Nothing says happiness like a new puppy.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that puppies are a lot of work. 3.9 million dogs get surrendered each year, and some of them are due to owners’ inability to care for them. The truth is, puppies are a great addition to any household as long as owners stay committed to their care.
Raising a puppy is a challenging but rewarding experience. There will definitely be moments of hardship, but if you can keep them happy, then you will be, too. That’s why we’ve created this guide to caring for a puppy.
Read on for some puppy care tips to get a great start.
1. Find a Vet You’ll Love
A vet will be your best friend when it comes to everything related to your puppy’s health. So, start by finding a vet you know you can trust. You can ask your friends or family members who are also pet owners for recommendations.
If you haven’t got a puppy yet, your vet can tell you what breed would be a good fit for your lifestyle. If you already have a puppy, a check-up must be a priority. This will ensure your puppy is healthy and has no underlying health conditions or defects.
That first check-up is also the perfect opportunity to clarify some things about puppy care. If you got your puppy from a breeder, they could let you in on some breed-specific care. Your vet will also ensure that your puppy is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
2. Include Feeding and Exercise in Your Routine
Puppies thrive off a consistent routine. This can reinforce good habits and prevent bad ones from developing. During the first few weeks, your new puppy might feel anxious about being away from its mother or littermates.
A consistent routine will allow your puppy to settle in and feel more comfortable in their new home. Puppies are early risers, so you may have to get used to waking up earlier than you’re used to. This is the perfect time to let your puppy burn off some energy through productive exercise.
Puppies should also have small meals 3-4 times daily, depending on their breed and size. Smaller meals are easier to digest, and once your puppy is six months old, you can start feeding them twice a day.
3. Consider Your Puppy’s Diet
One of the biggest mistakes a dog owner can make is not feeding your puppy the right food. Generally, puppies need a diet of nutrients and protein-rich foods. This ensures your pup gets all the nutrients they need for healthier development.
Dogs can have food allergies too, and some breeds have special dietary restrictions. If you’re unsure what to feed your puppy or notice changes in their feeding habits, consult your vet.
4. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Puppies are curious by nature and will want to explore everything with their mouths. This can sometimes be dangerous, especially around breakable knick-knacks and electrical cords. That’s why it’s crucial to puppy-proof your home before their arrival.
Designate an area for your puppy to stay in while they’re settling into their new home. Pet owners may opt to get a crate, playpen, or dog fence for this. Remove anything hazardous in the area, like chemicals and small objects.
This will allow your puppy to safely explore their new environment.
5. Start Potty Training Early
Your future self will thank you for starting puppy potty training early. Dog owners should start house training their puppies as soon as they get home. If you wait too long, they can start to develop bad habits, and it’ll be harder to teach them.
Puppies have smaller bladders and will need to go to the bathroom every 20-30 minutes. You can also train your puppy by taking them on a walk 15 minutes after a meal or before bedtime. Ensure to add a command like “toilet” or “go potty” and reward your puppy with a treat.
You can also use a pee pad for emergency or supplementary training. Click here to learn more about pee pad training for puppies.
6. Teach Basic Obedience
Puppy training will be one of the more challenging parts of raising a puppy. However, the payoff is well worth it.
You can start your puppy with basic obedience training during walks and playtime. Remember, consistency is key, and you must use positive reinforcement. Find out what motivates your puppy and use that for training.
Most puppies are food-motivated, but some prefer toys or affection. Simple commands like “sit” and “stay” will set the foundation for future training. These commands will also be useful in dangerous situations or environments, like on a busy road or if your puppy is off-leash.
7. Socialize Your Puppy
You might feel like keeping your puppy at home until they’re big and grown, but this can be detrimental for them. A puppy that hasn’t had enough socialization is prone to reactivity. They might become aggressive towards strangers, cats, and even other dogs.
Taking your puppy out on walks is a great start. This also helps them get used to various sights, sounds, and smells, like passing cars or construction.
Socialization is a crucial part of your puppy’s training. It is also a must if you own other pets, like older dogs or cats. Well-socialized puppies are less anxious and have a higher chance of success with other people and animals.
If you have other pets, introduce your new puppy gradually. You can start by giving each pet an item that smells like the other. Always supervise your pets and reward them for calm behavior.
Puppy 101: Caring for a New Puppy
Here’s everything you need to set your new puppy up for success. Getting the proper diet and starting a routine will help your puppy settle in. It also doesn’t hurt to have a trusted veterinarian on your side.
Are you looking for more puppy care tips? Don’t stop here. Check out our other blog posts for more guides on pet care.
