Adopting a new puppy is an experience like no other. But as wonderful as it can be to welcome a little bundle of joy into your household, the milestone also comes with its own requirements. From medical care to behavioral training and everything in between, you need to pay attention to various aspects to give your puppy the best life possible.
At first, all of this can be a little overwhelming. But when you have a few tips by your side, the process becomes as easy as a walk in a park with your new dog. This not only ensures that your pup has all the tools to thrive but also makes sure that they get to live a healthy and happy life for years to come.
If you want to care for your puppy to the best of your ability, the following 7 suggestions can help you become the ideal pet parent.
1. Make a Checklist of Essentials
Making an essential checklist for a new puppy is one of the most common ways to take care of the tiniest member of your household. This list includes all the necessary items, like puppy food, treats, a leash, a cage, and liners. When you buy these products at once, you don’t have to run to the store every now and then during the process of taking care of your new pup.
2. Get Vaccinations and Checkups Done
Besides making your essential checklist, visiting the vet is another crucial step in puppy care. This helps you get your pup important vaccinations while also detecting any underlying conditions. From dog allergy medicine to coat care lotions, this can help you access a variety of solutions that lay the foundation for your puppy’s wellness. You can also keep in contact with the vet for your puppy’s ongoing care, granted you have dog insurance to cover your visits.
3. Start House Training
You should start with house training as soon as your pup is able to walk outside. Typically, puppies can hold their bladder for up to one hour per month. But no matter your puppy’s age, you should make it a habit to take them outside after waking up, playing, and having meals. You can also use a dog-sitter app to take care of this requirement while you’re busy at work.
4. Gradually Introduce Other Pets to Your Puppy
If you have other pets like dogs, cats, and birds, make it a point to gently introduce them. This helps the newest member of your household feel comfortable around the possibly bigger ones, while also letting the latter get more acclimated to the idea of sharing your attention. You can go through various tips for introducing older pets to new puppies to master this challenge.
5. Begin With Leash Training
While you might want to learn about fascinating dog and puppy facts to take care of your little fur ball, you can know the basics of pup care by doing simple research on your own. This includes leash training, where you teach your puppy to get comfortable with a leash, especially in crowded areas. While practice makes perfect in this scenario, you can also use the power of treats to speed up your puppy’s training.
6. Don’t Forget Crate Training
Crate training is an essential part of taking care of a new puppy. It’s because staying in a crate not only helps your pup learn discipline but also allows them to feel calm in a safe space when they are overwhelmed by guests or loud sounds. This can also be a good way to incentivize behavioral training. If you want to continue keeping an eye on your dog even when you are in another room, you can invest in solutions like a pet dog camera.
7. Take Time to Bond
Solutions like a doggie daycare service can help you take care of your new puppy in your absence. But it’s still important for you to spend some time with the sweet soul in order to bond with them as the leader of their pack. This requirement can be a bit time-consuming from your end, but it is just as heartwarming and beneficial: the more time that you spend with your puppy, the better opportunities you get to train them.
With these suggestions, you can provide your puppy with the level of care they deserve. At the same time, you can also ensure that they learn essential behaviors at an early age that help them thrive throughout their lives.