheduling any vaccinations that your veterinarian might recommend. This is also an opportunity to talk to your vet about flea treatments, dog worming tablets, and any other health concerns you might have.
Safe Living Space
Make sure that the space is free from anything potentially dangerous or anything that you don’t want to be chewed to pieces. Within that living space, give them a place to sleep, puppies love to sleep after all. Giving them some toys is a good idea to keep them occupied when you are not around.
Toilet Training
Given the small bladder of a puppy, they will need to go to the toilet frequently. This process requires time and patience on your part but it’s important to make the process as efficient as possible. When you can’t watch the puppy, it needs to be confined to an area such as the laundry, playpen, or crate. This will prevent accidents in the home. It is ideal to take your puppy to the same spot in the yard and reward them, every time. It is best to take your puppy outside after 15 or 20 minutes of place and after every meal. Avoid punishment because it might cause the puppy to be reluctant to go in your presence. Watch out for signs that the dog needs to go which might include: sniffing, fidgeting, circling, and squatting.
Puppy Socialisation
The sooner your puppy learns to get along well with other people and animals the better. This can be done by introducing them to as many adults, children, dogs, and other animals as possible. Doing this throughout the first year of the dog’s life will make it significantly more likely that the dog’s temperament is agreeable. You do not want a dog who is frightened of everything or one which develops behavioural problems. This should be done as early as possible and because most puppies between three and 12 weeks will approach new people and animals without much fear and they will socialise faster. Another possibility might be to consider puppy school classes.
Feeding
Feeding your puppy can help them grow and is an opportunity to bond with them too. A regular mealtime prevents your dog from over-eating and means they are on a schedule that is easier for you to manage. You might want to try to hand-feed them for the first couple of weeks and in different areas of the house.
Exercise
Puppies will require a daily walk so they can work off some energy and explore the neighbourhood. Exercise provides health benefits and is another opportunity to socialise your dog. Obesity in Australian pets is a large problem and you should be committed to your animal’s health and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
Training
Begin training about three weeks after your puppy arrived at home. This is a great opportunity for the two of you to develop a great relationship and eventually, your dog will be much more likely to obey you as it grows up. Start with simple tricks such as sitting down and high-fives and go from there. At around 10 to 12 weeks, they can begin to attend a puppy school, which is a great opportunity for further socialization with other people and dogs.
Before you commit to becoming the owner of a new puppy, you need to consider all of the hard work it will require. Despite the responsibilities, many of us know how deeply satisfying it can be to raise a puppy into a devoted dog, and the power of the bond that we can share with our pets. Just remember to have fun because puppies are not puppies for very long!