Even though raising pups can be challenging, your dedication to creating a solid routine will reward you with a devoted friend for many years. If you're getting ready to bring a puppy home, make sure to put together a solid support system that includes a qualified veterinarian and a trustworthy pet sitter, as life frequently deviates from our carefully made plans. This manual will assist you in preparing your family and house for your new dog.
It's great to bring a puppy home, especially if you have kids. As the new owners, we must keep in mind that both the animal and the people involved are going through a significant life shift. This puppy will be in a new setting with fresh sounds and scents as well as a completely new family to get to know.
Put your new puppy on a leash when introducing it to its new home, and let it explore under your supervision. Although you want it to feel safe, a free-roaming puppy will frequently have accidents if left alone for an extended period of time. Crate training is actually the simplest approach to developing sound sleeping patterns and potty routines, despite the fact that most new owners may perceive a dog crate as cold and lonely. It also protects them and your possessions secure by preventing them from getting into mischief while you're asleep. I was once told by a veterinary that puppies don't see their crates as places of isolation but rather as secure havens, similar to how we frequently experience our own beds.
Around 12 weeks, you should start socializing your puppy to make your life easier. When you have guests coming over, put your puppy on a leash so they may greet them at the door without jumping up. You can also provide positive reinforcement by letting your guests reward your dog with treats for a polite greeting. Puppies love frequent positive reinforcement and respond well to it, just like kids do.
Training At Home
Similar to a new baby, a puppy will fill your life with delight for countless hours while taking up all of your spare time and some of your sleep in the first few weeks. Although house training requires a significant amount of dedication, once a solid schedule is in place, regular living may be resumed.
Positive reinforcement, a solid routine, and patience are the first steps in housebreaking a dog. Take your dog outside every day at roughly the same time, keeping in mind to schedule walks for just after feeding, directly after a nap, and right after physical activity. A 2-month-old puppy needs to go outside every three hours according to the normal rule of thumb, which is to take them outside as often as their age plus one hour.
It will be simpler to train a puppy you buy that was reared with its parents as opposed to one you buy that was grown in a storage crate. While puppies raised with their parents are taught from birth to accompany their parents outside to relieve themselves, puppies in stores use the potty in their crates.
Dog Protection
Puppies enjoy exploring new places, so do your new pet and yourself a favour and take the time to puppy-proof your home to protect all of your treasured possessions.
- Cover any electrical cords.
- Curtains and window ropes should be tied.
- Place hazardous cleaning agents and supplies in higher cabinets.
- Invest in a sturdy, tall trash can with a tough-to-knock-over lid.
- Purchase a crate for crate training or a baby gate to contain the puppy in a small space with readily cleanable floors, such as the kitchen.
- Give your puppy new shoes; don't give it plush animals. So that your puppy can distinguish between his rubber ball, your daughter's favorite plush animal, and your brand-new sandals, make an investment in appropriate toys that are theirs alone.
- Don't let their size allow them to get away with stuff. Don't let your puppy lie on your bed as a puppy if you don't want a 60-pound, snoring dog there. Create routines early because it is much harder to break negative habits.
Establish a reasonable feeding schedule.
Although we are frequently persuaded to choose the less-priced item on the market, feeding your top-quality puppy food is essential to maintaining the health of your furry friend. Ask your veterinarian for their advice if you're unclear about which brand to choose. Because switching brands frequently can upset your child's tummy, choose one brand and stick with it. Even though you should limit the amount of food they consume, be sure you always have a bowl of water on hand. Be aware that due to their quick growth spurts, puppies require more food than older dogs.
Depending on its age, feed your puppy many times each day:
- 8 to 12 weeks: four meals daily
- 3-6 months: three meals daily
- 6 to 12 months: two meals daily
To prevent a dip in blood sugar, small or toy breed dogs may need to eat more frequently, roughly every two to three hours.
What to avoid feeding a puppy
Have you ever heard of "puppy dog eyes"? They are those adorable tiny eyes that beseech you to indulge in whatever they want. Although it can be difficult, owners should refrain from giving their dogs table scraps in order to promote healthy eating habits and for their dog's safety. The following foods should never be given to dogs as table scraps because they put their health at risk:
- Chocolate
- raisins and grapes
- poultry bones
- Raw meat and fish
- foods high in fat, such as macadamia nuts, avocados, sugar
- Dairy
- meats high in fat, like bacon
- Garlic with onions
- Alcohol and caffeine
What supplies does my puppy require?
The sections of the pet store closest to you are stacked high with goods you might or might not require. It's not necessarily good for your dog just because a dog food manufacturer made it, a veterinarian once informed me. Unfortunately, some businesses prioritize their bottom line over the wellbeing of their customers. Do your homework, consult your veterinarian, and spend money on the following helpful products:
- water and food bowls made of metal
- a reliable leash and a nylon collar
- Tags for the collar's identification
- a cozy nest or crate pillow
- little dog treats
- Be sure to shop with your dog's weight in mind and choose high-quality puppy food.
- a brush comb
- dog shampoo without toxins
Puppy raising's developing pains.
The responsibility of caring for a puppy calls for a lot of tolerance, adaptability, and, more often than not, the loss of at least one pair of your favorite shoes. Even while the majority of undesirable habits may be curbed via effective training, caring for pets does not come without risks.
If you're single, this kind of dependence might be precisely what you're after, but if you have children, a job, or other responsibilities, you might want to put off obtaining a puppy.