Welcoming a puppy into your home is exciting but, as a new dog owner, you probably have a lot of questions about the new member of your family. Raising a pup would be a lot like having a toddler; your little furry pal will have the same energy and curiosity about the world around it. It can be a little worrisome at first, but do not worry. Here are some tips that will make caring for a puppy a little easier:
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Begin Puppy Training Early
As soon as your pooch has settled into its new home, you need to begin its training. Its first months is a crucial learning period and you need to be around to monitor its activities. You should praise and reward good behavior so your pup will understand what and what not to do.
To make this task easier, consider enrolling your pup to a puppy school. In Orem, there are experts that offer to train dogs — from housebreaking to basic obedience behaviors — for you so it will grow up without problems. A puppy school provides an opportunity for your pup to meet and socialize with other dogs and people. When you two inevitably encounter another dog at the park or when you get a new pet, it will not be aggressive nor feel anxious.
Remember: Your pup is still young and you likely will encounter a few mistakes and accidents. Just be patient. Setting up regular schedules for feeding and potty breaks will help your pup learn faster.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
When you welcome a toddler into your home, you need to make changes that will keep it safe from any harm. You need to do the same for a pup.
First, remove all the clutter. It is important that you do not leave small items in your home out of your pup’s reach. Anything that it might try to eat, including toys and coins, should be placed in proper storage. If you need to secure electric cords. They need to be hidden behind furniture or consider purchasing spiral wraps. Your pup may be injured from chewing an electric cord. If you have plants, make sure that its leaves are not toxic to dogs. For safe measure, move all plants to areas that your new pup will not be able to reach.
In addition, make sure to cover any vents and balconies. These measures will not only keep your pup safe, but they will also reduce your anxiety over your furry pal getting lost or hurt.
Buy All Essentials
Make a list of everything that your pup will need and head to the pet store. A crate is one item any dog needs in a new home so that it will have a space of its own as well as help in potty training, You also need to get food and water bowls, a collar and a leash, poop bags, a brush or a comb, nail trimmers, a shampoo, a toothbrush and a toothpaste, and home cleaners. Make sure that these items are safe to use on dogs.
Regarding food, choose those that are specifically created for young pups. There are often instructions on what and how much food to give dogs based on size, age, and breed so follow them diligently.
Visit a Vet
You should seek a veterinarian that you feel confident with and schedule a consultation for your pup. Ask for the shots that your pup needs and talk to them about other necessities such as deworming, desexing, and parasite control. If you have any other concerns, they can answer them for you.
A puppy is an important part of the family. If you want to care for them like how you care for your loved ones, then it would be best to know how you can raise them well. They’re technically your children, except they walk on four legs.
