Terri Ramsey Beavers If you’re getting ready for a new puppy to arrive, you’ll want to know exactly how to care for them. How you look after your pup in the first few weeks of its life will have a considerable impact on its future, so it’s important to get things right. What’s more – you’ll find it far easier to train your dog and elicit good behavior if you’ve got some ground rules in place.
To get started, take a look at these new puppy dos and don’ts now:
DO find a vet right away
New puppies need vaccinations before they can mix with other dogs or be walked in public places, so you’ll need to visit a vet within the first few weeks of your pup being with you. However, you never know when your dog might need medical attention, which is why it’s so important to register with a vet as soon as possible.
Ask friends and family for recommendations and check online reviews to help you find a reputable veterinarian who will provide great care at cost-effective prices.
DON’T let your pup sleep on your bed
When your puppy first arrives, they will probably want to be with you 24/7. After all, they’re in a new environment and have just been taken away from their mom and siblings, so it’s natural for them to feel a little overwhelmed. Due to this, many owners make the mistake of letting their puppy sleep in their room or on their bed.
Although it’s cute when a 4lb pup is fast asleep on your pillow, it’s a little less cute when a 40lb dog refuses to let you into your own bed! Make sure your pup has a safe and comfortable place to sleep at night, such as a crate in the kitchen or a bed in the living area. While they may cry at night to start with, they’ll soon get used to sleeping alone.
DO go to puppy school
Young dogs need to be taught how to behave and there’s no better way to do this than via puppy training classes. When you take your pup to regular classes, you’ll be able to encourage good behavior and prevent your dog from developing unwanted habits, whether it’s trying to escape from your invisible dog fence (it will find this hard) or not coming when you call. What’s more – you’ll have the opportunity to meet other dog owners and your pup will get to make friends with other dogs.
With plenty of guidance and support, you’ll be able to ensure that your dog adjusts to life at home quickly and happily. In addition to this, teaching your puppy how to behave can help to keep them safe at home, in the garden, and when you’re out and about.
DON’T let your puppy bite
When dogs are young, they use their teeth to play or to get your attention. Although their teeth are sharp, this doesn’t usually hurt too much when they’re young and there’s rarely any malice behind it. Due to this, many dog owners continue to play with dogs in this way and allow the pup to bite them or gnaw at them.
However, this can set them up for bad behavior later in life and you certainly won’t want your dog to bite during play when they’re older. By knowing how to redirect your dog’s behavior and giving them safe toys to chew on, you can teach your pup how to control their bite and keep everyone safe.
DO spend time with your pup
You shouldn’t aim to be with your pup 24/7 because they do need to learn to be alone in order to avoid separation anxiety but it’s also important to give your dog enough of your time and attention. Dogs are social animals and leaving young pups alone for long periods of time can be harmful to their development.
In the first few weeks of getting your puppy, you’ll want to establish a bond with them and allow them to get used to a daily routine. Similarly, you’ll need to give them an appropriate amount of exercise and tire them out with mentally stimulating games too. This is one of the most fun aspects of having a dog, so make the most of it and be sure to give your pup the attention they deserve.
Welcoming a New Puppy into Your Home
Even experienced dog owners can forget what it’s like to have a puppy around, so don’t forget to start with the basics and make sure your home is safe. Young dogs will get into everything, so keep potential harmful or important items well out of reach! With a little preparation and a lot of supervision, your new pup will feel at home sooner than you think!
I was the dog parent that feed to many treats to my boys and now one has to be on a diet. We are doing a lot of walking and he is losing weight so you are right. What a dog owner buys for food for their dog is very important.