When our child is born, we read books, talk to friends and family, and search the internet for the best ways to take care of our newborn. We do all of this research to ensure that our child is healthy and happy. So why wouldn’t we do the same when we get a new puppy?
Before you even bring your new puppy home, do some research on what breed might be the best fit for your lifestyle and personality. Once you’ve decided on a breed, it’s time to start preparing your home for the new arrival. This includes puppy-proofing your house and yard and making sure you have all the supplies you’ll need, like food and bowls, a collar and leash, a crate or playpen, toys, and plenty of patience.
When your new puppy arrives, the first few days will be spent getting to know each other and establishing routines. Here are a few things to keep in mind during those first few days:
- Feeding– Puppies need to eat three to four times a day, so it’s important to establish a regular feeding schedule. It’s also important to choose the right food for your puppy. Your vet can recommend a good quality puppy food that is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your pup’s age and breed.
- Toileting– Puppies need to toilet every two to three hours, so it’s important to take them out regularly. If you can’t be home all day, consider hiring a dog walker or taking your pup to doggy daycare. This will help your puppy get used to being away from home and will tire them out, making them less likely to have accidents indoors.
- Exercise– Puppies need a lot of exercises, so it’s important to take them for walks or runs or to play with them in the yard regularly. This will help them burn off energy and will also help them socialize with other people and dogs. Aside from walks and runs, there are plenty of fun games you can play with your puppy to help them get the exercise they need, like fetch or tug-of-war.
- Training– Start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement, so focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. Several dog trainers offer puppy classes or private lessons, which can be a great way to socialize your pup and teach them basic obedience commands.
- Socialization– It’s important to socialize your puppy from an early age so that they learn how to interact with other people and animals. This can be done by taking them to the park, on walks, to dog parks, or to puppy school in Payson or elsewhere. You can also have friends and family over to your house to meet your new puppy.
- Health– Puppies are susceptible to several health problems, so it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups. Be sure to ask your vet about vaccinations and deworming schedule that is appropriate for your puppy. Also, be sure to ask about any other health concerns that are specific to your puppy’s breed.
- Grooming– Puppies need to be groomed regularly, especially if they have long hair. This includes brushing their coat, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears. You can do this yourself or take your puppy to a professional groomer.
Taking care of a new puppy can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. By doing some research and preparation before your puppy comes home, and by being consistent with feeding, toileting, exercise, and training, you’ll be well on your way to raising a happy and healthy dog.
Why is research important before getting a new puppy?
Research is important before getting a new puppy because it helps you to choose the right breed for your lifestyle and personality. It also helps you to be prepared for taking care of a new puppy so that you can hit the ground running when your pup arrives. Knowing what to expect and being prepared will make the whole experience much more enjoyable for both you and your new puppy.
Do you have any other tips for first-time puppy owners? Share them in the comments below!
