Bringing a new puppy into your home will undoubtedly change your life for the better. While they may be a lot of work, puppies also bring plenty of joy and happiness into your world. Whether you are getting your first puppy or you simply need a refresher course, here’s what you’ll need to know to get your puppy on the right track to adulthood:
Preparing your home
Before you bring your new best friend home, you need to make sure it’s as safe as possible, both for the puppy and for your belongings. Try to get an idea of the puppy eye-view of your home, as all electrical cords, chewable items and potential toxins should be placed completely out of reach. Remember that your pup can jump, climb, scratch and chew, so place hazardous items very high up or in locked cabinets, if you can. Be aware that “child-safe” latches often don’t work on curious and determined puppies – it’s always best to secure lower cabinets and drawers with chew-proof metal locks and hardware. Another good idea would be to install durable baby or pet gates, if you need to keep your puppy away from certain rooms or areas of your home.
Essential puppy supplies
Your new puppy will need certain items from the very start, some quite helpful, others essential for your pup’s wellbeing. The most important items include a collar with identification and a leash, quality dog food, food and water bowls, and chew toys. You can find all of these quality dog supplies onlineand make your puppy preparations that much easier. You should also get a comfortable dog bed and even a crate or a kennel. Some of these items can last as your puppy gets older, but many of them will need to be replaced as your doggy grows. For example, some collars could be adjustable up to a certain point, while a kennel could be purchased in a larger size for the future, but it should be blocked off with boxes or other items to make it suitable for a puppy.
Developing a proper feeding schedule
While we can often be persuaded to buy the less expensive item on the shelf, feeding your puppy high quality food is crucial for keeping them strong and healthy. If you aren’t sure which brand to choose, a good idea would be to speak to your vet to see what they would recommend. Whichever brand you opt for, try to stick to it, as switching brands can often upset your puppy’s tummy. While you want to control the amount of food your dog consumes, make sure to always keep a bowl full of water available. Bear in mind that puppies need more food than adult dogs to keep up with their rapid growth spurs. So, try to stick to a schedule according to their age:
8-12 weeks: 4 meals a day
3-6 months: 3 meals a day
6-12 months: 2 meals a day
Keeping your pup healthy
Preferably, you will find a good veterinarian before you even get a puppy, because you should bring your new dog to a vet for a general exam within a few days of taking them home. You can take certain steps, such as getting your puppy used to handling or giving them tasty treats, to make the visit to the vet a good experience, so your puppy will be much less likely to fear the vet’s office in the future. Over the course of your pup’s first six months, you will need to see a lot of your vet. These visits begin with important puppy vaccines and usually lead to spraying or neutering, if you decide to do so. But apart from vaccination, your vet can also help identify any potential health problems early on and give you helpful advice on caring for your dog long-term.
Basic training and socializing
House training is one of the first things you need to teach your new puppy. You should begin this training as soon as you bring your puppy home, as starting early can help them establish a proper routine. As a general rule, you should take your puppy to a designated “potty spot” immediately after eating or drinking. However, remember that puppies aren’t able to control their bladders and bowels up until about 12 weeks of age, which is why you need to be prepared, consistent and patient. Apart from housebreaking, there are many more things you will need to teach your dog. Start by working on socialization, then set the stage for teaching basic commands like sit, come and stay with leash training. Puppy training may present a challenge, but the outcome will undoubtedly make your efforts worthwhile.
While it may seem like a lot of work initially, your commitment to developing a good routine now will give you a loving and loyal companion for years to come.