Four Tips To Help You With Your New Puppy
If you’re getting your first puppy, be prepared for lots of changes. Most of these changes will be pleasant because you’ll now be sharing your life with a new best friend. However, others will be intimidating. It’s best to be prepared ahead of time to know what you’re getting yourself into, so you won’t have any surprises or second thoughts. The puppy stage can be trying, but it is well worth it in the long run. Here are four helpful tips to keep you, as a new dog owner, ready for anything.
1. Choose To Be Responsible
Far too many pet owners have pets that they don’t adequately care for. Make a commitment to yourself and your new pup that you’re going to make time for him and spend the necessary funds needed to care for him. Dogs need love and affection, which you should be more than willing to give. However, your love can’t pay for the regular vet care they require. Make sure you can afford these essentials before you get a dog.
2. Prepare Your Home
Before you bring your puppy home, purchase food, bowls, toys, a leash and a crate. You’ll want to make the transition to your home go as smoothly as possible. If he already has everything he needs in place, he will feel more at home.
Naturally, your puppy may appear nervous and afraid in his new environment. You can ease his fears with CBD oil for dogs. CBD oil helps with many ailments, including anxiety. You’ll want to add that to your pooch’s purchase list.
You’ll have to puppy-proof your house by moving breakable items to an out-of-reach location, putting away anything your dog can chew on and hiding things that can be dangerous to your dog’s health. Leaving live power cords or medications where your puppy can reach them is extremely risky. Block off any areas you don’t want your puppy exploring without supervision. Everyone in the household should abide by the puppy rules that are set in place to maintain consistency.
3. Find a Trustworthy Veterinarian
Choose a reliable veterinarian for your new puppy. You’ll want to go for a visit soon after getting him to check his overall health and get any shots he needs. Set up follow-up visits for vaccinations. Your dog will thank you by living a healthy life.
4. Train Your Puppy
It’s unlikely that your puppy will be trained in any way, especially if he is very young. Training your dog not only makes your life easier, it also makes the bond with your dog stronger.
An important part of training is getting your puppy to be comfortable around other dogs, new people and different environments. Take him places when he is young, and praise him if he behaves well.
Not only will you want to teach your dog basic commands such as sit and come, but you’ll also want to housetrain him right away. Don’t use puppy pads because they are confusing to your puppy. He doesn’t understand why he can eliminate it on a pad but not on the carpet. The best idea is to set up a housetraining schedule, and stick to it. Take your dog out several times during the day, and reward him when he does well. He will learn quickly if you use positive reinforcement. Be patient and persistent. The older your puppy gets, the longer he will be able to control his bladder. When you’re not home, use a crate to continue housebreaking your puppy. This works because dogs don’t like to soil where they sleep.
Crates are valuable tools for other reasons as well. By crate training your dog, he won’t be stressed out if he has to stay in one due to an emergency situation or after a surgery. Some dogs find their crates to be a safe space where they can relax.
By following these suggestions, you’ll be able to build a meaningful relationship with your puppy. Don’t let the hectic puppy period stress you out. Instead, enjoy it because he will grow up in no time at all. If you’re consistent with training, you’ll have a well-disciplined dog that you’ll be proud to take with you everywhere you go.