Oh, the joys of getting a new puppy! If you’re thinking about getting your first puppy or have just brought one home, hopefully I can offer some helpful advice for you. I recently brought home a puppy myself and reality hit fast. If you’re anything like me, I had no idea how much work a new puppy truly is. I was expecting all cuddles and cuteness with a new puppy; but it is all fun and games until puppy has its 10th accident on the carpet and chews up the corner of your couch. Yes, it does happen. Here are just 5 pointers I have for you first time puppy owners:
Be Ready! I know you’re excited, but make sure that you’re prepared. Have all of the puppy supplies ready before you bring your new best friend home. Most importantly make sure you have; food, bowls, leash, collar, bed, toys and treats. Also, a kennel if you plan on crate training your puppy. There will be other things you need along the way, but make sure that you have the necessities first.
Hide Everything! Puppies want to chew on anything and everything that they can get a hold of. Keep anything that you don’t want chewed on off of the floor; for example: cords, shoes, pillows, glasses, laundry etc. We went through so many socks when first got our puppy! Make sure that you have plenty of chew toys out, so your little monster doesn’t get creative and chew on things they shouldn’t.
Walk, walk, walk! Give your puppy LOTS of exercise. They have so much energy that needs to be released and a long walk is the best way to do it. This will help them from getting stir crazy in the house and behave better too. It makes for a nice nap time later and even sleeping through the night.
Visit the vet! This is so important for new dog owners. I cannot tell you how much I have learned from my vet. Make sure that all of your puppy’s vaccinations are up to date and ASK QUESTIONS. There are no stupid questions when you’re a new dog owner. For instance, I had no clue that puppies lose their teeth! Luckily, that came up while talking with my vet before her teeth actually started falling out.
Patience is Key! Dogs are very intuitive and feed off of your emotions. It takes time to get your puppy house trained and into your daily routine. Don’t scold your puppy or yell at them, they won’t know what they are doing wrong. They will learn best through positive reinforcement, so give them praise or a treat when they do something right instead.
Cuddle time! This is why you got the adorable little fuzzball in the first place, right? Cuddle with your pooch and hold them! This will get them used to being handled from an early age, and not be threatened by it when they’re older. Not only is this fun for you, but it will also create a bond between you and your new companion.
In conclusion, spend time with your new puppy, keep them healthy, and show them lots of love! In return, your puppy will be loyal, friendly and totally lovable. It may take some time with your new puppy, but it is worth it, I promise! Good luck to all of you new puppy parents out there!