Did you know about 48 million American households own a dog? Are you thinking of adopting a new furry companion? It may be the right time to get a puppy.
The first few years of a puppy’s life are some of the most rewarding and memorable ones in a dog’s life. Your puppy will learn and grow, and you’ll build a special bond with your beloved pet. Having a new puppy in the house is exciting but can also be a little stressful if you are trying to figure out what to do.
Read on to learn the best ways and tips for taking care of a puppy today.
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Establishing Good Habits Early
Establishing good habits early with a puppy is essential to ensure a loving and healthy relationship between you and your pet. Start by designing a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible.
Giving your puppy mental stimulation daily is a good idea by providing enriching or puzzle toys. This helps keep them occupied and engaged.
Ensure that your puppy is spayed or neutered, reducing their risk of certain diseases and making them less hyperactive. Also, set fixed house rules, such as not letting them jump on furniture or chew on your belongings, and reinforce them every time.
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Making Time to Play and Exercise
Making time to play and exercise with your puppy can be fun and rewarding! Start with short play sessions throughout the day. This can be a simple game of fetch or an interactive toy such as a kong.
Keeping your puppy content and engaged throughout the day is a great way to prevent boredom. Take your pup to the dog park and let them play with other dogs for exercise.
Make sure they run, jump, and get plenty of exercise. Taking your pup out for regular walks around the neighborhood is also important so they get used to their surroundings and different smells.
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Proper Diet and Nutrition
A puppy should be fed three to four times a day with a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to ensure essential vitamins and minerals are being absorbed. Puppy food should provide balanced nutrition and sufficient calories that meet the energy demands of an active pup. It should also be appropriate for their size and weight, as more giant breeds need a higher calorie intake than smaller ones.
Avoid feeding your puppy human food, as it can cause digestive problems, and different food items may contain too much fat and sodium. If you provide your puppy snacks, ensure they’re not high in sugar or fat.
Water should always be accessible to help keep your pup hydrated. A pro tip is to nourish your puppy at the same time and location to encourage good behavior. Be sure to consult your vet for specific diet advice.
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Scheduling Regular Vet Visits
When taking care of a puppy, it is crucial to make sure that you take it to the vet regularly. Scheduling regular vet visits will maintain a healthy and happy puppy.
Bring the puppy for its first vaccinations and the necessary follow-up appointments. These screenings will help catch any severe illnesses early, and it’s essential to keep up to date on things like rabies and other age-appropriate vaccinations.
When you go to the veterinarian, your puppy can be friendlier around adults and other animals. Other puppy care visits should also be scheduled for yearly check-ups to review any health worries or concerns.
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Creating a Safe and Secure Home Environment
Before getting a puppy, be sure to puppy-proof the home. Remove any objects that could be a potential hazard for the puppy, such as wires, low-lying furniture, and small things.
Inspect the home for potential hazards and ensure any exposed outlets or sharp wall edges are guarded. Next, create an enclosed area in the house that the puppy can safely explore and help them feel secure.
Provide their food and water in the designated area, with comfortable bedding and toys. Make sure this area is away from any possible hazards. Finally, ensure the home has plenty of fresh air, which will help prevent illness and keep the puppy happy and engaged.
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Setting Proper Potty Training
Potty training your puppy is essential, so take your time with training them early. To ensure success, you should set a consistent schedule and stay patient.
For general training, set up regular times for potty breaks and stick to them. Bring the puppy to the same potty spot every time and stay with them until they finish.
If they are successful, use verbal praise and even treats as reinforcement. In the case of accidents, don’t punish your pup. Instead, focus the attention on what should be done.
Clean up any accidents with an enzyme cleaner and concentrate on future lessons. Additionally, consider learning more about puppy training pads if you can’t always be around for breaks.
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Choose the Right Toys for Your Puppy
When getting a dog, you should consider the safety, size, and chewability of their toys. Security means the toy has no small parts or pieces that could break off and be swallowed.
It should also be free of strings and other materials that can become entangled. Size should be appropriate for your puppy and their size—too large, and they may not interact with it. Too small, and they could swallow it.
Chew ability should correspond to the strength of your puppy’s bite. Toys made from rubber or plastic provide a more formidable challenge for teething puppies and will last longer.
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Socialize Your Puppy Early and Often
Socializing your puppy early and often is essential to ensure they grow into a well-adjusted and friendly pet. Introduce them to new people, places, animals, and experiences in small doses and gradually increase exposure.
Allow them to explore their new environment in the owner’s presence, such as during daily walks around the neighborhood. This can help them become familiar with sights and sounds, making them less anxious. Encourage family members, friends, and neighbors to interact calmly with them, providing treats for good behavior.
Start Taking Care of a Puppy the Right Way With These Tips
Taking care of a puppy is a life-long commitment, but it’s sure to be rewarding! As long as you keep your pup healthy and content, you will surely benefit from the joys of puppy ownership. Contact your local vet to answer any questions and concerns to reassure your puppy bonding is on the right track.
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