5 Helpful Tips for Caring for a New Puppy
Welcoming a puppy into your home is exciting, heartwarming, and, let’s face it, a bit overwhelming. New puppy owners are often worried about properly caring for their new furry friend, so check out these helpful tips for caring for your new puppy.
1. Create a Consistent Schedule
Consistency is key for life with a new puppy. Dogs thrive on structure, especially at a young age, so keeping them on a routine is essential. A schedule includes setting times for feedings, bathroom breaks, playtime, and sleep so they aren’t running amok throughout the day without structure.
To decide your puppy’s schedule, ask your veterinarian for advice on how often they should eat and go potty in the beginning. A good way to keep track of their schedule is to use a planner or app to record their feeding and bathroom schedule. You’ll adjust this as they grow.
2. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Puppies are like small children—if they can get into something, they will. Removing anything from their vicinity that could harm them is vital to keeping your furry friend safe. Secure cables and wires away from the puppy’s play and feeding areas so they don’t try to chew them.
You’ll also have to be mindful about keeping dangerous foods out of their reach. The most commonly known poisonous foods include grapes, avocados, and chocolate. If you suspect your dog may have eaten something poisonous, especially chocolate, contact your local vet and monitor them for signs of chocolate consumption.
3. Start Training ASAP
Puppies thrive on consistency and appropriate training. Puppy training is essential for raising a well-behaved pet; the earlier you start, the easier it will be. Enroll in puppy obedience lessons or consult a reliable trainer or book to help you teach your pup basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” to provide a good foundation for listening.
Be mindful of your puppy’s breed and expected energy level, so you know what to expect from struggles with training.
4. Focus on Socialization
Proper socialization is crucial for your puppy’s growth and development. Socializing with other dogs at a young age helps puppies adapt into well-adjusted adults that are not overwhelmed or stressed by interactions with other dogs.
Remember, your puppy is still a baby and needs time to adjust to all the new people and things around them. Gradually introduce them to new people, pets, and environments to ensure positive experiences and build their confidence.
5. Build a Relationship With Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian helps keep your dog healthy, so building a strong relationship with them early on will ensure your pup gets the best care possible. Veterinarians are integral for vaccinations to prevent illness, regular check-ups, and exams for health concerns.
Have Fun!
Puppies may be a lot of work, but they can be a great addition to a family and a wonderful source of joy for you. With these tips, you can provide the best care for your new puppy and start the process on the right foot. Or paw.
